By Jack Brinklow

The new era has started for Tring Athletic Ladies as they played their first game in 12 years at the Michael Antony stadium on Sunday (7th September), with an unfortunate 4-2 loss to Launton Ladies.

Tring Athletic boast a proud history in the women’s game and are determined to reignite it this season, beginning their campaign in Tier 9 of the Thames Valley Counties WFL Division 3 North. Also, having a club ambition to make it to tier 5 ladies football, where FA Cup fixtures will take place.

Our new manager, Chris Saunders, has worked throughout preseason embedding and developing his style of play to make sure the team can be successful within this division.

“I knew from when the fixtures came out the first two games would be tough against good well established teams. We did not have the best of starts Sunday conceding early to their star player but gradually grew into the game and played some good football without causing a real threat. We got caught out again by their star player with no one taking ownership to deal with the ball in the box. Likewise, with the third goal before we pulled a goal back before half time”, said Chris.

“Down the slope and with the wind behind in the second half put us on the front foot and we made it 3-2 and had the balance of the play but could not find the finish. We had a shot tipped onto the bar and from the resulting corner, the opposition broke and scored their 4th”.

“Small margins between equalising and going two goals down. Overall, the girls played well and gave it their all. We just lacked that finishing touch and threat in front of goal and experience at the back to take ownership in dealing with the goal threat.”

Chris thoroughly enjoyed preseason with a good chance to see his players and learn about his team. Chris thinks this season will be successful with “core players from my previous team Wing, who have gelled really well at Tring!”

“During preseason, we had a lot of trialists play, plus players were on holiday so the game on Sunday was the first that this line up had played together. Once they settled, the passing was good and the understanding of tactics was starting to develop.”

“This will only get better as the season progresses and we will find the best combinations of players. We have the core players from my previous team, Wing, who have gelled really well with the new players.”

“The team atmosphere is excellent with plenty of energy in training and keenness to learn. Word is getting out about the excellent set up we have at the club and how we portray ourselves as a team creating a positive environment for players to come and play!”

As the season progresses, Chris suggested that “defensive work and shape for the defenders” will be a key area to work on to limit the amount of goals conceded, which ultimately will allow them to naturally win more games.

“Defensive work and shape for the defenders plus shooting practice and movement for the forwards.”

“The rest is secret but looking to develop confidence to demand the ball and be proactive instead of reactive. We have two good corner takers so we will practice a couple of routines to try and get a goal and use that to our advantage.”

Tring Athletic Ladies are next at home on Sunday 14th September against Milton Keynes City Ladies in the Thames Valley Counties Football League Division 3 North. Kick off is 3pm and supporting the Ladies will be greatly appreciated.