Saturday saw us make a visit to SSMFL Premier Division new boys Everett Rovers. It’s always nice to visit new places and the home team certainly have lovely facilities and a fine 3g playing surface.

Tring started the game with real pace and purpose and things looked really promising. The lads were playing some lovely football and creating chances. Both Sheps and Max had good chances but just missed the target, whilst Liam had a header well saved from a Max cross. Just when it looked as if we would press home or advantage having dominated the early stages of the game, Everett went up the other end and scored a goal with their first meaningful chance of the game. 1 – 0 to Everett.

The goal didn’t really change the shape of the game at this point and the lads continued to pass the ball around and dominate possession. Further chances were to come, the best of which was when Max put Sheps in with a slide rule pass only for the keeper to save well. We were to rue missed chances further when on 35mins Everett scored a second goal when a pass from midfield split our defence, giving their striker a run in on goal and he duly slotted into the net past the advancing Jake.

Once again, the lads rallied and continued to create chances, the best of which fell to Blake at the far post from a corner but his header across goal drifted just wide. The half time whistle went and we went in at 2-0 down. We were left wondering just how we had failed to score – we could easily have been on level terms, if not ahead – but if you don’t take your chances this is what happens.

Rovers came out in the second half, and like Harpenden in midweek, sat back and looked to close space and opportunities down. To their credit, they were very effective in achieving this and despite their best efforts the lads struggled to create chances. There was some nice approach play, but this all too often this came to very little once we reached the edge of the box. In truth the Everett keeper wasn’t seriously tested until that last 10 minutes when Sheps forced a great save.

Despite playing a game of containment, Everett did create chances to further increase their lead. Their case was helped when Mason was sent off for a second yellow for what seemed a harmless tackle. On 73mins Jake made a stunning save when the Everett striker shot from the edge of the box. However, it came as no real surprises when our hosts grabbed the killer goal on 80mins with a smart shot into the corner from 12 yards.

The lads did keep on going and created a late flurry of chances which showed real character but to no avail. At the final whistle it was 3-0 to our hosts, who we must congratulate, thank them for their hospitality and wish them well for the rest of the season.

There is no hiding from the fact that this was a disappointing result, at the end of a disappointing week. However, as ever, we must look at the positives – we played some nice football at times and created some excellent chances. Once again, the lads put a tremendous effort in and showed great character when things were going against them. These things should help ensure results pick up again – but we must take our chances when we are on top. Onwards!