TRING ATHLETIC PROGRESS IN ANOTHER CUP.

The first of 2 trips to New Lamb Meadow on 2 consecutive Saturdays was not a sheepish event! Tring welcomed Max, Dylan and Harrison back to the staring 11 for the first time since injury enforced breaks.

This match was in the 3rd round of Gladwish Challenge Trophy, a competition we have won only once in 2008/09 when we beat Chalfont St Peter 3-2.

There were plenty of goals in this match too with both teams relying on their keepers to pull off fine saves in the first 10 minutes. It was great to see Josh back in goal for Tring. It was Arlesey who hit the net first with a fine finish at the near post from a well worked move down the right wing, and we find ourselves 1-0 down.

Both teams had chances, but Arlesey extended their lead with a looping back post header from a corner, which had been awarded following another fine save by Josh. 2-0 down, barely 30 minutes gone, oh dear.

However, what happened in the next 9 minutes had the club twitter reporter struggling to type fast enough. 3 Tring goals in 9 minutes completely turned the game on its head. Benji latched onto a brilliant through ball from Shep to place his shot past the advancing keeper and halve the deficit. Just 3 minutes later and Benji found the net again having done well to beat the keeper to a 50/50 ball and slide the ball into the net. Sensing more goals were possible before half time Tring continued to push forward and were rewarded when Carbs brilliantly met a wonderful cross from Harry B to place a header well beyond the keeper. 2-3 in the blink of an eye.

Bailey could have made it 4 before the break, but was hauled down by an Arlesey defender, fairly in the referee’s view, although the defender fell awkwardly and sustained a wrist injury. We wish him well.

Half time, and players and supporters alike needed a breather!

The 2nd half was a calmer encounter, with Tring controlling large parts of the play, and bringing Jack H, Greg and Harry J on to see out the match. There was still time for Noah to curl in a beauty of a goal from the edge of the box. He was replaced by Mal shortly after and rightly received warm congratulations for a fine performance in midfield capped by a wonderful goal.

The game finished 4-2 to Tring, and we advance to the quarter final and match against Aylesbury Vale Dynamos. Credit to Ryan and the coaching team and all the players for another impressive win, particularly the come back. This was the 3rd game in a row when we have scored 4 goals.

Next match is Arlesey again, away again, more of the same again please gents!

Team: Josh, Dylan, Harrison, Carbs, Mason, Noah, Harry B, Shep, Max, Benji and Bailey. Subs: Adam, Greg, Harry J, Jack, Mal.