Match Report:
Tring Athletic Reds 3 - Chesham United Clarets 1
Scorers: Dylan Whitehead (1), Harry Cornick (2)

Dominant, Professional Performance.

Facing Chesham today in the League Cup was a critical game for us. In previous encounters with low division teams, we haven't brought the necessary level of quality or intensity, our level has dropped to that of our opposition.
That wasn't the case this morning - despite the obvious age difference and physical presence of Clarets, we dominated from the start. We worked hard in training to move the ball quickly, aiming to make full use of our wide players - this worked well when, in the 6th minute, we moved the ball out to the left and Selwyn whipped a cross into the box and Whitey flicked the ball into the goal. The flowing football continued, marked by our best move of the half when Harrison knocked the ball wide to Michael, who's first touch set up a great chance that went just narrowly wide of the left post. Chesham had some chances (they we kicking downhill with the wind at their back so that was to be expected) Charlie Mc stood up to their best chance with an outstanding save at point blank range at a critical point in the half.

Half Time Tring 1 - Chesham 0

At half-time we spoke of the need to up our intensity, move the ball (even faster) and, more than anything, up our work rate - we needed to continue to boss the game.

As they always do, the boys executed well and took the game to Chesham.
We dominated possession but, with just Alex up front, our chances were limited.
Midway through the half Chesham had a period of pressure and final had a breakthrough in the 68 minute when we didnt deal with their 3 corner in a row - Tring 1 - Chesham 1. We changed shape immediately, Michael came on and we took a 4,4,2 formation - our dominance returned. Just 3 minutes later a sweeping move on the right led to a pin-point cross from Harvey and a headed goal from Harrison. We didn't sit back defending our led - we continued to push and were rewarded by a 3rd on 86 minutes when Harrison scored his 2nd and our 3rd from a corner on the right.

Final Score Tring 3 - Chesham 1

Chesham are not the strongest opponents we will face this season, but todays result was an important marker for us. We have failed on 2 previous occasions to secure a win against lower division opposition - I may have been nervous about a 3rd encounter with a Div. 2 side - our boys were not. They played great football from start to finish, they were not intimidated by the age, size or record (only 2 loses this year) of the opposition. They believed in themselves and the way we play football and got the result they deserved (the score flattered the opposition not us). And, as coach, it was very pleasing to hear the following exchange Selwyn "finally, we're playing some of the patterns we practice in training", met with a response from Fitz "yes, and our finishing is as good" (we missed on that occasion - lol).
Point 1: they now know what a 'pattern of play is', and Point 2: they using them on the pitch. Who'd believe it !! Happy Christmas everyone.

Team as follows (all subs played)
Charlie McLeod (GK), Alfie Sharrocks, Adam Connors, Charlie Thomson, Connor Fitzgerald
Harvey Chamberlain, Harrison Cornick, Dylan Whitehead, Tom Selwyn, Michael Reeves, Alex Holmes

Subs
Josh Maxfield, Finn Euston-Moore, Jake Saunders , Max Steel

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