Tadley Calleva secured their first-ever advance to the third qualifying round after a narrow victory against Bishops Cleeve on Saturday. The match, played at Bishops Cleeve, featured a largely uneventful first half, dominated more by challenging windy conditions than goal-scoring opportunities.

The breakthrough came late in the first half, with Tadley Calleva taking the lead just four minutes before halftime. Brad Neal was the decisive figure, heading the ball into the net after Bishops Cleeve failed to clear a long throw into their penalty area. Neal’s well-timed header beat goalkeeper Lewis Clayton, giving the visitors a crucial advantage.

Despite pushing for an equalizer in the second half, Bishops Cleeve were unable to convert their chances. They came close on several occasions but were ultimately thwarted, most notably when Jamal Lawrence managed to block a close-range attempt by Jake Lee. That missed opportunity proved costly, as Tadley Calleva held on to their lead until the final whistle.

The win marks a historic moment for Tadley Calleva, as they reach this advanced stage of the competition for the first time in the club’s history. Meanwhile, Bishops Cleeve, known as the Mitres, will reflect on their inability to overturn the deficit despite a solid second-half performance.