Tring Spoil The Party

It's a funny old game they say. And so it is. Top placed Rangers travelled to 14th placed Tring Athletic Tuesday night and came away with nil points following a game that will be remembered for the lack of football from both sides. I can't remember a match this season where the ball has spent so much time in the air. The home side had a plan and it worked; keep the ball up there, where Rangers cannot use it. Tring's performance was summed up by their kit; Ugly, yet bold and effective! Even when the ball did come down, the bounce was almost equally as high on the bone hard surface. When Rangers did try to play on the ground they struggled to string passes together with Tring harrying at every moment. The visitors didn't help themselves, going behind to a 3rd minute goal for the second game in a row. Rangers have prided themselves on having the best defence in the division, but they conceded a corner with some sloppy play before some equally sloppy defending allowed a free header in the six yard box to open the scoring for Tring. The scorer didn't even have to jump! The goal spurred Rangers and two minutes later Kieron Schmidt volleyed over from Gavin James' cross. The best move of the game resulted in an equalising goal for Rangers. Following some neat play by the visitors, Schmidt's cross to the far post was nodded home by Alex Kedzierski. A few minutes later and Marcus Wyllie ran onto a through ball, chipping onto the roof of the net. Soon after Sean Coles crossed to Josh Urquhart who headed straight at the Athletic keeper. A dangerous cross from Tring flashed across Jack Brookers goal as the home side hit back. With just 27 minutes played and Rangers suffered a blow when centre forward James was injured, his replacement being teenager, Bailey Osbourne. Wyllie's corner was almost turned home by Coles before being deflected for another corner. A dangerous Wyllie free kick was brilliantly headed away with Kedzierski threatening. Five minutes from the break and Osbourne, Wyllie and Coles were all thwarted by some sound defensive work. Osbourne again and Schmidt both had chances, the Tring keeper riding his luck as one close ranger effort ricochet off his trailing leg. Osbourne surged into the box to fire into the side netting on 45 minutes, before, at the other end a timely interception by Urquhart broke up a dangerous break for the home side.

Risborough pinned their hosts back in the opening minutes of the second half. Asher Yearwood's early cross was well taken by the keeper. Lewis Patricks cross received the same treatment. Minutes later the Athletic gloves-man again did well to cut out Wyllie's cross with Kedzierski lurking dangerously. The winning goal came in the 61st minute, a rare foray by the home side, a mistake by Patrick gave the ball away and with Rangers keeper Brooker out of his goal, it was an easy task to roll the ball into an empty net. It was a gift to Tring and they relished it, enjoying a good spell as Rangers looked stunned. A decent effort just wide of the Rangers post followed and soon after Yearwood had to head a corner off his line. The 'hideous' shirts of Tring swarmed everywhere now, as they chased and pressed all over the pitch, allowing the visitors little time on the ball. Rangers slowly regained their composure however and a rear-guard action from Tring followed. Wyllie fired a free kick high over before some desperate defending cleared a Rangers corner. On the counter and Brooker made a good save in a one on one as Risborough threw men forward. Rangers substitute Liam Enver-Marum was unlucky, his turn and shot just wide from close range. The same player was again unlucky when his header from Wyllie's cross hit the keeper and went over. I'm not sure the keeper knew much about it? The last couple of minutes saw a series of corners for the visitors with the Tring defence coping well. In injury time a Rangers corner fizzed across the goalmouth crying out for a touch and Wyllie's free kick was flicked over by Urquhart but it was too little too late. In the end it wasn't to be and it was Tring that celebrated. They deserved the win just for sheer effort (although I can't forgive that kit!!) and I'm sure they will be stronger next season. Rangers, who looked tired after their inhuman fixture schedule in recent weeks, have it all to do this Saturday at the BEP Stadium when they face New Salamis in a one game shoot-out. One thing's for sure, this group of players have the character to bounce back. Kick off is 3pm.

Rangers Man of the Match: Keiron Schmidt. Urged his team on. Always probing and searching for the right pass. Even when the ball was bouncing up around his neck he was able to conjure something.