Official Programme
Tring Athletic v Leverstock Green Tuesday 28th December 2021 3pm Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division Match Sponsor— Pendley Day Nursery
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 our friends & local rivals Leverstock Green We welcome their players, officials and supporters and wish them a safe short journey home afterwards. Our match sponsors this afternoon are Pendley Day Nursery and we thank them for their ongoing support. Find out more about them on page 11. We still have match sponsorship availability on future games (see page 16) including the upcoming local derby against Aylesbury Vale Dynamos in the New Year, so please speak to Graham Bright if you are interested. 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. TAFC volunteers were recently helping the Rennie Grove Santa Float around Silk Mill before Christmas raising around £400 on the night through the bucket collection which contributed to an overall figure of £5,874 throughout December. This will fund 195 hours of hospice care.
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 - A selection of items on show from our club shop
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Page 18— Today’s match squads
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Page 21—Upcoming social events
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Pages 28 & 29 —On this Day, we look at a 4-0 win against Berkhamsted from 2015.
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As always keep an eye on our website for all the latest information, fixtures and results.
TAFC—Club Shop Take a look at our new club shop in association with O’Neills. Click on any of the items below to take you to our page with branded leisurewear and accessories.
Highlights & Social Media Watch highlights of the 2-0 win against Bovingdon last week by clicking on the picture below
Follow, Like & Share… click on the icon to visit our pages
The League
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
Risborough Rangers Leighton Town New Salamis Hadley Harpenden Town Leverstock Green Arlesey Town Flackwell Heath Aylesbury Vale Dynamos Oxhey Jets London Colney Harefield United Broadfields United Milton Keynes Irish Dunstable Town Ardley United Holmer Green Tring Athletic Baldock Town Crawley Green
18 22 18 18 20 20 20 18 20 20 22 18 16 19 21 17 19 18 16 20
15 13 14 12 11 11 10 9 9 7 7 6 7 6 6 6 4 3 3 2
3 5 1 2 4 2 3 2 2 4 3 4 1 4 4 3 2 4 1 4
0 4 3 4 5 7 7 7 9 9 12 8 8 9 11 8 13 11 12 14
Table as at Monday 27th December 2021
43 32 34 16 9 16 3 10 -1 -18 -28 8 -4 -4 -17 4 -38 -16 -16 -33
48 44 43 38 37 35 33 29 29 25 24 22 22 22 22 21 14 13 10 10
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 Assistant Manager First Team Coaches First Team Technical Advisor Goalkeeping coach 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 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 Gareth Jackson Ian Richardson Gary Looker Michael Churchill, Ian Butler Michael Churchill, Iain Lorimar David Lawless Vacant Vacant Vacant Keith Eldridge / Colin Sturges Keith Eldridge , Terry Adams Keith Eldridge Darrell Bodimeade David Whicker Graham Bright Vacant Tash Young
Committee Members Bob Winter (Chairman) Tony Stedman, Ian Butler, Neil Foskett, Graham Bright, David Blair, Mark Weston, Keith Eldridge, Andy Ayres., David Whicker
Pendley Day Nursery is a brand-new nursery set in a unique setting in the heart of Tring, and provides quality childcare and development opportunities for children aged 6 months - 5 years. We have created a premier nursery, which will provide a fantastic experience for your child to enable them to 'Grow, Learn & Develop'. Just read our TESTIMONALS page to see the lovely things parents are saying about us. The nursery has both expansive indoor and outdoor space, and provides an ideal environment for children to learn and play in a safe and secure environment. Pendley Day Nursery is led and managed by leading childcare practitioner Natasha Young, who is also part owner of the nursery. Natasha is Level 6 qualified and she and her team will provide the highest of quality care and development opportunities for your child. We will ensure that your child's best interest are at the heart of everything we do. We have invested significantly in the setting and, with lots of brand new equipment and toys, we offer the highest of standards throughout. Our excellent facilities include: • Fully trained, dedicated staff – many at level 3 and above • Fully equipped kitchen and trained cooks (hot lunch, tea and snacks) • Large play areas, inside and out • Large, safe front car park for easy drop off and collection • Open 8.00 – 18.00, Monday – Friday (51 weeks) • Flexible hours (mornings or afternoons) • Dedicated to children 6 months – 5 years The nursery is run by local owners who, through their team, are committed to providing stimulating activities in a caring environment, promoting all aspects of children’s development.
From The Dugout We are delighted to bring our second episode of 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 2 which features a discussion with first team manager Ryan Sturges talking about our first league win of the season, a new kit and a presentation for Alfie Brittain.
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 Saturday 18th October—Leighton Town Tuesday 21st October—Dunstable Town Saturday 9th October—London Colney Saturday 16th October—Flackwell Heath Tuesday 19th October—Broadfields United Saturday 6th November—Baldock Town Tuesday 23rd November—Hitchin Town Saturday 27th November—Milton Keynes Irish Tuesday 30th November—Arlesey Town Saturday 11th December—Saffron Walden Town 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 TBC
Oxhey Jets
The Cook Partnership Heygates Ralph Griffiths Tony Stedman & Dave Snelman Dick Lovelace Brian Lovell / The Samaritans The Cook Partnership Pendley Day Nursery Richard & Tim Solk Mick Eldridge & Ray Brimson Neil & David Foskett Pendley Day Nursery Dave Snelman & Ollie Elderfield Pendley Day Nursery 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 Sat 11 Sep Tue 14 Sep Sat 18 Sep Tue 21 Sep Sat 25 Sep Sat 2 Oct Sat 9 Oct Tue 12 Oct Sat 16 Oct Tue 19 Oct Sat 23 Oct Sat 30 Oct Sat 6 Nov Sat 13 Nov Tue 16 Nov Sat 20 Nov Tue 23 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 Tues 8 Feb Sat 12 Feb Tue 1 Mar 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 D1-1 W2-2 L4-0 L0-4 L0-1 W1-4 D3-3 W1-0 D2-2 L1-2 7.45pm W1-1 L3-2 W2-1 L3-0 L2-1 W0-4 L0-4 w3-0 L0-1 L3-0 L0-1 W0-2 3pm 3pm 3pm 3pm 3pm 3pm 7.45pm 3pm 7.45pm 3pm 3pm 3pm 3pm 3pm 3pm 3pm 7.45pm 3pm 3pm
Away Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Home Emirates FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round Away Emirates FA Cup Preliminary Round Home Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Home Spartan South Midlands Premier Division 2-4 pens FA Vase 1st Qualifying Round Away Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Home Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Home Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Away FA Vase 2nd Qualifying Round Away Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Home Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Away Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Home Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Home Spartan South Midlands Premier Division 3-4 pens FA Vase 1st Round Proper Away Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Home Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Away Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Away Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Away FA Vase 2st Round Proper Home Herts Senior Challenge Cup Home Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Home Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Away Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Home FA Vase 3rd Round Proper Away Challenge Trophy Home Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Away Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Home Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Home Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Away Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Home Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Away Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Away Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Home Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Away Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Home Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Away Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Away Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Home Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Away Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Away Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Home Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Away Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Home Spartan South Midlands Premier Division
Oxhey Jets Keynsham Town Bishops Cleeve Holmer Green Harpenden Town Long Buckby Harefield United Leighton Town Dunstable Town FC Deportivo Galicia Crawley Green London Colney Hadley Flackwell Heath Broadfields United Ardley United Milton Keynes Irish Baldock Town Ardley United Aylesbury Vale Dynamos Cockfosters Hitchin Town Milton Keynes Irish Arlesey Town Dunstable Town Saffron Walden Town Bovingdon Leverstock Green Risborough Rangers Aylesbury Vale Dynamos Harefield United Holmer Green Hadley New Salamis Flackwell Heath Oxhey Jets 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
Jake Alley Ben Johnson Harry Seabrook James Ferguson Harrison Cornick Oliver Butler Scott Bonner George Carbery Frankie Hercules Tommy Twelves Adam Sawyer Chris Blunden Cameron Brooks John Smith Emmanuel Gbejuade Leo Farruch Godlove Oppong Jack Stevens Luke Peerless Elijah Hearn Manager - Ryan Sturges
Asst Manager- Lee Groves Coach—Gareth Jackson Technical coach—Ian Richardson GK Coach - Gary Looker
Leverstock Green 1. Alfie Bonfield 2. Adrian Pitfield 3. Rio Beach 4. Dan Weeks (c) 5. Paul Marks 6. Kian Wilkes 7. Lewis Collins 8. Dan Pett 9. Rawn Seale 10. Ollie Cox 11. Ethan Mooney 12. Harry Bonner 14. Ryan Carruthers 15. Scott McGleish 16. Bradley Robinson 17. Jamie Calvin Manager: Fergus Moore Asst Manager: Scott McGleish Coach: Paul Marks Coach: AJ Findlay Coach: Darren Bonfield
Next Up
Aylesbury Vale Dynamos Saturday 8th January Kick off 3pm
FREE £7.00 £7.00 FREE £4.00
Our opponents CLUB HISTORY Leverstock Green Football Club was formed around 1895. The first match reports appeared on January 4th 1896 in the Advertiser and gave an account of a match against Hemel Hempstead Rovers. The first competitive fixtures were reported during season 1908/1909 when the Club competed in Division Three of the West Herts League. Other clubs competing in the league at that time were: Abbots Langley, Bovingdon, Boxmoor, Bushey Heath, Hagden Lane, Kings Langley and Potten End. The Club ground in Pancake Lane originally formed part of the Gorhambury Estate, Lord Verulam making the ground available for the youth of the area and his estate workers to enjoy a game of ball. Clearly Lord Verulam was an early enthusiast, providing timber-built changing rooms, which have been progressively replaced since the 1960’s by the existing brick built clubhouse and changing rooms. On the death of the Lord, certain parcels of land, including that on which the Football Club stood, fell to the Crown in lieu of death duties and is administered on its behalf by the Commission for New Towns, who have remained the Club’s landlords since that time, despite two unsuccessful attempts by the Club to buy the freehold. The club remained members of the West Herts League until 1954 when it broadened its horizons and successfully applied to join the Herts County League. By the mid 1970’s the Club started to move forward with a new clubhouse, post & rail and the installation of training lights. The playing side of the club also improved and in 1979 the club won Division One of the Herts County League and were promoted to the Premier Division the highest standard the Club had achieved in 80 years. In 1991 the Club were accepted into the South Midlands League and had two highly successful seasons in the Premier Division before being forced to drop into the Senior Division, as floodlights were then not available. In 1996 the club finished in runners-up position and the following season were the divisional champions but could not be promoted because floodlights had still not received approval from the Council.
Leverstock Green Premier Division status was eventually regained in 2003, and the club is now the longest-standing current member of the division. The club’s highest finish in the Premier Division has been 4th, in season 2010/11, with top six finishes also being recorded in 2005/06, 2006/07 and 2008/09.
Season 2010/11 also saw the club’s best ever run in the FA Vase, with wins over Welwyn Garden City, Enfield, Hullbridge Sports, Tunbridge Wells and Bemerton Heath Harlequins before defeat in the Fifth Round against Rye United. The club has twice reached the Third Round of the FA Vase, in seasons 2006/07 and 2018/19. Leverstock Green entered the FA Cup for the first time in 2004, and the club’s best performance has been reaching the Second Round Qualifying, which was achieved in 2014/15, where we were beaten by Staines Town, and in 2018/19 where we were beaten by Dorking Wanderers. County honours were won in 2006/07 and 2010/11 as the Herts Charity Shield was lifted, and the club were beaten finalists in the Herts Charity Cup in 2011/12. After finishing runners-up four times over the previous 12 years, The West Herts FA St Mary’s Cup was finally lifted for the first time in 2017/18 with victory over Berkhamsted in the final at Vauxhall Road. Between 2005 and 2015 the club ran a successful Ladies’ Team, which rose from the Beds and Herts League into the Eastern Region Womens League, reaching the Premier Division in 2013. The under-18 side competes in the Southern Counties Floodlit Youth League. The team finished runners-up in their division in seasons 2010/11 and 2014/15, and in 2015/16 they reached the final of both the Brian Hitchings Cup and the Colwyn Cup, losing in both finals to Luton Town Cedars. Many players have made the step up from under-18 level to first team level, and those who have gone on to play much higher up the non-league pyramid include Charlie Gorman (Eastbourne Borough), Luke Warner-Eley (Royston Town, St Albans City) and Jonathan Lacey (Hemel Hempstead Town) who also represented the England non-league side in the Falklands while a Leverstock Green player.
The Pancake Lane ground has seen many improvements due to ever more stringent ground grading requirements. In 2007 the Peter Metcalfe changing rooms were built at a cost of £90,000. 2008 saw the refurbishment of the clubhouse to include new toilets and a new hospitality suite. In 2009 the concrete walkway was completed to cover three sides of the ground and a seated stand accommodating 113 spectators was installed. Season 2018/19 was one of turmoil and sadness, as long-serving fixture secretary Graham Smart passed away suddenly only weeks after taking on the role of interim chairman. A season which promised so much at the start ended with the club only securing Premier Division safety on the final day. Emma Smart took over as chairman for season 2019/20, and with a new management team and a new spirit of optimism the club was on course for a safe midtable finish before the season was brought to a premature end by Covid-19. The management team of Matt Harding and Mick Vipond continued into the 2020/21 season, which again came to a premature end. For season 2021/22, a new management team of Fergus Moore, Scott McGleish and Paul Marks has been appointed. The club has increased its commitment to youth development by joining the Eastern Junior Alliance and will be running an under-15 side this season.
Three club stalwarts have received awards from the Football Association and the Herts FA for 50 years service to football. The first was Jim Matthews, affectionately known as “Macca”, who passed away at the age of 90 in 2006. The second was Bill Dawes in 2014, and the third was long-serving club secretary Brian Barter in 2019. Brian stood down from his role as secretary in 2020, having twice been honoured with awards from the Spartan South Midlands League.
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Today’s Officials Referee
Josh Burns
Assistant Referee Assistant Referee
Joanne Horwood Lyn McGregor
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.
November winners The monthly 100 draw was undertaken at half time during the Saffron Walden game. The lucky winners were: £100 Luke Naylor £50 Trudi Fryer £20 Dave Martin £20 Sharon Herbert £20 Clive Goodall 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 All employees planning to dash through the snow in a one horse open sleigh, going over the fields and laughing all the way are advised that a Risk Assessment will be required addressing the safety of an open sleigh for members of the public. This assessment must also consider whether it is appropriate to use only one horse for such a venture, particularly where there are multiple passengers. Please note that permission must also be obtained in writing from landowners before their fields may be entered. To avoid offending those not participating in celebrations, we would request that laughter is moderate only and not loud enough to be considered a noise nuisance. Benches, stools and orthopaedic chairs are now available for collection by any shepherds planning or required to watch their flocks at night. While provision has also been made for remote monitoring of flocks by CCTV cameras from a centrally heated shepherd observation hut, all users of this facility are reminded that an emergency response plan must be submitted to account for known risks to the flocks. The angel of the Lord is additionally reminded that, prior to shining his/her glory all around, s/he must confirm that all shepherds are wearing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment to account for the harmful effects of UVA, UVB and the overwhelming effects of Glory. Following last year’s well-publicised case, everyone is advised that Equal Opportunities legislation prohibits any comment with regard to the redness of any part of Mr R Reindeer. Further to this, exclusion of Mr R Reindeer from reindeer games will be considered discriminatory and disciplinary action will be taken against those found guilty of this offence. While it is acknowledged that gift bearing is a common practice in various parts of the world, particularly the Orient, everyone is reminded that the bearing of gifts is subject to Hospitality Guidelines and all gifts must be registered. This applies regardless of the individual, even royal personages. It is particularly noted that direct gifts of currency or gold are specifically precluded, while caution is advised regarding other common gifts such as aromatic resins that may evoke allergic reactions. Finally, in the recent instance of the infant found tucked up in a manger without any crib for a bed, Social Services have been advised and will be arriving shortly. SATURDAY HEADLINES—Risborough Rangers clocked up their 50th consecutive unbeaten league game (dating back from 2019) although these are not inclusively SSML games. Stotfold hit opponents Thame United Reserves for ten (their best result in the SSML) to take their impressive form to 27 goals from last five league games. Arlesey Town continue to impress new manager Martin Standen this time hitting five on the road at London Colney. Saturday brought about 91 goals from the 19 games (an average of 4.9 per game). Ashley Kersey (Stotfold) and Henry Snee (Shefford Town & Campton) led the way with four goal hauls while Charlie Moss (Arlesey Town), Aaron Cormack (Rushden & Higham United) and Jonathan McNamara (Shefford Town & Campton) netting hat tricks. THE GLADWISH CHALLENGE TROPHY Second Round Division Two side Bovingdon pushed their Premier Division visitors Tring Athletic all the way in the Gladwish Challenge Trophy Second Round tie, the higher ranked side will be glad that a difficult hurdle was overcome thanks to two second half strikes. The game also saw a flurry of cards (and no these were not early Christmas Cards) although it was not a dirty game.
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
PREMIER DIVISION—The title race got a little more interesting on Saturday, leaders Risborough Rangers extended their unbeaten league run to 50 games with a 4-1 home success against Oxhey Jets (you have to go back to the 9th April 2019 for their last league defeat, 0-1 at Winslow United) while New Salamis moved to within a point of second placed Leighton Town with a 3-0 win at Ardley United. Bottom club Crawley Green were well beaten at Hadley, the hosts winning 5-0 while Arlesey Town got off to a flyer with a goal after just 19 seconds at London Colney before going on to totally control the game finally winning 5-1. The day’s other action saw 201 packed into Creasey Park where Dunstable Town and Flackwell Heath battled out a 1-1 draw. DIVISION ONE—Saturday’s Division One league programme saw all eight fixtures result in home wins. Stotfold remain top as their recent high scoring form continued with a 10-2 hammering over visiting Thame United Reserves while in the day’s big game (3rd v 4th) Ampthill Town edged out visiting Wellingborough Whitworth by a solitary goal. Goals were certainly on the menu as the eight fixtures produced 49 of them, Shefford Town & Campton were in ‘seventh heaven’ as they cast aside visiting bottom club Irchester United 7-3 (Snee and McNamara sharing the hosts goals between themselves) while the new owner of Bedford (Peter McCormack) could only look on as his recently acquired club were beaten 1-6 at Northampton Sileby Rangers. Elsewhere London Tigers eased any relegation fears with a 5-0 win at home against Kidlington Reserves while Penn & Tylers Green saw off visiting Raunds Town 5-1. The day’s other action saw Rushden & Higham United squeeze past Long Crendon, the hosts winning 3-2 while Langford edged out Burton Park Wanderers by the odd goal un three. DIVISION TWO—Eynesbury United moved up to second place level on points with leaders Old Bradwell United (who were inactive) as they overcame visiting Sarratt 3-0. At the bottom of the table The 61FC (Luton) picked up three points with a 2-1 home success against Risborough Rangers Development while bottom club Tring Corinthians AFC recorded their fifth successive league defeat when going down at home to Totternhoe by the odd goal in three. The day’s other action saw Berkhamsted Raiders defeat visiting Buckingham United 3-2. It seems that matters on the field are not the only things managers have to worry about to keep their jobs Kilmarnock manager Tommy Wright has been sacked following his sides game with Dunfermline Athletic was abandoned due to fog (He obviously didn’t see that coming). Mind you it still has a long way to go to beat the dismissal of Sunderland manager Malcolm Crosby who was sacked after a defeat on the pools panel following the game with Tranmere Rovers being called off several years ago. May I take this opportunity to wish a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to my avid reader (I’m sure I have one person that reads this rubbish).
On This Day—28th December 2015 Any concerns that our confidence might have been dented by last weeks defeat at Hertford Town were dispelled by this super performance and emphatic win over near neighbours Berkhamsted in front of a bumper Bank Holiday crowd of 205. It was a terrific way to end the year and among the four goals there was a brace from Taylor Collins and a corker from Sam Joliffe that would be a strong contender for any goal of the season competition. The Comrades were among the early season favourites for the title and they have had a good season with a terrific run into the last 32 of the FA Vase, but they have now shipped 10 goals in their last two games and have dropped down to 6th in the table. For this tough fixture Ian and Paul opted to change our formation to 4-2-3-1 and to give young Ben Seaton his full First Team debut. Ben has come through from the Youth and Reserve Teams and it says a lot about the faith the management team have in this 17 year old that they were prepared to start him in this tough local derby and he responded with an assured performance. Despite his slim build and youthful looks he stood his ground even when subjected to some robust challenges. Our guests started strongly winning three corners within the first three minutes and they went very close to opening the scoring when their Captain Jim Baldry saw his header cleared off the line by Chris Mason, who had a very good game at left back. The ball bobbled around a bit before it trickled just the right side of the post for us. The opposition claimed the ball had crossed the line but the Referee disagreed as did Chris Mason and Matt Evans after the game. After that lucky early escape we started to get into the game and in the 9th minute we broke nicely up the left through Dave O'Connor, Chris Mason and Kieran Turner with the latter sending a shot wide of the far post. We missed the target on that occasion but six minutes later we were more successful. It stemmed from a well worked free kick taken by Sam Joliffe that released Taylor Collins into the area and he took full advantage to crack a shot past keeper Carl Tasker into the far corner. It was a superbly taken goal by Taylor and gave us a crucial early goal. Score 1-0. The game was turning into a typical local derby with some good attacking play interspersed with some fierce tackles and fractious moments and it was no surprise that the Referee had to wave his yellow card on a number of occasions to calm things down. The visitors produced a good move down the right and a super cross looked destined to pick out the waiting Alex Campana until Jack Seaton just managed to get his head to the ball and take it away from the former Kings Langley man. We responded with some good play from Lee Stobbs which opened up a shooting chance for Ben Seaton but his effort hit one of his own players . The Berko left back Adam Mead struck a well hit shot just wide of the post, although Matt Evans appeared to have it well covered, and Taylor Collins used his trusty left foot to fire a great effort just wide of the far post. In the 38th minute the influential Luke Dunstan had to come off after injuring his groin but we were able to make a like for like replacement with Ryan McMahon coming on and doing a great job in central midfield.
TAFC 4-0 Berkhamsted With four minutes to go to half time we grabbed an invaluable second goal to double our lead with a nice flowing move involving Chris Mason, Ben Seaton and Lee Stobbs with the latter's lovely dinked cross being smartly headed home by Taylor Collins (yes we did say headed home!). It is worth pointing to the role played by Ben Seaton in this goal as it was his challenge against the odds that allowed the move to continue. Score 2-0. We could have added a third goal a few minutes later when Kieran Turner broke forward with the opposition defence wide open but the move broke down. Stung by the second goal the Comrades ended the half on the offensive in an attempt to get a goal back before the break and they came very close to achieving that aim when Matt Evans brilliantly tipped a shot from Tom Carter over the bar. We had to hang in a bit as our opponents won a number of corners but we managed to weather the storm and retain our two goal lead going into the break. HT Score 2-0. Early in the second half Kieran Turner tried to bend a shot into the far corner and George Carbery shot wide for the visitors after we failed to deal with a long pass down the middle. In the 56th minute Tom Carter had a great opportunity to reduce the deficit when a cross picked him out in the area but his shot lacked the power to beat Matt Evans. Just past the hour mark we should have put the game to bed when Taylor Collins and Lee Stobbs combined to give Kieran Turner the easiest of chances but from just a few yards out he somehow scooped the ball over the bar. But Kieran nearly made amends ten minutes later when he nearly set up Lee Stobbs who was just unable to convert the opportunity. The visitors were dangerous in attack and from set pieces and they enjoyed their fair share of possession but we defended superbly with Dave O'Connor in particularly having an outstanding game. Taylor Collins was lively throughout the game and he worked himself some space before firing a shot at the keeper. Later from a corner he hooked the ball over the bar. In the 78th minute Taylor was replaced by Ashley Addison making a welcome return to the club after a 5 year gap. With nine minutes of normal time remaining Kieran Turner cut inside from the left and laid the ball nicely into the path of Sam Joliffe, who from 30 yards hit a screamer that fizzed into the net off the underside of the bar. It was a brilliant finish and worthy of clinching the three points. Score 3-0. Kieran Turner then decided to get in on the act three minutes into time added on showing too much pace and trickery for the visitors defence before slotting the ball past the keeper to round off a very good day for us. FT Score 4-0. TA: 1 Matt Evans 2 Jack Seaton 3 Chris Mason 4 Luke Dunstan (12 Ryan McMahon 38) 5 Dan Steadman (Capt) 6 David O'Connor 7 Lee Stobbs 8 Sam Joliffe 9 Taylor Collins (15 Ashley Addison 78) 10 Kieran Turner 11 Ben Seaton (14 Jack Westlake 72). Sub not used: 16 Stuart Stedman. .
TAFC Reserves TAFC 7-2 Knebworth Click on the image below to see second half match highlights
Our reserves are sponsored by NP Electrics
Sponsored by NP Electrics Herts Senior County League - Division One POS
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Results
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Hertford Heath First Hinton First Oracle Components First Buntingford Town First Bovingdon Reserves Aldenham FC First Evergreen First Harpenden Town Reserves Hertford United FC First Tring Athletic Reserves Hatfield United First Knebworth First Standon & Puckeridge FC None Oxhey First Old Parmiterians First Wheathampstead Wanderers First
17 17 15 15 16 15 16 14 15 18 16 15 13 15 13 0
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14 12 12 10 7 7 7 6 6 4 4 3 3 2 2 0
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2 2 0 2 4 2 1 3 3 3 2 2 1 3 2 0
1 3 3 3 5 6 8 5 6 11 10 10 9 10 9 0
GD
41 29 27 24 3 -11 -2 1 1 -13 -3 -26 -4 -27 -40 0
PTS
44 38 36 32 25 23 22 21 21 15 14 11 10 9 8 0
Sat 27th November Evergreen 2-1 TAFC Sat 11 December
Hertford Heath 6-0 TAFC
Sat 18 December
TAFC 7-2 Knebworth
Sat 8 January
Old Parmitarians (A) 2pm
Sat 15 January
Knebworth (A) 2pm
Sat 22 January
Hinton (A) 2pm
Next up
ENTRY TO RESERVE TEAM MATCHES AT HOME ARE BY DONATION. IF YOU CAN’T TRAVEL TO WATCH THE FIRST TEAM, THEN PLEASE COME AND SUPPORT OUR YOUNGSTERS.
U18s Eastern Junior Alliance League - U18s Blue POS
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Results
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Ware FC Academy U18 EJA St Albans City FC Academy U18 London Lions U18 EJA BSC FC Youth U18 EJA London Colney Youth U18 EJA Leighton Town Youth U18 Baldock Town U18 EJA Tring Athletic U18 EJA
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8 7 7 8 4 6 9 5
D
6 5 4 3 3 3 1 0
L
0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1
GD
2 2 2 4 1 3 7 4
13 13 7 0 8 -2 -27 -12
PTS
18 15 13 10 9 9 4 1
Sun 7th November
TAFC 1-4 London Colney
League
Sun 14th November
Billericay Town 4-0 TAFC
Cup
Sun 5th December
TAFC 5-1 Borehamwood
Cup
Sun 9th January
Baldock Town (H)
League
U16s Eastern Junior Alliance League - U16 Green POS
P
W
D
L
GD
PTS
1 Ryan (Youth) U16 Red EJA
9
7
1
1
27
22
2 Enfield Borough (Youth) U16 Leopards 3 Cockfosters (Youth) U16
7
5
2
0
27
17
9
4
2
3
12
14
4 Hemel Hempstead Town Youth U16 Blacks 5 Edgware Town U16 6 London Colney Youth U16 EJA
6
4
0
2
10
12
8 9
3 3
1 1
4 5
0 10
10 10
7 Berkhamsted FC Youth U16 EJA
7
2
2
3
-4
8
8 Tring Athletic U16 EJA
6
2
1
3
0
7
9 Hadley Youth U16 EJA
9
0
0
9
-82
0
Results
Next up
Sun 21st November
TAFC 0-1 Cockfosters
League
Sun 28th November
Ryan Youth 2-2 (1-3 pens)
Cup
Sun 19th December
Waltham Cross Youth 1-2 TAFC
Cup
Sun 9th January
Hemel (A)
League
Supporting Tring Athletic FC since 2014 Insurance Reports Landlord Certification
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TAFC Membership For the 2021/22 season we have introduced a new membership scheme GOLD - £99 (£75 concessions) Free entry to all home league games. 20% discount at the bar. Please see the opposite page for additional offers from local businesses. SILVER—£50 (£40 cons) Free entry to the first six matches each season. 20% discount at the bar. BLACK—£20 (£10 cons) Club membership and 10% discount at the bar. Click on the Gold Card below to go to our membership page & application
TAFC Gold Membership Benefits Free entry to all home league games 20% off at the bar in the clubhouse One free day pass Free hot drink 10% of first meeting room booking
5% discount on fees
Free initial consultation 25% of first year’s fees Tax consultancy or accounts/ finance related services 15% off food
20% off food and beverages 10% off Spa treatments
Team Sponsors First Team
Reserves
U16
U18 New sponsor wanted. Please contact Graham Bright for more information
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ALWAYS REQUIRED TEL (01923) 224808