Romans Dealt Late Blow

An opening day defeat for The Romans  reiterated the fact that the Combined Counties League South is one of the most competitive Step five divisions in the country.

Coming in off the back of an unbeaten pre-season, confidence was flowing through Barlows Park for the visit of newly promoted Eversley & California for the 2025/26 season opener.  

The stage was set, the crowd filed through the single turnstile at the foot of the pitch surround and the new season duly got underway. 

in their new kit, donning the iconic A4 Metal Recycling sponsor, The Romans saw their visitors kick off and immedietly hammer a long diagonal ball out of play. An early indication of the high press that would continue throughout the ninety minutes. 

Despite the early pressure on the ball, the hosts carved out a brilliant passage of play that accumulated in Rodgers laying the ball into the path of Sheldon Wright who cut onto his right foot and curled a brilliant effort into the far corner to give the hosts an early lead. 

The Boars could have been level just two minutes later following a mix up at the back allowing Laschok a sight at an open goal. Fortunately he fluffed his lines and blushes were spared. 

The visitors were letting Tadley have no time on the ball and worked hard throughout the remainder of the first half, nullifying any chance of Tadley doubling their lead. 

The second half started as the first ended, under pressure from a relentless Eversley & California. 

Midway through the second half, that pressure paid off for the visitors as they drew level. A flicked on header from a corner on the near side of the Treacle Mine end found its way to Ollie Noyes who fired home. 

Tadley came back fighting and had multiple chances to go back ahead, the best of them falling to Jack French who’s effort fell narrowly past the post. 

It was to be the visitors that sparked a flurry of goals as the summer rain started to fall. A quick counter attack allowed for a chance to open up and the visitors took it with open arms. The Romans were licking their wounds. 

With time ticking, Tadley were committed to salvaging a point. They drove forward, into congestion on the edge of the 18-yard box where Costello was felled inside and a penalty was awarded. Who else but Rodgers to step up and equalise. 

The action didn’t end there as a quick free kick was not defended and Eversley helped themselves to an injury time winner.