Match Report: Tadley Calleva vs Alresford Town

Tadley Calleva were at home for the second game in a row and Alresford Town were the visitors. Having already beaten Alresford away from home back in September, Tadley were looking to complete the double of the side in sixth. Having completed his suspension, manager Danny Dolan was due to be back in the dugout but illness ruled him out. This meant that Steve Williams took charge once again.

The opening few minutes of the game were very cagey but after eight minutes a quick free kick was headed down to Vickers by Denham but Vickers’ shot was blocked well. Six minutes later Tadley were in again. This time a ball over the top found Hamilton who rounded the keeper and his shot found its way to Denham who couldn’t get his attempt on target. Hamilton and Denham linked up well once again but Hamilton could only strike over the bar. The next player to shoot over was Parfitt who picked the ball up on the edge of the area but couldn’t get his effort on target. Chances were falling in favour of the home side but they needed to convert one.

Paul Coventry was returning back to Barlow’s Park having left Tadley to sign for Alresford and he nearly got a goal on his return. A Alresford corner was cleared by Tadley but it reached an Alresford player at the edge of the box who crossed back in. Coventry was the first to get on the ball and his effort looped over Gee but struck the post and was cleared by Tadley.

The first goal of the game fell in favour of the hosts as a fantastic ball over the top of the Alresford back line found Vickers. He composed himself and dinked the ball over the onrushing Fredricks in the Alresford goal. Tadley had the lead and a well-deserved lead at that. Vickers’ goal was the difference at the break and Tadley went in at half time the happier of the two sides.

Three minutes after the restart, Alresford had a free kick in a dangerous position but it was cleared to the edge of the area where an Alresford player was waiting to shoot. Luckily for Tadley his shot flew well over. Tadley spent the vast majority of the second half defending but defended very well. Plummer was played over the top of the Tadley back four but Dallimore was on hand to block the shot, preventing a near certain goal.

Despite having more of the ball, Alresford struggled to create any clear cut opportunities due to the brilliant defending from Tadley. In the 90thminute, Tadley were awarded a penalty after a handball was given by the linesman. As designated penalty taker Parfitt was off the pitch, Hamilton took the ball and had the chance to give Tadley all three points. Hamilton stepped up confidently and blasted the ball past Fredricks into the bottom left hand corner.

Goals from Vickers and Hamilton gave Tadley the three points and a crucial win. Not forgetting the hard work of the rest of the team who contributed to get the clean sheet. Next up for Tadley is Brockenhurst at home on Saturday.

Starting XI: 1. Gee, 2. Abrams, 3. Nurse (Thomas), 4. Nicholls, 5. Dallimore, 6. Walsh, 7. Thorne, 8. Parfitt (Neller), 9. Denham, 10. Hamilton, 11. Vickers

Not Used: Phillips, Pettet, Hallahan

Attendance: 97