Official Programme
Tring Athletic v Harpenden Town Saturday 4th September 2021 3pm Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Match Sponsor— Ralph Griffiths
About Matilda’s Planet Some years ago Matilda, Social Entrepreneur David Evans MBE‘s five year old daughter, told him he should take more responsibility for the environment. Her words prompted him to establish Matilda’s Planet.
At Matilda’s Planet we are committed to finding solutions to our energy problems. The company’s values are to be socially responsible, sustainable – and to provide practical solutions to the real problem of keeping your house warm. We have a solution that’s both practical and socially responsible. We all know that changing the way we consume energy is something we
have to do – but actually doing anything about it is a challenge. Matilda’s Planet came from a little girl’s belief that it’s the job of the ‘grown-ups’ to make sure that the legacy we leave for our children is one both we, and they, can be proud of.
Grassroots Talk
Good afternoon & welcome to the Grass Roots Stadium for the visit of Harpenden Town. We welcome their players, officials and supporters and wish them a safe journey home afterwards. Our visitors have got off to a great start to the season with four wins and a draw from their first five league games. We obviously hope to upset that record today with the second of our three games in a week which will help us build up some momentum from a disjointed start caused by cancelled games and spare weekends. Today’s match sponsor is Ralph Griffiths who has held almost every role at the club in his long involvement with TAFC and is now able to relax on a match day and cheer on the team. Thanks Ralph for your ongoing support. We have availability on future games (see page 16) including those against Leverstock Green and Aylesbury Vale Dynamos, so please speak to Graham Bright if you are interested. Our young reserve side got their first win of the campaign on Saturday with a 3-1 win against Harpenden Town and you can see highlights of this game and read the match report on page 30. They play away in the Aubrey Cup at Buntingford Town this afternoon. This week we relaunched our TAFC YouTube Channel. Have a look at page 15 to watch the first episode of “From The Dugout” which kicks off with an interview with first team manager Ryan Sturges. Make sure you subscribe and keep an eye on our other social media for exclusive updates. The links to these are on page 10. Our Under 18s were in FA Youth Cup action on Thursday night going down to an unlucky 2-1 defeat against Hendon. The team saw a number of our under 16s step up two age group and do the club proud. If you are able to volunteer for the club on a regular basis or even just occasionally please speak to a committee member. We are always grateful for extra support.
Today’s programme
This is the second season of producing online only programmes and we hope to keep improving this offering as time goes on. This is a work in progress so please let us know what you think. If you click on any of the logos or adverts it should direct you straight to our sponsors websites. This also means we can bring you features such as match highlights at the click of a button. Today’s programme includes •
Pages 6 & 7—Chairman’s chat with Bob Winter
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Pages 8 & 9— Match report from Tuesday’s defeat against Holmer Green with match highlights on page 10.
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Page 15—Episode 1 of From The Dugout
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Page 21— Today’s match squads
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Pages 28 & 29 —On this Day, we look back to 2007 and a 1-1 draw with Royston Town in the league.
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In future editions we will introduce our reserve and youth teams to you. As always keep an eye on our website for all the latest information, fixtures and results.
Chairman’s Chat
Well it’s certainly great to be back watching football again on a regular basis, and enjoying the social side of being part of our football club. It’s fair to say that results so far have been a mixed bag, but the level of effort and commitment has been superb. In what has been a disjointed start to the new season for a variety of reasons, I think we’ve seen the quality and potential in the squad to be assured that our objectives for the season will be met. However, I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, we do need to be patient as this squad develops in to an established unit. A special word about our U18’s, who took highflying Hendon all the way in the FA Youth Cup last night (Thurs 2/9) before narrowly going down 2-1. The team had been depleted to some extent and had four U16’s drafted in, but put in a magnificent display. David Lawless and the rest of us should be very proud of them – the future is bright with the youth talent we have at the club. I wanted to use these notes to communicate the objectives of the club going forward, particularly important so we are all aligned behind what we are aiming to achieve as a club. These objectives have been developed with, and approved by, the Executive Committee. This is the first time they’ve communicated, and I’d certainly welcome any feedback from Members and Supporters. Here are the five key objectives that support all we are doing, and all we have planned:
With Bob Winter
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Develop a team that can challenge and win the SSMPL. Our overriding aim should be to compete at the highest level the club can sustain.
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Have a playing structure that promotes local football and youth development.
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Ensure a strong social fabric and be fully engaged with the local community.
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Establish the best infrastructure and facilities at the Step in which we compete.
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Maintain a robust governance framework and control over decision making and expenditure, ensuring the club remains financially viable and stable. If you consider all the initiatives that have been delivered in the last year or so, I think it’s fair to say we have been living these objectives for some time already – and must continue to ensure all we do is aligned to achieving them. Almost finally, I’d like to draw your attention to the club’s YouTube channel and our new weekly vlog feature ‘From the Dugout’, with Episode 1 featuring a great interview with Ryan – please do go and have a look and Subscribe/Like the channel. Definitely finally, I do hope you enjoy today’s game, and many thanks to Ralph Griffiths for kindly sponsoring the match. Onwards & upwards Cheers Bob
Match Report Tuesday 31st August 2021 Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Tring Athletic 1-2 Holmer Green Conceding early can have a greater impact than simply going a goal down. It frequently effects the game for a lengthy period as one team is buoyed by their success and the other is knocked off their stride. This is how it appeared on Tuesday night as we conceded a goal within 5 minutes and never really recovered our equilibrium at all in the first half. The goal was slightly fortuitous as, from a cross, their centre forward looped the ball off his shoulder, over David Saunders and dropping into the net. Our approach play was decent but, if guilty of anything, it was of over-playing and consequently failing to have any real threat in the final third. Our only shot of note in the first half was a rasping 30 yarder from the effervescent Cameron Brooks which must have stung the opposition keeper’s fingers as he grabbed the ball at his second attempt. Our opponents, just back into our league from their spell in the Hellenic league, looked composed and assured and the fact that they have had at least two more competitive matches than us, showed. Our disjointed start to the season hasn’t helped us to build up any momentum. One can imagine that there were a few fireworks exploding in the home dressing room at the half-time interval as we came out in the second half with the passion and go-forward intent that was missing hitherto. Although we failed to trouble the opposition keeper until Ollie Butler’s goal late on, we had chances, in particular both Chris Blunden and Frankie Hercules should have hit the target with good opportunities. Our substitutes brought a vim and vigour into our play and we had good reason to think that we would get something out of the game but then, around 80 minutes, Holmer Green scored direct from a corner kick, and it was a disappointing way to concede what proved to be the decisive goal. Ollie’s goal, a couple of minutes later, was splendidly simple; a great cross on the left from Adam Sawyer on his debut and a cool finish from Ollie. It was an example of quality in the final third that makes the difference.
Match Report No time to sulk – on to the Saturday match v table-topping Harpenden and an opportunity to chalk up our first league win of the season. Team: David Saunders, Ben Johnson, Callum Brooks, George Carberry, James Ferguson, Tommy Twelves, Frankie Hercules, Ollie Butler, Chris Blunden, Kieran Turner, Chris Vardy Playing subs: Evans Lamboth, Adam Sawyer, Emmanuel Gbejuade Crowd 100 MOM Ollie Butler
THE MATCH HIGHLIGHTS CAN BE FOUND ON PAGE 8 BY CLICKING ON THE IMAGE
Highlights & Social Media Highlights — TAFC 1-2 Holmer Green Click on the image below to view
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The League
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
Harpenden Town Leverstock Green Risborough Rangers Hadley Leighton Town Arlesey Town Ardley United Holmer Green London Colney Milton Keynes Irish Oxhey Jets New Salamis Aylesbury Vale Dynamos Broadfields United Harefield United Tring Athletic Crawley Green Flackwell Heath Baldock Town Dunstable Town
5 5 4 4 4 4 4 4 5 3 4 4 5 2 4 2 4 3 3 3
4 4 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0
1 0 1 1 2 1 1 1 0 2 2 1 1 0 2 1 1 0 0 0
0 1 0 0 0 1 1 1 3 0 1 2 3 1 2 1 3 3 3 3
Table as at Wednesday 1st September 2021
7 9 15 3 3 3 2 0 -7 4 0 0 -7 -4 -5 -1 -5 -3 -6 -8
13 12 10 10 8 7 7 7 6 5 5 4 4 3 2 1 1 0 0 0
Officials Life President Life Vice Presidents
Mick Eldridge BEM David Evans MBE, Barry Johnson, Jean & Les Robins, Ralph Griffiths, Harry Bowden, Pete Stillwell, Alan Foskett, Pete Oakley, Keith Hamilton
Chairman Vice Chairman Hon. Secretary Hon. Treasurer Commercial Manager Match Secretary - South Midlands & Herts Snr Registration Secretary Club Welfare Officer First Team Manager First Team Coach First Team Technical Advisor Reserve Team Management EJA Under 18' Management EJA Under 16's Management Sports Physio Football Co-Ordinator Press Officer Website Social Media Programme Editor Groundsman Facilities Manager Membership Secretary Kit Laundering Kit Manager Catering Bar Manager
Bob Winter Tony Stedman & Mark Weston David Blair Tony Stedman Graham Bright Tony Stedman Trevor Langley Kirstie McNeil Ryan Sturges Lee Groves, Kieran Turner Ian Richardson Michael Churchill, Ian Butler Michael Churchill, Iain Lorimar David Lawless Vacant Vacant Vacant Keith Eldridge / Colin Sturges Keith Eldridge Keith Eldridge Darrell Bodimeade Bob Winter / Tony Steadman Graham Bright Vacant Vacant Vacant Tash Young
Committee Members Bob Winter (Chairman) Tony Stedman, Ian Butler, Neil Foskett, Graham Bright, David Blair, Mark Weston, Keith Eldridge, Andy Ayres.
From The Dugout We are delighted to bring a new weekly vlog hosted by Damon Wood. From The Dugout aims to bring you interviews and news from our management teams, players and others around the club. Click on the image below to watch episode 1 which features a discussion with first team manager Ryan Sturges talking about the start to the season.
Please comment, like and subscribe to our YouTube Channel so that you can tune in to future episodes
Match Sponsorship Why not support the Club by sponsoring a Match. It only costs £50 and includes free entry for two, access to the boardroom for half-time refreshments and an acknowledgement in the match programme all season. Contact Graham Bright on 07722 240963 or via email to tringathleticfc@hotmail.com
Saturday 7th August—Keynsham Town Tuesday 31st August—Holmer Green Saturday 4th September—Harpenden Town Tuesday 7th September—Broadfields United Saturday 18th October—Leighton Town Tuesday 21st October—Dunstable Town Saturday 9th October—London Colney Saturday 16th October—Flackwell Heath Saturday 6th November—Baldock Town Saturday 27th November—Milton Keynes Irish Tuesday 30th November—Arlesey Town Saturday 11th December—Oxhey Jets Tuesday 28th December—Leverstock Green Saturday 8th January—Aylesbury Vale Dynamos Saturday 15th January—Harefield United Saturday 5th February—Hadley Saturday 12th March—New Salamis Saturday 2nd April—Ardley United Tuesday 19th April—Risborough Rangers Saturday 30th April—Crawley Green
The Cook Partnership Heygates Ralph Griffiths Dick Lovelace Tony Stedman & Dave Snelman Available Available Available Available Available Available Available Available Available Available Available Available Available Available Available
Fixture List Tue 3 Aug Sat 7 Aug Sat 21 Aug Tue 31 Aug Sat 4 Sep Tue 7 Sep Sat 11 Sep Tue 14 Sep Sat 18 Sep Tue 21 Sep Sat 2 Oct Sat 9 Oct Tue 12 Oct Sat 16 Oct Sat 23 Oct Sat 30 Oct Sat 6 Nov Sat 13 Nov Sat 20 Nov Sat 27 Nov Tue 30 Nov Sat 4 Dec Sat 11 Dec Sat 18 Dec Tue 28 Dec Mon 3 Jan Sat 8 Jan Sat 15 Jan Sat 29 Jan Sat 5 Feb Sat 12 Feb Sat 5 Mar Sat 12 Mar Sat 19 Mar Sat 26 Mar Sat 2 Apr Sat 9 Apr Sat 16 Apr Tue 19 Apr Sat 23 Apr Sat 30 Apr
D 1-1 W 3-0 L 2-0 L 1-2 3pm 7.45pm 3pm 7.45pm 3pm 7.45pm 3pm 3pm 7.45pm 3pm 3pm 3pm 3pm 3pm 3pm 3pm 7.45pm 3pm 3pm 3pm 3pm 3pm 3pm 3pm 3pm 3pm 3pm 3pm 3pm 3pm 3pm 3pm 3pm 3pm 7.45pm 3pm 3pm
Away Home Away Home Home Home Away Away Home Home Away Home Away Home Away Away Home Away Away Home Home Away Home Away Home Away Home Home Away Home Away Away Home Away Away Home Away Away Home Away Home
Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Emirates FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round Emirates FA Cup Preliminary Round Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Spartan South Midlands Premier Division FA Vase 1st Qualifying Round Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Spartan South Midlands Premier Division
Oxhey Jets Keynsham Town Bishops Cleeve Holmer Green Harpenden Town Broadfields United Long Buckby Harefield United Leighton Town Dunstable Town Crawley Green London Colney Hadley Flackwell Heath Aylesbury Vale Dynamos Milton Keynes Irish Baldock Town Ardley United New Salamis Milton Keynes Irish Dunstable Town Dunstable Town Oxhey Jets Baldock Town Leverstock Green Risborough Rangers Aylesbury Vale Dynamos Harefield United Holmer Green Hadley Flackwell Heath Leighton Town New Salamis Harpenden Town London Colney Ardley United Arlesey Town Leverstock Green Risborough Rangers Broadfields United Crawley Green
Today’s- Squads
Tring Athletic FC David Saunders Jonny Pitts Ben Johnson James Ferguson Kevin McManus Harrison Cornick Oliver Butler Scott Bonner Joe Chott George Carbery Frankie Hercules Tom Shaw Tommy Twelves Kieran Turner Chris Vardy Chris Blunden Temi Bankole Cameron Brooks Fraser Bryden Luke Cestrone Emmanuel Gbejuade Evans Lamboh
Harpenden Town
Alex Desmond Toby Syme George Robinson Ryan Plowright Dan Palmer Josh Rodrigues Harvey Scott Mulik Rickman Ivan Machado Joe Devaney Theo Costa Jake Collins Daniel Westmore Lawrence Whiffen Ben Renwick Callum Neville
Manager - Ryan Sturges
Manager:
Micky Nathan
Asst Manager- Lee Groves
Coach:
Liam Dwyer
GK Coach - Gary Looker
Coach:
Steve O’Reilly
Next Up
Broadfields United Tuesday 7th September Kick off 7.45pm
FREE FREE
£7.00 FREE £4.00
Our opponents Harpenden Town Football Club was formed as Harpenden F.C. 1891 playing in both the Mid-Herts and Herts County Leagues, winning the Mid-Herts on numerous occasions. Town was added in the 1908. Town climbed into the South Midlands League in 1957 winning the Premier Division title in 1962 and 1965 and in 1968 adding both the Herts Charity Shield & the South Midlands League Shield to their trophy haul. Season 1990-91 saw the last significant investment in the club with the erection of the Centenary Stand, and, the installation of floodlights. The Club obtained entry to the FA Cup for the first time in 1998 and is a regular contender in the FA Vase. After a turbulent period resulting in relegation from the Premier Division in 2000 and 2005. At the start of the 2006/07 season a new committee was in place their first move was to gain the Football Associations Charter Standard Accreditation, which ensured the correct structures were in place. On the field the club also required stabilising and it was felt that more local community approach was needed so links with Harpenden Colts were established to bring through local young players ensuring a pathway from under sevens to adult football. Success soon followed and after only one year Harpenden Town was named Herts FA Charter Standard club of the year thanks to their community work, which included hosting an anti racism event, an adult seven aside competition, free coaching offered to schools/junior teams and the development of women’s football through the Herts youth games.
Harpenden Town The past two seasons has seen Harpenden make strides to secure its long term future however with possibly the worst facilities in the league due to lack of investment and vandalism over the past 20 years we face a massive task to completely turn around the clubs fortunes. We now have a new football management set up with local loyalties and most new players come from the local
area. Off the field there is a new committee of local football fans who have not been involved with the club before supported by the old committee and others who still assist with the running of the club. In 2015 having successfully obtained £100k of funding the club’s facilities have been refurbished which has had a positive impact on the club and its profile. 2018-19 was the last for the very successful manager Danny Plumb that included promotion back to the Spartan South Midlands Premier Division and a memorable Divisional Cup triumph inspired by local PE teacher David Keenleyside. The team is presently managed by Mickey Nathan assisted by Steve O’Reilly and Liam Dwyer.
Today’s Officials Referee
Gavin Muge
Assistant Referee Assistant Referee
Oliver Simnock Ruben Fernandez
The TAFC 1
Club
Support Tring Athletic, Join our 100 Club. This is one of the most popular fund raising activities in the UK, probably the easiest to enter, and the size of the weekly/monthly prize will depend upon the number of people participating. The more people the larger the prize. 50% of all takings go in cash prizes. At the current time we have a weekly CASH prize of £20 and a Monthly 1st prize of £100 and 2nd prize of £50. It costs just £1 per week. Ask a committee member for details. August winners The monthly 100 draw was once again undertaken remotely by the Simmons family. The lucky winners were: 3rd July: Ellie Humphreys £20; 10th July: Ralph Griffiths £20; 17th July: John Perry £20; 24th July: Dan To £20 31st July: Sam Allum £100 and Brian Bruton £30. Once again winnings will be paid directly to the winners bank accounts.
THE INANE RAMBLINGS FROM UP NORFF “NOWT SO QUEER AS YORKSHIRE FOLK’ BY KAREN BROWNE SATURDAY’S HEADLINES Pitstone & Ivinghoe recorded their biggest away win 7-0 since winning by the same score on the 25 January 2020 (the luckless The 61FC (Luton) being their opponents on both times. Three clubs still have 100% league records while eight clubs still seek their first points of the new campaign. Saturday brought about 87 goals from the 22 games (an average of 3.95 per game) with Ryan Lovell (Wellingborough Whitworth) netting the day’s only hat-trick. Saturday 28th August PREMIER DIVISION No change at the top of the table with Harpenden Town and Leverstock Green both recording 3-0 home wins over Aylesbury Vale Dynamos and Dunstable Town respectively. At the bottom Crawley Green’s 1-1 draw at Oxhey Jets sees them off the bottom being replaced by the fore-mentioned Dunstable Town while Baldock Town slip into the bottom two after losing 1-3 at Leighton Town in front of the day’s biggest crowd (260). There were away successes for Risborough Rangers (4-0 at London Colney), Ardley United (3-0 at Harefield United) and Holmer Green (2-1 at Arlesey Town). Elsewhere Hadley shared the spoils with Milton Keynes Irish following a goalless draw in Buckinghamshire. The day’s other game between New Salamis and Flackwell Heath was abandoned after 53 minutes due to a serious injury to Aidan Higgs of Flackwell Heath, our thoughts go out to Aidan. 1-2 Arlesey Town v Holmer Green (Sayer) / (Dimitrijevic, Odumosu) Attendance: 83 0-3 Harefield United v Ardley United (Jordan, Talboys, Courtney) Attendance: 50 3-0 Harpenden Town v Aylesbury Vale Dynamos (Rickman, Scott, Devaney) Attendance: 89 3-1 Leighton Town v Baldock Town (Webb [2], Parkinson) / (Hay) Attendance: 260 3-0 Leverstock Green v Dunstable Town (Noel-Williams, Marks, Lawford) Attendance: 63 0-4 London Colney v Risborough Rangers (Wyllie [2] [1 pen], Yearwood, Clarke [pen]) Attendance: 47 0-0 Milton Keynes Irish v Hadley Attendance: 66 A-A New Salamis v Flackwell Heath 1-1 Oxhey Jets v Crawley Green (Stead) / (Rhiney) Attendance: 52
The Views Expressed Are Solely My Own, Are Written Tongue In Cheek And Should Be Taken With A Pinch Of Salt A weekly column courtesy of the SSML Fixture Secretary
DIVISION ONE Stotfold increased their lead at the top of the standings from three to five points following an excellent 4-0 win at Long Crendon. Northampton Sileby Rangers move up into second place despite being held 1-1 at home by Langford while Ampthill Town are third after a 2-1 win on the road at Thame United Reserves. At the bottom London Tigers remain as the only side in the Division without a point following an eventful day, players stuck in traffic led to a 30 minute delay to kick off and things never recovered as they went down 0-3 at Rushden & Higham United. Elsewhere Wellingborough Whitworth won 5-2 at Amersham Town to move into the top six while Bedford climb to fourth following their 4-1 home success against Irchester United. DIVISION TWO If it’s goals you want then I suggest in investing in a Pitstone & Ivinghoe season ticket, their four matches this campaign have seen 34 goals (average 8.50 per game), although Saturday fell below that average as they only managed seven without reply at The 61FC (Luton). For the second successive Saturday Division Two fixtures produced six away wins, among them table toppers Old Bradwell United who enjoyed a 3-1 win at Bovingdon thus ending the Hertfordshire club’s 100% record. Second placed Berkhamsted Comrades remain on their tail after a 4-2 home success against the morning’s bottom club Codicote (the visiting club despite the loss actually moved up two places). Elsewhere big winners on the road were New Bradwell St Peter, whose 5-1 win at Risborough Rangers Development maintained their 100% start to the new campaign while Eynesbury United and Totternhoe both hit four on their travels, Eynesbury winning 4-0 at Tring Corinthians AFC while the ‘Totts’ won 4-1 at Aston Clinton. The day’s only home success came at Buckingham United where the hosts defeated Berkhamsted Raiders by the odd goal in five. The day’s other action saw Sarratt winning 3-1 at newbies Milton Keynes College Football Academy. AND FINALLY Taken from the Fan Banter website – ‘Worst Team In England’ win their first game at 33rd attempt stretching back to 2019. Full story – CLICK HERE I have since contacted the web site with the following – Since last winning on the 22/12/2018 the league record for The 61FC (Luton) in the Spartan South Midlands League Division Two (Step 7) is:- P 35 W 0 D 2 L 33 GF 29 GA 172 PTS 2
On This Day—4th September 2010
This game was anticipated as being competitive and close as both teams had won all of their opening league games. The first half however belonged to Royston, Athletic were restricted to two shots on target and just two corners, one of which was right on half time. Royston missed a golden opportunity to go in at half time one up, full back Dean McElvoy was totally unmarked just six yards out but he could only hit an air shot leaving Athletic to clear the danger. There was bedlam in Athletics goal area after just 3 minutes following a corner, but keeper Mike Underwood came to the rescue saving low down. Athletic won their first corner in the eighth minute following a cross from Nick Jackson. Royston were hitting long balls out of defence to the impressive Ricky Young, who in the 13th minute found himself clear, but he ran wide and could only shoot straight at keeper Mike Underwood. Royston were also firing in a lot of crosses into Athletics penalty area. Athletic looked to have a good shout for a penalty following a cross to the far post, the defender clearly pushed the incoming Ryan Redford. The first caution went to Athletics Andy Mullins following a late tackle, shortly after Vinnie Iannone found himself with a clear shot at goal from just outside of the area but the ball flew over the bar. The first half finished 0 - 0 and Royston must have been disappointed having had a lot of possession and play in Athletics half.
TAFC 1-1 Royston Town The second half started with David Foskett coming on for Ashley Addison. Andy Mullins was pushed into midfield and just 3 minutes after the re-start nearly scored. Athletic were awarded a free kick, the ball was played into Royston’s area where Andy Mullins headed onto the bar. Athletic were then denied one of the most blatant penalty calls you will probably ever see. Ryan Redford beat the defender on the byline, the defender was left floundering and the only way to stop him was to foul him, which he duly did. The referee was in a perfect position but amazingly only gave a corner!! Athletic were now the better side and Royston’s Will Turi was cautioned in the 58th minute after a late tackle. Royston were still dangerous and Will Turi maybe should have done better from a corner, his header going over the bar. Athletic put together a good move in the 66th minute which resulted in Vinnie Iannone shooting narrowly wide. A few minutes later saw Nick Jackson shoot straight at keeper Jordan Gibson. Royston brought on Josh Bronti for Luke Robins in the 74th minute, 2 minutes later Tony Field was set up 12 yards out but his first time shot went over the bar. Athletic forced a succession of corners to no avail. Steve Smith was unluckily cautioned in the 80th minute as Royston’s Ricky Young ran across him, the resultant free kick being on the edge of the area. Just 4 minutes later a late tackle by Steve Smith could easily have been his second card, but after liaising with his assistant the referee gave him a final warning much to the annoyance of the away sides supporters. In the 84th minute Royston scored. This followed a long throw which was headed on at the near post, the ball ended up at the far post where Royston had two players unmarked, one of them Tom Malins gleefully took the opportunity afforded him. Royston must have thought that scoring so late would prove successful but Athletic did not give up and were rightly rewarded. Royston’s full back Lewis Endacott fouled Nick Jackson just outside of the area on the left. David Foskett came across to take the kick which was floated in and Vinnie Iannone was on hand to glance the ball high into the goal in the third minute of added time.
TAFC Reserves An excellent win for the reserves against Harpenden Town to get their first victory of the season. The first half hour was a fairly even affair with few clear cut chances but Tring took the lead just before the break . Max Machen put a teasing cross in from the right and Ollie Ruttle nodded in clinically at the near post. (bottom left) Ten minutes into the second period Tring doubled the lead. After a good passing move involving many of last seasons u16s, a low cross from the left just evaded Ruttle but Max Machen was on hand to finish confidently on his senior debut (bottom right) Harpenden continued to threaten and look dangerous going forward but this left some holes in their defensive lines which we looked to exploit. Tring made the game seemingly safe midway through the second half. A deep free kick from the right was headed back across the six yard box by Max Dechamps finding an unmarked Ollie Ruttle to finish from close range. 3-0. With around 15 minutes to play Harpenden hit us on the counter attack and pulled a goal back. 31. With just over 5 minutes left, the visitors were rightly awarded a penalty for handball. George Saunders in the Athletic goal stood his ground as the ball drifted over the bar and into the rugby ground. A let off for the lads which could have set up a nervy final period. There followed chances for both teams, Charlie Hendry-Smith shot wide and Saunders saved well at the other end but no further goals were added. The final whistle blew and three points were well and truly earned. With a few players missing for various reasons today, the squad stepped up giving Michael Churchill some nice selection headaches ahead of the cup match at Buntingford next Saturday. Highlights of the game can be found by clicking on the left picture below.
Sponsored by NP Electrics Herts Senior County League - Division One POS
P
W
D
L
GD
PTS
1 Hertford Heath First
4
4
0
0
9
12
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
3 2 3 4 4 5 1 2 1 3 2 3 0 2 3
2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1 0 1 2 2 3 0 1 0 2 1 2 0 2 3
6 5 3 -1 5 -4 9 1 1 0 -2 -5 0 -10 -17
6 6 6 6 4 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 0 0 0
Next up
Buntingford Town First Oracle Components First Hinton First Harpenden Town Reserves Hertford United FC First Tring Athletic Reserves Standon & Puckeridge FC None Hatfield United First Oxhey First Evergreen First Knebworth First Bovingdon Reserves Wheathampstead Wanderers First Aldenham FC First Old Parmiterians First
Sat 4th September Buntingford Town (A)
Aubrey Cup
Sat 11th September Evergreen (H)
League
Sat 18th September Standon & Puckeridge (A)
League
Sat 25th September Standon & Puckeridge (H)
League
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