23/2/02: Ryman League Division Three

Tring got back on the winning trail, as two first half goals sealed a victory that was more comfortable than the scoreline suggests, and took them back up to 11^th place in the table.

The early stages of the game were fought in midfield, although Tring had the majority of possession, and long-range efforts from Scott Walters and Alex Kinsley warmed the hands of Chalfont keeper Paul Saunders. Tring's first clear sight of goal came on 17 minutes when Ben Chesters robbed a defender and went clean through, but his early shot was turned round the post by Saunders.

Tring got the goal their play had deserved on 22 minutes. Neal Bartlett lofted an enticing ball into the box from 40 yards, and Sean Sangster ran on to it, controlling the ball before shooting home from close range. The lead should have been doubled within a minute. Chesters' through pass was dummied by Dave Butler to leave Kinsley through on goal, but his shot went into the side netting.

Chalfont's first shot of the game arrived on 26 minutes, although Jamie Cochrane's effort did not greatly trouble Simon Bartley, and six minutes later Tring had increased their lead. After an impressive spell of possession, Sangster's pass from the left touchline was received by Walters on the edge of the area with his back to goal, but Walters was able to turn and shoot first time out of Saunders' reach for Tring's second goal. Tring had another good chance on 38 minutes when Tony Oliver attacked down the right and crossed to the far post, but Butler's header was saved.

Tring's second half display was less dominant, as Chalfont were able to enjoy a greater share of possession, but to the credit of Tring's defence they were still unable to create a clear-cut chance. Tring held out comfortably and occasionally threatened on the break, coming closest to a third goal in the last minute when Kinsley broke from his own half and played a through pass to put Butler clear, but his eventual shot was just wide of the far post from a narrow angle.

Team: Bartley, Oliver, Sangster, Bartlett, L.Johnson, C.Gibson, Chesters, Walters, Butler (Barber), Kinsley, Beamish. Subs not used: J.Gibson, B.Johnson