Tring Athletic lost 3-2 to Crawley Green FC after a thrilling end-to-end match.

After a weekend of warmth, Tring were welcomed back to the Grassroots stadium by the rain, where they looked to improve upon their performance against Stansted.

A minute's silence was observed by the players and the fans for Leverstock Green club secretary Dean Bradford who sadly passed away last week.

The game started evenly in the turgid weather, as both teams looked to establish dominance. Max Hercules, who was bright and brilliant on the left hand side for Tring this match, saw a shot blaze over the bar early into the match.

However, it was the visitors who struck first. In the tenth minute, a corner from the right hand side sailed over the head of Tring ‘keeper Sam Souter and was eventually bundled over the line by Crawley.

Conceding this goal woke Tring up, and ten minutes later they drew themselves level. More brilliant work on the left from Max Hercules working some nice interplay with Giuseppe Delgaudio carved a chance for Adam Sawyer to absolutely bury a shot in the top right corner of the net to equalise the match.

The game evened out once more after this, but Tring came very close to conceding and it was only after some stellar defensive work from Jamie Ovington that the stalemate was protected, as he did extremely well to clear the ball off of the line in the 33rd minute.

The first half came to a close without much incident after this, and the boys went in after the whistle still competing well for the ball, and playing with their usual hunger and competence with the ball.

However, the second half started very poorly as Tring conceded within two minutes of the half starting. A feint from the Crawley striker opened up a pocket of space for him to turn into and shoot from which sailed past Souter unfortunately.

Tring struggled to break back into the match after this, with neither team really able to get a real foothold in the match. But, it was Tring who struck next. Liam Smith did well to latch on to a mistake from a Crawley defender and was able to push all the way through on goal and slot the ball past the oncoming ‘keeper to level the game once again.

With the tie levelled, it was then Tring’s turn to push for a goal to put them ahead for the first time. The Crawley ‘keeper was working hard to keep the game level, saving well from a Harry Shepherd shot from distance, as well as pressure being put on his goal. Seppe headed a shot just agonisingly wide of the post following a free kick.

Yet, for all this positive play that the lads showed, it was the away team that were able to grab the victory. Another corner that was played into the Tring box in the 89th minute was frustratingly tucked away by the opponents to give them the victory.

The boys played well, but were unlucky in key areas. They will no doubt be readying themselves for the next league tie against Sawbridgeworth Town, again at the Grassroots stadium; for a match that we hope you will be joining us!

Match Report prepared by Sam Webber