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Tadley Calleva celebrate winning the Wessex League division one trophy

CHAMPIONS Tadley Calleva topped the 100 points mark for the season, as they ended their campaign in style, with a 3-1 victory against visiting United Services Portsmouth on Saturday, at Barlows Park.

The leaders for most of the season finished 12 points clear at the top, after being beaten just four times in 40 starts and crashing in 134 goals on their way to securing the Wessex League division one title.

It is the second consecutive promotion for the team, who moved to their new ground last autumn, and means, next year, the side will play in the Wessex League premier division.

Jubilant Tadley manager Paul Hargood said: "This has been a great season and it is going to be really hard to pick a player of the year as everyone has played their part.

"We have been leaders for a long time and were there to be shot at, but we have always recovered quickly from any dip in results and that is the sign of a good team.

"A few weeks back, we set the lads a target of 130 goals and 100 points. With the win today - which we thoroughly deserved - we finished with 134 goals and 102 points, so fair play to them."

On Saturday, it was the visitors who started the better with a couple of fleeting chances. Tadley then took control and, by the break, they led 1-0 and could have added a couple more.

Their first good chance came on the half-hour as Chris Blackford's free-kick was met by the head of Gareth Thomas - a real rock in the Tadley defence.

This was brilliantly pushed over the bar by Portsmouth's goalkeeper Nathan Ashmore.

A minute later, the home side took the lead as Ollie Chapman scored from close range after Jamie Green headed on a Luke Walker corner.

On 36 minutes, a lovely pass from Walker sent Green away and, in a one-on-one with the visiting goalkeeper, he tried to go around him, only to have his legs taken from under him.

The goalie was lucky to escape with just a yellow card, and from the free-kick Walker blasted the ball into the wall.

As the half came to a close, another good move left the home defence all at sea, but Ashley Childs failed to convert.

Tadley doubled their lead with a lovely move just eight minutes after the break. Chris Blackford played the ball down the right wing for Childs. He then played the ball inside for Paul Taplin to fire across the visiting goalkeeper into the bottom corner.

Just after the hour, the home side made sure they would finish the season in style as a Walker free-kick from the left was met by a superb glancing header from Chapman, leaving the visiting goalie no chance.

The visitors pulled it back to 3-1, with a fortunate penalty as Russell Green was adjudged to have handled a Danny Sharratt cross, and goalkeeper Ashmore strolled up the pitch to score his fifth of the season from the spot.

Tadley goalkeeper Greg Wellman was then called upon to make a good save at the feet of Mark Collis.

As the contest came to a close, Jamie Green and Marc Green both went close, and then Chapman had a chance for his hat-trick, but shot wide.

With the league trophy in the bag, Tadley still have a chance of the treble and travel to Fleet Town on Thursday, May 8, for the semi-final of the Basingstoke Senior Cup.

Then, two days later, they are back at the same venue to defend their North Hants Senior Cup against Fleet in the final.

Tadley Calleva: Greg Wellman, Russell Green, Paul Taplin, Gary Stockwell (sub Bobby McClay 53min), Gareth Thomas, Ollie Chapman, Marc Green, Chris Blackford, Jamie Green, Ashley Childs (sub Ashley Perry 53min), Luke Walker (sub Wyn Roberts 76mins). Sub (not used) Andy Ramsden.

10:45am Monday 28th April 2008

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