Official Programme
Tring Athletic v Aylesbury Vale Dynamos Saturday 8th January 2022 3pm Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division Match Sponsor— The Cook Partnership
About Matilda’s Planet Some years ago Matilda, Social Entrepreneur David Evans MBE‘s five year old daughter, told him he should take more responsibility for the environment. Her words prompted him to establish Matilda’s Planet.
At Matilda’s Planet we are committed to finding solutions to our energy problems. The company’s values are to be socially responsible, sustainable – and to provide practical solutions to the real problem of keeping your house warm.
We have a solution that’s both practical and socially responsible. We all know that changing the way we consume energy is something we have to do – but actually doing anything about it is a challenge. Matilda’s Planet came from a little girl’s belief that it’s the job of the ‘grown-ups’ to make sure that the legacy we leave for our children is one both we, and they, can be proud of.
Grassroots Talk
Good afternoon & welcome to the Grass Roots Stadium for the visit of our friends & local rivals Aylesbury Vale Dynamos. We welcome their players, officials and supporters and wish them a safe short journey home afterwards. As I’m typing we are organising a pitch inspection so hopefully the match will go ahead but it is chucking it down, hence keeping today’s notes short & sweet!! Our match sponsors this afternoon are The Cook Partnership , a firm of chartered accountant based on the Icknield Way Industrial Estate and we thank them for their ongoing support. Find out more about them on page 7. We still have match sponsorship availability on future games (see page 16) including next Saturday’s home game against Harefield United, so please speak to Graham Bright if you are interested.
If you are able to volunteer for the club on a regular basis or even just occasionally please speak to a committee member. We are always grateful for extra support.
Below—Liam Meenan scoring the winner against Aylesbury Vale in 2006
Today’s programme
This is the second season of producing online only programmes and we hope to keep improving this offering as time goes on. This is a work in progress so please let us know what you think. If you click on any of the logos or adverts it should direct you straight to our sponsors websites. This also means we can bring you features such as match highlights at the click of a button. Today’s programme includes •
Pages 8 - A selection of items on show from our club shop
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Page 18— Today’s match squads
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Page 22-27—Introducing our opponents
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Pages 34 & 35 —On this Day, we look at a 1-0 defeat at Royston town from 2011.
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As always keep an eye on our website for all the latest information, fixtures and results.
Chairman’s Chat
Happy New Year! I hope you had a good break and are all ready for 2022. I think it’s fair to say the road continues to be bumpy for the First Team in terms of results, but some really promising signs. Unfortunately I missed the Leverstock Green game through illness, but by all accounts it was a very good performance in the main, with the result influenced by a sending off at the start of the second half. It seems a lack of discipline cost us the dearly. However, I was at Risborough Rangers on Saturday and what a terrific performance that was against the runaway and unbeaten league leaders – Ralph Griffith’s excellent match report is well worth a read and sums things up perfectly with the headline ‘Youngsters do us Proud’. I was certainly very proud of the way the team played and we should have come away with something from the game other than the plaudits from both our opponents and all those I spoke to who attended. We must build on this performance now and get some points in the bag. Some exciting things happening away from the First Team with Reso’s, U18’s and U16’s continuing to impress. It’s no accident that we have seen a number of youth team players making their First Team debuts recently, and we really do have an excellent pipeline of talented young players – David Lawless, Daryl Craft and Si Roffey are doing an excellent job with the youth set up, with Michael Church giving young players great experience with the reserves. We are also aiming to get Ladies football up and running at the club once more. I think this is an important move for the club as we look to broaden and be more diverse. We have a talented coach on board and will be holding trials shortly. I know my daughter, Lucy, will be keen to join. That’s it for now except to say I hope you enjoy the game. Onwards & upwards Cheers Bob
Today’s Match Sponsor
We are Chartered Accountants based in Tring, providing the full range of accountancy, taxation and management solutions. We provide all the necessary accounting support to enable you to focus on your business. You may simply need a book-keeping function, a payroll operated or monthly management accounts, or you need year end accounts and tax computations. Perhaps you need your self-assessment tax return prepared or require tax advice ? We have the personnel and experience to meet these needs. •
Our aim is to consistently provide a professional, pro-active and prompt service at a cost effective price.
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Understanding our client’s business is fundamental to providing a service tailored to their precise needs.
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Being approachable and friendly with regular communication is an essential part of the support we provide our clients.
Whether you are considering a change of accountants or you are a new business, we would love to hear from you. THE COOK PARTNERSHIP Unit 7, The Forum Icknield Way Tring Hertfordshire HP23 4JY
Telephone 01442 891 991
TAFC—Club Shop Take a look at our new club shop in association with O’Neills. Click on any of the items below to take you to our page with branded leisurewear and accessories.
Highlights & Social Media Watch highlights of the 2-3 loss against Leverstock Green by clicking on the picture below
Follow, Like & Share… click on the icon to visit our pages
The League
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
Risborough Rangers Leighton Town Hadley New Salamis Leverstock Green Harpenden Town Arlesey Town Flackwell Heath Aylesbury Vale Oxhey Jets Ardley United London Colney Dunstable Town Harefield United Milton Keynes Irish Broadfields United Holmer Green Tring Athletic Crawley Green Baldock Town
20 22 20 19 22 21 22 19 20 21 18 22 22 19 20 17 21 20 21 18
17 13 14 14 12 11 10 10 9 8 7 7 6 6 6 7 5 3 3 3
3 5 2 1 2 4 5 2 2 4 3 3 5 4 4 1 2 4 4 2
Table as at Friday 7th January 2022
0 4 4 4 8 6 7 7 9 9 8 12 11 9 10 9 14 13 14 13
50 32 22 30 16 7 3 14 -1 -16 6 -28 -17 4 -6 -6 -43 -18 -31 -18
54 44 44 43 38 37 35 32 29 28 24 24 23 22 22 22 17 13 13 11
Officials Life President Life Vice Presidents
Mick Eldridge BEM David Evans MBE, Barry Johnson, Jean & Les Robins, Ralph Griffiths, Harry Bowden, Pete Stillwell, Alan Foskett, Pete Oakley, Keith Hamilton
Chairman Vice Chairman Hon. Secretary Hon. Treasurer Commercial Manager Match Secretary - South Midlands & Herts Snr Registration Secretary Club Welfare Officer First Team Manager First Team Assistant Manager First Team Coaches First Team Technical Advisor Goalkeeping coach Reserve Team Management EJA Under 18' Management EJA Under 16's Management Sports Physio Football Co-Ordinator Press Officer Website Social Media Programme Editor Groundsman Facilities Manager Membership Secretary Catering Bar Manager
Bob Winter Tony Stedman & Mark Weston David Blair Tony Stedman Graham Bright Tony Stedman Trevor Langley Kirstie McNeil Ryan Sturges Lee Groves Gareth Jackson Ian Richardson Gary Looker Michael Churchill, Ian Butler Michael Churchill, Iain Lorimar David Lawless Vacant Vacant Vacant Keith Eldridge / Colin Sturges Keith Eldridge , Terry Adams Keith Eldridge Darrell Bodimeade David Whicker Graham Bright Vacant Tash Young
Committee Members Bob Winter (Chairman) Tony Stedman, Ian Butler, Neil Foskett, Graham Bright, David Blair, Mark Weston, Keith Eldridge, Andy Ayres., David Whicker
Pendley Day Nursery is a brand-new nursery set in a unique setting in the heart of Tring, and provides quality childcare and development opportunities for children aged 6 months - 5 years. We have created a premier nursery, which will provide a fantastic experience for your child to enable them to 'Grow, Learn & Develop'. Just read our TESTIMONALS page to see the lovely things parents are saying about us. The nursery has both expansive indoor and outdoor space, and provides an ideal environment for children to learn and play in a safe and secure environment. Pendley Day Nursery is led and managed by leading childcare practitioner Natasha Young, who is also part owner of the nursery. Natasha is Level 6 qualified and she and her team will provide the highest of quality care and development opportunities for your child. We will ensure that your child's best interest are at the heart of everything we do. We have invested significantly in the setting and, with lots of brand new equipment and toys, we offer the highest of standards throughout. Our excellent facilities include: • Fully trained, dedicated staff – many at level 3 and above • Fully equipped kitchen and trained cooks (hot lunch, tea and snacks) • Large play areas, inside and out • Large, safe front car park for easy drop off and collection • Open 8.00 – 18.00, Monday – Friday (51 weeks) • Flexible hours (mornings or afternoons) • Dedicated to children 6 months – 5 years The nursery is run by local owners who, through their team, are committed to providing stimulating activities in a caring environment, promoting all aspects of children’s development.
From The Dugout We are delighted to bring our second episode of hosted by Damon Wood. From The Dugout aims to bring you interviews and news from our management teams, players and others around the club. Click on the image below to watch episode 2 which features a discussion with first team manager Ryan Sturges talking about our first league win of the season, a new kit and a presentation for Alfie Brittain.
Please comment, like and subscribe to our YouTube Channel so that you can tune in to future episodes
Match Sponsorship Why not support the Club by sponsoring a match. It only costs £50 and includes free entry for two, access to the boardroom for half-time refreshments and an acknowledgement in the match programme all season. Contact Graham Bright on 07722 240963 or via email to tringathleticfc@hotmail.com
Saturday 7th August—Keynsham Town Tuesday 31st August—Holmer Green Saturday 4th September—Harpenden Town Saturday 18th October—Leighton Town Tuesday 21st October—Dunstable Town Saturday 9th October—London Colney Saturday 16th October—Flackwell Heath Tuesday 19th October—Broadfields United Saturday 6th November—Baldock Town Tuesday 23rd November—Hitchin Town Saturday 27th November—Milton Keynes Irish Tuesday 30th November—Arlesey Town Saturday 11th December—Saffron Walden Town Tuesday 28th December—Leverstock Green Saturday 8th January—Aylesbury Vale Dynamos Saturday 15th January—Harefield United Saturday 5th February—Hadley Saturday 12th March—New Salamis Saturday 2nd April—Ardley United Tuesday 19th April—Risborough Rangers Saturday 30th April—Crawley Green TBC
Oxhey Jets
The Cook Partnership Heygates Ralph Griffiths Tony Stedman & Dave Snelman Dick Lovelace Brian Lovell / The Samaritans The Cook Partnership Pendley Day Nursery Richard & Tim Solk Mick Eldridge & Ray Brimson Neil & David Foskett Pendley Day Nursery Dave Snelman & Ollie Elderfield Pendley Day Nursery The Cook Partnership Available Available Available Available Available Available Available
Fixture List Tue 3 Aug Sat 7 Aug Sat 21 Aug Tue 31 Aug Sat 4 Sep Sat 11 Sep Tue 14 Sep Sat 18 Sep Tue 21 Sep Sat 25 Sep Sat 2 Oct Sat 9 Oct Tue 12 Oct Sat 16 Oct Tue 19 Oct Sat 23 Oct Sat 30 Oct Sat 6 Nov Sat 13 Nov Tue 16 Nov Sat 20 Nov Tue 23 Nov Sat 27 Nov Tue 30 Nov Sat 4 Dec Sat 11 Dec Sat 18 Dec Tue 28 Dec Mon 3 Jan Sat 8 Jan Sat 15 Jan Sat 29 Jan Sat 5 Feb Tues 8 Feb Sat 12 Feb Tue 1 Mar Sat 5 Mar Sat 12 Mar Sat 19 Mar Sat 26 Mar Sat 2 Apr Sat 9 Apr Sat 16 Apr Tue 19 Apr Sat 23 Apr Sat 30 Apr
D 1-1 W 3-0 L 2-0 L 1-2 D1-1 W2-2 L4-0 L0-4 L0-1 W1-4 D3-3 W1-0 D2-2 L1-2 7.45pm W1-1 L3-2 W2-1 L3-0 L2-1 W0-4 L0-4 w3-0 L0-1 L3-0 L0-1 W0-2 L-2-3 L1-0 3pm 3pm 3pm 3pm 7.45pm 3pm 7.45pm 3pm 3pm 3pm 3pm 3pm 3pm 3pm 7.45pm 3pm 3pm
Away Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Home Emirates FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round Away Emirates FA Cup Preliminary Round Home Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Home Spartan South Midlands Premier Division 2-4 pens FA Vase 1st Qualifying Round Away Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Home Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Home Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Away FA Vase 2nd Qualifying Round Away Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Home Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Away Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Home Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Home Spartan South Midlands Premier Division 3-4 pens FA Vase 1st Round Proper Away Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Home Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Away Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Away Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Away FA Vase 2st Round Proper Home Herts Senior Challenge Cup Home Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Home Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Away Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Home FA Vase 3rd Round Proper Away Challenge Trophy Home Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Away Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Home Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Home Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Away Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Home Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Away Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Away Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Home Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Away Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Home Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Away Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Away Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Home Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Away Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Away Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Home Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Away Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Home Spartan South Midlands Premier Division
Oxhey Jets Keynsham Town Bishops Cleeve Holmer Green Harpenden Town Long Buckby Harefield United Leighton Town Dunstable Town FC Deportivo Galicia Crawley Green London Colney Hadley Flackwell Heath Broadfields United Ardley United Milton Keynes Irish Baldock Town Ardley United Aylesbury Vale Dynamos Cockfosters Hitchin Town Milton Keynes Irish Arlesey Town Dunstable Town Saffron Walden Town Bovingdon Leverstock Green Risborough Rangers Aylesbury Vale Dynamos Harefield United Holmer Green Hadley New Salamis Flackwell Heath Oxhey Jets Leighton Town New Salamis Harpenden Town London Colney Ardley United Arlesey Town Leverstock Green Risborough Rangers Broadfields United Crawley Green
Today’s Squads
Tring Athletic FC
Jake Alley Ben Johnson Harry Seabrook James Ferguson Harrison Cornick Oliver Butler Scott Bonner George Carbery Frankie Hercules Tommy Twelves Adam Sawyer Cameron Brooks Emmanuel Gbejuade Leo Farruch Godlove Oppong Jack Stevens Luke Peerless Elijah Hearn Ronan Hutchins
Manager - Ryan Sturges
Asst Manager- Lee Groves Coach—Gareth Jackson Technical coach—Ian Richardson GK Coach - Gary Looker
Aylesbury Vale Dynamos Dan McATEER (GK) James WEATHERILL Paolo BAGATTI Danny MURPHY Terry GRIFFITHS Luke NUGENT Jack HODGINS Will MULLARKEY Kuda SANGOYA Alex MITCHELL Dave BROWN © Alfi TOUCEDA Roy BYRON Jake BALDWIN Davis HAULE Oliver LEMON Davide POBBE Chris STAPLETON Callum SHORTT Montel BROWN Brian HAULE Aaron BERRY Andrew OFOSU
Manager: Steve Bateman Asst Manager: Davis Haule Coach: Bill Ready Physio : Steve Hoare
Next Up
Harefield United Saturday 15th January Kick off 3pm
FREE £7.00 £7.00 FREE £4.00
Action pictures from a 3-0 win for Tring at Aylesbury in April 2009. through goals from Tony Fields & Ryan Blake on his debut. Click on the photo below for the match report & more pictures.
Today’s Officials Referee
Pavlos Anastasi
Assistant Referee Assistant Referee
Darren Fenner Luke Griggs
The TAFC 1
Club
Support Tring Athletic, Join our 100 Club. This is one of the most popular fund raising activities in the UK, probably the easiest to enter, and the size of the weekly/monthly prize will depend upon the number of people participating. The more people the larger the prize. 50% of all takings go in cash prizes. At the current time we have a weekly CASH prize of £20 and a Monthly 1st prize of £100 and 2nd prize of £50. It costs just £1 per week. Ask a committee member for details.
November winners The monthly 100 draw was undertaken at half time during the Saffron Walden game. The lucky winners were: £100 Luke Naylor £50 Trudi Fryer £20 Dave Martin £20 Sharon Herbert £20 Clive Goodall Once again winnings will be paid directly to the winners bank accounts.
THE INANE RAMBLINGS FROM UP NORFF “NOWT SO QUEER AS YORKSHIRE FOLK’ BY KAREN BROWNE Large crowds 1571 Local Derbies Bank Holiday. Benches, stools and orthopaedic chairs are now available for collection by any shepherds planning or required to watch their flocks at night. While provision has also been made for remote monitoring of flocks by CCTV cameras from a centrally heated shepherd observation hut, all users of this facility are reminded that an emergency response plan must be submitted to account for known risks to the flocks. The angel of the Lord is additionally reminded that, prior to shining his/her glory all around, s/he must confirm that all shepherds are wearing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment to account for the harmful effects of UVA, UVB and the overwhelming effects of Glory. Following last year’s well-publicised case, everyone is advised that Equal Opportunities legislation prohibits any comment with regard to the redness of any part of Mr R Reindeer. Further to this, exclusion of Mr R Reindeer from reindeer games will be considered discriminatory and disciplinary action will be taken against those found guilty of this offence. While it is acknowledged that gift bearing is a common practice in various parts of the world, particularly the Orient, everyone is reminded that the bearing of gifts is subject to Hospitality Guidelines and all gifts must be registered. This applies regardless of the individual, even royal personages. It is particularly noted that direct gifts of currency or gold are specifically precluded, while caution is advised regarding other common gifts such as aromatic resins that may evoke allergic reactions. Finally, in the recent instance of the infant found tucked up in a manger without any crib for a bed, Social Services have been advised and will be arriving shortly. MIDWEEK HEADLINES Risborough Rangers clocked up their 50th consecutive unbeaten league game (dating back from 2019) although these are not inclusively SSML games. Stotfold hit opponents Thame United Reserves for ten (their best result in the SSML) to take their impressive form to 27 goals from last five league games. Arlesey Town continue to impress new manager Martin Standen this time hitting five on the road at London Colney. Midweek brought about 56 goals from the 10 games (an average of 5.60 per game). Ashley Kersey (Stotfold) and Henry Snee (Shefford Town & Campton) led the way with four goal hauls while Charlie Moss (Arlesey Town), Aaron Cormack (Rushden & Higham United) and Jonathan McNamara (Shefford Town & Campton) netting hat tricks.
The Views Expressed Are Solely My Own, Are Written Tongue In Cheek And Should Be Taken With A Pinch Of Salt A weekly column courtesy of the SSML Fixture Secretary
Midweek Stats: 10 games played of which 3 were home wins, 5 away wins and 2 draws. Without A League Draw to date: Aston Clinton, Codicote, Eynesbury United, Old Bradwell United, Risborough Rangers Development and The 61FC (Luton). Without A League Defeat to date: Risborough Rangers. Midweek Highest Attendances: 371 Ampthill Town v Bedford, 253 Holmer Green v Risborough Rangers and 225 Arlesey Town v Baldock Town. Season’s Highest Attendances to date (Premier Division Clubs): 473 Leighton Town v Broadfields United, 449 Leighton Town v Aylesbury Vale Dynamos and 435 Dunstable Town v Leighton Town. Season’s Highest Attendances to date (Division One Clubs): 392 Stotfold v Bedford, 371 Ampthill Town v Bedford and 317 Stotfold v Letchworth Garden City Eagles. Season’s Highest Attendances to date (Division Two Clubs): 212 Bovingdon v Totternhoe, 175 Bovingdon v Berkhamsted Raiders and 134 Totternhoe v Leighton Town (Gladwish Challenge Trophy). Monday 27th December / Tuesday 28th December / Thursday 30th December PREMIER DIVISION The title race got a little more interesting on Saturday, leaders Risborough Rangers extended their unbeaten league run to 50 games with a 4-1 home success against Oxhey Jets (you have to go back to the 9th April 2019 for their last league defeat, 0-1 at Winslow United) while New Salamis moved to within a point of second placed Leighton Town with a 3-0 win at Ardley United. Bottom club Crawley Green were well beaten at Hadley, Tring Athletic the hosts winning 5-0 while Arlesey Town got off to a flyer with a goal after just 19 seconds at London Colney before going on to totally control the game finally winning 5-1. The day’s other action saw 201 packed into Creasey Park where Dunstable Town and Flackwell Heath battled out a 1-1 draw
The Views Expressed Are Solely My Own, Are Written Tongue In Cheek And Should Be Taken With A Pinch Of Salt A weekly column courtesy of the SSML Fixture Secretary
DIVISION ONE Saturday’s Division One league programme saw all eight fixtures result in home wins. Stotfold remain top as their recent high scoring form continued with a 10-2 hammering over visiting Thame United Reserves while in the day’s big game (3rd v 4th) Ampthill Town edged out visiting Wellingborough Whitworth by a solitary goal. Goals were certainly on the menu as the eight fixtures produced 49 of them, Shefford Town & Campton were in ‘seventh heaven’ as they cast aside visiting bottom club Irchester United 7-3 (Snee and McNamara sharing the hosts goals between themselves) while the new owner of Bedford (Peter McCormack) could only look on as his recently acquired club were beaten 1-6 at Northampton Sileby Rangers. Elsewhere London Tigers eased any relegation fears with a 5-0 win at home against Kidlington Reserves while Penn & Tylers Green saw off visiting Raunds Town 5-1. The day’s other action saw Rushden & Higham United squeeze past Long Crendon, the hosts winning 3-2 while Langford edged out Burton Park Wanderers by the odd goal un three.
DIVISION TWO Eynesbury United moved up to second place level on points with leaders Old Bradwell United (who were inactive) as they overcame visiting Sarratt 3-0. At the bottom of the table The 61FC (Luton) picked up three points with a 2-1 home success against Risborough Rangers Development while bottom club Tring Corinthians AFC recorded their fifth successive league defeat when going down at home to Totternhoe by the odd goal in Bovingdon three. The day’s other action saw Berkhamsted Raiders defeat visiting Buckingham United 3-2.
The Views Expressed Are Solely My Own, Are Written Tongue In Cheek And Should Be Taken With A Pinch Of Salt A weekly column courtesy of the SSML Fixture Secretary
COMMITTEE AWAYDAYS Dave Henman was at Ampthill Town on Tuesday and pens the followingThis was one of those games that turned into an absolute cracker, which neither side deserved to lose. Bedford shaded the first half, whilst Ampthill shaded the second. On an excellent pitch, which didn't even require a pitch inspection, from the off both sides were intent on attack. Both sides played a patient passing game, and the quality displayed belied the fact that this was Division One of our League, which in all honesty would've graced the Southern, or Isthmian League. The opening goal was a long time coming, but eventually arrived in the 32nd minute which put the visitors ahead. A long ball was hoisted into the Ampthill penalty area when CHISOM AMADI outmuscled Glenn Cooksley and squeezed a shot in by the near post and custodian Ross Tompkins. As the second half began Ampthill went for the jugular from the off and their determination was rewarded by a 50th minute equalizer. From a corner JAMIE CERMINARA rose highest and guided his header into the far corner of the net giving the keeper no chance. Despite chances at both ends there was no further score mainly due the the heroics of both keepers, ably supported by both defences. As a non-referee I thought the young ref - Toby Carlisle - had an excellent game. Both Ampthill and Bedford officials were of the same opinion. Even one of the Ampthill players - who incidentally was booked - agreed with me. The game was played in an excellent spirit, and even though there were 7 bookings - 3 for cynical obstructions, but none of them were disputed, so respect marks should be very good. As an added bonus the crowd was a whopping 371, which is a financial bonus to Ampthill's coffers! As a final note, although I doubt that either team pay their players, the determination and effort displayed by both teams was an absolute credit to both clubs. AND FINALLY It seems that matters on the field are not the only things managers have to worry about to keep their jobs Kilmarnock manager Tommy Wright has been sacked following his sides game with Dunfermline Athletic was abandoned due to fog (He obviously didn’t see that coming). Mind you it still has a long way to go to beat the dismissal of Sunderland manager Malcolm Crosby who was sacked after a defeat on the pools panel following the game with Tranmere Rovers being called off several years ago. May I take this opportunity to wish a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to my avid reader (I’m sure I have one person that reads this rubbish).
On This Day—8th January 2011 Phil Casserley must be cursing the impact the Xmas holiday period has had on our title aspirations. We ended the year on a high note breathing done the necks of league leaders Chalfont St Peter but we have started 2011 with two successive 1-0 defeats which must cast serious doubts over whether we can catch our Bucks rivals who now have a commanding 10 point lead following their close 2-1 win at Stotfold. We endured a torrid first 45 minutes against a highly committed Royston side and we were fortunate to be only one goal adrift at the break. We improved in the second half and the game was more evenly matched but we lacked our usual cutting edge and failed to create many chances. Despite a difficult surface both teams served up an entertaining and compelling game and it was unfortunate that it should end in controversy when the Referee showed red card to three players. A visit to Garden Walk is always a testing experience but over the years we have done well there with five wins from six visits. But we quickly found out that this would be no easy ride as the home side tore at us from the off. Within the space of the first few minutes Tom Vincent had to produce a fine save from Ashley Grinham, after Royston had opened up the defence down our right, and then the left back headed a corner over the bar. The flow of the game was towards our goal and Carl Edwards shot over. Then we had a bit of luck when Bobby Dance smashed the ball against the bar. But our luck finally ran out in the 18th minute when Royston took advantage of some slack play by us and Carl Edwards was able to steer a shot past Tom Vincent to put his side deservedly ahead. Our defence had to endure a lot of pressure but they gradually managed to quell the home forwards and prevent any further damage but they were unable to build any meaningful attacks themselves and the home keeper Jorden Gibson was relatively untroubled. We were relieved and very fortunate to get to the interval with just a one goal deficit and despite being second best during the opening half we were still in the game. HT RTFC 1-0 TAFC We couldn’t play as badly again in the second half and fortunately for us we didn’t. Within two minutes of the restart Nick Jackson tried his luck with a long range shot and whilst it hardly troubled the keeper it was our first genuine attempt on goal. Within a minute it nearly got better for us when Vinnie Iannone produced a great turn then floated a super cross to the far post where Andy Mullins popped up to force the keeper into a save. It was much better stuff from us but Royston were still dangerous going forward and Tom Vincent had to be at his best to save a good shot from former Biggleswade Town player Bobby Dance. Tony Fields came on for the limping Ashley Addison but on the hour Royston should have extended their lead when they were awarded a penalty.
Royston Town 1-0 TAFC It was a very dubious decision, unfortunately not the first to be made during the game, and perhaps justice was served when Tom Vincent produced a magnificent save to keep out Ryan Lockett’s spot kick. Within a minute Tom Vincent was in action again saving a well struck free kick from the edge of the area from the same player. Midway through the half we produced a quality move down the left and when Nick Jackson’s cross finally reached Ryan Redford he was unlucky to see his shot hit the post. It was the closest we came to scoring and it spurred us on. At the other end Ryan Lockett fired a shot just wide of the far post as the play swung from end to end. With 15 minutes to go Danny Gray came on for David Whicker and his first contribution was a run down the right followed by a terrific ball across the Royston goal, but despite crying out for a touch we were unable to take advantage of this golden opportunity for an equaliser. Up to this point the game had been highly competitive but not out of hand and a few yellow cards had been shown which was to be expected in a game between sides occupying second and third place in the table. But with seven minutes to go it all kicked off between Danny Gray and Ashley Grinham. Danny felt the left back had shoved an elbow in his face and from the melee that followed Danny Gray was shown a red card. But that was not the end of it and a minute later Henry Thomas and Royston’s Martin Standen also had early baths following another ruckus. Our last roll of the dice came from some superb play by Vinnie Iannone who evaded a number of tackles but the dream ending was not to be as his shot went just wide. Despite a lot of added time being played we could not produce the extra bit of quality needed to grab the equaliser we desperately wanted.
A disappointing result as we slip to our fourth league defeat of the season. After a poor first half we did improve in the second but we lacked our customary sharpness and failed to create many scoring opportunities. We are still second in the table but Chalfont are now in a strong position and we will now be looking over our shoulder to Royston who are now just four points behind in third place, although we do have a game in hand. Teams RT: Jorden Gibson, Ross Collins (Capt), Ashley Grinham, Lewis Endacott, David Cain, Martin Standen, Carl Edwards, Bobby Dance, Matt Standen (? 54), Ryan Lockett (Glen Lamacraft 87), Tom Malins. Subs not used: Liam McDevitt, Ricky Young, Tom Whittaker, Dean McElvoy. TA: Tom Vincent, Andy Mullins, Rob Duncan, Dave Whicker (Danny Gray 75), Steve Smith, Henry Thomas, Nick Jackson (Andy Humphreys 90+1), Graham Hall (Capt), Vinnie Iannone, Ryan Redford, Ashley Addison (Tony Fields 59). Sub not used: Keith Eldridge.
TAFC Reserves TAFC 7-2 Knebworth Click on the image below to see second half match highlights
Our reserves are sponsored by NP Electrics
Sponsored by NP Electrics Herts Senior County League - Division One POS
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Results
Next up
P
Hertford Heath First Hinton First Oracle Components First Buntingford Town First Bovingdon Reserves Aldenham FC First Evergreen First Harpenden Town Reserves Hertford United FC First Tring Athletic Reserves Hatfield United First Knebworth First Standon & Puckeridge FC None Oxhey First Old Parmiterians First Wheathampstead Wanderers First
W
17 17 15 15 16 15 16 14 15 18 16 15 13 15 13 0
14 12 12 10 7 7 7 6 6 4 4 3 3 2 2 0
D
L
2 2 0 2 4 2 1 3 3 3 2 2 1 3 2 0
1 3 3 3 5 6 8 5 6 11 10 10 9 10 9 0
GD
41 29 27 24 3 -11 -2 1 1 -13 -3 -26 -4 -27 -40 0
PTS
44 38 36 32 25 23 22 21 21 15 14 11 10 9 8 0
Sat 27th November Evergreen 2-1 TAFC Sat 11 December
Hertford Heath 6-0 TAFC
Sat 18 December
TAFC 7-2 Knebworth
Sat 8 January
Old Parmitarians (A) 2pm
Sat 15 January
Knebworth (A) 2pm
Sat 22 January
Hinton (A) 2pm
Sat 29 January
Hatfield United (H) 2pm
ENTRY TO RESERVE TEAM MATCHES AT HOME ARE BY DONATION. IF YOU CAN’T TRAVEL TO WATCH THE FIRST TEAM, THEN PLEASE COME AND SUPPORT OUR YOUNGSTERS.
U18s Eastern Junior Alliance League - U18s Blue POS
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Results
Next up
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Ware FC Academy U18 EJA St Albans City FC Academy U18 London Lions U18 EJA BSC FC Youth U18 EJA London Colney Youth U18 EJA Leighton Town Youth U18 Baldock Town U18 EJA Tring Athletic U18 EJA
W
8 7 7 8 4 6 9 5
D
6 5 4 3 3 3 1 0
L
0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1
GD
2 2 2 4 1 3 7 4
13 13 7 0 8 -2 -27 -12
PTS
18 15 13 10 9 9 4 1
Sun 7th November
TAFC 1-4 London Colney
League
Sun 14th November
Billericay Town 4-0 TAFC
Cup
Sun 5th December
TAFC 5-1 Borehamwood
Cup
Sun 9th January
Baldock Town (H) 2pm
League
Sun 23rd January
Leverstock Green (H) KO TBC
Cup
U16s Eastern Junior Alliance League - U16 Green POS
P
W
D
L
GD
PTS
1 Ryan (Youth) U16 Red EJA
9
7
1
1
27
22
2 Enfield Borough (Youth) U16 Leopards 3 Cockfosters (Youth) U16
7
5
2
0
27
17
9
4
2
3
12
14
4 Hemel Hempstead Town Youth U16 Blacks 5 Edgware Town U16 6 London Colney Youth U16 EJA
6
4
0
2
10
12
8 9
3 3
1 1
4 5
0 10
10 10
7 Berkhamsted FC Youth U16 EJA
7
2
2
3
-4
8
8 Tring Athletic U16 EJA
6
2
1
3
0
7
9 Hadley Youth U16 EJA
9
0
0
9
-82
0
Results
Next up
Sun 21st November
TAFC 0-1 Cockfosters
League
Sun 28th November
Ryan Youth 2-2 (1-3 pens)
Cup
Sun 19th December
Waltham Cross Youth 1-2 TAFC
Cup
Sun 16th January
London Colney (H) 10am
League
Supporting Tring Athletic FC since 2014 Insurance Reports Landlord Certification
Commercial Lighting New Installations Emergency Call Out Contact www.np-electrics.co.uk hello@np-electrics.co.uk T: 01442 828315
M: 07917 100813
TAFC Membership For the 2021/22 season we have introduced a new membership scheme GOLD - £99 (£75 concessions) Free entry to all home league games. 20% discount at the bar. Please see the opposite page for additional offers from local businesses. SILVER—£50 (£40 cons) Free entry to the first six matches each season. 20% discount at the bar. BLACK—£20 (£10 cons) Club membership and 10% discount at the bar. Click on the Gold Card below to go to our membership page & application
TAFC Gold Membership Benefits Free entry to all home league games 20% off at the bar in the clubhouse One free day pass Free hot drink 10% of first meeting room booking
5% discount on fees
Free initial consultation 25% of first year’s fees Tax consultancy or accounts/ finance related services 15% off food
20% off food and beverages 10% off Spa treatments
Team Sponsors First Team
Reserves
U16
U18 New sponsor wanted. Please contact Graham Bright for more information
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ALWAYS REQUIRED TEL (01923) 224808