Quickfire double kills off Tadley’s play-off dream
Agony as Knaphill snatch hard-fought victory in front of bumper crowd
TADLEY Calleva’s Combined Counties Premier South promotion hopes were ended in Surrey on Saturday.
In-form Tadley went into the play-off semi-final at Knaphill full of confidence after winning their final five league games, with the play-off winners earning a place in the Isthmian League .
And they produced another excellent display before two goals in three second-half minutes condemned them to a heartbreaking defeat.
Kick-off was delayed for 15 minutes to allow a club record crowd of 507 into Redding Way.
Third-placed Knaphill started strongly and forced several early corners after creating chances for Jose Sani and Adam Aziz.
Tadley, who finished fourth at the end of the league campaign, themselves showed why they have had a good season, as they hit the home side with a few counter attacks, with Ross Cook going close on three occasions.
Knaphill’s best chance of the half saw Calvin Camara have an effort superbly tipped over the bar by Tadley keeper Harry Nash, after a fine cross in from the right.
Tadley themselves could have gone in at half-time a goal up had Cook’s free kick not hit the post from outside the box.
The second half started much the same as the first, with Knaphill holding the upper hand and Aziz saw his effort well saved.
Knaphill’s pressure continued to grow and they eventually made the breakthrough in the 72nd minute.
Aziz broke down the left and slipped the ball inside to Seb Karczewski, who unleashed a bullet of a shot from 25 yards out that swerved past Nash in the Tadley goal
The home crowd were still celebrating the opening goal when Sani laid the ball back to Camara in the 75th minute.
His pinpoint cross from the left found the tireless Zac Hawker unmarked in the middle of the six yard box and he chested the ball home to make it 2-0.
That goal killed off Tadley and Knaphill almost added a third when Aaron Burchett broke away following a Tadley corner and he set up Sani, only for Nash to pull off another superb save.
AFC Croydon Athletic edged out play-off favourites Jersey Bulls in he other semi-final.