Official Programme
Tring Athletic v Crawley Green Saturday 23rd 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 Crawley Green and our last league game of the season. We welcome their players, officials and supporters and wish them a safe journey home afterwards. At the turn of the year today’s game could have been a relegation decider, however the fantastic form shown by the lads in 2022 has pushed us up to mid table. Our win over league leaders Risborough Rangers on Tuesday just demonstrates how far Ryan Sturges has brought the squad forward over recent months. Our opponents today do not have that luxury, a win against us will guarantee them safety, anything less and they could be caught by both Holmer Green and London Colney. Crawley beat Baldock midweek to leapfrog over the other two and into 18th place giving them the advantage going into the final day. At the top of the table there is a league title up for grabs. Risborough lead New Salamis by two points and host them this afternoon. There will be a lot of Twitter refreshing going on this afternoon and working out the movements on the table as goals go in. Who needs Soccer Saturday when you have this tension! Unbelievable Jeff. At least we know that the league won’t need a helicopter on standby as the trophy will be handed to one of the sides at the B.E.P Stadium today. We would like to thank Michael Anthony Estate Agents for sponsoring this afternoon’s game. You can find more about them on page 38 and click on the page to go directly to their website. 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. Keep an eye on the website over the summer for work parties and club events as we prepare for the 2022/23 season. Enjoy the game & we hope to see you at Hadley on 3rd May for the semi final of the Premier Division Cup. Thank you to all of our players, committee, volunteers and supporters for your efforts this season. See you back here for pre season very soon!
Thank you for your support this season
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 7 - A selection of items on show from our club shop
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Page 20 — Today’s match squads
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Page 22-25—Introducing our opponents
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Pages 31-34 —On this Day, we look at a 5-0 defeat against AFC Dunstable 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 the goals from Tuesday night’s win against league leaders Risborough Rangers 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 Flackwell Heath Harpenden Town Ardley United Leverstock Green Dunstable Town Arlesey Town Harefield United Milton Keynes Irish Aylesbury Vale Dynamos Tring Athletic Oxhey Jets Broadfields United Baldock Town Crawley Green Holmer Green London Colney
37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37
29 29 24 20 20 19 17 17 13 13 11 11 12 12 12 12 9 8 7 8
6 4 8 11 5 8 9 5 8 8 10 10 7 6 6 1 7 5 7 3
Table as at Thursday 21st April
2 4 5 6 12 10 11 15 16 16 16 16 18 19 19 24 21 24 23 26
80 85 42 39 23 20 23 8 -11 -18 2 -7 -24 -10 -38 -25 -22 -35 -69 -63
93 91 80 71 65 65 60 56 47 47 43 43 43 42 42 37 34 29 28 27
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 The Pundit League 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
D 1-1 Away Leagueon W 3-0 Home Emirates FA Cup Extra PrelimiRound L 2-0 Away Emirates FA Cup Preliminary Round L 1-2 Home SSML Premier Division D1-1 Home SSML Premier Division W2-2 2-4 pens FA Vase 1st Qualifying Round L4-0 Away SSML Premier Division L0-4 Home SSML Premier Division L0-1 Home SSML Premier Division W1-4 Away FA Vase 2nd Qualifying Round D3-3 Away SSML Premier Division W1-0 Home SSML Premier Division D2-2 Away SSML Premier Division L1-2 Home SSML Premier Division L1-2 Home SSML Premier Division W1-1 3-4 pens FA Vase 1st Round Proper L3-2 Away SSML Premier Division W2-1 Home SSML Premier Division L3-0 Away SSML Premier Division L2-1 Away SSML Premier Division W0-4 Away FA Vase 2st Round Proper L0-4 Home Herts Senior Challenge Cup w3-0 Home SSML Premier Division L0-1 Home SSML Premier Division L3-0 Away SSML Premier Division L0-1 Home FA Vase 3rd Round Proper
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 Cockfosters Hitchin Town Milton Keynes Irish Arlesey Town Dunstable Town Saffron Walden Town
Fixture List Sat 18 Dec W0-2 Tue 28 Dec L-2-3 Mon 3 Jan L1-0 Sat 15 Jan L0-1 Tue 18 Jan W2-3 Tue 26 Jan L5-0 Sat 29 Jan W1-3 Sat 5 Feb W2-1 Tues 8 Feb D2-2 Tue 22 Feb W4-1 Sat 5 Mar W0-2 Tue 8 Mar W2-0 Sat 12 Mar L0-2 Tues 15 MarW2-0 Sat 19 Mar L2-0 Sat 26 Mar W0-6 Sat 2 Apr L1-2 Tues 5 Apr D0-0 Sat 9 Apr W0-2 Sat 16 Apr L1-0 Tue 19 Apr W2-1 Sat 23 Apr 3pm
Away Home Away Home Away Away Away Home Away Home Away Home Home Home Away Away Home Away Away Away Home Home
Challenge Trophy SSML Premier Division SSML Premier Division SSML Premier Division SSML Premier Division SSML Premier Division SSML Premier Division SSML Premier Division SSML Premier Division SSML Premier Division SSML Premier Division SSML Premier Division SSML Premier Division Premier Division Cup SSML Premier Division SSML Premier Division SSML Premier Division SSML Premier Division SSML Premier Division SSML Premier Division SSML Premier Division SSML Premier Division
Bovingdon Leverstock Green Risborough Rangers Harefield United Broadfields United Baldock Town Holmer Green Hadley New Salamis Aylesbury Vale Dmos Leighton Town Oxhey Jets New Salamis Leverstock Green Harpenden Town London Colney Ardley United Flackwell Heath Arlesey Town Leverstock Green Risborough Rangers Crawley Green
Today’s Squads
Tring Athletic FC
Mike Underwood Oliver Keil Harry Seabrook Harrison Cornick Oliver Butler George Carbery Frankie Hercules Adam Sawyer Emmanuel Gbejuade Adiel Mannion Leo Farruch Godlove Oppong Jack Stevens Elijah Hearn Ronan Hutchins Charlie Miller Will Bisney Lenny Armstrong Ali Mohinddin Jimmy Doherty Manager - Ryan Sturges Asst Manager- Lee Groves Coach—Gareth Jackson Technical coach—Ian Richardson GK Coach - Gary Looker
Crawley Green FC Loris Marcimain Luke Andrews Harry Bonner Dario Borval Ferrell Charles Javin Dougan Joe Hankings Jake Kissiedu Jordan Mongey Ernest Njoroge Mathieu Rancine Chris Crook
Joseph Grossi Kai McArthur
Manager: Paul Blackman Assistant : Matt Harding Coach: Paul Tom Physio : Leona Quinlan
Next Up
Away at Hadley Tuesday 3rd May Kick off 7.45pm
FREE £7.00
£7.00 FREE £4.00
Today’s Visitors The History of Crawley Green FC - Saturday Side Crawley Green Sports & Social Club was formed in November 1989 after arsonists caused the virtual destruction of the present building. Members of Stopsley Harriers, The Wyvern and Ramridge Rangers Sunday Football Clubs amalgamated to form the present club and were successful in securing a 99 year lease from the Council. The New Club house was formally open on 19th June, 1992 by then Luton Town manager, David Pleat.
The badge incorporates all the elements of the three founding clubs but also local history. The club badge was adopted in 1996 after many years of discussion. Maroon was the colour of the largest single club Ramridge Rangers and it was adopted as the club colour. It is incorporated in the Club badge as the bar across the middle. Stopsley Harriers were well known for their red and blue quarters, whilst Wyvern Members were predominantly blue since their foundation. Both these colours are reflected in the badge. Crawley Green FC Saturday side was formed in 1993 after another local team, Somerset Tavern came under the Crawley Green umbrella. The club colour of maroon was adopted by the team. In 2018 Luton Town FC and Crawley Green FC further enhanced their club partnership with the announcement that Crawley Green FC will play their home games at The Brache training ground from season 2018-2019. Crawley Green, who are the only Luton based team to play at step 5 or above of the National League System, have been trying since 2008 to get permission to build a suitable stadium. Unfortunately in that time they have failed to receive the support needed from Luton Borough Council, despite there being no cost involved for the Council. This decision has meant that they have had to ground share with Barton Rovers FC for 11 years now, to enable the team to continue to play at that level. This is a poor indictment of the Council’s attitude to football in Luton, considering that other major towns in Bedfordshire have at least one team each playing step 6 or above. Their lack of support in comparison to the likes of Biggleswade (3 teams), Bedford (2 teams), Dunstable (2 teams), Leighton Buzzard (1 team) and Kempston (1 team), means that even our local leagues have the ignominy of having to travel to local villages to host their cup finals. Luton recently installed a brand new all-weather surface down at the training ground and to comply with national ground grading criteria Crawley Green will complete the remaining requirements. This will include new changing rooms, dugouts, turnstile and spectator standing area.
Crawley Green Tony Talbot, Chairman of Crawley Green stated: “We would like to thank Gary Sweet and Kevan Platt and everyone at Luton Town FC for firstly affording us this opportunity and then their support in making this happen. “In the past we have seen a number of ex-Crawley Green players go on to play for Luton, but our partnership has really continued to grow in recent years. It’s with great satisfaction for us that we are currently seeing James Justin starring for the first team. In addition the recently transferred Tyreeq Bakinson and four of the current U18s team, Josh Neufville, Joe Mead, Ciaren Jones and Michael Shamalo all came through our youth system. “A town the size of Luton needs a successful professional club, as well as teams playing in the national league pyramid”. This gives our talented youngsters a pathway to development, without having to go outside the borough to develop. “In addition, underneath these clubs is a large community hub, which affords lots of youngsters the opportunity to play football. These community hubs ensure all young people have the opportunity to participate in football in a safe supportive environment, which preserves the dignity and respect of the individual regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, religion, disability, income and any other social deprivation. With Government statistics showing a concerning rise in childhood obesity throughout the UK, these community hubs encourage our children to stay active and engage in physical activity. This all helps promote health, selfconfidence and importantly social cohesion, and hopefully leads to the wider benefits in raising standards.” Hatters chief executive Gary Sweet said: “We see ourselves as guardians of elite football in our region and part of that responsibility is to help – wherever possible – other local, aspirational clubs develop and thrive, staying at the core of their roots. “The challenges faced at Crawley Green were difficult and, with the great relationship we’ve had over the years, having recruited numerous young players from their excellent development structure, we’re proud to help Crawley Green retain a local home for their competitive games, just as we are happy to utilise our existing training facility at perhaps the only time when it won’t get used.” In recognition of his services to the community and sport, Crawley Green Sports & Social Club Chairman, Tony Talbot was awarded a BEM – British Empire Medal - in the 2018 New Year’s Honours List.
Crawley Green Crawley Green FC - A Brief History 1995-96 Joined South Midlands League Division One 1997-98 Founder members of the Spartan South Midlands League Division One North 1998-99 Left Spartan South Midlands League for Luton & District league 1999-00 Re-joined Spartan South Midlands League. Alan Clark and Eddie Downey joined Crawley Green to manage the 1st Team & Reserves respectively. Alan Burgess took over as Club Secretary. 2001-02 Division One renamed Division Two 2002-03 Spartan South Midlands League Division Two Cup Winners. Beat Buckingham Athletic 2-0. Martin Fensome and Leon Holton (pen). 2002-03 Bedfordshire Junior Cup Winners. Reserves beat Potton United 1-0 (Andy Bath). 2004-05 Gary King takes over as 1st Team Manager and wins the Spartan South Midlands League Division Two and the Bedfordshire Senior Cup beating Kent Athletic 4-0 with goals from John Coley 2, Adey Bascombe 2. Crawley were denied the treble when they lost a penalty shoot out to Dunstable Town in the League Cup Final. 2005-06 Neil Tattersall takes over as 1st Team Manager 2006-07 6 pts deducted (ineligible player), costing the Club runners up spot 2007-08 Started ground share with Barton Rovers FC. Spartan South Midlands League Division Two runners up to Kings Langley. Promoted to Division One 2009-10 Bedfordshire Senior Trophy Winners. Beat Potton United 5-4 in a penalty shoot-out. Scores finished 1-1 after extra time. Ryan Smith (pen). Successful penalty takers Rian MacNabola, John Cooper, Jermaine Hall, Ryan Smith and Phil Cusack 2011-12 First Team Manager Neil Tattersall steps down after 6 seasons in charge and is replaced by Darren Salton. Darren Salton resigns in September after only 1 win in 10 games. Mark Smith is appointed manager in October 2011 with Assistant Terry Shrieves. Bedfordshire Senior Trophy finalists - lost 0-1 to Ampthill Town. Spartan South Midlands League Division One Cup winners. Beat Kings Langley 2-1 with goals from Courtney Massey and Chris Gibson
Crawley Green 2013-14 First Team reaches the final of the Bedfordshire Senior Trophy but loses 2-3 to Bedford. Scorers Sean Downey and Jon Butler. Reserves win the Bedfordshire Intermediate Cup with a 2-0 victory over Elstow Abbey with goals from Lewis Billington & Anthony Wright 2014-15 1st Team win the Bedfordshire Senior Trophy. Beat AFC Oakley M&DH 4-0 with goals from Sean Bishop, Stuart Strange, Tom Barnett & Sam Halfpenny. Reserves lose in the Reserve Challenge Trophy Final 1-0 to Risborough Rangers. 2015-16 1st Team – Runners-Up Division One – promoted to Premier Division. 1st Team winners – Division One League Cup. Beat Edgware Town 2-1 with goals from Fabio Buffano and Aarron Browne. Reserves–Winners Reserve Challenge Trophy. Beat Hoddesdon Town 2-1 with goals from James Potter and Andy Randell. Reserves lose Beds Intermediate Cup Final to Sundon Park Rangers 6-5 in a penalty shoot out after game finsihed 2-2. Scorers own goal and Rob Newman (pen). 2016-17 1st Team finish a creditable 11th in the their first season in the Premier Divisiion. Manager Mark Smith steps down to spend more time with his family. Dean Bull takes over and Richard Smith joins as Assistant Manager. 2nd Team move to the Bedfordshire County League and finish 4th and move up to the Premier Division. 2017-18 Dean Bull and Richard Smith step down after 22 games in charge. They are replaced by new manager Chris Devane and his assistant Craig Meyrick. 2018-19 Craig Bicknell joins the 1st Team as coach and Bobby Males steps down and joins the Committee. 2018-19 In recognition of his services to the community and sport, Crawley Green Sports & Social Club Chairman, Tony Talbot was awarded a BEM – British Empire Medal - in the 2018 New Year’s Honours List. 2018-19 Manager Chris Devane resigns due to work commitments. Craig Meyrick takes charge assisted by Craig Bicknell. Steve Tucker joins as coach. Jimmy Sherlock steps down from the Reserves and is replaced by Craig Savage and Richard McKinley.
Today’s Officials Referee
Chris Howes
Assistant Referee Assistant Referee
Robert Reid Joanne Horwood
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. March winners The monthly 100 draw was undertaken on 2nd April. The lucky winners were: £100 Andy Simmons £50 Marion Griffiths £20 Stuart Stedman £20 Lian Ahern £20 Barry Johnson 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 MIDWEEK HEADLINES Midweek brought about 44 goals from the 11 games (an average of 4.00 per game). Ryan MacDonald (Aston Clinton) led the way with a five goal haul. Midweek Stats: 11 games played of which 7 were home wins and 4 away wins. (Most League Wins – all Divisions): 29 New Salamis, 28 Risborough Rangers, Stotfold, 24 Hadley, Winslow United. (Most League Draws – all Divisions): 10 Harefield United, Leighton Town, 9 Penn & Tylers Green, 8 Ardley United, Arlesey Town, Dunstable Town, Harpenden Town, Milton Keynes Irish, Ampthill Town. (Most League Defeats – all Divisions): 28 Irchester United, 25 London Colney. Burton Park Wanderers, 24 Crawley Green. Without a Draw: (Division Two League): Aston Clinton. Most Goals Scored: (Premier Division League): 120 New Salamis. (Division One League): 116 Stotfold. (Division Two League): 90 Old Bradwell United. Most Goals Conceded: (Premier Division League): 106 Holmer Green. (Division One League): 111 Burton Park Wanderers. (Division Two League): 92 Buckingham United. Fewest Goals Scored: (Premier Division League): 35 London Colney. (Division One League): 37 Irchester United. (Division Two League): 24 The 61FC (Luton). Fewest Goals Conceded: (Premier Division League): 18 Risborough Rangers. (Division One League): 27 Stotfold. (Division Two League): 17 Old Bradwell United. Midweek Highest Attendances: 482 Stotfold v Shefford Town & Campton, 135 Risborough Rangers v Harefield United and 107 Risborough Rangers v Hadley (Dudley Latham Cup). 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 482 Stotfold v Shefford Town & Campton.
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
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). Tuesday 12th April / Wednesday 13th April / Thursday 14th April
PREMIER DIVISION Risborough Rangers moved level on points at the top of the Premier Division standings with a 2-0 home success against Harefield United, Rangers have a game in hand. Over at Oxhey Jets visitors Hadley assured themselves of third spot with a dogged 2-1 win. At the bottom of the standings both Crawley Green and London Colney picked up useful wins to keep their hopes of staying up, Green defeating visiting Broadfields United 4-0 while Colney won the big six-pointer 2-0 against Holmer Green in a game played at Colney Heath FC due to the floodlight issues at Cotlandswick, for Colney it was their first league win since the 7th December and sees them leap-frog their opponents to move into the third from bottom spot. Three goals in the first fourteen minutes set Baldock Town on their way to three points against visiting Ardley United on Wednesday evening, the hosts eventually running out 4-2 winners. DUDLEY LATHAM MEMORIAL (PREMIER DIVISION) CUP Quarter Final (Sponsored by S & T Sales and Marketing) Hadley reached the semi-finals of the Dudley Latham Memorial (Premier Division) Cup with a solitary goal success at Risborough Rangers on Thursday night, Hadley will now host Tring Athletic for a place in the Final.
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 Stotfold claimed the Division One title in front of a crowd of 482 on Tuesday night when they defeated local rivals Shefford Town & Campton 3-0, the result leaves the visitors still looking for the three points to clinch a play-off spot. Winslow United, already assured of a play-off spot, won 2-0 at Langford on Wednesday evening thanks to a goal in each half. DIVISION ONE CUP Quarter Final Stotfold, missing several first team players who were attending a wedding, squeezed into the Division One Cup semi-finals with a 3-2 win at Wellingborough Whitworth on Thursday night to set up a home tie with Winslow United as they remain on course for a quadruple of trophies.
DIVISION TWO Aston Clinton climbed to third place in the Division Two standings with an impressive 7-2 win at home against neighbours Tring Corinthians AFC thanks to a five goal haul from Ryan MacDonald, with games against Old Bradwell United and Bovingdon to come this month it makes for an interesting race for the title. Eynesbury United’s hopes of promotion took a blow on Thursday night, 3-1 up at the break they allowed their hosts, struggling Buckingham United, off the hook and were beaten by the odd goal in seven. For Buckingham it was their first win since the end of January.
On This Day— 23 April 2016 DUNSTABLE ALMOST THERE Dunstable have one hand on the Premier Division Trophy after this comprehensive win at the Grass Roots Stadium. They need just one point to make absolutely certain of lifting the title but can in reality start celebrating now as they have a far superior goal difference (plus 25) over their only challenges London Colney. Ironically we travel to London Colney on Saturday but Dunstable's destiny is in their own hands with two opportunities to get the point they need at either Colney Heath on Saturday or Welwyn Garden City on Bank Holiday Monday. We will not look back on this encounter with any pleasure as we were second best for much of this match. However, we were not helped when the officials awarded Dunstable a soft penalty after only five minutes when Ryan McMahon was penalised for allegedly holding his opponent as they challenged for a long ball played into the area. It was a controversial decision especially as these types of incidences happen in every game (including later on in this one) and generally go unpunished but Leon Cashman showed no sympathy by crashing home the generous spot kick to get his side off to a perfect start. Score 0-1. We were rattled by this early set back especially as every decision seemed to be going against us and we took a while to settle. We did go mighty close to an equaliser in the 22nd minute when Chris Stapleton cleverly played Ryan Sturges through who was denied by a brilliant save from visiting keeper Ricky Perks who kept the shot out with his legs.
TAFC 0-5 AFC Dunstable But any hopes we had of a recovery were dented six minutes later when Christie nodded on a long ball down the middle and Nathan Frater seized on it to clinically slot the ball past Jack Hopwood.. Score 0-2. Our task slipped from slim hope to no hope nine minutes before the break when Dunstable's leading scorer Bernard Christie got on the end of a long cross into our area and although his header lacked pace it somehow evaded Jack Hopwood and found the net. Score 0-3. We had a chance to pull a goal back just before the break when Kieran Turner superbly robbed Dunstable Captain Moses Olaleye on the bye line and crossed the ball to Ryan McMahon but his shot was blocked on the goal line as was Chris Stapleton's follow up effort. It was a good opportunity missed to reduce the deficit and give ourselves some hope but Dunstable were able to go in for the break with a commanding lead. HT Score 0-3. Ten minutes after the restart Dunstable struck again when Jermaine Hall scored from close range after we failed to clear a long free kick directed into our area. Score 0-4. It was now all about damage limitation and pride as we tried to get at least a consolidation goal but apart from half chances for Chris Stapleton and Lee Stobbs we never looked like scoring or testing keeper Ricky Perks.
TAFC 0-5 AFC Dunstable
Last word went to Bernard Christie who got his side's fifth goal right on time. This goal came from same source as the other four, long balls/ crosses down the middle which we failed to deal with, but it would be wrong to lay the blame for this heavy defeat on the defence because collectively we were poor. FT Score 0-5. A thoroughly disappointing afternoon but we were playing against a very strong, physical team who will be crowned as Champions. They were also much more street-wise but hopefully our young players will learn from the experience. Dunstable are worthy Champions and we wish them all the best for next season in the Southern League. Despite this defeat our season is far from over. We have only three league games left but have two Cup Finals to look forward to. By beating Bovingdon 4-1 in midweek we booked our place in the St Marys Cup Final where we will evidently face a very tough encounter against Southern League Champions Kings Langley (date to be decided). We will also play either Hadley or Harpenden Town in the Herts Charity Shield Final on May 17, so we still have plenty to play for.
TAFC 0-5 AFC Dunstable Teams: TA: 1 Jack Hopwood 2 Jack Seaton (15 Stuart Stedman 83) 3 Chris Mason 4 Ryan McMahon (12 Jay Caines 67) 5 Dan Steadman (Capt) 6 Dave O'Connor 7 Lee Stobbs 8 Luke Dunstan 9 Chris Stapleton 10 Kieran Turner 11 Ryan Sturges (14 Ben Seaton 65). Subs not used: 16 Jack Westlake 17 Kevin McManus. AFCD: 1 Ricky Perks 2 Courtney Massey 3 Newman Carney (12 Danny Jones HT) 4 Terry Griffiths 5 Leon Cashman 6 Moses Olaleye (Capt) 7 Charlie Gorman (15 Roy Byron 66) 8 Josh Humbert 9 Bernard Christie 10 Jermaine Hall (16 Ben Darby 80) 11 Nathan Frater. Subs not used: 14 Ben Morgan 17 Matt Langston. Scorers: TA: AFCD: Crowd:
Cashman Pen (5), Frater (28), Christie (36, 90), Hall (55). 98
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 Hinton First Buntingford Town First Aldenham FC First Bovingdon Reserves Hatfield United First Evergreen First Standon & Puckeridge FC None Harpenden Town Reserves Hertford United FC First Knebworth First Old Parmiterians First Tring Athletic Reserves Oxhey First Wheathampstead Wanderers First
27 27 27 27 27 24 26 27 27 26 21 26 25 27 26 0
W
21 20 18 18 13 12 12 12 9 8 7 7 6 5 2 0
Sat 5 February
Bovingdon 1-0 TAFC
Sat 12 February
TAFC 3-1 Buntingford Town
Sat 26 February
Aldenham 2-1 TAFC
Sat 16 April
TAFC 0-4 Hinton (H) 3pm
D
L
3 1 4 3 3 5 4 2 4 4 4 3 3 3 4 0
3 6 5 6 11 7 10 13 14 14 10 16 16 19 20 0
GD
67 50 32 30 -6 8 13 0 1 -18 -17 -41 -50 -23 -46 0
PTS
66 61 58 57 42 41 40 38 31 28 25 24 21 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
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Results
P
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 12 13 10 12 11 14
W
D
11 8 8 7 5 4 2 1
L
0 1 0 0 0 1 1 1
GD
2 32 2 12 4 24 6 0 5 0 7 -6 8 -14 12 -48
PTS
33 25 24 21 15 13 7 4
Sun
27th March
BSC Youth 2-0 TAFC
League
Sun
30th March
Leighton Town 1-2 TAFC
League
TAFC 7-0 Baldock Town
League
Sun 3rd April
U16s Eastern Junior Alliance League - U16 Green POS
P
W
D
L
GD
PTS
1 Ryan (Youth) U16 Red EJA
14
11
1
2
34
34
2 Enfield Borough (Youth) U16 Leopards 3 Hemel Hempstead Town Youth U16 Blacks 4 Cockfosters (Youth) U16
13
10
2
1
41
32
13
9
1
3
36
28
15
6
2
7
9
20
5 London Colney Youth U16 EJA 6 Berkhamsted FC Youth U16 EJA
12 12
6 5
1 2
5 5
14 -3
19 17
7 Edgware Town U16
13
3
2
8
-8
11
8 Tring Athletic U16 EJA
12
3
1
8
-6
10
9 Hadley Youth U16 EJA
14
0
0
14 -117
Results
Next Up
0
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
TAFC 1-3 Ryan Youth
League
Sun 24th April
Cockfosters (A) KO 10.30am
League
Supporting Tring Athletic FC since 2014 Insurance Reports Landlord Certification Commercial Lighting New Installations Emergency Call Out Contact
www.np-electrics.co.uk hello@np-electrics.co.uk T: 01442 828315 M: 07917 100813
TAFC Membership For the 2021/22 season we have introduced a new membership scheme GOLD - £99 (£75 concessions) Free entry to all home league games. 20% discount at the bar. Please see the opposite page for additional offers from local businesses. SILVER—£50 (£40 cons) Free entry to the first six matches each season. 20% discount at the bar. BLACK—£20 (£10 cons) Club membership and 10% discount at the bar. Click on the Gold Card below to go to our membership page & application
TAFC Gold Membership Benefits Free entry to all home league games 20% off at the bar in the clubhouse One free day pass Free hot drink 10% of first meeting room booking
5% discount on fees
Free initial consultation 25% of first year’s fees Tax consultancy or accounts/ finance related services 15% off food
20% off food and beverages 10% off Spa treatments
Team Sponsors First Team
Reserves
U16
U18 New sponsor wanted. Please contact Graham Bright for more information
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