Tring Athletic 3 - 1 Biggleswade United

THAT’S MORE LIKE IT

After some recent indifferent and disappointing performances and results which resulted in home defeats against Shefford Town and Potton United we showed our true mettle to book our place in the Quarter Final of the Premier Division Cup where we will meet London Lions away.

This was a super performance by the players against a very good Biggleswade United outfit who picked up 7 points from their previous 3 League games which included a terrific 3-3 draw away at top of the table Real Bedford. In those 3 games they scored 10 goals and in our earlier League encounters they beat us home and away with 11 goals being scored in total, so this cup tie had all the makings of a good attacking game and so it proved to be the case.

A significant factor in those defeats against Shefford and Potton was that in both games we conceded first and then spent the rest of the games chasing a goal. This time it was us who got our noses in front and it made all the difference.

With no League points at stake cup matches nearly always seem to produce more exciting encounters and this game was no exception with a cracking start right from the kick off as Greg Deer went on a storming run straight through the heart of the visitor’s midfield before being brought down,

A few minutes later Max Hercules whipped in a superb cross which Harrison Mead looked certain to score from but somehow the opposition’s keeper Tom Wyatt managed to lean back and scoop it out of the net (although spectators standing nearby swear that it crossed the line). Not to be outdone the visitors leading scorer Corree Wilson went close with his shot going just past the far post. Looking at the watch only 4 minutes had been played.

Two minutes later we got an important early goal when Max Hercules released Adam Sawyer down the left wing with a superb pass. Adam used his trusty left foot to fire in a great cross which the keeper spilled giving Liam Smyth an easy tap in to get us off to a great start. Score 1-0.

Liam Smyth had the chance to double our lead in the 11th minute when Max Hercules sent him through our opponent’s high line with a fine pass but his attempt to lob the keeper didn’t come off. A minute later the same two players were involved in another opportunity with Liam just failing to connect with Max’s cross.

United were dangerous on the break particularly through their speedy winger Taishan Griffiths who produced a number of decent crosses but we were in the right positions to clear the danger. When a cross was not cleared Adam Sawyer was on hand to nullify a potential scoring chance with a superb tackle on Griffiths

In the 18th minute Coree Wilson was played in on goal but Vicente Luciani produced a terrific save to keep our lead intact. Vicente is a key member of our highly successful U18’s Youth Team and his handling throughout the game was safe and assured. He also has great kicking skills and is without doubt a great prospect for the future. From the resulting corner Markel Cousins shot wide when in a good position.

We were playing some great football and looked a threat on the break with Max Hercules firing a powerful shot just over. Both keepers were tested with well hit shots but they were within their comfort zones and were easily saved.

As half time approach the opposition stepped up the pressure and saw a lot of the ball but we looked well organised in defence and comfortably took our one goal lead into the break. HT Score 1-0.

We started the second half well with Liam Smyth, Max Hercules and Harrison Mead all getting clear sights of goal but failing to beat the keeper. United responded through Coree Wilson who hit the side netting after being forced wide.

We rang the changes which included bringing on Ben Kakembo which proved to be a masterstroke as the youngster presented an immediate goal threat. He had an effort cleared off the line after Harrison Mead was denied by the keeper then eight minutes later Noah Butler (another member of our U18’s Team) slipped a lovely pass through and Ben held off the challenge from a defender and then coolly drove a shot past the keeper. Score 2-0.

Ben’s second goal arrived in the 85th minute thanks to a terrific run by Harrison Mead, who had earlier forced the keeper into a smart save from a free kick from nearly 30 yards. This time Meady dribbled his way through the opposition’s defence with Ben being on hand to convert from close range. It was encouraging to see two teenagers combining to put us in a strong winning position. Score 3-0.

With time up we conceded a soft and it has to be said an iffy penalty, which Coree Wilson tucked away for his 24 goal of the season. Score 3-1.

With only 5 minutes of added time left United surged forward looking for an improbably draw but we held on for a fully merited win. FT Score 3-1.

This was a superb performance by the team and such a big improvement from some of the previous recent games. We fully deserved the victory and it helped to have such a strong bench with players that can make a real difference when they come on.

However, there is no time to relax as we have Baldock Town visiting the Michael Anthony Stadium on Thursday for another cup game this time the Challenge Trophy. Then on Saturday its back to League action with a difficult trip to inform Harpenden Town.

Team:

TA: Vincente Luciani, Lee Stobbs, Adam Sawyer (Harry Jones 62), George Carbery (Capt), Dave O’Connor, Jack Harvey (Noah Butler 68), Greg Deer (Harrison Cornick 88), Harry Shepherd, Harrison Mead, Max Hercules (Frankie Hercules 78), Liam Smyth (Ben Kakembo 65).

Scorers:

TA: Liam Smyth (6), Ben Kakembo (78, 85)

BU: Coree Wilson (Pen 90)

Crowd: 66