After a competitive game against a good Wormley side, the team came away with the Herts Charity Shield last night.

The game started in a frantic fashion with Wormley starting on the front foot initially, and there was a clear warning when Josh was forced into a fine save on 9mins. The lads started to settle and play some fine football, wrestling the initiative from our opponents. Our approach play was excellent but we were struggling to create clear cut chances. That changed on 21mins when Dylan picked the ball up on the left and drove on to the edge of the box before unleashing a fine strike which curled into the top corner 1 – 0 Tring. We started to dictate the play and created a number of fine chances, with both Bailey and Sheps coming close, and we really should have extended our lead. That said, Wormley forced another fine stop from Josh which could easily have resulted in an equaliser. The half time whistle blew and we went in 1-0 up, which was probably about right.

Wormley started the second half much as they started the first, on the front foot. However, the lads held a great shape and were solid in defence which restricted scoring opportunities. With the lads defending resolutely and quite deeply, it did only seem a matter of time until Wormley would be caught on the break. Shep came very close on 55mins when he latched on to a superb through ball but his shot narrowly missed. Wormley continued to press forward, leaving themselves exposed but failed to really test Josh. The second goal came on 63mins when a through ball was not dealt with, and the mistake allowed Max to pick the ball up and run in on goal – Max went on to cooly skip around the keeper and slot home.

2-0 up and looking comfortable and in control, but that was not to last. On 82mins Wormley scrambled a goal from a corner which set up a tense finish for the watching Tring Army. With 6mins of added time Wormley pushed forward and launched the ball into the box at every opportunity. However, the lads defended admirably and saw the game out to the final whistle – a great result.

This was a good performance and a deserved victory, against a Wormely side who also played some good football and were very determined – they deserve credit for their part in a good final. The lads played some lovely football at times, took their chances when it mattered and defended well. Onwards to Saturday!

A special mention to the small band of young travelling supporters, who made a tremendous noise throughout with their drum and extensive songbook – fantastic support.