Match Report: Tadley Calleva Hold Sholing to End Their Winning Streak

After a two week break due to postponements, Tadley played their final home game of 2018 against the table-toppers Sholing who were on a 16 game winning streak in the league. Tadley were without captain Shaun Dallimore, midfielder Danny Vickers and top goalscorer Brett Denham so had a few notable absences.

After only nine minutes. Freddie Gee was called into action very early as he had to save Lee Wort’s header. Gee was then called into action in the 13thminute as he made fantastic saves against Mason and Cuthbertson. Tadley’s first chance come from Connor Thorne as he worked Gosney in the Sholing goal but Thorne couldn’t find a way past the away goalkeeper. Wort was a handful in the first half and Gee was on hand again to keep the score at 0-0. Sam Hamilton had a chance for the home side just before half time but his effort was too easy for Gosney. This was the last action of the half as the sides went into the break in a deadlock.

Tadley came out of the blocks fast in the second half and after only 2 minutes, they had hit the bar. Cameron George picked the ball up around the halfway line, drove forward and his effort smacked against the crossbar. However, the home side didn’t have to wait long for the opener. Tadley broke away and George Hallahan’s shot curled into the bottom corner and the Romans had a lead against the league-leaders Sholing. Tadley looked to double their lead from a corner as the ball found the head of Andrew Charsley who could only direct the ball over the bar.

Unfortunately, on the 71stminute mark, Sholing’s scoring ability paid off. The league’s top goalscorer Dan Mason added to his 33 goals this season by poking in the ball from a tight angle following a free kick. Eight minutes later, Freddie Gee was required once more as he stopped Dan Mason doubling his and his team’s tally for the night.

The final 10 minutes were quiet and Tadley held out for a fantastic result against a very strong Sholing team. This was the first time Sholing haven’t won in the league meaning Tadley have beaten and drawn against the Boatmen this season. Next up for Tadley is Fareham Town away from home who are 13thin the Sydenhams Wessex League Premier Division.

Starting 11: 1. Freddie Gee, 2. Shemar Pettet, 3. Kallum Thomas, 4. Andrew Charsley, 5. Tom Walsh, 6. Jake Nicholls ©, 7. Connor Thorne, 8. Luke Neller, 9. Cameron George, 10. George Hallahan, 11. Sam Hamilton

Substitutes: 12. Mario Nurse (on for Hamilton), 14. Aaron Parfitt, 15. Harry Pearson, 16. Adam Alliston (on for Hallahan), 17. Callum Bush

Attendance: 65