Tring Athletic vs Hadley

Official Programme

Tring Athletic v Hadley Saturday 5th February 2022 3pm Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division

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 Hadley who are flying high in the league this season after re-joining from the Essex Senior. We welcome their players, officials and supporters and wish them a safe journey home afterwards.

Our match sponsors this afternoon are Pendley Day Nursey who recently celebrate their 1st birthday based here in our clubhouse providing an excellent childcare provision. We would like to thank them for their ongoing support. Find out more about them on page 11. We still have match sponsorship availability on future games (see page 13) including our home game against Oxhey Jets & Aylesbury Vale, 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.

Action below from TAFC 2-2 Hadley in May 2016. Click on the image to read the match report & for more pictures

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 •

Page 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 20-23—Introducing our opponents

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Pages 30-32 —On this Day, we look at a 3-2 win against Hillingdon Borough from 2011.

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As always keep an eye on our website for all the latest information, fixtures and results.

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 our 3rd goal against Holmer Green from our 3-1 win 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 New Salamis Hadley Leighton Town

22 23 23 26

18 18 16 14

3 1 3 7

1 4 4 5

50 41 28 32

57 55 51 49

Leverstock Green Harpenden Town Flackwell Heath Arlesey Town Ardley United Aylesbury Vale Dynamos Oxhey Jets Milton Keynes Irish Dunstable Town Broadfields United Harefield United London Colney Baldock Town Tring Athletic Holmer Green Crawley Green

26 26 24 26 23 24 24 26 25 24 24 25 24 24 24 25

14 13 12 11 10 10 10 9 8 9 7 7 6 5 5 3

2 5 3 6 5 4 4 5 6 1 6 3 4 4 2 4

10 8 9 9 8 10 10 12 11 14 11 15 14 15 17 18

15 7 16 -2 12 -2 -17 -3 -14 -11 3 -37 -9 -21 -51 -37

44 44 39 39 35 34 34 32 30 28 27 24 22 19 17 13

Table as at Friday 14th January 2022

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 15th January—Harefield United Saturday 5th February—Hadley Saturday 19th February—Oxhey Jets Saturday 12th March—New Salamis Saturday 2nd April—Ardley United Tuesday 19th April—Risborough Rangers Saturday 23rd April– Aylesbury Vale Dynamos Saturday 30th April—Crawley Green

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 Pendley Day Nursey 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 15 Jan Tue 18 Jan Tue 26 Jan Sat 29 Jan Sat 5 Feb Tues 8 Feb Sat 12 Feb Sat 19 Feb 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 L1-2 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 L0-1 W2-3 L5-0 W1-3 3pm 7.45pm 3pm 3pm 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 Away 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 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 Home 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 Harefield United Broadfields United Baldock Town 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 Aylesbury Vale Dynamos 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

Hadley FC Luke Ward (GK) Billy Baird Bradley Marriott Luke Alfano Nnamdi Harold-Egole (C)

Solomon Ofori Jordan Edwards Shaz Anwar Zak Ubarri Luke Jupp Sam Edwards Ed Davis Dylan Ebengo Andrew White Cameron Ferguson Charlie Mann (GK) George Alfieri Josh Samuels

Manager: Anthony Clark Asst Manager: Junior Matti Coach: Danny Plumb GK Coach: Ercan Mehmet Coach / Physio : Adam Robinson

Next Up

Oxhey Jets Saturday 19th February Kick off 3pm

FREE £7.00

£7.00 FREE £4.00

Today’s Visitors Hadley Football Club were founded in the 1882/83 season. A notable achievement during the early years was a 1-0 defeat of Tottenham Hotspur, although Tottenham then was not of the calibre that it is now. The 1880's and 1890's were glamour times for Hadley when the club used to attract crowds of several hundred to Hadley common. With regret however, the progressive Barnet FC etc. drew players away from Hadley. This was at about the turn of the century. Club activities became low key around 1912 with Barnet FC becoming more prominent. Between these years and 1922 the club was up and down like a yo yo.

Club fortunes again changed close to World War II and thereafter, with the emergence from the Hadley ranks of the famous Lester Finch who went on to play for Barnet FC and become a full amateur international. Records show an upturn in Hadley FC activities after World War II. The club became a member of the Barnet and District League and, from about 1947, played at Wrotham Park at the Barnet end of Kitts End Road. Hadley played there until about 1955 when it then moved to Barnet Playing Fields in order to "have some better facilities". The club played in the North Suburban Intermediate League at this time.

Still playing at Barnet Playing Fields, the club then joined the Mid Herts League and with Peter Gray as 1st team manager, we were Premier Division Winners in 1975/76 and 1976/77. We also won the Mid Herts Premier Division Shield in 1976/77. Having won the Mid Herts Premier Division twice, the club wanted to progress to the Herts Senior County League so therefore moved to a pitch with better facilities in St. Albans Road, Barnet (current home of The Shire London Golf Club). We had one season at this pitch before being told that it was no longer available to hire. We won the Herts Senior County League Division Three at our first attempt during this season. However, we had to find a new home and played at a sports ground in Chandos Avenue, Whetstone (a training base for the England National team at the time), until 1985. The club left the Herts Senior County League to join the Southern Olympian League and moved grounds again to play at the Woodside Park Club, Southover, Totteridge.

In 1992 the club moved to a ground in Brickfield Lane, Arkley, Barnet and re-joined the Herts Senior County League in the 1999/00 season. Under the management of Ian Gray, the 1st team won the Division One championship in 2001/02 to move up to the Premier Division in 2002/03, where we finished mid-table. Mick Hore was appointed manager in 2003/04 and we enjoyed a very successful season with the 1st team winning the Herts Senior County League Premier Division and the Herts Senior Centenary Trophy. 2004/05 was also very successful with the 1st team retaining the Premier Division title. Success continued into 2005/06 with the 1st team winning the prestigious Aubrey Cup. In 2006-07 the 1st team finished Runners Up in the Herts Senior County League Premier Division. An application to join the Spartan South Midlands league was blocked by the Herts County League, so the following season (2007-08) the club played all of its football in the West Herts Saturday League. During this season, all Hadley teams (3 teams) won their respective leagues for the first time in the clubs history. This included the 1st team winning the Premier Division of the West Herts League with Guy Slee in charge, having taken over from Mick Hore at the start of the season. We again applied to join the Spartan South Midlands League and our place in Division Two was accepted for the start of the 2008-09 season.

Hadley The move to the Spartan South Midlands League saw the 1st team begin groundsharing at Potters Bar Town FC, and the reserves and 3rd team continued to use the ground in Brickfield Lane. Ian Gray replaced Guy Slee as manager at the start of the season, with Guy having stepped up into the role of Chairman, joined on the committee with the arrival of Bob Henderson as Secretary. Our first season in the Spartan South Midlands League turned out to be a very successful one with the 1st team gaining promotion to Division One at the first attempt after finishing one point behind The 61 FC (Luton). We also won the Division Two Cup after beating Totternhoe in the final.

Our second season in the Spartan South Midlands League (2009-10) surpassed everyone’s expectations when we achieved another promotion after finishing in second place behind Holmer Green. We also won two matches in our first attempt at the FA Vase, beating Harpenden Town and then Leverstock Green, eventually being knocked out in a tight 1-0 defeat at Stanway Rovers. The 2010-11 season saw us again playing at the highest level in the club’s long history (Step 5 of the National League System), and we also enjoyed our first ever outing in the FA Cup, drawing 0-0 with Barking before losing 1-0 in the replay.

Another highlight of the season was playing against Barnet in the 2nd round of the Herts Senior Cup, drawing 1-1 after 90 minutes before losing 4-1 in Extra Time.

In January 2012, long-serving manager Ian Gray stepped down from the role of 1st team manager after 3½ successful years in charge, having guided the team from Division Two to the Premier Division of the Spartan South Midlands League with back-to-back promotions.

A new management team was appointed who were previously with St Albans City reserves. An influx of new players and the guidance of player-manager Alexis Nicholas saw us achieve our pre-season aim of staying in the Premier Division, as we ended in 15th position out of 22 teams. The start of the 2012-13 season saw Franco Sidoli join as 1st team manager having also left St Albans City during the summer. Franco was supported by a coaching team of Alexis Nicholas, Lewis Dommett and Hector Varela as we enjoyed a successful season with a comfortable mid-table finish and our first ever win in the FA Cup following a 2-0 victory over Hertford Town. We also reached the final of the Premier Division Cup when we were unlucky to lose 3-2 against Aylesbury United (After Extra Time), having taken the lead twice in the match.

At the end of the 2012-13 season, Franco Sidoli stepped down as 1st team manager due to a change in work circumstances for 3 out of 4 people in the management team, including himself, which would not have allowed them to give 100% commitment to the job during the forthcoming season. The club appointed Geoff O'Vell as the new 1st team manager, who had previously been 1st team manager at Colney Heath, Hoddesdon Town and Broxbourne Borough. Geoff was joined by Assistant Manager Paul Surridge and coach Mark Mezen. A highlight during this season was drawing Watford FC in the 1st Round of the Herts Senior Cup. We lost 2-0 with goals from Luke O'Nien and Bernard Mensah securing the win for Gianfranco Zola's Championship side. We had mixed fortunes during the 201314 league campaign and although an improved end to the season saw us make a late climb up the league table to finish just below mid table, the club decided that a restructuring of the team management was required at the end of the season. This saw Geoff O'Vell and his management team leave the club.

Hadley At the start of the next season (2014-15) Micky Hazard was appointed as the new 1st team manager. As a player, Micky was a member of the Tottenham team that won the 1982 FA Cup and UEFA Cup in 1984. He also went on to play for Chelsea, Portsmouth, Swindon Town and then Tottenham for a second spell. Since the end of his playing career, Hazard was Youth Academy Coach at Crystal Palace and was also involved on the management team of Sevenoaks Town and Hoddesdon Town. Micky was joined by the return of Franco Sidoli, Lewis Dommett and Hector Varela who were all wellknown to the club as, along with Alexis Nicolas, they formed our 1st team management team during a successful 2012-13 season. The first season in charge for our new management team was very successful as we ended in 9th position in the Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division - our highest ever finish. We surpassed this in the following season (2015-16) as we ended in 6th position in the league and we also won the Herts Charity Shield for the first time following a 3-1 victory over Tring Athletic in the final at the County Headquarters, Letchworth.

The 2016-17 season saw the return of our 1st team to Brickfield Lane in Arkley, Barnet, following over £500,000 worth of facilities improvements and eight years of groundsharing with Potters Bar Town. Ground improvements included the installation of floodlights, a spectator stand, new fencing and pathways, pitch drainage installation, a new car park and the refurbishment of the pavilion clubhouse and changing rooms. This was made possible thanks to grants and donations from the Football Stadia Improvement Fund, Sport England, the Peter Harrison Foundation, the Happy Charitable Trust, Village Healthcare and the Back2Barnet campaign. A highlight of our first season back in Barnet was an outstanding FA Cup run, eventually being knocked out in a Third qualifying round replay against Eastbourne Borough who went on to beat Aldershot Town in the next round.

Hadley The 2017-18 season saw a change of first team management with Anthony Clark being appointed in October 2017. As a player, Anthony appeared for Southend United before playing at a high standard of non-league football with teams including Hendon and Wealdstone. A very strong end to the season saw us finish in sixth place, our joint highest ever finish. The 2018-19 league campaign was our most successful in the Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division, finishing in 3rd place, missing out on the Runners Up spot by goal difference.

In the summer of 2019, following correspondence with the Football Association, a lateral movement saw Hadley FC moved to the Essex Senior League for the 2019-20 season after 10 seasons in the Spartan South Midlands League. This move was part of the Football Association's ongoing restructuring of the National League System and their move towards a "pure pyramid". A highlight of the 2019-20 season was reaching the Third qualifying round of the FA Cup, equalling our best ever run from the 2016-17 season. We eventually lost at Havant & Waterlooville, but getting that far in such a prestigious competition was an excellent achievement by Anthony Clark's team. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the season then ended early and was declared null and void. Similarly, the 2020-21 Essex Senior League season was also curtailed due to the COVID-19 pandemic but we had a fantastic run in the FA Vase, reaching the Fifth Round for the first time in the club's history. We were unfortunate to lose on penalties to Binfield who went on to reach the final at Wembley - this was another excellent achievement from Anthony Clark's team.

In the summer of 2021, the Football Association again carried out some restructuring of the National League System and we were moved from the Essex Senior League back into the Spartan South Midlands League. It was a shame that we could not complete a full season in the Essex Senior League, and we enjoyed our time in that league and meeting some new clubs, but we now look forward to the 2021-22 season back in the Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division.

Today’s Officials Referee

Louis Stamp

Assistant Referee Assistant Referee

Giani Pop Lawrence Gregory

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.

December winners The monthly 100 draw was undertaken at half time during the Saffron Walden game. The lucky winners were: £100 Marion Griffiths £50 Bobby Fryer £20 Martin Saunders £20 Claire Rutherford £20 Dave Richards 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 SATURDAY HEADLINES Stotfold and Langford book their places in the Beds Senior Trophy Final. Ampthill Town hit seven on the road. Hadley equal club record at Step 5 for successive league wins.

Saturday brought about 86 goals from the 25 games (an average of 3.44 per game). Dominic Lawless (Milton Keynes Irish), Ashley Kersey (Stotfold), Michael Fullerton (Ampthill Town), Tolu Ikuyinminu (Buckingham Athletic) and Adam Baldwin (Bovingdon) netting hat-tricks.

Saturday 22nd January PREMIER DIVISION Second placed New Salamis and third placed Hadley took full advantage of table topping Risborough Rangers not playing to close the gap at the top, New Salamis are just two points adrift after winning 2-0 at Holmer Green while Hadley equalled their best league winning run at Step 5 with their tenth successive win at fellow title contenders Leighton Town, the Hertfordshire side winning 2-0. It looks as if any outside hopes of making a challenge for promotion have been extinguished for both Leverstock Green and Harpenden Town after both suffered 0-2 home defeats against Aylesbury Vale Dynamos and Broadfields United respectively. At the other end of the table Crawley Green remain bottom following a 1-3 home defeat by in form Dunstable Town while Baldock Town edged out of the bottom two thanks to a 2-2 home draw with Harefield United. Elsewhere Ardley United enjoyed a 3-0 win over visiting Oxhey Jets while a solitary goal was enough for Flackwell Heath to defeat visiting Arlesey Town. For further details on the day’s other game Milton Keynes Irish v London Colney see later in the ramblings the report from Bob Flight.

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 With leaders Stotfold involved in County Cup second placed Winslow United reduced the gap to two points with a 3-1 home win against Thame United Reserves, the Buckinghamshire side have three games in hand and travel to the Bedfordshire side next month. Third placed Ampthill Town were the day’s biggest winners as they thrashed their hosts London Tigers 7-1 while Northampton Sileby Rangers moved up to fourth after a solitary goal success at Rushden & Higham United.

The bottom two both suffered home defeats, Irchester United going down 0-2 against Long Crendon while Burton Park Wanderers were beaten by a solitary goal against Letchworth Garden City Eagles. Elsewhere Bedford remained in play-off contention after winning 4-0 at the side that began the day in 4th place Wellingborough Whitworth while Buckingham Athletic enjoyed a 6-2 success at lowly Kidlington Reserves.

BEDS SENIOR TROPHY Semi Finals The Beds Senior Trophy Final will be an all SSML affair following Saturday’s semi-finals, Division One table toppers Stotfold won convincingly with a 5-0 success at Beds County League side Queens Park Crescents while the Shefford Town & Campton v Langford tie saw the visitors edge it with an odd goal in five success.

DIVISION TWO Division Two leaders Old Bradwell United extended their lead at the top to five points as won 3-0 at Buckingham United while Bovingdon climbed to second extending their run to eighth league games without defeat with a 3-1 win at Milton Keynes College Football Academy.

Tring Corinthians AFC remain bottom after losing 1-4 at home against Codicote while Sarratt swapped places with The 61FC (Luton) after beating them by the odd goal in five. Elsewhere a strong Risborough Rangers Development side which included several first team players saw off visiting Eynesbury United 2-0 while New Bradwell St Peter had to settle for a goalless draw at home against Berkhamsted Raiders.

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

BERKS & BUCKS CHARLES TWELFTREES TROPHY Third Round Aston Clinton’s run in the Berks & Bucks Charles Twelftrees Trophy continued as they booked a quarter-final place with a 3-2 over Hellenic League side FC Beaconsfield. Full result and goalscorers (where known) are listed below.

COMMITTEE AWAYDAYS Bob Flight was at Milton Keynes Irish and sends the following report:A mid table encounter between MK Irish and visitors London Colney saw the Irish triumph as a Dom Lawless hat trick sealed a valuable three points. The Irish had an early scare as the ball somehow evaded their net in only the third minute of the start.

But they soon were in front on 6 minutes when following a free kick Liam Smyth picked up the loose ball to score from close range. Colney responded and saw a couple of shots go wide and one that drew a smart save from Jack Taylor in the home goal.

The game was effectively secured within just two minutes of the break when Dom Lawless quickly scored twice in the 43rd and 45th minutes. Colney made a double substitution at half time which saw them improve as they pressed forward, but they failed to breach the home defence. The fate for Colney was sealed when Lawless scored his third goal on 69 minutes from a pass by George Shrieves. Whilst Colney still pressed for a goal, they were denied by an excellent save from Taylor in the final few minutes. The 4-0 scoreline was a little harsh on Colney as they played some attractive football but without any penetration in the final third of the pitch. The result gets the Irish back to winning ways and keeps them comfortably in mid table. If Colney can solve the attacking aspect of their passing game, then they should keep clear of any threat of entering the relegation zone. All in all it was an enjoyable afternoon.

Saturday Stats: 25 games played of which 7 were home wins, 16 away wins and 2 draws.

Without A League Draw to date: Aston Clinton, Codicote, Risborough Rangers Development and The 61FC (Luton).

Saturday Highest Attendances: 403 Flackwell Heath v Arlesey Town, 382 Leighton Town v Hadley and 103 Harpenden Town v Broadfields United and Winslow United v Thame United Reserves.

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): 404 Stotfold v Ampthill Town, 392 Stotfold v Bedford and 371 Ampthill Town v Bedford.

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).

On This Day—5th February 2011 There may not have been a Premiership style scoring spree at Tring on Saturday but the spectators were treated to a close game and 5 goals, and although the visitors got 3 they ended up losing because 1 of them was an OG. It wasn’t the greatest of spectacles but the blustery conditions made life difficult for the players who could not be faulted for lacking endeavour.

Phil Casserley had a selection problem due to missing 8 regulars so he opted for 3-5-2 formation the first time he has played this system. Not unnaturally it took the players a while to settle in and for the first quarter of an hour nothing much happened. The game woke up in the 15th minute when Chris Salmon sent Dave Whicker free down the left with a superb pass inside the defender and the ball was pulled back across goal. Vinnie Iannone’s shot was blocked but fortunately Ryan Redford was in the right place to slot home his 20th goal of the season and put us 1-0 ahead.

We then had a good spell and started to get on top. From a free kick Ashley Addison slipped a clever pass to David Whicker who was in loads of space to the right of the wall but from a promising position Dave sliced the ball wide. Graham Hall produced a superb chip which Ryan Redford showed great skill to control before lobbing just wide of the goal.

In the 29th minute Boro created their first genuine opportunity from a long throw which required Ben Clarke to get down low to save and when the ball went loose it was hacked clear. But a minute later Boro won a disputed corner, one of a number of strange decisions made throughout the game, which we failed to clear and Liam Fowler fired home the equaliser.

The game then seemed to swing in Boro’s favour as our passing became sloppy and possession conceded too easily. With 4 minutes to go to half time there was another twist when a good move down our left gave Ashley Addison the opportunity to send over a deep hanging cross. The keeper went for the cross and missed it and the ball bounced off a surprised Ryan Phillips and into the net for an OG. Boro nearly rescued the situation two minute later when our defence parted and Ethan Hughes moved forward and hit a terrific shot which seemed destined for the top corner until Ben Clarke tipped the ball around the post to keep hold of our 2-1 lead. It was a magnificent safe from the youngster who was standing in for the injured Tom Vincent and Mike Underwood.

Thus with a little bit of good fortune and a fine save we were able to enjoy our half time refreshments with a slim 2-1 lead.

TAFC 3-2 Hillingdon Borough There may not have been a Premiership style scoring spree at Tring on Saturday but the spectators were treated to a close game and 5 goals, and although the visitors got 3 they ended up losing because 1 of them was an OG. It wasn’t the greatest of spectacles but the blustery conditions made life difficult for the players who could not be faulted for lacking endeavour.

Phil Casserley had a selection problem due to missing 8 regulars so he opted for 3-5-2 formation the first time he has played this system. Not unnaturally it took the players a while to settle in and for the first quarter of an hour nothing much happened. The game woke up in the 15th minute when Chris Salmon sent Dave Whicker free down the left with a superb pass inside the defender and the ball was pulled back across goal. Vinnie Iannone’s shot was blocked but fortunately Ryan Redford was in the right place to slot home his 20th goal of the season and put us 1-0 ahead.

We then had a good spell and started to get on top. From a free kick Ashley Addison slipped a clever pass to David Whicker who was in loads of space to the right of the wall but from a promising position Dave sliced the ball wide. Graham Hall produced a superb chip which Ryan Redford showed great skill to control before lobbing just wide of the goal.

In the 29th minute Boro created their first genuine opportunity from a long throw which required Ben Clarke to get down low to save and when the ball went loose it was hacked clear. But a minute later Boro won a disputed corner, one of a number of strange decisions made throughout the game, which we failed to clear and Liam Fowler fired home the equaliser.

The game then seemed to swing in Boro’s favour as our passing became sloppy and possession conceded too easily. With 4 minutes to go to half time there was another twist when a good move down our left gave Ashley Addison the opportunity to send over a deep hanging cross. The keeper went for the cross and missed it and the ball bounced off a surprised Ryan Phillips and into the net for an OG. Boro nearly rescued the situation two minute later when our defence parted and Ethan Hughes moved forward and hit a terrific shot which seemed destined for the top corner until Ben Clarke tipped the ball around the post to keep hold of our 2-1 lead. It was a magnificent safe from the youngster who was standing in for the injured Tom Vincent and Mike Underwood.

Thus with a little bit of good fortune and a fine save we were able to enjoy our half time refreshments with a slim 2-1 lead.

There were further injury problems for us when Chris Salmon went off after only three minutes of the restart, with Phsio Trevor Langley nowhere to be seen after he had been locked in the changing rooms! David Foskett came on and immediately showed he has lost none of his class by sweeping a long majestic pass out to Andy Mullins on the right wing which was inch perfect. The first shot came from a Boro player but the angle was acute and Ben Clarke was able to save it easily.

TAFC 3-2 Hillingdon Borough Centre back Brett Court was having a commanding game and he kept Boro’s leading scorer Aaron Lansiquot quiet. On the hour he produced a towering header from a well struck Ashley Addison corner to send the ball crashing into the net to make the score 3-1. Up until a week ago Brett had only scored once for us but on successive Saturday’s he has conjured up quality goals to now treble his tally. Soon afterwards Ryan Redford skilfully worked some space for himself but his shot went straight at the keeper.

Boro responded by brining Ollie Hawkins and the tall forward soon made an impact heading home a cross in the 69th minute to narrow the score to 3-2. Phil Casserley changed his formation to the more usual 4-4-2 to cope with the extra players Boro were pushing forward. The game was now evenly balanced as Boro sensed they still had a chance to get a point or even three. Dave Whicker flicked a nice pass to Ryan Redford who was denied by the keeper, later Ryan went even closer as his goal bound header from a Dave Whicker corner was cleared off the line. It was Dave Whicker again in the thick of the action sending over a cross which led to Vinnie Iannone’s shot being blocked.

Boro were still very much in the game and we had to defend well to keep them out. However, the flow of the game was not helped by 8 yellow cards being shown mostly for petty offences.

With 3 minutes to go Ollie Hawkins got free in our area and caused some problems but the danger was eventually cleared. Despite all the stoppages less than 2 minutes of added time was played which suited us just fine.

TA: Ben Clarke, Andy Mullins, Ashley Addison, Billy Osborne, Brett Court, Chris Salmon (Dave Foskett 48), Dave Whicker, Graham Hall (Capt), Vinnie Iannone, Ryan Redford, Tony Fields (James Butler 87). Subs not used: Keith Eldridge, Paul Jeffrey.

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

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Hertford Heath First Oracle Components First Hinton First Buntingford Town First Bovingdon Reserves Hatfield United First Aldenham FC First Evergreen First Hertford United FC First Harpenden Town Reserves Standon & Puckeridge FC Knebworth First Old Parmiterians First Tring Athletic Reserves Oxhey First Wheathampstead Wanderers First

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Sat 15 January

Knebworth 4-2 TAFC

Sat 29 January

TAFC 0-3 Hatfield United

Sat 5 February

Bovingdon (A) 2pm

Sat 12 February

Buntingford Town (H) 2pm

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GD

47 45 30 26 2 6 -12 -6 -11 -13 0 -24 -38 -19 -33 0

PTS

50 48 44 41 28 26 26 23 21 21 17 17 17 15 9 0

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U18s Eastern Junior Alliance League - U18s Blue POS

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Ware FC Academy U18 EJA London Lions U18 EJA Leighton Town Youth U18 St Albans City FC Academy U18 London Colney Youth U18 EJA BSC FC Youth U18 EJA Baldock Town U18 EJA Tring Athletic U18 EJA

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Sun 23rd January

TAFC 4-2 Leverstock Green

Cup

Sun 30 January

TAFC 1-4 Leighton Town

League

Sun

6th February

St Albans City (A) KO 10am

League

Sun

13th February

Hornchurch (H) KO TBC

Cup

U16s Eastern Junior Alliance League - U16 Green POS

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1 Ryan (Youth) U16 Red EJA

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2 Enfield Borough (Youth) U16 Leopards 3 Hemel Hempstead Town Youth U16 Blacks 4 Cockfosters (Youth) U16

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5 London Colney Youth U16 EJA 6 Berkhamsted FC Youth U16 EJA

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7 Edgware Town U16

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6

-4

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8 Tring Athletic U16 EJA

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9 Hadley Youth U16 EJA

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Results

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Sun 16th January

TAFC 1-2 Enfield Borough Leopards

Sun 23rd January

TAFC 5-0 Hadley Youth

Sun 30th January

Berkhamsted 5-1 TAFC

Sun 6 February

Hemel Town Blacks (A) 1.30pm KO

League

Sun 13 February

Ware (H) KO TBC

Cup

Sun 27 February

London Colney (H) KO TBC

Cup

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