Saturday saw that lads kick off our 2025/6 campaign away at Potton United, always such a nice club to visit.
The travelling Tring Army were wondering whether the team could carry their impressive pre-season form into the league. We need not have wondered as the lads started the game where pre-season left off, with some fine flowing football and controlling the game nicely. Whilst we looked threatening each time we moved forward, the first real chance came on 6 minutes when a clever ball in by the classy Ed Daffern put Harry in, only for the keeper to save well with his feet.

Max had shot just wide after 10 mins and we continued to dominate the game and press for the opening goal, which duly arrived on 27mins. A driving run and cross from Ed found Frankie in space who turned and shot – the keeper parried but only into the path of Eli who tapped in for a birthday goal.

The goal did prompt a good spell from Potton but they were unable to carve out any meaningful chances. Tring still maintained good possession however, and both Frankie and Ed coming close as we pushed for a second. As the half time whistle blew we were left marvelling a very good performance, but also slightly concerned that we only had a single goal for our efforts – would we live to regret that? Half time 1-0 Tring.

The team certainly answered any worries with a blistering start to the second half. In the space of two or three minutes Max has an effort from close range somehow saved by the excellent Potton keeper, and Ed had a shot tipped on to the bar. Despite our near constant pressure, Potton defended well until Frankie slotted in a free kick from a fairly wide position on 55mins to make it 2-0. The second goal seemed to relax the team (and supporters!) and they looked as if they were really enjoying their football – continuing to play lovely passing football. The third goal came as no surprise on 65 mins when Eli had a run up the right and put a cross in which found Max in space and he volleyed the ball into the net with some style.

To be fair to Potton, they kept trying to play and create chances and were rewarded on 79mins when a low ball into the box from a wide position found its way into the net via a deflection. However, any hopes of a comeback were quickly quashed three minutes later on 83mins with arguably the goal of the game. A passing movement through midfield found its way to Sheps on the left hand corner of the penalty box, and he turned and curled a loverly right foot shot into the top corner of the net via the bar/post.
There was still time for a fifth goal on 88mins when Max dispatched a penalty after having been hauled down in the box. Final whistle and 5-1 to Tring.

This was a very, very good performance with the lads playing some really lovely football. Credit to Potton also for the game and not letting their heads drop. Credit also to Potton for excellent hospitality as ever – they really are a lovely club to visit. The highlight of the half time hospitality was Pauline’s superb fruit cake, matured with a touch of brandy apparently. In some ways that cake summed up the performance of Tring team – hugely enjoyable, fulfilling and highly potent. Certainly left the Tring Amy wanting more – well done to the lads and the Management Team. Onwards!

As a footnote, Potton made Max their Man of the Match on their socials – a very generous and classy thing to do.

Team: Freddie Burroughs, James Kimber, Greg Deer, Frankie Hercules, Luke Peerless, Max Hercules, Edwin Daffern, Blake Argent, Eli Hearn, Mason Clarke, Harry Shepferd.
Subs (all used): Jack Harvey, Dylan Fitzpatrick, Harry Beaumont, Lincoln Gilmartin, Lee Stobb