Stefan Brown was undoubtedly the star of the show as his hat-trick sent Reading City on their way to the FA Vase Second Round on Saturday, but there was one moment you might have missed involving a Berkshire non-league hero.
Dave Tarpey scored goals by the bucket-load for Maidenhead United (44 in total), including a very famous ‘best non-league goal ever’ for the Magpies against Dartford in the National League South in 2016.
Tarpey’s goals helped Alan Devonshire’s side to what was – at the start of the season at least – an unlikely title win in 2017 and promotion to the National League where the club stayed until last summer.
Fast-forward to 2025 and Tarpey is taking his first steps in the managerial and coaching world as Assistant Manager to Simon Johnson at Reading City.
Working with a ‘legendary’ forward is undoubtedly a draw for players and the Cityzens are enjoying a best ever run in the Vase while aiming for a run at at least the Combined Counties League Premier Division North play-offs.
Tarpey announced his retirement in the summer following spells with Barnet, Bracknell Town, Woking and Hampton & Richmond Borough after rupturing his ACL along with other ligament damage.
On Saturday however, Tarps put his boots back on and made a five minute cameo for Reading as a replacement for Ousman Darboe.
Here’s how the City match report described it: “With minutes to go in additional time, a scramble in the box caused three shots from Emery and one from Tarpey, and four consecutive, excellent blocks from the visitors kept a fifth strike from crossing the line. The referee blew his whistle to signal the end of a great afternoon out for Johnson’s Cityzens, and history had been made for the club!”
Sadly, Johnson told Football in Berkshire Tarpey’s appearance was “most likely a one-off”.
UPDATE: Dave Tarpey is in the squad for Reading City’s Tuesday night league fixture at home to Virginia Water.
Related: Players of the decade: 20 non league footballers who tore up the last 10 years
Following the FA Vase Second Round draw on Monday, Reading City will host Erith & Belvedere at The Rivermoor on the weekend of Saturday 8th November 2025.
