27/4/02: Ryman League Division Three

Tring finished in a season-highest position of 9th in the Division Three table after snatching a dramatic late winner against Hertford Town, whose promotion hopes were dashed by this result. After Tring's poor start to the season - only four points from their first eight games - ninth place with 68 points constitutes an outstanding final result. Over the second half of the season Tring lost only two games - fewer than any other club in the division.

Tring boss Howard Cowley was full of praise for his team:"It was really pleasing to end the season with a win. We were below par in the first half, but the sending off seemed to inspire us and from then on we began to dominate the game. We showed the resiliance that has been a feature of our play for the last six months. Everyone should be proud of what they have achieved this season."

Given the significance of this match in terms of league positions, it wasn't the greatest spectacle for the crowd. There were plenty of physical challenges, but few goalmouth incidents. The first half was particularly unmemorable, with Tring having no chances and Hertford only going close twice. On 14 minutes Paul Jordan floated a free kick just over the bar, and on 27 minutes Lee Johnson had to clear off the line after Simon Bartley had parried a Hertford shot.

Late in the first half Tring lost Chris Gibson through injury, and on the hour mark they were reduced to ten men when Mark Underwood was sent off for a second bookable offence. However, Hertford looked no more likely to score against ten than they did against eleven, not helped by the fact that Kevin Cooper, the division's second highest scorer, spent most of the game on the bench.

Tring continued to keep their composure and patience, and with fifteen minutes left, finally got their first clear sight of goal when Tony Oliver ran on to a flick-on to go clean through, however Oliver sliced his shot over the bar. Three minutes later, though, Tring won their first corner since very early in the game. Alex Kinsley's near post corner was flicked on by Dave Butler, and the ball fell for Lee Johnson, who controlled the ball with his first touch and lashed it home with his second to put Tring into the lead. The goal was particularly satisfying for Johnson, as he had been sent off, unjustly in his opinion, in the first meeting between the sides.

Tring were now well on top, and they were unlucky not to add to their score. Scott Walters' dangerous cross was punched clear by the keeper, and late in the game Wayne Barber had a clear shooting chance but the ball took a nasty bobble causing him to miskick at the crucial moment.

In the end, though, Tring had their keeper Bartley to thank, as deep into injury time he pulled off a brilliant close-range save to keep out Cooper's shot and ensure that Tring got the points and finished ahead of their opponents.

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