A good win and all 3 points were the reward following a long road trip to Sawbridgeworth Town – probably our longest away trip.

Despite the journey, there was a decent level of travelling support who witnessed a battling, if not a pretty, performance against a very hard-working side.

Tring started brightly and after 5 mins there were two successive corners, the second of which was almost converted by Smyth but the keeper did well to save and parry before the ball was scrambled away.

Following this the game developed into a battle of attrition in the midfield with both teams cancelling each other out. Chances at either end were few and far between, although Tring looked dangerous every time the ball was played across and up field to Max so that he could run at the defence. On 44 mins one such ball found Max again and his quick movement drew a foul from the defender just outside the area. Max stepped up and struck a delightful free kick into the top corner, well out of the reach of the desperate dive of the keeper. This really did illuminate what had been a pretty dull first half in all honesty. At the half time whistle Tring had just about done enough to justify their 1-0 lead.

The second half was an entirely different affair, with both teams changing shape slightly and pushing forward to create chances. On 55mins Gould in the Tring goal made a fine save at his near post, and this was followed shortly after by a great defensive block to prevent a certain goal – at this point Sawbridgeworth were really pressing us for an equaliser but our defensive shape was good. We had our own moments and chances of course, and one talking point was when Meadie was upended in the box for what seemed like a certain penalty – however, the referee deemed there to be insufficient contact? It was great to see both Ben and Godlove come on from the bench, and their introduction certainly swung momentum Tring’s way. They are an exciting combination and made for an uncomfortable last 20 mins for the home defence.
Pressure finally told on 87mins when Eli threaded a superb ball through to Ben who took it on and calmly slotted home to wrap up the points. 2-0 Tring at the final whistle.

This was a hard working performance by the lads after a punishing schedule of games, and for this they deserve great credit. They showed real grit, and enough quality to win this game. An important 3 points and a clean sheet - maybe we’re not primarily just a cup team after all.

Team: Gould, Cornick, Deer, Sales, F. Hercules, Carbery (Capt), Smyth, M.Hercules, Jones, O’Conner, Mead. Subs: Harvey, Kakenbo, Hearn, Sharkey, Oppong.