The secret to today's success lay ironically lay with those players who under the unwritten convention that First team squad players and " new lads" get precedence in the starting X1 initially missed out. As usual not only was their response to not starting exemplary but when they did get on each and everyone played his part in helping win this game against a side who arrived full of confidence having beaten reigning champs Corinthian Casuals 4-1 in a Cup, semi final last week.

Playing down the slope our opponents had more of the play but in fairness this was due to a lack of match fitness from 2/3 individuals who it is unfair to point out as hopefully they are aware of their shortcomings

The entire defensive unit worked well together but centre halves Paolo Bagattii and Les Barkers-Obua were outstanding while right back Ryan Reeves defended well and played his fair share of passes into the front men. Left back Mitchell Bulpit completed his first 90 mins for Tring and improved the longer the game went.Custodian Luke Midwinter had his best game to date . The defensive duo of Ryan McMahon and Carl Clay did well to keep Cray Valley at bay as our opponents were neat and tidy in midfield.In midfield Kieran Goldberg did his best with limited possesion and the front 3 of Joe Naylor, Ollie Ruttle and ex- Sun Sports Karl Penny tried to feed off bits and pieces but the first 15 mins we spent defending. We then created probably the best 2 chances of the half the first after a good run and cross by Joe Naylor and the second from a corner well delivered by Kieran Goldgerg.


Playing down the slope we were visibly brighter and after good work by Karl Penny who got his second wind and a good set by Ollie Ruttle resulted in a fierce strike over the bar by Kieran Goldberg. Joe Naylor then had 2 opportunities one of which was forced a good save from their keeper before Joe had to retire following a heavy first half tackle.

Cray Valley then broke quickly from OUR corner when a poor decision on the edge of their area and 2 long passes and a cross resulted in a tidy far post finish.

The introduction of the Shaw Bros (James and Tom) gave us more energy going forward and the usual display of long passes from James Shaw.

We equalised when the hard working Ollie Ruttle hustled and bustled onto a pass played a one-two and finished. Within 5 mins a good break from their corner and a quality cross from Tom Shaw resulted in a deft side foot finish for Karl Penny.

With 20 mins to go Redha Zekri was introduced for Ollie Ruttle who went down with cramp - shocking!!! He held the ball up and with us maintaining a good shape off the ball the only chances Cray Valley created was from the odd error by ourselves.

We generally played balls into good areas and the final whistle blew on a hard earned 3 points.

Tuesday we go to Flackwell Heath FC in a High Wycombe Senior Cup tie

L.Midwinter, R.Reeves, L.Barkers- Obua, P.Bagatti, M.Bulpit. R.McMahon, C.Clay, K.Golberg (J.Shaw). K.Penny(Z.Crawford),O.Ruttle(R.Zekri), J.Naylor (T.Shaw)

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