SPARTAN SOUTH MIDLAND PREMIER DIVISION
Saturday 26th January 2019

Stotfold - 3 Tring Athletic

Although Stotfold currently sit at the bottom of the league, and apart from their last game, had strung together some impressive results including a draw against form side Biggleswade FC. Athletic therefore could not be complacent.

Tring played exceptionally well from the first whistle starting the game with three up front including recent new signing Jon Clements. With the game just a minute old striker Ashton Campbell had an chance but his shot was blocked. This was the trend for most of the first half, with George Ironton testing the home keeper after 7 minutes. Following some good possession football down the left a superb cross from George Ironton was headed towards goal by Jon Clements but with the keeper beaten the ball hit the underside of the bar before being hacked away. Athletic continued to press forward and forced a number of corners. Little was seen of Stotfolds attackers and Athletics keeper Connor Samson had very little to do,which was testament to the hard work of all the outfield players. Tring were finally rewarded for their endeavour in the 41st minute when after yet another corner Ashton Campbell headed into the net at the back post. The first half finished with Athletic scoring a second in stoppage time. New signing Jon Clements was the provider with a cross from the left finding James Verney powering in a header at the back post. The corner count showed how dominant Athletic were during the first half with 9 and 0 for the home side.

Half time:Stotfold 0- 2 TAFC

The second half started with the home side having the benefit of the wind behind them and they pushed more players forward. Stotfold were awarded a free kick just outside of the area after just 3 minutes of the restart but Athletic defended this well. The game became more competative and the home side appeared to be getting on top.They won their first corner of the game in the 57th minute which again was easily dealt with. Following this period Athletic then nearly scored again.
A powerful shot from the edge of the area by James Verney was fumbled by keeper Matt Fallon but he managed to grab the ball before it crossed the line.The same player was again unlucky in the 64th minute with a header that hit the bar following a cross from full back Jack Sunderland.
Stotfold then scored in the 68th minute. From only their second corner defender Josh Miles fired in from just inside of the area. Athletic brought Lee Stobbs on for Luke Dunstan in the 77th minute and this proved decisive as just a minute later he fired in Athletics third goal with a superb finish.
Both sides continued to push forward without creating any clear chances until the referee blew for time after 4 minutes of stoppage time.

Full time:Stotfold 1- 3 TAFC

A well deserved win for Athletic against a well drilled Stotfold side who surely will be winning soon. This was a difficult game for both sides on a heavy and bobbly pitch and with a fairly strong wind, credit to all those taking part.

Stotfold:Matt Fallon,GeorgeEzekiel,Josh Miles(c),Kai McArthur,Andy Stadnyk,Charlie Cullen(Antoine Akinola 67),Ben Southby(Tommy Carroll 45),Joe Ryan,Desejado Dasilva,Alix Girdlestone(Bernard Nkansah 86),Ebenezer Mbona.

TAFC:Connor Sansom,Joe Fitzgerald,Jack Sunderland,Carl Mensah(c),Jack Humphrey (Tommy Twelves 45),Luke Dunstan(Lee Stobbs 77),Roy Byron,Ashton Campbell,Jon Clements,James Verney(Billie Bursaries 88),George Ironton.

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