Tring Athletic vs Oxhey Jets

Official Programme

Tring Athletic v Oxhey Jets Saturday 19th 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 Oxhey Jets. We welcome their players, officials and supporters and wish them a safe journey home afterwards. Following yesterday’s storm please take extra care around the stadium and speak to a committee member if you have any safety concerns.

Our match sponsors today 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 next home game sagainst Aylesbury Vale on Tuesday and then title chasing New Salamis, 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 2-1 Oxhey Jets in November 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 6 - 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 20-22—Introducing our opponents

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Pages 29-32 —On this Day, we look at a 4-1 win over Met Police Bushey 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

New Salamis Risborough Rangers Leighton Town Hadley

26 24 28 25

20 19 16 16

2 4 7 4

4 1 5 5

48 53 34 27

62 61 55 52

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

27 28 28 25 26 25 27 27 26 26 25 27 26 26 26 26

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

5 2 7 3 4 6 6 6 7 7 1 3 5 5 4 4

8 12 9 9 11 9 11 12 11 11 15 17 15 15 17 19

10 10 0 17 -19 11 -3 -3 5 -14 -13 -39 -14 -20 -51 -39

47 44 43 42 37 36 36 33 31 31 28 24 23 23 19 13

Table as at Friday 18th February 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 The Cook Partnership Tuesday 31st August—Holmer Green Heygates Saturday 4th September—Harpenden Town Ralph Griffiths Saturday 18th October—Leighton Town Tony Stedman & Dave Snelman Tuesday 21st October—Dunstable Town Dick Lovelace Saturday 9th October—London Colney Brian Lovell / The Samaritans Saturday 16th October—Flackwell Heath The Cook Partnership Tuesday 19th October—Broadfields United Pendley Day Nursery Saturday 6th November—Baldock Town Richard & Tim Solk Tuesday 23rd November—Hitchin Town Mick Eldridge & Ray Brimson Saturday 27th November—Milton Keynes Irish Neil & David Foskett Tuesday 30th November—Arlesey Town Pendley Day Nursery Saturday 11th December—Saffron Walden Town Dave Snelman & Ollie Elderfield Tuesday 28th December—Leverstock Green Pendley Day Nursery Saturday 15th January—Harefield United The Cook Partnership Saturday 5th February—Hadley Pendley Day Nursey Saturday 19th February—Oxhey Jets Pendley Day Nursey Tuesday 22nd February - Aylesbury Vale Dynamos Available Tuesday 1st March—Leverstock Green Available Saturday 12th March—New Salamis Available Saturday 2nd April—Ardley United Available Tuesday 19th April—Risborough Rangers Available Saturday 23rd April—Crawley Green 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 19 Feb Tue 22 Feb Tues 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

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 W2-1 D2-2 3pm 3pm 7.45pm 3pm 3pm 3pm 3pm 3pm 3pm 3pm 7.45pm 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 Home Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Home Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Home Premier Division Cup 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

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 Oxhey Jets Aylesbury Vale Dynamos Leverstock Green Leighton Town New Salamis Harpenden Town London Colney Ardley United Arlesey Town Leverstock Green Risborough Rangers Crawley Green

Today’s Squads

Tring Athletic FC

Jake Alley Harry Seabrook Harrison Cornick Oliver Butler George Carbery Frankie Hercules Tommy Twelves Adam Sawyer Emmanuel Gbejuade Adiel Mannion Leo Farruch Godlove Oppong Jack Stevens Luke Peerless Elijah Hearn Ronan Hutchins Charlie Miller Will Bisney

Manager - Ryan Sturges Asst Manager- Lee Groves Coach—Gareth Jackson Technical coach—Ian Richardson GK Coach - Gary Looker

Oxhey Jets FC RICARDO ADEWUYI ARMSTRONG AGBAKWURU MASSOXI BARRADAS HARRY BEAUMONT DARYL BRYAN-SAUNDERS LEON COKER ONOME EMOVON SEAN GIORDMAINA TOM INCH VASSILI MANDEVILLE KYLE MATTHEW KENNY NOBREGA BRADLEY SHAW JACK STANDING KRISTIAN SWABY JAKE TABOR DANIEL TAYLOR

Manager: Kevin Christou Coach: Matthew Coker Physio: John Elliott

Next Up

Aylesbury Vale Dynamos Tuesday 22nd February Kick off 7.45pm

FREE £7.00

£7.00 FREE £4.00

Today’s Visitors The current General Manager John Elliott founded Oxhey Jets in 1972. Playing their first season as an under 12 team in the South West Herts Youth League, having been playing friendly matches as the 2nd Oxhey Boys Brigade team for two years before that. A winning start in the League cup final on the last game of the season saw the club move on, and more youth sides were added to the clubs structure, with the original side moving up through the age groups. In the 1978-79 season the team having out grown youth football moved to the Watford and District men’s Saturday league, and at the first attempt won the Division one championship without dropping a point, this prompted an application to the Hertfordshire Senior County League, which was turned down because their home ground was an open playing fields. We instead went into the West Herts Saturday league, and started to prepare the old school pitch at the Chilwell Gardens site ready for another application to join the County League. Chilwell was ready for use and the runners up spot was secured with Three matches to spare, and became the first Oxhey side in history to win The Watford Peace Memorial Shield.

The Herts Senior County League was increased in size and Oxhey were elected into Division one in 1981 and were promoted to the Premier division in 1983.

The Biggest change to happen to the club was in the 2000-2001 season having moved from their old Chilwell Gardens site, to a new Two million pound complex in Altham Way (using Met Police Bushey for a season), Jets new ground; “The Boundary Stadium” was built to almost Rymans League standard.

While the ground was being built, the First team secured there highest ever Honour, Premier Division Champions of the Hertfordshire Senior County League, and the reserves finished Champions as well. This was to be the start of the best run the club, and County had ever seen. The following season the first team retained the Championship, while becoming the first team to add the prestigious Aubrey cup and the Hertfordshire Senior Charity County Cup in the same season, the Reserves also retained the championship and added the reserve cup as well to become another first in the County league, winning the double-double. 2002-03 saw the records come tumbling again as all were retained by the first and reserves and the Rickmansworth Charity cup was added to the haul on Easter Monday by the first team for the first time, giving the clean sweep.

2003-04 started with only one aim, promotion to the Minerva South Midlands league, with all the ground improvements complete, the team needed to do the job one more time, as this time the application for the much earn promotion would be made. This aim has been achieved as the First team secured a top two place. They also won the Rickmansworth charity cup again and were Winners of the Highly Prestigious St Mary’s Cup. The Reserves retained the World Class Homes Reserve Division one Championship and won the Minerva South Midlands Reserve Floodlight Cup at the first attempt beating holders Dunstable in the final. The 4th team finished R/up in the West Herts League Div 2 and the Sunday team crowned a great season by winning the Marathon Sunday Leagues Charity Cup and were runners up in the League.

Oxhey Jets 2004-05 Season was beyond anybodies dream in the club, the first team winning a treble trophy season. The Minerva Division one Championship was won at the first attempt, winning the division by seven points clear, this was added to the Hertfordshire Centenary Trophy that had been won at The Letchworth County ground in April, beating Hatfield Town 2-0. The triple was sealed in the last game of the season, beating Tring Athletic in the Minerva Floodlight cup final on penalties after a 0-0aet game. The division one-cup final was lost to Biggleswade.

The 2005-06 season, our first in the premier division, saw us finish in 13th place. We entered the FA Cup for the first time and reached the semi-final of the Herts FA Senior Challenge Cup where we lost to Bishop’s Stortford in extra time. Our path to the semi-final gave us our first ever fixture against football league opposition when we met Barnet at home.

Our 2 – 1 victory was watched by a club record crowd of 257, an event that was marked by a presentation to the club, from Barnet, to commemorate the occasion.

The 2006-07 season was without doubt the Clubs best ever season, finishing 7th in the Premier Division and reaching the Premier Division cup final where we lost to Edgware Town by the only goal of a closely fought cup tie. The highlight of the season was in the FA Cup when we visited AFC Wimbledon in the second qualifying round, where despite defeat we all spent an unforgettable day. In the FA Vase we reached the third round proper where we lost at Ipswich Wanderers. Our giant killing act continued in the Herts Senior Challenge Cup when we defeated St. Albans City by 4 goals to 1 before losing, in the next round, to Borehamwood in extra time, after drawing 1 – 1 at the end of normal time.

The 2007-08 season was a difficult one for the Club due to the long term injuries suffered by many of the key players. We finished in 19th position in the league and lost to Welwyn Garden City in the Herts FA Charity Shield semi-final. We did however reach the final of the St. Mary’s Cup where we were soundly beaten 5 – 1 by Hemel Hempstead Town from the BGB Football League.

The 2008 – 09 season saw us finish in 13th position in the league and we reached the final of the South Midlands Floodlight Cup where we lost by 2 goals to 1 to Royston Town. Our Reserve team finished as champions of Reserve Division 1 which they won by 9 clear points.

The Club reached two County Finals during the 2009-10 season. The first being the Intermediate Cup, where the Reserves were beaten 3 – 0 by Hemel Hempstead Town Reserves. Our second visit to The County Ground saw us win the Charity Shield, for the first time, beating St Margaretsbury, by 4 goals to 2. In the League our reserve team retained the Reserve Division 1 title and the first team finished a very creditable 11th following a poor start to the season. We again reached the St. Mary’s cup final, finishing once more as runners-up to Hemel Hempstead Town.

Oxhey Jets The 2010-11 season saw us finish in 19th position, which equalled our worst ever position since joining the league. Our reserves finished as runners-up, losing the league title, which they had held for two years, on the last day of the season. We needed a victory at Crawley Green, but we could only draw with, what was their first team, and Hadley beat us to the title.

During the 2011-12 season, as we approached the club’s 40th anniversary, we were once again a successful cup team despite our lowly 17th position finish in the premier division. We were only the second South Midlands side to reach the Herts Senior Challenge Cup Final where we met and were well beaten by Bishops Stortford. Our second county final saw us beat Kings Langley in the Herts FA Charity Shield to lift the title for the second time in the last three seasons. Our third cup final was The St Mary’s Cup where we again met Hemel Hempstead Town, and the only goal of the game from Andrew Lomas secured victory for us over our old rivals in this competition. During the season we broke our club attendance when a total of 376 supporters watched as we were narrowly beaten by Hendon by 2 goals to 1 in the FA Cup. The 2012-13 season was the clubs most successful league season. Due to the worst weather for many years we finished the last few weeks of the season playing 3 matches each week and the runners-up spot was lost on the last day of the season. We finished in 3rd position behind Aylesbury United and Dunstable Town, who completed the season without losing a league fixture. We retained the Herts FA Charity Shield defeating Hertford Town 4 – 0 in the final, and the last match of the season in mid May saw us beat Cockfosters to win the South Midlands Floodlight Cup. In Her Majesty the Queens 2013 birthday honours list the club founder John Elliott was awarded the British Empire Medal for services to young people and the community in South Oxhey. This was a great and much deserved reward for over 40 years of hard work creating and managing Oxhey Jets Football Club.

The start of the 2013-14 season was a difficult one for the Club as we found out that all except three of last season’s team had decided to move to other clubs. With just two weeks to kick off Wayne Gladdy was appointed as manager to try and put a team together. At the end of January with just 20 points gained, Wayne started to recruit new players and from then on we only lost one league match which secured our status for the new season. We also reached the final of the St Mary’s Cup where we beat Leverstock Green 3 – 2. Our reserves finished as runners-up in the Herts FA Intermediate Cup and our Academy team were winners of the Allied Counties East Division.

Oxhey Jets The 2014-15 season saw us continue building for the future under our manager Wayne Gladdy and we finished mid table in 12th position with 57 points. Our success was largely due to the goals from Lee Armitt who finished as the league’s leading goalscorer with 35 goals in 30 games. Our Third team, consisting of our most senior players, reached two cup finals run by the West Herts Saturday league but unfortunately finished as runners-up in both.

After two managerial changes at the start of the 2015-16 campaign we found ourselves in a relegation battle during the second half of the season. Bob Wyatt took over the reins and following many new signings a more settled side was found for the last two months and a 17th position was achieved. The re-building will continue next season. Our Academy provides a source of new talent and several members have played at both reserve and first team levels during the season. Our Vets team reached the Webster cup final and finished runners-up losing to the only goal of the game.

The 2016-17 season saw us continue the rebuilding process under manager Lee Stedman and a 15th position with a points total of 49 was achieved. Our final run in saw us lose just one of our last eight league fixtures and we were awarded team of the month for April. Our Vets team for the third year running reached the Webster cup final and again finished as runners-up. They did however finish as Division 1 champions beating their closest rivals The Engineer in the last match of the season.

The 2017 – 18 season saw us struggling to achieve a mid -table finish and with just a few matches left to play we were in a relegation position. With the help of new managers Tim O’Sullivan and Pat Fallon we won our last two fixtures and secured our premier division status. We now look forward to the new season.

Our Vets team finished as league runners-up in their first season in the Herts Senior County League Our managers Tim and Pat in the 2018-19 season took us to 9th position in the league which was our highest finish since 2013. The last match of the season saw us in the final of the West Herts FA St. Mary’s Cup where we narrowly lost by the only goal of the game to Berkhamsted.

The reserve team were the team of the season, winning the Herts FA Intermediate Cup at the County Ground beating Royston Town Reserves by 2 goals to nil. They finished as runners-up in the Herts County League Senior Division and also reached the final of the Aubrey Cup where they lost by the odd goal in three to premier division runners-up New Salamis who will be playing in the Spartan South Midlands League from next season.

The 2019 – 20 season saw Stuart Atkins appointed as first team manger following the retirement from football management of Tim and Pat. The season was disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic and was curtailed after March 7th with us in 5th position after the 29 matches played.

Today’s Officials Referee

Phillip Evans

Assistant Referee Assistant Referee

Jon Wynne Adam Marsh

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.

January winners The monthly 100 draw was undertaken recently. The lucky winners were: £100 Alan Dumpleton £50 Peggy Herbert £20 John Eadie £20 Sean Rutherford £20 David Lawless 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 It’s your 18th birthday so what do you do? For Lewis Taylor it was a case of playing the game he loves … football, in the morning he turned out for St Ives Town U18s in their Hunts FA U18 County Cup fame and scored seven in their 12-3 win then in the afternoon he donned the Northampton Sileby Rangers kit and netted all four in their 4-1 SSML win against Letchworth Garden City Eagles and still had time and energy to blow out the candles on his cake.

Saturday brought about 73 goals from the 23 games (an average of 3.17 per game). Lewis Taylor (Northampton Sileby Rangers) and Albie Hall (Pitstone & Ivinghoe) both netting four goal hauls.

Saturday Stats: 23 games played of which 11 were home wins, 7 away wins and 5 draws.

PREMIER DIVISION New Salamis returned to the top of the table with a 6-1 win against visiting Baldock Town, by an odd coincidence just two weeks ago Salamis beat Baldock’s landlords Arlesey Town by the same scoreline at Coles Park. Morning leaders Risborough Rangers were held at home by fourth placed Hadley, the game finishing goalless. At the bottom end of the standings Holmer Green picked up a vital point with a 1-1 draw at Milton Keynes Irish while London Colney continued to slip in their fight to avoid being sucked into a relegation fight when they were beaten 3-4 at Oxhey Jets. Elsewhere Arlesey Town defeated visiting Broadfields United 2-0 with Kim Forsythe returning for a fourth spell for the hosts and maintaining his record of scoring every time he has begun a spell. The day’s other action saw honours even as Aylesbury Vale Dynamos v Harefield United and Dunstable Town v Ardley United both ended in 1-1 draws.

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 The first 500+ SSML crowd of the season finally arrived as Division One table toppers Stotfold welcomed second placed Winslow United, 533 packed themselves into The JSJ Stadium to witness the hosts extend their lead at the top to four points thanks to a solitary late goal from midweek signing James Younger. Third placed Ampthill Town kept up the pressure on the top two as they recovered from a half time deficit to win 3-2 at Raunds Town. At the bottom Burton Park Wanderers put the memories of last weekend’s heavy defeat behind them as the bounced back to record their first win since December with a 3-1 success against visiting Thame United Reserves while fellow strugglers Irchester United and London Tigers both suffer home defeats, Tigers losing 0-3 against the team in form Shefford Town & Campton while the ‘Romans’ were beaten by Bedford, the visitors winning 2-0. Elsewhere Rushden & Higham United overcame the challenge of visiting Kidlington Reserves 3-0 while Northampton Sileby Rangers defeated their guests Letchworth Garden City Eagles 4-1 thanks to the fore-mentioned goalscoring exploits of Lewis Taylor. The days other action saw Penn & Tylers Green record a 2-0 success at Langford..

DIVISION TWO The big game in Division Two this week saw table toppers Old Bradwell United hosting third placed Eynesbury United and for the second successive game OBU dropped two points at home, the hosts were ahead at the break before the visitors hit back in the second period, for more on this one see later in the Ramblings. Second placed Bovingdon are now just three points behind the leaders after beating struggling The 61FC (Luton) 3-1 at home after a goalless first period.

Bottom club Tring Corinthians AFC recorded their first league win since the 30th October when they defeated visiting Risborough Rangers Development by the odd goal in three while Sarratt gave themselves breathing space in the lower places of the table with an excellent 3-1 win at 6th placed Totternhoe. Elsewhere Codicote made it five games without defeat with a 2-0 success at Berkhamsted Raiders while Pitstone & Ivinghoe were the Division’s biggest winners with a 5-1 win at struggling Buckingham United.

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 Bob Flight was at Old Bradwell United and sends the following report:The match of the day in Division Two saw leaders Old Bradwell entertain third placed Eynesbury United on a bright, if windy, day in Milton Keynes. The pitch looked in excellent condition and the crowd expected an exciting game. Bradwell started like an express train and an early effort was cleared off the visitor’s goal line. The goal came almost as early when in the 7th minutes Darryl Smith scored from a right wing cross to put Bradwell into the lead. The crowd expected more goals as Bradwell dominated the half but they failed to add the important second goal through a series of excellent saves from the Eynesbury keeper and some wayward finishing from the home team. Such was the dominance of Bradwell that Eynesbury failed to have a single effort on the home goal throughout the half. Just before half time, Bradwell thought they had scored again as the ball was bundled into the net on 39 minutes but the referee ruled for a foul on the away defenders in the process and the goal was disallowed. This led to a loud, bad language protest from the home bench and they received a yellow card for their trouble. Eynesbury were fortunate to reach half time just a goal behind. The second half was more of an even affair and as every football fan knows, a single goal lead is never safe. Inevitably, this slender lead came under threat and from their first effort on goal, Eynesbury scored as Sam Piesse headed the ball into the Bradwell net on 62 minutes to level the scores. Bradwell tried to respond and had another goal rightly disallowed for a foul on the keeper, but once again they failed to trouble the visitor’s goal and indeed missed a last great chance to score late on. Eynesbury plugged away and had a couple of chances themselves and the home team were fortunate to see a cross come shot hit the top of the bar and bounce over. Thus the game finished as a draw much to the disappointment of the home team who should have been out of sight by half time. Congratulations must go to Eynesbury for sticking in the game when all looked lost and they went away happy with a valuable point.

AND FINALLY Not a tweet nor SSML but this gem caught my eye amongst the many match reports I read over the weekend - And on a wet cold afternoon the first half lived up to the last game. When a fan asked me how long to half time I responded ‘11 mins and two more full moon rotations around Saturn’- it was that turgid.

On This Day—19th February 2008 Tring Athletic completed a treble over their hosts this season with goals at halfhourly intervals by Mark Burfoot and Trevor Gibbs to leave London Colney rooted to the bottom of the SSML Premier Division table with eight points.

Tring made three changes to their starting line-up from the weekend. David Salmon came in for Paul Aldridge out with stitches to a head injury, David Whicker returning from suspension in place of the injured Ian Wilkinson and Steve Hutchins replacing the suspended Phil Otum.

Athletic have a good record against London Colney with seven wins and two draws from twelve league and cup matches since 2000, despite their opponents recording top three finishes in this division four times in five years either side of the millennium, including being champions as recently as 2002.

After Tring played in front of the leagues highest attendance of 223 at home on Saturday, their hosts current precarious league position and a cold night only induced 33 spectators to Cotlandswick. London Colney fielded both Paul Swendell and Greg Shaw, both recently returned from spells with Athletic.

The game started in style with David Whickers tremendous volley from twenty five yards drawing an outstanding save from keeper Gary Statham to divert the ball over. London Colney responded with successive corners, one of which was cleared from near the line by the Athletic defence. Tring returned to the attack and should have taken the lead after twelve minutes. David Whicker’s free kick was miscued by the London Colney defence and ran through to Mark Burfoot, who shot wide from eight yards. Shortly afterwards a trademark David Foskett high ball caused the home keeper problems, but the referee adjudged Mark Burfoot’s challenge as a foul. A quick darting run from Darren Caseman between defenders led to a Steve Hutchins cross which was cleared by Paul Swendell’s header. Then a left wing cross from the home side was only palmed away

by Lee Clark, but London Colney’s return ball was wide.

Athletic were generally controlling the game in mid-field w’ith Steve Hutchins often linking play alongside David Whicker, who gave an energetic display on his latest return to the side. Darren Caseman’s cross was headed clear before Athletic took the lead after half an hour. Danny Gray took a right wing corner and neither central defenders Paul Swendell or Mark Paradise appeared to challenge Mark Burfoot, who was able to bow and head the ball home from close range. Later London Colney's defence let the ball run through to Danny Gray, whose shot was saved by Statham.

London Colney 0-2 TAFC After the interval, another high ball from David Foskett was flapped at by Statham and London Colney cleared with difficulty. The second goal was not delayed for long though, as on the hour a left wing run from Danny Gray led to Trevor Gibbs scoring with a superb dipping shot from nearly thirty yards. This goal basically resolved the match outcome as Tring, with David Salmon joining his brother Chris in an effective central defensive pairing, were able to comfortably deal with the home sides isolated attacks. In the games final quarter, both sided used their full allocation of substitutes, including Leo Mullett again used in a right wing role and later Steve Hutchins cross was taken by keeper Statham as Tring coasted to victory.

This was an efficient performance by Tring, who although picking up four cautions, extended their defensive clean sheet to over five hours. However the management team will know that this achievement will be tested more by impending fixtures, particularly at The Grass Roots Stadium, where Athletic have beaten top sides this season.

TAFC: Lee Clark, David Foskett (capt), Kerry Gordon, David Salmon, Chris Salmon, David Whicker (Sam Wilkinson 83), Darren Caseman (Leo Mullett 73), Trevor Gibbs, Mark Burfoot, Steve Hutchins, Danny Gray(Ali Thornley 83).

Goals: Mark Burfoot 31, Trevor Gibbs 60.

Cautions(all C1): Kerry Gordon, David Whicker, Trevor Gibbs, David Salmon London Colney : Gary Statham, Sean Murphy, Dan McCafferty, Mark Paradise, Paul Swendell, Tinashe Jaravaza (Daniel Butcher 69), Cain Davey, Winston Taylor, Greg Shaw (Sam Mitchell 69), Dominic Haynes (David Corren 61), Paul Armstrong. Subs not used: David Townsend, Darren Till.

Caution: Winston Taylor(C1) Attendance: 33

TAFC Reserves TAFC 3-1 Buntingford Town Click on the image below to see match highlights

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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 Aldenham FC First Hatfield United First Evergreen First Harpenden Town Reserves Hertford United FC First Standon & Puckeridge FC

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Knebworth First Tring Athletic Reserves Old Parmiterians First Oxhey First Wheathampstead Wanderers First

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Results

Next Up

Sat 5 February

Bovingdon 1-0 TAFC

Sat 12 February

TAFC 3-1 Buntingford Town

Sat 19 February

Aldenham (A) KO 2.30pm

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U18s Eastern Junior Alliance League - U18s Blue POS

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

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Sun

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St Albans City 4-1 TAFC

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13th February

TAFC 0-1 (AET) Hornchurch

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20th February

Leighton Town (A) 2pm

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6th March

London Colney (A) 12.30pm

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13th March

BSC FC Youth (H) KO TBC

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7 Edgware Town U16

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Sun 30th January

Berkhamsted 5-1 TAFC

League

Sun 6 February

Hemel Town Blacks 2-1 TAFC

League

Sun 13 February

TAFC 2-0 Ware

Cup

Sun 20 February

Hemel Town Blacks (H) 2pm

League

Sun 27 February

London Colney (H) KO TBC

Cup

Sun 6 March

Enfield Borough Leopards (A) KO TBC

League

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