Thatcham and Tadley ready for FA Cup openers this Saturday

It’s been a busy end to pre-season for Thatcham Town and Tadley Calleva.

Both clubs have dabbled in the transfer market, whilst playing a number of friendlies to prepare for the new season.

For Thatcham, it all gets underway this Saturday, as they host Bournemouth based Christchurch FC in the FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round.

A week later, they’ll travel to Devon to face Exmouth Town in their league opener, a five and a half hour round trip of almost three hundred miles.

To prepare for the challenges of so much extra travel this season, manager Yashwa Romeo has sought to recruit a young and adaptable squad who are up for the challenge.

Centre-backs Jacob Wilson and Jacob Winchcombe and midfielders Jenson Mansel and Will Edwards had already arrived earlier in the Summer.

Thatcham have since added Dontae Hamblin, a young, pacey forward formerly of the Procision Academy setup.

Kartel Forde is a dynamic midfielder, full of energy, who joins the club from Aldermaston, whilst Shamar Moore is an exciting addition up front.

The forward is known for his high work rate and tireless running, with a CV including spells at Reading, Cardiff, Bracknell and Basingstoke.

Also joining is Kyle Tooze, a strong, direct forward who previously bagged 24 goals during a two year stay at the club.

He’ll add much needed experience to a young and ambitious squad which is more than up for the challenge.

At Tadley Calleva, work continues at pace.

They travelled to Tilehurst last Tuesday to face Reading City FC, where they got back to winning ways in a 4-1 victory which saw Brad Neal, Kieron Rodgers score whilst a trialist bagged a brace.

Saturday saw a trip to Hartley Wintney, where Rodgers continued his pre-season scoring streak, equalising at the death to seal a 1-1 draw against a strong home side.

Their FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round game will see them host Southampton based Millbrook FC this Saturday.

Some new faces have also arrived in preparation for the new campaign.

Versatile forward Sonny Haynes is a product of Swindon Town’s academy, returning to the club after some time spent away from senior football due to injury.

Another new face is Ash Neal. He’s spent the last few years at nearby Whitchurch and is described as a solid midfielder with an aerial threat.

Also joining this week is Leo Downing, an attacking midfielder who impressed in pre-season, previously of Eastleigh’s academy.

The club are also looking for a matchday photographer ahead of the new season.

This is a voluntary role and is open to all levels of experience.