Tring Athletic vs Ardley United

Official Programme

Tring Athletic v Ardley United Saturday 2nd April 2022 3pm Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Match Sponsor— Michael Anthony Estate Agents

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 Ardley United. We welcome their players, officials and supporters and wish them a safe journey home afterwards.

Our match sponsors this evening is local estate agents Michael Anthony who also sponsor our under 18s side. We would like to thank them for their support and you can find out more about them on page 37 We still have match sponsorship availability on our last home game against Crawley Green 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.

This afternoon we are collecting the following for children up to the age

of 10 in our Ukraine Appeal: ** Baby / toddler food Sweets Toys Nappies Warm clothing. ** If you can help with these items, just deposit them with us in the clubhouse this Saturday between the hours of 1 - 6 pm.

Cash donations, instead or as well, will be taken on the day and will be used to purchase these items.

Our good SSMFL friend Mario Stetakovic is driving a lorry into Ukraine next week and we can help make sure that his lorry is full to the brim.

This is such a great cause, to help these desperate, displaced kids, often without parents.

Please support it and show what TAFC can do.

Chairman’s Chat

Well I hope everyone has enjoyed their football in the last week!

The last two performances from the First Team have been sublime in my view – first a 4-0 win away against Aylesbury Vale Dynamos, followed by a 6-0 away win at London Colney. That’s 10 goals and 2 clean sheets – not too shabby.

It’s fair to say there’s been some bumps in the road this season, and some low points – Baldock away springs to mind. However, the enjoyment of the recent highs far outweighs the pain of the lows in my view.

It’s not just the results recently that have been pleasing, it’s the nature of them. Ryan and his management team deserve much credit for assembling a young side that are not only technically gifted, but play with such commitment, drive and flair – they are exciting and a pleasure to watch. I usually avoid mentioning players’ individually, but I’d like to pick George Carberry out for a special mention. There is no one more committed than George, and the way he marshals and encourages the young players around him is tremendous and pretty much non-stop all game whether he’s playing or not. He’s one of the reasons we look so good as a team right now – well done George.

Today we welcome Ardley United, and we know they are a very good side from our previous meetings this season. Whilst we prevailed in the FA Vase, we were well beaten in the subsequent league game. Let’s see what our talented young side can do this afternoon.

Finally, I’d like to thank Tony Stedman for organising the today’s collection effort for the Ukrainian refugee’s. This is an important cause and we need to do what we can to help. Please donate if you are able today – just catch Tony who will be sure to be wondering about. That’s about it from me except to say enjoy the game.

Onwards & upwards—Cheers Bob

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 19 — Today’s match squads

•

Page 21-22—Introducing our opponents

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Pages 30-32 —On this Day, we look at a 2-1 win over Wembley from 2016.

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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 highlights of our 2-0 win against Leighton Town 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 Hadley Leighton Town Flackwell Heath Harpenden Town Leverstock Green Ardley United Arlesey Town Dunstable Town Harefield United Oxhey Jets Milton Keynes Irish Aylesbury Vale Dynamos Tring Athletic Broadfields United Baldock Town London Colney Holmer Green Crawley Green

33 31 31 33 32 33 33 32 33 33 31 32 32 32 32 31 32 33 32 33

26 24 21 18 19 16 16 14 13 12 10 11 10 10 10 11 7 7 6 5

3 6 5 9 3 8 3 8 7 8 9 5 7 6 5 1 6 3 5 5

Table as at Friday 1st April

4 1 5 6 10 9 14 10 13 13 12 16 15 16 17 19 19 23 21 23

68 70 36 36 28 15 10 22 -11 -9 12 -34 -7 -19 -11 -20 -23 -59 -65 -39

81 78 68 63 60 56 51 50 46 44 39 38 37 36 35 34 27 24 23 20

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 23rd April– Aylesbury Vale Dynamos Saturday 8th March—Oxhey Jets Saturday 12th March—New Salamis Tuesday 15th March —Leverstock Green Saturday 2nd April—Ardley United Tuesday 19th April—Risborough Rangers Saturday 23th 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 Nursery The Cook Partnership Pendley Day Nursery NP Electrics R.O. Allum & Sons Michael Anthony Estate Agents Mick Eldridge 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 Tue 22 Feb Sat 5 Mar Tue 8 Mar Sat 12 Mar Tues 15 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 W4-1 W0-2 W2-0 L0-2 W2-0 L2-0 W0-6 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 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 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 Aylesbury Vale Dynamos Leighton Town Oxhey Jets New Salamis Leverstock Green 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

Ardley United Declan Benjamin Mason Courtney Zarius Edwards-Giraud Lewis Gabbidon Leis Gabbidon Caelan Isaac Freddie Lapworth Jordy Ngathe Anaclet Odhiambo Elliott Osbourne-Ricketts Liam Talboys Morgan Willliams Ben Willoughby James Casbieri

Leam Howards Joshua Tooke Jacob Blackstock

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

Manager: Jules McCalmon Asst Manager: Carl Reed Coaches: Gary Courtney, Adam Deadman & Ellioo OsbourneRicketts Physio—Mark Timbrell

Next Up

Risborough Rangers Tuesday 19th April Kick off 3pm

FREE £7.00

£7.00 FREE £4.00

Today’s Visitors Ardley United were formed in 1945 just after the end of the Second World War. In the early years, the club plied its trade in the Lord Jersey FA and played on a pitch which was situated close to the railway line on the Oxford Road. The 1950’s and ‘60’s were successful for the club as they won both league titles and cups; most notably the Oxfordshire Junior Shield on three occasions as well as many other trophies.The acquisition of the current Playing Field site in the mid60’s enabled the club to move into the heart of the village, and a number of volunteers led by life-long supporter Doug Hodges built modest changing rooms.

Ardley continued to compete in the Jersey League throughout the 70’s and early 80’s without much success but this was to change in the mid-‘80’s with the arrival of Norman Stacey as chairman – a position that he graces to this day. In 1988 the club were promoted to the Oxfordshire Senior League and won the Division One title at the first attempt, following this up with the Premier Division title the following season.Accepting a place in the Hellenic League for the 1993/4 season, Ardley spent six seasons in the ‘old’ Division One winning it in both 1996/7 and 97/8 as well as winning the Division 1 Cup for a record four consecutive seasons before it was merged with the Premier Division Cup to become the Challenge Cup that we know today. The manager during these years was ex-Oxford United leading scorer Peter Foley and he was to be the first in a line of managers to keep Ardley at the forefront who include Paul Spittle, Paul Berry, Dan Still and Kevin Brock among their number.

Major change was to come in the early 2000’s as, along with the Ardley Playing Field Committee, Ardley United oversaw the construction of dedicated facilities along with a separate village hall which enabled the club to be independent of community activities. The new clubhouse, which had been awarded the NonLeague Paper’s Hungerford Cup for most-improved facilities, allowed the club to be promoted to the Hellenic Premier Division and so began the club’s most successful years to date.

Ardley United Kevin Brock took the reins for seven seasons which saw Ardley win several cups including the Oxfordshire Senior Cup in 2013/14, a season during which they narrowly lost out on the Premier Division title by just two points. Following Brock’s departure, Paul Davis took over as manager for nearly two seasons until the resignation of long-time chairman Norman Stacey in June 2017 for personal reasons. Ian Feaver took over the role of Chairman and appointed Craig Adey as First Team Manager. A decision to be voluntarily relegated to uhlsport Hellenic League Division One West gave everyone some breathing space to adjust to the new regime.

Craig brought with him a talented squad of players and they won the Division title gaining promotion back to the Premier Division at the first time of asking.

The 2018/2019 season had its ups and downs but the team finished on a high winning the Hellenic League Floodlit Cup. Lee Matthews was appointed manager for the 2020-21 season, after being joint manager with Danial (Elvis) Knight after Craig departed during the 201920 season. The club went through a restructure in the back office, leading to Eddie Nix being appointed as Director of Football and the creation of the Ardley United Development team, managed by Carl Reed.

Today’s Officials Referee

Rikki Woolford

Assistant Referee Assistant Referee

Mark Mellor Neil Jenkins

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.

February winners The monthly 100 draw was undertaken on 12th March. The lucky winners were: £100 Will Herbert £50 Jamie Robbins £20 Ben Stacey £20 Trudy Fryer £20 Rob Lear 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 PREMIER DIVISION Non-League Day brought about no change at both ends of the Premier Division standings, at the top there were routine wins for the leading six clubs, leaders New Salamis remain after winning 4-0 at Milton Keynes Irish and more on this one later in the ramblings. Second placed Risborough Rangers were also on the road, their trip to Aylesbury Vale Dynamos bringing about a 5-0 win while third placed Hadley saw off visiting Broadfields United 3-0. Behind the top three Leighton Town defeated a battling ten man Oxhey Jets in front of the SSML’s second highest League attendance of the season (524) thanks to two second half strikes following a red card for the visitors, Flackwell Heath won by a solitary goal at their neighbours Holmer Green, the hosts remain second from bottom while Harpenden Town thumped Baldock Town 6-1 thanks to a four goal haul from hosts striker Jake Anthony. At the bottom the current wooden spoonists Crawley Green were beaten by the odd goal in three at home by Ardley United while the free falling London Colney suffered their 12th successive league defeat when losing 0-6 at home against Tring Athletic. Elsewhere Dunstable Town squeezed past visiting Leverstock Green by the odd goal in three while Harefield United thumped Arlesey Town 5-0, having lead by a solitary goal at the break the hosts were in rampant form in the second half to bag the three points on offer.

DIVISION ONE Title chasing Stotfold ensured themselves a play-off spot at the very least on Saturday with a thoroughly dominate 7-0 home win over relegation threatened Kidlington Reserves in front of yet another large crowd at the JSJ Stadium. Third placed Ampthill Town were thankful to a stunning late equalizer at bottom club Irchester United, the goal not only denied the hosts a rare win but also condemned them to a guaranteed bottom three finish in their debut SSML campaign and relegation. Elsewhere at the lower end of the standings London Tigers boosted their hopes of avoiding the drop with a 3-0 home success against fellow strugglers Raunds Town while Langford and Amersham Town both suffered away defeats, the former losing by a solitary goal at neighbours Bedford while latter were beaten 1-5 at Rushden & Higham United. Elsewhere Shefford Town & Campton continue to push hard for the play-offs with a 3-2 home win against Long Crendon, a result that all but rules their visitors out of contention. Northampton Sileby Rangers kept their play-offs hopes alive with a 2-1 win against visiting Thame United Reserves while in the day’s other Division One fixture Letchworth Garden City Eagles edged out visiting Buckingham Athletic by the odd goal in five.

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 TWO Division Two leaders Old Bradwell United were ruthless yesterday as they moved three points clear at the top with an emphatic 6-0 success at struggling The 61FC (Luton), the visitors have now gone eleven league games without defeat while the hosts are winless in the league since mid-January.

The big game at the top between third placed Pitstone & Ivinghoe and visiting fourth placed Milton Keynes College Football Academy was a tight affair and it was no surprise the clubs shared the spoils with a 1-1 draw with the hosts levelling in the dying minutes. At the foot of the table Tring Corinthians AFC’s hopes of avoiding the wooden spoon remain after a solitary goal defeat at Risborough Rangers Development while Sarratt won the big relegation six -pointer by the odd goal in nine against visiting Buckingham United after trailing at the break and more on this can be found later in these ramblings.

Aston Clinton continued their fine form of late with a 3-0 success at Berkhamsted Raiders, the visitors have several games in hand on those above them. It was a late first half penalty that settled the points in the day’s other game between Codicote and New Bradwell St Peter, the Milton Keynes based visitors taking full advantage although looking at the excellent coverage from ‘The Cold End’ the ‘Cod’ should have had a spot kick themselves in the second period.

COMMITTEE AWAYDAYS

Bob Flight was at Milton Keynes Irish and sends the following report:League leaders New Salamis travelled to MK Irish, who have a long list of injured or unavailable players, and secured the three points with an emphatic 4-0 victory. The game was only five minutes old before Salamis scored when a shot hit the Irish post but bounced out straight to Elijah Ogunseye who lashed it back into the home net. Nothing was seen of the home attack as they failed to muster a single shot on the visitor’s goal. Right on half time, Salamis scored again direct from a free kick as Derek Asamoah shot the ball into the Irish goal in off the far post. MK Irish improved in the second half and despite a couple of shots that went wide, failed to trouble the Salamis goal and only a super save by home keeper Jack Taylor kept Salamis from scoring again.

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

The game then drifted into a stalemate with Salamis content to sit on their lead and MK Irish unable to pressure their opponents. However, the final minutes of the game exploded into life as Salamis scored two goals in quick succession. Firstly Asamoah benefited from a defensive mistake to score his second and Salamis third goal right on full time and secondly substitute Antonio Michael manged to find the net with a back heel effort in the first minute of added time. Thus Salamis completed a comfortable, if not an inspiring, win to maintain their promotion hopes.

According to the watching mad Scot Bill Hamilton, It would be hard to find a better advertisement for Non-League Day than the fayre provided for the residents of the idyllic Hertfordshire village of Sarratt.

Their optimistic resolve to see their local team take on fellow Division Two strugglers Buckingham United was rewarded with a nine-goal thriller, Sarratt turning almost certain defeat into an incredible win with two goals deep into added time. What this game proved is that excitement can be generated not only by watching the most talented and skilful players in action but also by those whose sheer determination, commitment and obvious enjoyment of the game can provide a very watchable contest. Football’s beauty derives from its unpredictability. We had everything on view here …. fast, mazy runs, unbelievable misses, one of the craziest own goals you could possibly imagine, an outstanding strike from Buckingham’s Patrick Field which gave his side an interval lead and one which he extended early in the second half. 4-2 down with just minutes to play, it looked all over for Sarratt until Reon Thomas slotted in and with referee Andrew McCree glancing at his watch as the last minute of injury time approached, Craig Woollard levelled things up. The villagers who had made that special effort to support non-League day were more than satisfied … but wait, surely not, one more attack and a bullet header from Dan Ormsby completed the most incredible of turnarounds. It couldn’t be, could it – oh yes, Sarratt 5 Buckingham United 4. I have a feeling some of these newfound fans may be back again soon!

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

Non-League Day saw many clubs trying new ideas to attract those fans of the big boys of football with free admission, clothing donations and fancy dress amongst the many ideas. The day also brought about the first of the Promotion/Relegation issues being announced as the final whistles blew. Stotfold’s win ensured the club were guaranteed at least a play-off spot while for new boys Irchester United that late equalizer condemned the club to a bottom three place and relegation.

Saturday brought about 95 goals from the 24 games (an average of 3.96 per game). Jake Anthony (Harpenden Town) led the way with four goals while Richard Pacquette (Harefield United), Godlove Oppong (Tring Athletic), Redha Zekri (Letchworth Garden City Eagles), Conor Clarke (Stotfold), Josh Douglas Smith (Old Bradwell United) all netted hat tricks.

Saturday’s Stats: 24 games played of which 14 were home wins, 8 away wins and 2 draws.

(Most League Wins – all Divisions): 26 New Salamis 25 Stotfold 24 Risborough Rangers (Most League Draws – all Divisions): 9 Harefield United, Leighton Town 8 Ardley United, Ampthill Town, Penn & Tylers Green 7 Arlesey Town, Dunstable Town, Harpenden Town, Milton Keynes Irish, Bedford (Most League Defeats – all Divisions): 26 Irchester United 23 Burton Park Wanderers 23 Crawley Green, London Colney.

Without a Draw: (Division Two League): Aston Clinton and Codicote Most Goals Scored: (Premier Division League): 102 New Salamis.

(Division One League): 104 Stotfold. (Division Two League): 85 Old Bradwell United.

Most Goals Conceded: (Premier Division League): 101 Holmer Green.

(Division One League): 103 Burton Park Wanderers. (Division Two League): 79 Buckingham United

Fewest Goals Conceded: (Premier Division League): 17 Risborough Rangers (Division One League): 24 Stotfold (Division Two League): 16 Old Bradwell 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

Saturday’s Highest Attendances: 524 Leighton Town v Oxhey Jets, 220 Aylesbury Vale Dynamos v Risborough Rangers, Dunstable Town v Leverstock Green and 209 Stotfold v Kidlington Reserves.

Season’s Highest Attendances to date (Premier Division Clubs): 868 Leighton Town v Luton Town (Beds Senior Cup), 524 Leighton Town v Oxhey Jets and 491 Leighton Town v Tring Athletic.

Season’s Highest Attendances to date (Division One Clubs): 1904 Long Crendon v Wycombe Wanderers (Berks & Bucks Senior Cup), 533 Stotfold v Winslow United and 404 Stotfold v Ampthill Town.

Season’s Highest Attendances to date (Division Two Clubs): 212 Bovingdon v Totternhoe, 175 Bovingdon v Berkhamsted Raiders and 155 Bovingdon v Sarratt (Division Two Cup).

The Twittersphere produced another couple of interesting tweets – firstly this one from Arlesey Town ‘And as I finish tweeting Harefield United’s second goal they grab another’ while a fan at the Leighton Town v Oxhey Jets game tweeted ‘Unreal scenes Oxhey Jets down to ten and their player goes lovely day fancied a pint anyway’ after research I can unmask that player as Tom Inch (thanks to John Elliott for the information).

The result of this week’s Team of the Day Poll with 429 votes cast is:Tring Athletic 39.9% Stotfold 25.2% Harefield United 23.5% Sarratt 11.4%

On This Day— 2 April 2016 WE BOUNCE BACK WITH HARD FOUGHT WIN After the disappointing setback the previous weekend we were looking for an immediate reaction against a Wembley side sitting one place above us in the table. Initially we struggled to get into gear and it was no surprise when the visitors took the lead but we showed a lot of character to raise our game and come from behind to claim all three points with goals from Jay Caines and Lee Stobbs.

We started brightly enough winning a corner after 78 seconds and then Chris Stapleton, making his first league start, produced a nice run and shot that forced a good save from the keeper. But gradually Wembley stamped their authority on the game and in the 10th minute they went close when a long clearance picked out Yassine Fehmi-Gil who forced a good save from Jack Hopwood who then made an equally good follow save from Joe Wright.

Jack Hopwood was called into action again nine minutes later saving from Yassine Fehmi-Gil after Kevin McManus had done well to clear a goal bound shot from the same forward. The visitors were playing some nice football and creating the better chances and whilst we were putting together some promising moves we were let down by our final touch or pass.

On the half hour mark Wembley got the goal their play deserved with Nathan Jallow scoring from close range after a fine move had carved open our defence. That was the scorers last action as he was immediately replaced by Junior Bushiri presumably because of injury.

Score 0-1.

The visitors were now very much in the driving seat but the game changed nine minutes later when Jay Caines scored a cracking equalising goal. Linking up with Kieran Turner on the left hand edge of the opposition area Jay fired in a superb shot from an acute angle that soared past the keeper into the far corner. It was a superb strike from the 19 year old making only his 9th appearance and it was his second goal, the first being a last minute winner against Harefield United. Score 1-1.

The goal certainly boosted our confidence and Chris Stapleton sent a good left foot shot just wide. We were perhaps fortunate to go in at half time on level terms but the break gave us a good opportunity to regroup. HT Score 1-1.

Some constructive advice during the interval and a slight tweaking of our formation certainly did the trick because we looked a different proposition from the restart. The lively Chris Stapleton produced a superb diving header from a Lee Stobbs free kick which flew past the keeper into the roof of the net, but unfortunately celebrations were cut short by the Linesman's flag for offside.

TAFC 2-1 Wembley

Undeterred we won another free kick a few minutes later in the 53rd minute in a good position after some tenacious play by Chris Stapleton and this time we were not to be denied. Sam Joliffe's set piece was partially cleared to beyond the far post where Lee Stobbs was waiting. Stobbsy has been a regular on the score sheet in recent games and he drilled a fierce shot through a crowd of players into the net for his seventh goal of the season. Score 2-1.

The balance of play now swung in our favour and the visiting keeper did well to save from Kieran Turner at the near post after a typical mazy run. Later Chris Stapleton cracked a terrific 30 yard shot that went through the keeper's hands and fortunately for him over the bar.

Wembley were still a threat going forward and Dan Steadman made a vital interception to stop a pass reaching Joe Wright from Adam Murad after the winger had made a good run. At the start of the half Wright got a shot off then later got his head to a fine cross from left back Jonathan Iley but he could not get any power behind either effort and they were easy catches for Jack Hopwood.

Mid way through the half we came close to extending our lead when Sam Joliffe's header from a corner hit the bar. Both sides made changes, we brought on Luke Dunstan, Ryan Sturges and Jack Westlake whilst the visitors called Junior Bushiri and Taiwo Edun off the bench.

To the visitors credit they kept trying to play from the back rather than adopt route one tactics but they were creating less chances than they did in the first half hour. The better opportunities were now coming our way with Sam Joliffe lifting a free kick on the edge of the area just over the bar, Lee Stobbs curling an effort over and Jack Westlake smashing a shot over as well.

TAFC 2-1 Wembley Wembley enjoyed some good spells of possession but we were in no mood to give up our hard fought lead and our defence gave Jack Hopwood plenty of cover and we saw out the game with relative comfort. FT Score 2-1.

Managers Ian Richardson and Paul Bonham will be delighted at the response they got from the players against a good, experienced Wembley team that started the game so strongly. The victory pushed us up two places to eighth in the table.

We have two games next week with the visit of Stotfold on Tuesday before we face a difficult trip to title chasing Hoddesdon Town on Saturday.

Teams: TA: 1 Jack Hopwood 2 Kevin McManus 3 Chris Mason 4 Ben Seaton (15 Luke Dunstan 61) 5 Dan Steadman (Capt) 6 Dave O'Connor 7 Lee Stobbs (12 Jack Westlake 85) 8 Sam Joliffe 9 Jay Caines (16 Ryan Sturges 77) 10 Kieran Turner 11 Chris Stapleton. Subs not used: 14 Jack Seaton 17 Taylor Collins 1 Grigioli Zulmatashvili 2 Adam Humphries 3 Jonathan Iley (14 Junior Bushiri 70) 4 Wayne Walters 5 Carl Pearce 6 Steve O'Reilly 7 Ian Bates (Capt) 8 Nathan Jallow (12 Harry Whiter 34) 9 Joe Wright 10 Yassine Fehmi-Gil 11 Adam Murad (15 Taiwo Edun 70). Sub not used: 16 Zaied Sabti.

TAFC Reserves TAFC 3-1 Buntingford Town Click on the image below to see 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 Buntingford Town First Hinton First Aldenham FC First Bovingdon Reserves Evergreen First Hatfield United First Standon & Puckeridge FC Harpenden Town Reserves Hertford United FC First Knebworth First Tring Athletic Reserves Old Parmiterians First Oxhey First Wheathampstead Wanderers First

26 25 26 24 24 22 25 23 24 24 20 24 25 22 24 0

W

21 19 17 16 12 10 11 10 8 8 6 6 5 5 2 0

Sat 5 February

Bovingdon 1-0 TAFC

Sat 12 February

TAFC 3-1 Buntingford Town

Sat 19 February

Aldenham 2-1 TAFC

Sat 9th April

Hertford United (A) KO 3pm

Sat 16 April

Hinton (H) 3pm

D

L

3 1 3 3 3 5 2 3 3 3 4 3 3 3 4 0

2 5 6 5 9 7 12 10 13 13 10 15 17 14 18 0

GD

69 49 29 27 -7 4 0 12 -1 -16 -17 -38 -19 -50 -42 0

PTS

66 58 54 51 39 35 35 33 27 27 22 21 18 18 10 0

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

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Results

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

13 11 11 13 9 12 10 13

W

11 8 7 7 5 4 1 1

D

L

0 1 0 0 0 1 1 1

GD

2 32 2 12 4 22 6 0 4 2 7 -6 8 -21 11 -41

PTS

33 25 21 21 15 13 4 4

Sun

20th March

Ware Academy 5-3 TAFC

League

Sun

27th March

BSC Youth 2-0 TAFC

League

Sun

30th March

Leighton Town 1-2 TAFC

League

Sun 3rd April

Baldock Town (H) KO 2pm

League

Sun 10th April

London Lions (H) KO TBC

League

Sun 24th April

St Albans City (H) KO TBC

League

U16s Eastern Junior Alliance League - U16 Green POS

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W

D

L

GD

PTS

1 Ryan (Youth) U16 Red EJA

13

10

1

2

32

31

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

12

9

2

1

35

29

12

9

1

2

37

28

14

6

2

6

15

20

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

11 11

5 4

1 2

5 5

13 -4

16 14

7 Edgware Town U16

12

3

2

7

-7

11

8 Tring Athletic U16 EJA

11

3

1

7

-4

10

9 Hadley Youth U16 EJA

14

0

0

14 -117

Results

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Sun 27 February

TAFC 1-1 London Colney (H) (5-3 pens)

Cup

Sun 6 March

Enfield Borough Leopards 3-0 TAFC

League

Sun 20 March

TAFC 1-4 Hemel Town

Cup

Sun 10th April

Ryan Youth (H) KO TBC

League

Sun 1st May

Cockfosters (A) KO TBC

League

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