IMPORTANT 3 POINTS ON THE ROAD

As we approach the business end of the season, picking up points on away trips is important to maintain our play off push. Despite today’s hosts not winning any of their last 9 matches, this division has shown you can’t take any match for granted. This match would prove to be the same, with a good performance from Tring, but ultimately a narrow win.

The team sheet was boosted by the return of David O’Connor for the first time since October, as well as Bailey Osborne.

FC Romania don’t get a big crowd, and we counted the Tring Massive at nearly half of the total gate of 51.

There was little to report in the opening 20 minutes with lots of huff and puff from both teams, but no shots on target. Then a promising break in the 32nd minute ended with Jack firing a shot which the keeper could only palm away for a corner. The first shot on target and something to warm the Tring hearts on a cold day. From the resulting corner Tring had 2 chances on goal, but both were well blocked by our opponents.

There was little else to excite the away fans other than the sight of Doc warming up pitch side for the first time in nearly 4 months, and the prospect of a warm drink at half time.

Tring started the 2nd half strongly, dominating possession and pushing forward, and Shep fizzing a shot which the keeper saved well. FC Romania then enjoyed a spell in Tring’s half and created a few chances, the best of which was a well struck free kick low to the right of goal which Josh did brilliantly well to dive and palm away.

Any fears that the momentum could turn were quickly dispelled in the 61st minute when Jack made an excellent run down the right wing and fired in a low cross which Benji either missed or superbly dummied into the path of Shep who slotted home. 1 - 0 Tring, thoroughly deserved.

Then followed a flurry of subs, as Ryan and the coaches ensured everyone got important minutes, with Greg coming on in midfield and Doc making an appearance up front!

The best chance of the closing stages was a headed effort at the back post for Kieran, but he couldn’t get over it enough and it looped over. Doc’s return was nearly capped by a goal, when Shep’s break away forced a fine save from the keeper the Doc’s effort on the rebound was blocked when a goal seemed likely.

Nevertheless, Tring held on for a huge period of added time to secure the vital 3 points.

Now follows a run of 3 home matches, 2 in the league and also the Gladwish Challenge Trophy. With 3 teams on the same number of points in the play off places, and a cup quarter final, there is much to look forward too.

Team: Josh Ameganvi, Mason Clark, Harrison Cornick, George Carbery, Dylan Fitzpatrick, Frankie Hercules, Jack Harvey, Harry Beaumont, Harry Shepherd, Benji Kakembo and Kieran Clark.

Subs (all used): Bailey Osborne (for Benji), Greg Deer (for Harry Beaumont), Noah Butler (for Kieran Turner), Harry Jones (for Mason Clark), David O’Connor (for Frankie Hercules).