Herts Senior Cup Round 1

2006 was an interesting year. Tony Blair was in his last full year as Prime Minister. England lost on penalties (again) at the World Cup in Germany. In Coronation Street, Mike Baldwin died in the arms of arch nemesis Ken Barlow following a heart attack. Wolves missed out narrowly on getting to the play-offs for the umpteenth time. Although these traumatic events in British history seem like only yesterday, unbelievably 3 of the Tring starting XI were not even born when they were taking place. Vicente Luciano, Joel Whitworth and Jonah Howgego were thrown into the mix with fellow 16 year-old Noah Butler on the bench. Ryan Sturges had rung the changes following an unlucky defeat at Biggleswade United and his boldness reaped rewards as his young side secured an excellent away Cup win against higher league opponents.

The start was competitive with Hadley pushing Tring back but the lads slowly but surely got a grip and asserted themselves in the game. Doc had returned in the centre of defence and was a colossus throughout. Tring had the ball in the net from a Max cross on 20 mins but it was ruled out for offside. 10 mins later the lads got their just rewards. Jonah did one of his fearless runs to drive forward with the ball. He pivoted and swung a perfect cross over for Frankie Hercules to rise majestically at the far post and nod back across the keeper into the net. 1-0 to the lads!

The temerity of the Step 5 club doing this sprung Hadley into action. they surged forward - but the Jones, O'Connor, Carbery, Whitworth back line held firm. On the stroke of half time - a howitzer volley was spectacularly turned over the bar by debutant Luciano.

The second half turned into a war of attrition with Tring holding firm and restricting Hadley chances - and looking dangerous on the counter. Luciano looked efficient and assured in goal - making a couple of fine saves. Frankie was hauled down on a break but Carbery muffed his lines and his penalty was easily saved. Fans feared the worst but Tring survived the late onslaught of corners and set pieces with aplomb. Hadley had a man sent off in frustration. The lads had secured and excellent victory and look forward to the next round.

Luciano, Jones, Whitworth, Harvey, O'Connor, Carbery, Howgego, Hercules (F), Smyth, Hercules (H), Peerless. Subs - Butler, Sheppard, Stobbs