Match report by Tony Deer

Colney Heath V Tring Athletic 07/09/2024

After a good win in the cup it was important for the team to carry forward their confidence into the league programme to stay in touch towards the top of the table.

Kicking off a couple of minutes before 3pm Colney got off to a fast start with a good chance after 2 minutes but Gouldy saved comfortably. It was cut and thrust and a bit of handbags after 4 minutes saw a booking for Jack Harvey and the Colney 11. Tring broke quickly form the resulting free kick winning a corner and from the break down in play Dylan played in Max who shot tamely at the keeper. Colney were winning lots of second ball and after 12 minutes following another attack down their left, a cross in wasn’t dealt with by the Tring defence and after a bit of pinball in the box Colney netted.

Two minutes later Gouldy saved well again. Colney were winning more of the battles and trying to press their advantage, but Tring continued to be a threat on the break. A great cross field ball by Frankie found his brother Max who squared superbly for Bailey but he fluffed his lines, a header well wide and a long range effort from Shep showed we were still in this game for all Colney’s possession and Tring finished the half stronger.

Half Time 1-0 to the home side.

Tring came out unchanged but set up with 3 at the back and immediately they took a foothold in midfield. Harry Beaumont shielding the defence, and we were on the front foot from the off. Ten minutes in a great move down the right culminated in a good effort from Harry Shepherd saved well by their keeper. Two minutes later a delightful dummy by Max presented Frankie with an opportunity which was well turned over.

Colney had an effort after 60 minutes well saved again by Gouldy. Jack Harvey, solid as ever, replaced by Ben to add firepower up front and 2 minutes later a speculative drive from 30 yards by Shep was deflected over the keeper making it 1-1 and game on!

10 minutes later and the subs were on, Cornick off with an injured wrist replaced by Adam Sawyer, Dylan and Frankie off for Jonesy and young Blake Argent. Tring were now the much the better side with Colney seemingly resorting to a long ball game which played into the hands of the Tring defence, well marshalled by Carbs. Tring pressure was starting to show with yet another corner followed by a shot from Max which well saved and a cross from Max blocked by a hand, resulting in a free kick!

A good delivery was only punched onto what seemed to be his own player by their keeper and rebounded to Ben who was able to slot home after 82 minutes. Colney chased the game and with 2 minutes to go were through on goal, but recalled for offside. Into the 6th minute of injury time and ‘all hands on deck’ as the Tring defence blocked 2 successive Colney shots. After 8 added minutes the Ref ended the game an Tring can reflect on a great comeback win. I cannot single out any player in particular but a special mention to James Sales who has played 3 matched this week.

Team: Gould, Cornick, Shepherd, Beaumont, M. Hercules, Jack Harvey, F. Hercules, Sales, Fitzpatrick, Carberry, Osborne. Subs: Sawyer, Kakembo, Jones, Argent, Bowyer, (all played their part)