Unable to win against a troublesome Trin(g)

With Tring being the last team to face before our tough relegation 1/2 months, it was time to grab some form and nail down our game plan. The pressure was off which allowed Ashford to play with pace and fluidity. Tring sat back and allowed us to pass the ball around the back and control the game for the first 15 minutes or so. We looked dangerous going forward using the wings and keeping the ball out of contact. Tring broke with pace and used a long deceptive slap pass to beat the Ashford defence. Two simple goals were put past us in quick succession as we still remained the stronger of the two teams.

A crash ball down the middle found its way through the Tring defence and gave Ashford our first real chance of the game. The ball took a deflection and fell into the path of newly promoted winger Ryan Croxon. A touch around the last defender and the keeper saw a diving reverse attempt from a narrow angle saved by a diving Tring keeper to claw the ball from the line. At 2-0 this goal could have been crucial for us just before the half ended - but it wasn't to be.

Tring started the second half the better and pressed up on the Ashford defence. Long balls and aerials out proved to be effective and utilised the pace of our rotating front line. A short corner, not stopped by Adam Husband's foot this time, brought about our second big chance of the game. Robbie 'cold hands' Grant (later voted DoD) was unable to nail the injection on target and the routine broke down at the top of the D. Another Tring goal gave Ashford the determination to step up our press and work harder for each other. This hard work, just like in previous weeks, went unrewarded with another deceptive slap (this time from a short corner) rocketing into the corner of Andrew Ritchie's goal.

A 4-0 down away from home on a cold Saturday afternoon, we again stepped up a gear. Direct long balls forward and direct running from Sam Betts and Rob Grant started creating chances for us. Centre back Billy Bassett found himself with the ball driving at the Tring defence from the 25 with Matt Emmerton and Ryan Croxon charging for the back post. A famous power puff push found its way to Matt Emmerton who calmly took a touch and lifted the ball goal wards over the flailing goalkeeper. Tempted but not selfish, Ryan stood on the post as the ball fell into the Tring goal taking Matts goal count to 7 for the season.

Ashford 2s next take on Sonning 2s in the league who are sitting in 6th. Points are definitely winnable in this game as Ashford hope to turn their misfortunes into goals and ultimately points as they attempt to move out of the relegation zone.