Tue 31st Aug 2021
Spartan South Midlands Premier Division
Sponsored by Heygates
TAFC First team 1-2 Holmer Green
TAFC goals: Oliver Butler
TRING ATHLETIC 1 V HOLMER GREEN 2 TUESDAY, 31ST AUGUST 2021
Conceding early can have a greater impact than simply going a goal down. It frequently effects the game for a lengthy period as one team is buoyed by their success and the other is knocked off their stride. This is how it appeared on Tuesday night as we conceded a goal within 5 minutes and never really recovered our equilibrium at all in the first half.
The goal was slightly fortuitous as, from a cross, their centre forward looped the ball off his shoulder, over David Saunders and dropping into the net.
Our approach play was decent but, if guilty of anything, it was of over-playing and consequently failing to have any real threat in the final third. Our only shot of note in the first half was a rasping 30 yarder from the effervescent Cameron Brooks which must have stung the opposition keepers fingers as he grabbed the ball at his second attempt.
Our opponents, just back into our league from their spell in the Hellenic league, looked composed and assured and the fact that they have had at least two more competitive matches than us, showed. Our disjointed start to the season hasnt helped us to build up any momentum.
One can imagine that there were a few fireworks exploding in the home dressing room at the half-time interval as we came out in the second half with the passion and go-forward intent that was missing hitherto. Although we failed to trouble the opposition keeper until Ollie Butlers goal late on, we had chances, in particular both Chris Blunden and Frankie Hercules should have hit the target with good opportunities.
Our substitutes brought a vim and vigour into our play and we had good reason to think that we would get something out of the game but then, around 80 minutes, Holmer Green scored direct from a corner kick, and it was a disappointing way to concede what proved to be the decisive goal. Ollies goal, a couple of minutes later, was splendidly simple; a great cross on the left from Adam Sawyer on his debut and a cool finish from Ollie. It was an example of quality in the final third that makes the difference.
No time to sulk on to the Saturday match v table-topping Harpenden and an opportunity to chalk up our first league win of the season.
Team: David Saunders, Ben Johnson, Callum Brooks, George Carberry, James Ferguson, Tommy Twelves, Frankie Hercules, Ollie Butler, Chris Blunden, Kieran Turner, Chris Vardy
Playing subs: Evans Lamboth, Adam Sawyer, Emmanuel Gbejuade
Crowd 100
MOM Ollie Butler