SPARTAN SOUTH MIDLAND PREMIER LEAGUE
Tuesday 26th February 2019

Tring Athletic 1 0 London Colney
Scorers:Kieran Turner (pen 85min)

Following a ten day break Athletic won a hard fought game with a contentious penalty in the 85th minute.It was also good to see Athletic keep a clean sheet,the first since the 8th December 2018.

From the kick off the game was played at a frenetic pace.Athletic created a couple of opportunities following neat play down the left, but Ashton Campbells crosses could not find any of his team mates.London Colney looked dangerous on the break and pressurised Athletic into conceding a number of corners and free kicks,fortunately none of which caused home keeper Connor Samson any problems.Athletic should have opened the scoring in the 22nd minute.A ball into the area by Lee Stobbs fell to Jon Clements in front of goal but his powerful shot somehow was saved by keeper Karl Forster for a corner.The game was end to end with few chances.Following a long ball Ashton Campbell collected the ball on the left,he held the ball up before laying off to Mark Riddick but his shot was easily saved.Another chance fell to Mark Riddick a few minutes later but his shot flew just wide.With half time approaching the game was fairly even with neither side able to dominate.

Half time:TAFC 0 0 London Colney

The second half was just as intense as the first. Athletic did however create a number of good chances within the first 5 minutes.First a shot by George Ironton flying over the bar then a cross from Jack Sunderland causing pandemonium in the visitors defence before being hacked away.In the 56th minute a superb dribble by George Ironton resulted in his shot just going wide of the far post.Substitutes were made by both sides.London Colney continued to look dangerous without creating any clear chances but forcing several corners.Striker Ashton Campbell had a chance for Athletic in the 65th minute but the keeper managed to save with his legs.This was followed by a shot from Kieran Turner but again this was blocked by some good defending.It was noticeable how the visitors quickly got players behind the ball which was making it difficult for Athletic.Time wasting began to creep into the game and the visitors keeper was rightly cautioned for this.Athletic continued to push forward and in the 85th minute a shot was played towards goal,a big appeal by Athletics players for hand ball was confirmed by the referee,who looked to be in a good position,and therefore awarded a penalty.London Colney players were incensed by the decision which unfortunately led to a couple of yellow cards and one red card.Following a delay of several minutes Kieran Turner finally took the penalty and fired hire into the net.London Colney came straight back and nearly equalised.A free kick on the edge of Athletics area was saved low down by keeper Connor Samson.In the 5th minute of stoppage time Athletics Jon Clements was played through but his shot was blocked and with that the referee blew for full time.

Full time:TAFC 1 0 London Colney

Although there was only one goal in the game this was entertaining to watch and credit to both sides who gave everything, and which shows that there is little to choose between sides in the league.

TAFC:Connor Samson,Joe Fitzgerald(Tommy Twelves 75),Carl Mensah,Dave OConnor,Jack Sunderland,Mark Riddick,Roy Byron,Jon Clements(c),Ashton Campbell,Lee Stobbs(Kieran Turner 63),George Ironton(James Verney 81).

London Colney:Karl Forster,Jack Mace,Luiz Fernandes,Joe Reynalds(c),Ashton Henry,Mickey Shuttlewood,Olu Quadri,Chris Griffin,Kit Brown,Laren Maxwell,Anthony Stockman.

Attendance:94

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