Tadley March On
Tadley Calleva 2 -0 Redhill
Tadley Calleva overcame third place Redhill in an impressive all round display. The Lobsters first ever visit to Barlows Park was on the back of a 7 match unbeaten run. In the opening period Redhill showed that they were formidable opponents but were well matched by Tadley in a physical contest.
On 12 minutes, visiting keeper Mike McEntegart tipped Jamie Johnson’s powerful left foot drive over the bar, 8 minutes later a great cross from Jordan Goater drew a firm header from Alfie Saunders just the wrong side of the near post.
Shortly after, a raking Saunders pass was skilfully controlled by Johnson who crossed with his left foot for Kalum Cousins in the centre of the box to head strongly home past the visitors number 1.
The aerial dominance of Tadley, especially of Brad Neal and Scott Kinge was proving decisive. But the well organised Tadley formation, which continued to blunt the Redhill offensive efforts, were forced to reorganise after centre back Joe Cummuskey limped off on 38 minutes to be replaced by midfielder Ousman Darboe.
Just before half time as Cousins lay on the ground following a heavy challenge, there was a heated melee of players where away striker Cari Oblitey appeared to throw a punch. The punishment was a fortunate yellow card.
Half Time Tadley Calleva 1- 0 Redhill
There continued to be some heated challenges in the second half with the Lobster’s Daryl Coleman earning a yellow for a foul on Darboe.
A minute later Tadley Joint Manager Joe Lawler was booked when seeking more protection from the referee.
Then, when Goater was flattened by Redhill’s Yannick Monga, his colleague Oblitey ,presumably for dissent, received a second yellow and got his marching orders which the home support thought was overdue.Despite this Redhill were still a threat through the skilful Amine Sassi whose free kick forced an excellent full stretch save from Craig Atkinson.
On 74 minutes Tadley put the contest beyond doubt. This time Cousins was the provider, dribbling cleverly across the the box before picking out Johnson who calmly slotted home from 15 yards. This signalled the opportunity to make more home substitutions.
Before the final whistle there was still time for Redhill’s Coleman, their second player, to be ordered from the field for a second yellow card.
Final Score Tadley Calleva 2 - 0 Redhill
Conclusion: An impressive, all round team performance against strong and able opposition, achieved without regular strikers Ben Wright and Brett Denham and a fourth successive clean sheet. Sets the scene nicely for home FA Vase game against Guildford City next Saturday 22 October.
Tadley Calleva: Craig Atkinson, Alfie Saunders,Joe Cummuskey ( Ousman Darboe 38 mins), Brad Neal, Tom Walsh; Sheldon Wright (Connor Thorne 67 ), Goater (Chris Horton 84), Adam Alliston, Jamie Johnson (Riccardo Andrady 76), Scott Kinge (Argjead Ahmetaj 83). Kalum Cousins
