Match Report:
Tring Athletic Reds 1 - Windsor Youth Kestrels 2
Scorers: Tom Ainsworth

Chances, Chances, Chances

This match was the return leg of the Development Cup match against Windsor. Having lost the away encounter 7 - 3, we had hoped to put in a stronger performance and secure the points.

We setup with an attacking 4 - 5 - 1 formation and started the game strongly. Other than a few break away opportunities (a feature of the Windsor game), we were rarely trouble, enjoying long periods of possession throughout the half. Our passing accuracy and ability to create chances was a concern, taking us 15 minutes to have a serious attempt on target. However, after twice having the ball in the net (both offside ??), our pressure was eventually rewarded on the 38th minute when Tom A scored an excellent individual goal, picking up the ball on the left of the penalty area, beating 3 players (and Finn) before poking the ball into the bottom corner. At half time we were very worthy of the 1-0 lead.

Half Time: Tring 1 - Windsor 0

At half-time we spoke of the need to look after the ball better - too many wayward passes, attended to a couple the Windsor players properly and set up our back line to deal with Windsor's counter-attacking threat.

The 2nd half got off to a poor start for us when Windsor won a loose ball in midfield and, with the wind at their back, took a speculative shot from about 40 yards that crept in under the cross-bar. This goal clearly galvanised Windsor; they had a second chance just minutes later that Charlie saved high to his left, their goal keeper pulled off 4 or 5 outstanding saves from a succession of corners mid-way through the half and their defence stood up to wave after wave of attacks for the entire half. We continued to try to dominate and push on for the win, unfortunately around 83 minutes we lost possession in midfield and, with only limited cover at the back, Windsor scored the winning goal.

Final Score: Tring 1 - Windsor 2

While it's disappointing to lose again to a lower division side, we need to recognise the commitment and endeavour of the Windsor boys - the two games against us clear aren't reflected in the Division 2 league position. For our part, we had plenty about us on Sunday and should have had the game settled by half-time. If we can look after the ball better and be a little more clinical in front of goal, we will turn these draws and narrow defeats into victories. So Saturday will be back to some good, honest 'back to basics' training for the boys in preparation for the visit of Chalfont Wasps on Sunday.

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

Subs
Josh Maxfield, Finn Euston-Moore, Jake Saunders , Tom Selwyn

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