After a disappointing spell of wet weather which has seen us go 3 weeks without a game it was great to see the sun come out and to get back to watching a live match again at The Michael Anthony Stadium.

Our guests were Wormley Rovers who we had met on only 7 previous occasions which included 3 cup finals which we were able to win (two in the Herts Senior Centenary Trophy in 2000 and 2001 and the Herts Charity Shield last season).

However, the Worms (as they are known) will have fond memories of coming to Tring as they have only been to our stadium twice before and have won on both occasions. Last season they beat us 2-1 in the League and then ended our brilliant unbeaten run and our hopes of promotion by winning 2-1 in the Play Off Semi-Final. Sadly they missed out on going up by losing the Final on penalties after a 1-1 draw against London Lions who ironically we beat three times last season.

Like ourselves this season the Worms find themselves outside of the Play Offs (they are 2 places below us in 11th) but their recent form has improved with 3 wins from their last 4 games which included a thumping 3-0 victory over promotion chasing Kings Langley so we knew we would be in for a tough encounter.

The pitch was playable but a bit soft but full marks to both teams who made light of the difficult conditions and put on a thoroughly entertaining game. We had an early opportunity when Harry Jones set up Dylan Whitelock who was just unable to get his shot past the keeper. Soon afterwards Wormley strung together a lovely move down the right with the ball played back to the impressive midfielder Declan Nche in a decent position but he dragged his left foot shot well wide of the post. There was a cry from our supporters for a penalty when a defender appeared to handle the ball twice in the area but nothing was given.

In the 15th minute we took an early lead after a great bit of play involving Dylan Whitelock, Harry Jones and Max Hercules with Dylan instigating the move by robbing the defender then crossing the ball to Blake Argent who was able to slot the ball home at the far post. It was Blake’s debut goal for the First Team and hopefully it will be followed by many more. Score 1-0.

Our guests went close to equalising within a minute when a lovely cross from right back Cormac Clarke to the far post was met by Luca Lepley whose header bounced off the top of our bar. Blake Argent sent Max Hercules through on goal but his effort went over the bar whilst at our end the visitors centre back Dan Haigh headed a corner wide.

In the 40th minute we extended our lead when the Worms keeper Dren Hoti pushed away a shot from Dylan Fitzpatrick and Harry Jones was in the right place to convert the loose ball home to give us a 2 goal lead as we went in at half time. Again Dylan Whitelock and Max Hercules were also involved in the move. HT Score 2-0.

Six minutes after the restart Luke Peerless sent away Max Hercules whose shot went just wide of the far post. However Max, who had a terrific game and was a constant threat throughout, was not to be denied grabbing his 9th goal of the season a minute later. Dylan Whitelock, another impressive performer, started the move by picking up a loose ball from a throw in which was relayed to Max and then Blake whose shot was spilled by the keeper but Dylan Whitelock was on hand to cleverly flicked the ball to Max to stab home at the far post. Score 3-0.

With a mountain to climb the opposition Management Team made a number of substitutions in the hope that fresh legs could get them back in the game and full credit to them they pushed forward and pumped crosses into our area at every opportunity. However, we were well organised and defended stoutly and when Josh Ameganvi was called into action he showed what a safe pair of hands he has.

Worms centre back Dan Haigh decided to have a go and his long range effort was not too far over the bar. With the opposition pushing forward they left big gaps at the back with Dylan Fitzpatrick, Bailey Osborne and Max Hercules all going close with efforts on goal.

Two minutes into time added on we added a 4th goal when Dylan Fitzpatrick and Max Hercules combined to set up Blake Argent whose left foot shot brought a good save from the keeper with Bailey Osborne on hand to volley home the loose ball. FT Score 4-0.

This was a terrific all round performance against a good in form Wormley side with excellent defending and some clinical finishing in front of goal. Blake Argent was rightly chosen as Man of the Match after an outstanding game and it is great to see the youngster doing so well after coming through our youth teams.

We were missing some key players so a lot of credit must go to Ryan Sturges and his coaching team for changing our formation which worked so well at both ends of the pitch with a satisfying 4 goals and a clean sheet as well.

But there is no time to relax as we have two very tough home fixtures coming up with Winlsow United the visitors on Tuesday night followed by Haringey Borough on Saturday so let get behind the players and cheer them on.

TEAM,
TA: Josh Ameganvi, Mason Clarke, Liam Mann, James Kimber, Dylan Fitzpatrick, Max Hercules, Jack Harvey (Capt), Luke Peerless, Blake Argent, Harry Jones, Dylan Whitelock.
Subs used: Bailey Osborne, Harry Beaumont and Josh Chamberlain.
Subs not used: Jonas Kalonda, Freddie Burroughs.

Scorers

TA: Blake Argent (15), Harry Jones (40), Max Hercules (52), Bailey Osborne (90+2)

Crowd: 146

Man of the Match: Blake Argent