As we had only played 3 games since Nov 24 th we were only too happy to avail ourselves of the opportunity to playSML Div 2 promotion chasers on the 3G at Ashlyns School.

We took the opportunity to run the rule over 5 new players ( inc 4 from Hemel Hempstead FC U 18s)and bearing how little football we'd played and that we were a bunch of relative strangers we performed reasonably well.

Berko Raiders who featured Tring Ath old boys in Tom Shaw,Ryan McMahon,Seb Smith and Cam Brooks took the lead in the 3 rd minute when a well delivered Tom Shaw free kick following a silly foul,was converted by an excellent Matt Stacey header ,unfortunately into our net.


We in turn failed to convert a couple of one on ones and within 5 mins equalised from a penalty only to go behind from an excellent Tom Shaw volley.
We took time to adjust to the surface and there were too many mistakes partially caused by poor decisions and players trying too hard to create an impression.

A 3 rd goal within 10 mins gave our opponents clear water and with a strong breeze behind them in the second half we faced an uphill struggle.

As ever this team doesn't give up and although Raiders had their share of possession and shots we narrowed the deficit and not only had 1 disallowed but missed several relatively easy chances to earn a share of the spoils.

This was a worthwhile exercise and hopefully we'll feel the benefit in the upcoming vital league clashes.

Many thanks to Raiders for hosting the game.

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