Tring Athletic narrowly beat Colney Heath FC 1-0 at the Grassroots Stadium after a tight, tense match.

The boys put in an impressive defensive display to see off Colney Heath, with the only goal coming from the penalty spot.

The match started under the lovely twilight sun as a very scrappy match. Neither team could really get a hold on the match, as wonderful defensive work from the team ensured it was difficult for Colney Heath to get a real foothold in the match.

Unfortunately, Tring weren’t able to build upon this defending with a goal. The best chance of the half was a low driven shot from Josh Chamberlain across the face of goal that the opposing goalkeeper did well to parry away from danger.

The first half drew to a close without much incident after this chance, with the defending from both teams being on top.

However, the second half marked an improvement in the intensity from Tring. Harry Jones had a header sail just wide following a free kick from Max Hercules. Five minutes later, Chamberlain hit the side netting after a lovely turn away from the defender that he was unlucky not to convert.

This improved pressure from Tring paid off in the 75th minute. After looking dangerous around the box for much of the game, Tring were rewarded with a penalty for a foul in the box on Dave O’Connor. Up stepped Josh Chamberlain to coolly tuck away the spot kick and give Tring the lead that they had deserved for much of the match.

A second goal was almost on the cards following this, as another Max Hercules freekick from a dangerous area was played into the box, but the resulting header glanced agonisingly wide.

The rest of the game played out much as it had in the first half, with Tring’s defensive prowess being on full display for the fans. The ability to shut down the opponents before Eric Negraru could face a dangerous shot was a testament to the hard work on display from the back four, and especially from midfielder Greg Deer, who played an astounding match in the middle of the park; controlling the game and being at the heart of many moves, and was therefore deserving of the title of man of the match.

The first team's next game will be a visit to Arlesey Town on Saturday for a Premier Division game.

Team: Eric Negraru, Lee Stobbs (C), Harrison Cornick (Jamie Ovington 70), Tommy Smith, Dave O’Connor, Greg Deer, Harry Shepherd, Jack Harvey, Max Hercules, Josh Chamberlain (Jamie Rudd 88), Harry Jones (Frankie Hercules 71). Sub not used: Harrison Mead.

Crowd: 107