Retour
The Romans, who sit four tiers below the Shots, will welcome their National League opponents to Barlow’s Park on Tuesday, October 20, for a fourth qualifying round replay, with kick-off at 7.45pm.
It comes after Tadley twice came from behind to earn a superb 2-2 draw at Aldershot’s EBB Stadium on Saturday, October 17, forcing the tie back to Tadley.
A crowd of 2,886 watched the first meeting as the Combined Counties Premier Division South side attempted to pull off another upset during what is already the club’s best-ever FA Cup run.
Aldershot made the breakthrough after just eight minutes.
Michael Stickland’s header was initially kept out by Tadley goalkeeper Donnie Burke, but Marcus Dinanga was first to react and forced the rebound over the line from close range.
Tadley refused to be overawed by their higher-ranked opponents, however, and began to grow into the contest.
Kieran Rodgers offered one of the first warning signs when he tried an ambitious right-footed effort from distance after 20 minutes, with his shot sailing narrowly over the crossbar.
The visitors then got their reward on the stroke of half-time.
A long throw dropped to Alfie Burton, who hooked a right-footed effort beyond Aldershot goalkeeper Nick Hayes to send Tadley into the interval level.
The goal sparked jubilant scenes among the travelling support, with Tadley writing on social media: “ALFIE BURRRRRRRRTON EQUALISES.
“WE HAVE A CUP TIE.”
Aldershot regained the advantage in the second half through Stickland, but once again Tadley responded.
Substitute Charlie Barlow found the equaliser to make it 2-2, ensuring the Romans’ historic cup adventure would continue with a replay on home soil.
Charlie Barlow and Logan Lowes celebrating the final whistle (Image: Rob Mellor)
The result represents another extraordinary chapter in Tadley’s run through this season’s competition.
They had already made club history earlier this month by reaching the fourth qualifying round for the first time after defeating Dartford, who play two divisions above Tadley.
Now Tadley stand just one match away from progressing beyond the qualifying stages of the competition.
Tuesday’s replay against Aldershot will take place at Barlow’s Park, with the match scheduled to kick off at 7.45pm.
With the National League side now having to make the trip to Tadley, the Romans will be hoping home advantage can help them complete a memorable FA Cup upset and take another historic step in their remarkable run.