23/9/00: FA Carlsberg Vase 2nd qualifying round

Tring's six-game unbeaten record came to an end as they exited the FA Vase at the first hurdle. Tuesday night's epic FA Cup replay may have taken its toll on the players, as this was a lacklustre display, albeit against a side highly fancied for success this season.

In truth, though, the visitors did not impress very much either. The opening half-hour of the game was scrappy, with neither side creating a clear-cut chance. However, Arlesey made the breakthrough on 29 minutes. A poor headed clearance fell into the path of Lee Tekell, and as he lined up to shoot he was brought down just inside the penalty area. Tekell took the spot-kick himself and made no mistake to give Arlesey the lead.

There was still little to choose between the sides, but a rare moment of skill saw Arlesey increase their lead on 44 minutes. Tony Fontenelle's cross was met by Dave Kitson at the near post with a volley that looped over Billy Davies into the net. However, five minutes into stoppage time Tring gave themselves a lifeline. Mark Underwood floated a free kick to the far post where Scott Walters headed home the goal that sent Tring into half time with a little more hope.

That was the theory, but Tring still rarely looked like levelling the scores as the second half wore on. The sustained attacking play which has characterised their recent games was not on view today. On 76 minutes the game was put beyond their reach. Fontenelle was allowed the time and space on the edge of the area to line up a shot past Davies which made the score 3-1.

That killed the game off, but Arlesey were able to add a fourth goal a minute from time. Tekell's shot from the edge of the area gave the scoreline a flattering look, but Tring can have few complaints about the outcome.

Team: Davies, Underwood, Denniss (Groves), Bartlett, Johnson, Boad (Hemingway), Turner (Davis), Sangster, Walters, Kinsley, Beamish.