Tough week for Tring Athletic visiting Broadfields and Wembley

It’s another tough week ahead for title-chasing Tring Athletic with league trips to 15th-placed Broadfields United on Saturday and Wembley in 19th spot on Tuesday.

Last night (Tuesday) Athletic played leaders Colney Heath in the semi-final of the Herts Charity Shield, missing out 3-2 after being 1-0 up at half time. Marcus Mealing and Alie Bagura were the scorers but Jon Clements netted a second-half hat-trick to put his side through.

The cup game followed Athletic's 2-2 draw with Newport Pagnell at the weekend and previous midweek 2-1 defeat by London Colney in the Herts Senior Challenge Cup.

“It was a poor display against London Colney,” said manager Kevin Christou. “I’d rested a few first team players and brought in some more fringe players but it didn’t work out. We were outfought and out battled and London Colney deserved the win.”

It was a better story against fifth-placed Newport Pagnell with goals from Aaron Jewell and Marcus Mealing earning a point.

“We went out with our strongest side, but still have a few injuries and suspensions.

“I thought we were the better team on the day and deserved more, but they defended well and took a couple of chances.

“It was always going to be tough and it was a tale of two good saves from both goalkeepers, keeping both sides in the game,” he said.

Athletic are still missing the suspended Michael Toner, Daniel Ferrigno and Jacob Carter, as well as Tommy Fletcher with a long-term thigh injury.

But they have the services of Jamie Robinson, a fullback and right-sided midfield player on loan from MK Dons to strengthen the side and Miles Habashi who made his first appearance on Saturday.

Young forward Alie Bangura also came off the bench and showed good potential.

“We should be back to full strength in a week,” said Christou.

“We are at Wembley next Tuesday and they are always a strong team at home. It’s a tough week, but the squad are in good spirits and looking forward to it.

“Hopefully we can add three points from both games and keep up the pressure on Colney Heath.

“We have a game in hand on them and we still have to play them at the end of February.”