Official Programme
Tring Athletic v Leverstock Green Tuesday 1st March 2022 7.45pm Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division Cup
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 evening & welcome to the Grass Roots Stadium for the visit of Leverstock Green in this season’s Premier Division Cup. We welcome their players, officials and supporters and wish them a safe journey home afterwards. Well March has come around quickly and our recent turn of fortunes on the pitch has seen us pull away from the relegation zone. We have a tough away game at Leighton Town next week which I’m sure the lads will relish. Our match sponsors this evening are Pendley Day Nursey who recently celebrate their 1st birthday based here in our clubhouse providing an excellent childcare provision. We would like to 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 13) including our next home game against Oxhey Jets next Tuesday & New Salamis on the following Saturday, 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. Action below from TAFC 2-3 Leverstock Green in April 2008. Click on the image to read the match report & for more pictures
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 •
Page 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 20-22—Introducing our opponents
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Pages 29-32 —On this Day, we look at a 4-1 win over Met Police Bushey from 2011.
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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 our 3rd goal against Holmer Green from our 3-1 win 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
New Salamis Risborough Rangers Leighton Town Hadley Harpenden Town Leverstock Green Arlesey Town Flackwell Heath Oxhey Jets Ardley United Aylesbury Vale Dynamos Harefield United Dunstable Town Milton Keynes Irish Broadfields United Tring Athletic London Colney Baldock Town Holmer Green Crawley Green
28 25 29 26 29 29 30 26 27 26 29 27 27 27 26 27 28 27 27 28
21 20 16 17 14 15 13 14 11 10 10 9 9 9 9 7 7 6 5 4
3 4 8 4 7 2 7 3 4 6 6 7 7 6 1 5 3 5 4 4
4 1 5 5 8 12 10 9 12 10 13 11 11 12 16 15 18 16 18 20
Table as at Monday 28th February 2022
51 56 34 29 10 11 -2 21 -23 10 -8 8 -11 -3 -16 -17 -42 -17 -54 -37
66 64 56 55 49 47 46 45 37 36 36 34 34 33 28 26 24 23 19 16
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 15th January—Harefield United Saturday 5th February—Hadley Saturday 23rd April– Aylesbury Vale Dynamos Tuesday 1st March —Leverstock Green Saturday 8th March—Oxhey Jets Saturday 12th March—New Salamis Saturday 2nd April—Ardley United Tuesday 19th April—Risborough Rangers Saturday 23th April—Crawley Green
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 The Cook Partnership Pendley Day Nursey The Cook Partnership Pendley Day Nursey 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 15 Jan Tue 18 Jan Tue 26 Jan Sat 29 Jan Sat 5 Feb Tues 8 Feb Tue 22 Feb Tues 1 Mar Sat 5 Mar Tue 8 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
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 L1-2 W1-1 L3-2 W2-1 L3-0 L2-1 W0-4 L0-4 w3-0 L0-1 L3-0 L0-1 W0-2 L-2-3 L1-0 L0-1 W2-3 L5-0 W1-3 W2-1 D2-2 W4-1 7.45pm 3pm 7.45pm 3pm 3pm 3pm 3pm 3pm 3pm 7.45pm 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 Away 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 Home Premier Division Cup Away Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Home 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 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 Harefield United Broadfields United Baldock Town Holmer Green Hadley New Salamis Aylesbury Vale Dynamos Leverstock Green Leighton Town Oxhey Jets New Salamis Harpenden Town London Colney Ardley United Arlesey Town Leverstock Green Risborough Rangers Crawley Green
Today’s Squads
Tring Athletic FC
Jake Alley Harry Seabrook Harrison Cornick Oliver Butler George Carbery Frankie Hercules Tommy Twelves Adam Sawyer Emmanuel Gbejuade Adiel Mannion Leo Farruch Godlove Oppong Jack Stevens Luke Peerless Elijah Hearn Ronan Hutchins Charlie Miller Will Bisney
Manager - Ryan Sturges Asst Manager- Lee Groves Coach—Gareth Jackson Technical coach—Ian Richardson GK Coach - Gary Looker
Leverstock Green FC 1. Alfie Bonfield 2. Adrian Pitfield 3. Rio Beach 4. Dan Weeks (c) 5. Paul Marks 6. Kian Wilkes 7. Elgeniy Daalberg 8. Dan Pett 9. Rawn Seale 10. Paplamin Jawara 11. Lewis Collins 12. Jack Allen 14. Ryan Carruthers 16. Adam Page 17. Brad Robinson 18. Sean Walsh
Manager: Fergus Moore Asst Manager: Scott McGleish Coaches: Paul Marks, AJ Findlay & Darren Bonfield
Next Up
Oxhey Jets Tuesday 8th March Kick off 7.45pm
FREE £7.00
£7.00 FREE £4.00
Today’s Visitors 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.
Leverstock Green 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.
Today’s Officials Referee
Chris Flack
Assistant Referee Assistant Referee
Gary Ogden Faris Ahmad
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. January winners The monthly 100 draw was undertaken at half time during the Saffron Walden game. The lucky winners were: £100 Alan Dumpleton £50 Peggy Herbert £20 John Eadie £20 Sean Rutherford £20 David Lawless 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 HEADLINES Following on from the recent FA Premier League transfer deadline day this weekend saw stand transfer day as we had Dudley on Wednesday, Eunice on Friday and Franklin Saturday causing several stands or parts of stands making unexpected moves. Saturday brought about 21 goals from the 5 games (an average of 4.20 per game). Saturday Stats: 5 games played of which 3 were home wins, 1 away win and 1 draw. (Most League Wins – all Divisions): 21 Stotfold 20 New Salamis, Winslow United 19 Risborough Rangers (Most League Draws – all Divisions): 8 Penn & Tylers Green 7 Arlesey Town, Dunstable Town, Harefield United, Leighton Town 6 Ardley United, Aylesbury Vale Dynamos, Harpenden Town, Milton Keynes Irish, Ampthill Town, Bedford, Thame United Reserves (Most League Defeats – all Divisions): 23 Irchester United, 20 Crawley Green, 19 Burton Park Wanderers. Without a Draw: (Division Two League): Aston Clinton and Codicote. Most Goals Scored: (Premier Division League): 79 New Salamis. (Division One League): 88 Stotfold. (Division Two League):76 Pitstone & Ivinghoe. Most Goals Conceded: (Premier Division League): 81 Holmer Green. (Division One League): 90 Irchester United. (Division Two League): 60 Buckingham United. Fewest Goals Conceded: (Premier Division League): 14 Risborough Rangers. (Division One League): 21 Winslow United. (Division Two League): 16 Old Bradwell United. Fewest Goals Scored: (Premier Division League): 29 London Colney. (Division One League): 27 Irchester United. (Division Two League): 23 The 61FC (Luton). Saturday Highest Attendances: 76 Pitstone & Ivinghoe v Totternhoe, 49 New Salamis v Harpenden Town and 42 Crawley Green v Arlesey Town. Season’s Highest Attendances to date (Premier Division Clubs): 868 Leighton Town v Luton Town (Beds Senior Cup), 473 Leighton Town v Broadfields United and 449 Leighton Town v Aylesbury Vale Dynamos. Season’s Highest Attendances to date (Division One Clubs): 1904 Long Crendon v Wycombe Wanderers (Berks & Bucks Senior Cup), 533 Stotfold v Winslow United and 404 Stotfold v Ampthill Town.
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
Season’s Highest Attendances to date (Division Two Clubs): 212 Bovingdon v Totternhoe, 175 Bovingdon v Berkhamsted Raiders and 134 Totternhoe v Leighton Town (Gladwish Challenge Trophy). Saturday 19th February PREMIER DIVISION Two Premier Division games survived the cull of postponements, leaders New Salamis were held 1-1 at home by Harpenden Town while Arlesey Town won by the odd goal in three at bottom club Crawley Green, interesting fact was all the goals at both games were scored in the first half. Full results and goalscorers are listed below. 1-2 Crawley Green v Arlesey Town (Rancine) / (Davis, Cameron [pen]) Attendance: 42 1-1 New Salamis v Harpenden Town (Asamoah) / (Opponent Own Goal) Attendance: 49 DIVISION ONE Long Crendon moved back into the play-off places with a 4-1 home win over visiting Burton Park Wanderers on the day’s only Division One fixture to beat the storm thanks to a 3G surface although after all the midweek euphoria the hosts would have been disappointed with the low turn-out. Full result and goalscorers are listed below. 4-1 Long Crendon v Burton Park Wanderers (O Lethbridge [2], Simpson, Pettingell) / (Fitzjohm [pen]) Attendance: 26 DIVISION TWO Two games survived the storms, one played on 3G the other on grass. Pitstone & Ivinghoe ran riot in their ‘derby’ game with Totternhoe, the hosts winning 7-0, their biggest home win since putting nine past The 61FC (Luton) back in October 2019. The other action saw Milton Keynes College Football Academy defeating visiting bottom of the table Tring Corinthians AFC 3-1. Full results and goalscorers are listed below. 3-1 Milton Keynes College Football Academy v Tring Corinthians AFC (Ward [2], Davis) / (Nevin) Attendance: 25 7-0 Pitstone & Ivinghoe v Totternhoe (Downes [2], Murphy [2], Guiney, Hall, Wilkes) Attendance: 76
On This Day—1 March 2008 A goal in each half from Trevor Gibbs and David Whicker secured a good win and made it 19 points collected from our last 7 games. As we enter the last quarter of the season the team is building up an encouraging head of steam with a string of good results, with 19 points collected out of a possible 21. This was a match between 2 in form sides as Langford had won 5 out of their previous 6 league games and were looking to jump above us in the table as they were only 1 place and 1 point behind us at the start of play. After an even first half during which we took the lead with a well worked goal, we stepped up the pace after the break and should not have needed to wait until the dying moments before we could be sure of the points. Back in early December Langford gave us a 6-0 pasting on their own ground but we are a different proposition at The Grass Roots Stadium and our record against them now shows just 2 defeats in 11 games at home. There was 1 change to the side that claimed a great victory over Brimsdown Rovers on Tuesday night, with Kerry Gordon dropping out through suspension and being replaced by Paul Aldridge making a welcome return after missing 3 games through injury. To accommodate Aldo’s return to central defence, Chris Salmon was moved to left back. With Ian Wilkinson, Phil Otum and Andy Humphreys all still injured and Terry Phillips and Steve Hutchins unavailable there are still quite a few players to return. We started well and Trevor Gibbs had the distinction of having the first shot after just 30 seconds but it hardly troubled Steve Young in the visitor’s goal. We had the better of the early possession and territory but we were not causing the Langford defence any problems. Our guests were dangerous going forward with Craig Skelton and Gary Walker looking lively up front. After our good opening spell Langford had a good 10 minute period with Gary Walker latching onto a long ball and firing wide. David Foskett then headed a dangerous cross over his own bar as Langford attacked with menace. A flick on by David Whicker from a Chris Salmon free kick nearly picked out Danny Gray and after some neat interplay on the edge of the visitor’s area David Whicker had a shot blocked. Robert Groves whipped in a fierce free kick with his left foot which Paul Aldridge headed inadvertently goalwards forcing Lee Clark into a diving save. The ball fell loose to Langford’s centre back Joe De-La-Salle but he failed to take advantage of the opportunity, although a goal would not have counted as he was offside. We had another scare when Groves and left back Ross Scotney combined well down the left and Dave Salmon did well to clear the cross over his own bar. Some great play by Mark Burfoot sent David Whicker through into the area but under pressure from a defender he shot straight at the keeper.
TAFC 2-0 Langford It had been a fairly even game but in the 33rd minute we broke the ice with a well worked goal. Mark Burfoot cleverly found the unmarked David Whicker on the right and although he looked offside he was being played on by the right back across the other side of the pitch. David raced into the area an appeared to have lost the opportunity to score when he neatly turned inside the defender, but he looked up and intelligently picked out Trevor Gibbs who coolly placed his shot wide of the keeper for his 12th goal of the season. A few minutes later Langford nearly pulled a goal back when a back header from Chris Salmon fell short of Lee Clark and Gary Walker seized on the loose ball but fortunately for us his shot was blocked by Lee. At the break we had a slender 1-0 lead but there was not much to choose between the 2 sides in the first 45 minutes. After the interval it was a different story after management orders to up the tempo and play it short to feet saw us take the initiative and create a number of good scoring chances. There was some early defensive duties needed which lead to Chris Salmon heading the ball out for a corner after a free kick had been redirected across our goal. We responded with Ali Thornley getting past the left back and crossing for Mark Burfoot who was unable to get much purchase on the ball and the keeper was able to save. Dave Brown sent over a good far post cross which the tall Robert Groves headed wide and we wasted a great chance when Ali Thornley fired the ball high over the bar when Danny Gray was in a good position. From a corner Paul Aldridge headed the ball on and Chris Salmon showed some great skill to volley it just wide of the goal. Just past the hour Danny Gray and Trevor Gibbs linked superbly down the left and when the latter’s firm cross came in David Whicker was there but his header clipped the bar and went over. When the visitors centre half missed the bounce of the ball, David Whicker sent Ali Thornley through and his cross found Mark Burfoot who shot wide when well placed.
TAFC 2-0 Langford We were doing most of the attacking with Langford looking to catch us on the break and they went close when Gary Walker’s header from a Robert Groves cross clipped the top of the bar. Mark Burfoot just failed to pick out Trevor Gibbs with a cross and from a well worked corner Ali Thornley forced the keeper to save his shot with his feet. Darren Caseman came on for Mark Burfoot, as much to keep Burf fit for Tuesday nights match, and with his first touch could have scored. His close range shot was changed down by the keeper and the loose ball was fired off target by David Whicker. In making the save the keeper accidentally caught Darren’s leg and although he tried to run it off he had to come off after only 7 minutes on the pitch. He was replaced by Matt Myatt making only his 2nd appearance for the First Team. A Trevor Gibbs cross was missed by both Ali Thornley and Danny Gray and with time running out the lack of a 2nd goal was at the back of the minds of our supporters. The slenderest of leads was nearly wiped out in the 85 minute when the skilful Robert Groves languidly hit a long range shot with his cultured left foot and we were relieved to see it hit the bar and bounce down to safety. A minute later we should have put the game to bed when a clearance was headed on and David Whicker was in the clear. But instead of shooting he tried to round the keeper who did well to pounce on the ball. Decisions can change and win games and the appearance of Ty North for Ali Thornley with just 4 minutes of normal time left proved to be crucial. In the 89th minute Ty went up for a header down the left wing then showed tremendous tenacity to chase the loose ball to the by line and send over a great cross where David Whicker was waiting to convert from close range and give us that all important 2 goal cushion. It was a just reward for a good performance from David who slotted in well to the unfamiliar role of being the main support to Mark Burfoot. Ty North nearly set up another goal when his cross was miss hit by Trevor Gibbs straight to Danny Gray who fired well wide. The last piece of action saw Gary Walker have a shooting chance but his effort went well wide. The whistle finally went for a well deserved and convincing 2 goal win against a good Langford side. It was a much better performance in the 2nd half and it was a good all round team performance. The defence of the 2 Salmon brothers, Chris and David, Paul Aldridge and skipper David Foskett looked very sound and they kept a firm grip on the most prolific attack in the Premier Division which had scored 83 goals in 32 games. In the last 6 games we have kept 5 clean sheets and conceded just 1 goal which is a great achievement. The 3 points collected keeps us in 6th position in the table just 1 point behind Brimsdown Rovers in 4th place. With 2 semi-finals coming up and the prospect of a top 4 finish there is still a lot to play for and a lot for our supporters to look forward to.
TAFC 2-0 Langford Teams: TA: Lee Clark, David Foskett (Capt), Chris Salmon, Paul Aldridge, David Salmon, Sam Wilkinson, David Whicker, Trevor Gibbs, Mark Burfoot (Darren Caseman 74) (Matt Myatt 81), Ali Thornley (Ty North 86), Danny Gray. Sub not used: Rob Duncan. L: Steve Young, Luke Nichol, Ross Scotney, Adam Pitcairn (Capt), Joe De-La-Salle, Mark Wright, Dave Brown, Rowan Hedley (Dave Ralph 79), Craig Skelton (Ollie Manning 70), Gary Walker, Robert Groves. Sub not used: Andy Carter. Goals: TA:
Trevor Gibbs (33), Dave Whicker (89)
L:
None
Crowd: 86
TAFC Reserves TAFC 3-1 Buntingford Town Click on the image below to see match highlights
Our reserves are sponsored by NP Electrics
Sponsored by NP Electrics Herts Senior County League - Division One POS
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Hertford Heath First Oracle Components First Hinton First Buntingford Town First Bovingdon Reserves Aldenham FC First Hatfield United First Evergreen First Standon & Puckeridge FC Harpenden Town Reserves Hertford United FC First
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Results
Next Up
Sat 5 February
Bovingdon 1-0 TAFC
Sat 12 February
TAFC 3-1 Buntingford Town
Sat 19 February
Aldenham 2-1 TAFC
Sat 12 March
Hinton (H) 3pm
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
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Results
Next Up
P
Ware FC Academy U18 EJA London Lions U18 EJA St Albans City FC Academy U18 Leighton Town Youth U18 London Colney Youth U18 EJA BSC FC Youth U18 EJA Baldock Town U18 EJA Tring Athletic U18 EJA
11 10 11 10 7 11 11 7
W
D
9 7 7 6 4 3 1 0
L
0 1 0 0 0 1 1 1
GD
2 2 4 4 3 7 9 6
29 10 22 4 -1 -8 -38 -18
PTS
27 22 21 18 12 10 4 1
Sun
6th February
St Albans City 4-1 TAFC
League
Sun
13th February
TAFC 0-1 (AET) Hornchurch
Cup
Sun
6th March
London Colney (A) 12.30pm
Cup
Sun
13th March
BSC FC Youth (H) KO TBC
League
Sun
20th March
Ware Academy (A) 2pm
League
U16s Eastern Junior Alliance League - U16 Green POS
P
W
D
L
GD
PTS
1 Ryan (Youth) U16 Red EJA
11
9
1
1
33
28
2 Enfield Borough (Youth) U16 Leopards 3 Hemel Hempstead Town Youth U16 Blacks 4 Cockfosters (Youth) U16
10
7
2
1
29
23
10
7
1
2
23
22
13
6
2
5
18
20
5 London Colney Youth U16 EJA 6 Berkhamsted FC Youth U16 EJA
11 9
5 3
1 2
5 4
13 -4
16 11
7 Edgware Town U16
12
3
2
7
-7
11
8 Tring Athletic U16 EJA
10
3
1
6
-1
10
9 Hadley Youth U16 EJA
12
0
0
12 -104
Results
Next Up
0
Sun 6 February
Hemel Town Blacks 2-1 TAFC
League
Sun 13 February
TAFC 2-0 Ware
Cup
Sun 27 February
TAFC 1-1 London Colney (H) (5-3 pens)
Cup
Sun 6 March
Enfield Borough Leopards (A) KO TBC
League
Sun 2oth March
Ryan Youth (H) KO TBC
League
Sun 27th March
Edware Town (A) KO TBC
League
Supporting Tring Athletic FC since 2014 Insurance Reports Landlord Certification Commercial Lighting New Installations Emergency Call Out Contact
www.np-electrics.co.uk hello@np-electrics.co.uk T: 01442 828315 M: 07917 100813
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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BUILDERS OF QUALITY HOMES DEVELOPMENT SITES ALWAYS REQUIRED TEL (01923) 224808