- Match history: Both teams scored in the 2-2 draw in the first tie in this FA Cup 2026 Fourth Qualifying Round encounter.
- Form (Tadley): Tadley Calleva have won three of their last five competitive games in all competitions and are undefeated in that spell.
- Form (Aldershot): Aldershot Town FC have won one, drawn two and lost two of their last five competitive matches in all competitions.
Back both teams to find the net when the Romans meet the Shots
Game context and approaches
This is a tough game to call given the result of the first meeting, and because of the different approaches Tadley Calleva and Aldershot Town FC have to their respective leagues and the cup. Joe Lawler's men are a typical non-league side that is compact, tough to play against and always ready to spring their attack at any moment on the break or from a dead ball.
The Romans have been scoring goals in their own right in the FA Cup this season, having beaten Dartford 2-1 in the previous round and then staying in the game at Barlows Park until Charlie Barlow's goal meant the replay would be an interesting one.
Key players and threats
Alfie Burton is another big name in this Tadley side and his goal in the initial meeting against Aldershot showed the tenacity of these Romans who could turn Tuesday night into a classic David vs Goliath moment.
But Aldershot Town have the firepower to stop that with Marcus Dinanga hitting top form, netting in the original tie before grabbing a hat-trick against Norwich City U21 in the National League Cup. Scott Davies' men like to spread the ball wide and play at a good tempo, but can get stretched if they overcommit, which is something Tadley will be looking to exploit. Michael Stickland brings a nasty edge to the game at both ends and his goal from the back line in the first meeting showed that Aldershot can score even when they are being pushed back.
Shots will find the space to score in another cup battle
With both attacks capable of landing the big hits, we're going to pass on the home win at 6.0 in favor of backing both teams to score at 1.67.
Why we're backing this
- This market hit in the opening match and we expect Aldershot to get the better of the space they will have behind the hosts' defence, even if they are caught on the counter attack at times.
- The Shots are currently mid-table in the National League on about 18 points and have been a bit hit and miss recently, but the Romans are a solid side who will not allow them to be the aggressors.
- We're backing Over 2.5 goals at 1.53 in the knowledge that this could be a tight game, but it will have some real ebb and flow and that should mean goals at both ends.
