Tring see off Town to keep cup dreams alive

Tring Athletic secured a comfortable 3-0 win over Hatfield Town in the Herts Charity Shield – although the result was still in the balance until the final 10 minutes.
Chris Vardy opened his account for the season. Picture (c) Colin SturgesChris Vardy opened his account for the season. Picture (c) Colin Sturges
Chris Vardy opened his account for the season. Picture (c) Colin Sturges

Kieron Turner put Tring ahead in the first half, before Chris Vardy and Jamie Irons made sure of the win with two late goals.

Tring had the best of the early pressure as Stuart Steadman shot over from the edge of the box on four minutes, before Julian Robinson’s side hit the bar shortly afterwards with a Dave O’Connor header from a corner.

In the 14th minute Turner gave the visitors the lead, dribbling into the box and side footing home for 1-0.

A couple of minutes later, Turner tried to capitalise on a poor clearance but his shot cleared the bar from 18 yards, before Vardy set up Turner soon afterwards, but again the lobbed effort went over.

Vardy was denied just before the break by the keeper’s legs, and there was still time for Steadman to hit the bar with a curling shot and Sam Joliffe to have his effort tipped over.

The Hatfield keeper denied Vardy again before the home side came more into the game. In the 73rd minute, Matt Evans tipped over a free-kick and then made a great save from the corner.

Against the run of possession, Tring doubled the lead after 79 minutes as Vardy both started the move and finished it to open his tally for the season.

Only three minutes later, the game was put beyond doubt with Vardy setting up Irons to score his first goal for the club and secure the victory for Athletic.

Tring didn’t stop pressing as four shots were blocked in quick succession from Vardy, Jack Sunderland and Sturges.

It was a good opening win for Tring on the road and progression in a county competition is a promising start to the campaign. The SSML Premier Division opener sees Tring host Hoddesdon Town on Saturday at 3pm.

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