Saturday 28th October 2023

Barlows Park, Tadley RG26 3PX

Tadley Calleva v. Camberley Town 

Out of respect to everyone, please read this article using the inner voice of the chap that does Countryfile (Is it still John Craven or is it Matt Baker?)

First things first - respect to any team that are using my initials for their club TCFC. Maybe I should consider some sort of boardroom take over?

Journey wise, rural is an understatement - my sat-nav certainly likes to keep me guessing. I thought I was going to end up herding sheep or ploughing a field. 

Opening gambit at turnstile, negotiated a bespoke entrance fee including proggy. What a place - love it already. Friendly is an understatement - I think if I had asked earlier in the day they might've come and picked me up from my house!

Weather had been lashing it down all week, so pleased the match could go ahead.

Surface is grass, elevated above the level of the very welcoming clubhouse. Compact and cosy on a chilly afternoon, the bar looks newly furnished, has Sky/BT/TNT and very competitive prices.

Pitch has open ends with the clubhouse end having a viewing area in front called The Pit. Then one open side for the benches and opposite a Meccano style stand seating around 150 flanked by two covered cowsheds.

Little win , after my earlier agrarian musings, Tadley has a Farmer (Kieron) in the line up - sadly no information on his actual job.

A lively and entertaining match, with some cracking shots (and tackles) flying in from both sides. Classic Combined Counties League fodder. 

As the heavens opened second half it started raining goals too - slippy ball, skiddy surface, the more your destination the more you're slip sliding away (who invited Paul Simon btw?).

Deserved victory for Tadley , Camberley however very slick passing team and I'd happily pay to watch both sides again

Thank you TCFC - this TC had great visit.

[Final Score: TC 4 CT 2]