TRING ATHLETIC F C V BROADFIELDS UNITED F C - 2ND NOVEMBER 2019

MATCH REPORT

DEAD BALL DOUBLE SETS US UP NICELY

Converting from promising dead ball situations is an important weapon to possess and we are very fortunate that we have such a weapon in the name of MaT Mitchell. Twice he placed the ball around the arc just outside the arc of the penalty area and twice the opposition keeper was immobile as the ball settled in to the back of the net. Looks easy? Well, it isnt!

These two strikes, one as early as the 5th minute and the other mid-way through the first half gave us a tight grip on this game which we never looked like losing. With suspensions, injuries and other absences we were a little light on the ground but it gave an opportunity for players to come in and show their metal. They didnt disappoint. Frankie Hercules was busy and heavily involved, until he tired later in the game, Cameron Brooks came in at left back which I suspect is not his preferred position but was solid in defence and always willing to push forward, and Euan Anderson made his debut as a late substitute and looked perfectly at home at this level. It was great to read captain Mitchells tweet praising the younger players for their contribution to this win. In an earlier match report I recall saying that the club with the best squad, rather than the best first eleven, will win the league and so we look in good shape to do just that. On the subject of the title race, despite a poor October, we remain six points clear, although of course Colney Heath have games in hand. It is a great place to be.

Before the match, Tommy Fletcher was deservedly presented with the October Player of the Month award and he gave another stellar performance today. Given the amount of rain that had fallen, the pitch was in decent condition. Rain fell pretty much throughout the afternoon which made good football difficult and watching even tougher. In the circumstances we passed the ball around well.
Only the woodwork prevented Mat from notching a first half hat trick and, in truth, we should have been out of sight at half time, rather than merely two goals to the good.

The second half was lit up by Frazer John turning on the turbo charge button twice more of this please Fraser. His first explosion of pace down the left resulted in Oran Swales converting for our third. His second almost brought another goal. The fourth did come, in the 85 minute, shortly after Broadfields had reduced the arrears, with a neat finish by Oran, and it is good to see him back in the goals.
A difficult fixture awaits us on Tuesday against Newport Pagnell in the premier division cup when it will be interesting to gauge the strength of one of our title challengers.

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