16/3/02: Ryman League Division Three

Tring got back to winning ways with a surprisingly comfortable win against an Aveley side that have been in the top four all season. Tring manager Howard Cowley was boosted by the return of all the players that were missing last week, although in the absence of regular keeper Simon Bartley, veteran Billy Davies stepped in and did a good job. Tring's top three scorers each contributed a goal.

Cowley commented: "This was a very satisfying performance against one of the top sides in the league. We looked strong, well-organised and determined to win. We have been playing like a top six side since the New Year and our aim is to keep on doing that until the end of the season. There are still plenty of points to play for."

In the early stages Tring had much the better of the play, but there was little in the way of chances before Tring took the lead on 22 minutes. A corner was cleared to the edge of the area, where Mark Underwood headed it back in. Aveley keeper Darren Smith came out to clear under pressure from Scott Walters, but the ball only went as far as Ben Chesters, who chipped the ball over the stranded Smith for another impressive goal to add to his collection this season.

Tring had another chance six minutes later when Neal Bartlett's pass sent Alex Kinsley clear of the last defender, but Kinsley's shot was saved by Smith. On 39 minutes Aveley had a rare sight of goal but Davies saved a close range header from Kenny Leslie. In the closing minutes of the half Underwood's long throw was flicked on by Walters to Kinsley, but he headed just over the angle, and Wayne Barber played a skilful one-two with Sean Sangster but his cross was cut out by Smith.

Tring continued to have the better of things in the second half, and took advantage of a defensive error to go 2-0 up in the 53rd minute. Under pressure from Kinsley, Neil Cannon mishit his back pass to Smith, and Walters nipped in to intercept, taking the ball round Smith before slotting into the empty net.

As Tring took their foot of the pedal for a few minutes, Aveley threatened to get back into the game. On 59 minutes Leslie's cross found Danny Curran at the far post, but Curran should have done better than head back across goal and wide. Three minutes later Gary Lynch hit the bar with a shot from 20 yards. However, Tring soon got themselves going again, and made the game safe with a third goal on 69 minutes. Walters ran on to an excellent pass from Sangster, and beat a defender before squaring the ball for Kinsley to slot home a simple goal at the far post.

All that remained for Tring now was to keep another clean sheet, and this they achieved despite some pressure from Aveley over the closing minutes, Lynch going the closest with another long-range shot that came back off the bar.

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