Two wins for Tadley
TADLEY Calleva’s impressive start to the season continued with back-to-back wins over the bank holiday weekend.
Tadley progressed in the first qualifying round of the FA Vase on Saturday as goals from Ben Wright and Scott Kinge helped them to a 2-0 win at Virginia Water and set up a trip to Wiltshire side Calne Town in the next round.
The result means it’s now six years since the Tadders exited the Vase before the second qualifying round.
Then on Monday, Tadley made it nine points from 12 in the Combined Counties League following a 2-1 win at home to Frimley Green thanks to goals from Wright and new recruit Sheldon Wright.
Ben Dillon and Joe Lawler’s side moved up to seventh in the league table ahead of a game against leaders Raynes Park Vale on Saturday.
“Saturday was good. We were very, very comfortable and we controlled the game,” Ben Dillon said.
“We had two new signings in Shane Hollamby and Dean
Stow – both of them worked with us before at Hartley Wintney and it was good to have them in.
“Monday was a different game. Frimley are a very good, hard-working and physical side, they made it difficult for us.
“We played well, created a lot of chances and it was a very encouraging weekend.”
Alfie Saunders, who signed from Aldershot in the summer after making the decision to step down from full-time football to concentrate on his mental health, agreed a deal with National League South side Farnborough last week.
“We knew Alfie was going to be with us temporarily,” Dillon said. “It was whenever he felt like he’d got that love of football back after a really tough time at Aldershot.
“I think what Alfie did was very brave. He’s made a change and it’s worked, he’s realised that there is happiness in football.
“Hopefully we helped him realise how good he is and how much he loves football. It was a pleasure having him.”