Penalty shoot out misery for Tadley in FA Vase

In a generally scrappy first round FA Vase tie, Tadley paid the price for not closing out the game and not adding to the scoreline after a 48 minute wonder strike by Ben Wright.

A Guildford equaliser on 80 minutes brought the tie to a penalty shootout, ending Tadleys FA Vase run.

In the opening minutes of match Tadley looked the sharper, reminding of the 3 goal salvo in the first 14 mins of the recent league victory away at Guildford A fine cross field pass from Alfie Saunders found Jamie Johnston who drove forward and struck a powerful left foot drive from 20 plus yards which rattled the crossbar. Forward Ben Wright then set Johnston free and his angled shot went just wide.

Guildford were growing into the game, partly due to Tadley losing possession with no thanks to some indecision at times in the back line or hitting hopeful balls forward.

Home keeper Craig Atkinson spread himself brilliantly to thwart Dejarhan Grant in a one on one.The game was then pretty even with both sides conceding possession too easily. The dangerous Johnson maintained the best chance of the game with his crossbar hitting effort.

Half time 0-0

Within 3 minutes of the restart a touch of real class from Ben Wright. He latched on the path of a bouncing loose ball, taking a quick look seeing visiting keeper Craig Smith a short distance off his line, from 25 yards he hit a crisp angled half volley with his first touch into the roof of the net. At this point Stow who has been troubled by an injury was replaced by Shaun Dallimore in the home central defence and Tadley were looking comfortable for victory. On several occasions clever footwork by Wright took him past defenders but he could not fashion a clear shot.

Gradually Guildford gained more control in midfield. Atkinson was called upon to make two excellent full length saves, one going for a corner and the second parried but bravely cleared by Brad Neal before Guildford forwards could reach the ball. On 70 minutes Johnson was replaced by Sheldon Wright, with the energetic Connor Thorne moving to wide left midfield. On 80 minutes Guildford equalised when Zeid Hannachi ran centrally at the back line and released young striker Jacob Breckon who calmly side footed home. In an attempt to secure a winner the young and highly promising Brody Peart replaced Thorne but neither side could break the deadlock and the move to penalties.

Guildford converted all four of their penalties while the two Wrights scored but Jordan Goater and Alfie Saunders saw their penalties saved by Smith.

Conclusion

Not playing at their best and not testing the away keeper enough, saw the loss of a fine unbeaten run. Credit to Craig Smith for his penalty saves. It is fully to be expected that joint managers Ben Dillion and Joe Lawler will have the team up for a much better performance against Camberley Town on Tuesday 7.45 at Barlows Park.

Team :Craig Atkinson ;Alfie Saunders , Dean Stow ( Shaun Dallimore 49) Brad Neal, Tom Walsh ( captain); Connor Thorne ( Brody Peart 80), Scott Kinge , Jordan Goater ( cautioned 13 mins), Jamie Johnson (Sheldon Wright 70 ); Ben Wright , Kalum Cousins

Subs not used Ousman Darboe,Adam Alliston, Brett Denham ,Argiend Ahmetat.