Tadley in fine form
TADLEY Calleva made it five wins from six in league and cup with a 4-2 Combined Counties Premier Division South triumph over Guildford City on Saturday.
The Tadders crossed the Surrey border in fine form and made a fast start, going ahead inside 60 seconds when Dean Stow arrived to slot home after Basingstoke Town loanee Brody Peart’s well-directed cut back from the right hand side.
The visitors doubled their lead four minutes later, the prolific Brett Denham finding himself in the right place at the right time to tap home after Ben Wright’s initial effort was well saved.
Tadley made it three on 19 minutes when the impressive 17-year-old Peart beat three defenders before placing an effort into the bottom left hand corner.
After the break Guildford rallied, reducing the arrears on 54 minutes when midfielder Leon Dadey slotted past Craig Atkinson to make it 3-1.
With 13 minutes remaining, Tadley looked to have put the game beyond doubt when a mix-up at the heart of the Guildford defence gifted a chance to Jamie Johnston, who made no mistake to restore the visitors’ three-goal cushion.
Just a minute later, however, Guildford added their second in controversial circumstances.
The referee overruled the linesman’s initial offside decision, and then a scuffle ensued between Atkinson and the Guildford forward that resulted in both players receiving red cards for apparent violent conduct.
There was to be far less drama in the final 10 minutes and when the referee did next blow his whistle, it was for full time.
The Tadders now lie sixth in the table ahead of the visit of bottom side Banstead Athletic on October 1.
“Guildford are a good side, we knew it would be difficult,” Ben Dillon, Tadley’s joint manager, said.
“We made a really fast start and it was important we kept our momentum going.
“We had a couple of injuries to Dean Stow and Ben Wright in the first half.
“We were in control for most of the first half, we started a bit slower in the second half and switched off to concede a couple of disappointing goals.
“There was a bit of madness at the end. I think the referee lost control for five minutes and I don’t think either of the red cards were deserved.
“We don’t want that to take away from the performance. I’m very happy, there’s always bits to work on but we’re on top form at the moment.”
Next up for Dillon’s side is a difficult looking trip to Hellenic League Division 1 side Calne Town in the FA Vase second qualifying round this Saturday (3pm).