Emirates FA Cup success was the order of the day in West Berkshire with both Thatcham Town and Tadley Calleva progressing into the Preliminary Round of the worlds oldest domestic cup competition.
Looking to building on their first win of the season during the midweek fixtures, The Kingfishers welcomed Cinderford Town of the Hellenic League to Waterside Park who also picked up their first win of the season just four days before.
You would have had to be a brave betting man or woman to back goals in this game after the first half was uneventfully goalless, but as they say, fortune favours the brave. And Thatcham were as they came out for the second half on the front foot, which is where they stayed for the duration.
Levi Heholt and a free kick go close in the first half but the summer signing finally opened the scoring just six minutes after the restart to open the floodgates. Less than five minutes later Kyle Tooze stepped up to convert from the spot after he himself was felled to double the hosts lead.
Cinderford Town did manage to pull a goal back on the hour mark but goals from Callum Willmoth and Charlie Knight all but secured Thatchams place in the next round before Callum Winchcombe put the game to bed into added time.
Wandering Tractor report: Tadley Calleva v Bemerton Heath Harlequins
Less than eight miles south east Tadley Calleva were out to bounce back from midweek defeat to Alton by welcoming Wessex Premier League side Bemerton Heath Harlequins.
Injuries and season overlapping suspensions have given Joe Lawler selection headaches already this season and the FA Cup tie was to be no different. With a makeshift back four and a young, but talented, bench The Romans would have to put in a performance of grit and resillience. They did just that.
After beating three defenders and scoring at the near post during Tadley’s FA Cup giantkilling of Weymouth last season, Scott Costello was at it again in the cup when he opened the scoring after twenty-five minutes, heading the ball past the goalkeeper following a beautifully flighted corner.
In truth, there wasn’t much to write home about for the final 20 minutes that followed in the first half. However, Tadley had a good lead at the break.
But it wasn’t to last long as debutant Brad Richards put the visitors level just three minutes into the second half and putting The Romans on the back foot.
Kieran Rodgers 17 goals last season helped Tadley on their way to a second place finish and he was on hand once more to open his tally for the season with twenty minutes to go. Rodgers finish proved to be the winner as Tadley-Calleva stood firm to hold onto the lead and progress once more in the FA Cup.
Thatcham Town will now travel to Mangotsfield Town while Tadley Calleva head down the south cost to Hamble. Both ties to be played on Saturday 22nd August.
Hungerford Town up and running with draw
Elsewhere in West Berkshire Hungerford Town kicked off life back at step four (their first season since 2012/13) against fellow relegated side and familiar opponents Tiverton Town. Danny Robinson has spent the summer recruiting players to elevate The Crusaders back to Step 3 football and it was one of those summer signings which earned his side a point after going a goal behind in the 22nd minute.
Fraser Bell, who joined from Cirencester Town, drifted into the box following a quick throw in and slotted home to draw Hungerford level which is how the game ended. Hungerford have their first point on the board.
Kintbury Rangers remain unbeaten thanks to a one-all draw away at Alresford Town in the Wessex Division One. Archie Goode gave The Gers a half time lead but ultimately had to settle for a point on the road which lifts them into fifth in these early stages.
In the same division, AFC Aldermaston suffered their first defeat of the season at New Milton Town. The Atoms levelled the game on the stroke of half time and looked to be holding out for a great point on the road until two late goals gave the hosts all three points.
Pre-season football is still ongoing for our Thames Valley and Hellenic League teams with results as follows;
- Tadley-Calleva Reserves 6-0 Slough Heating Laurencians XI
- Westwood Wanderers 2-1 Mortimer Village
- Yateley Reserves 1- 5 Newbury Town XI
- Compton 0-1 Newbury Town XI
- Reading City Reserves 2-2 Newbury United
Burghfield hosted a Slough Heating Laurencians XI but the result has not been broadcast.
