AFC Hayes Res (0)0 Tring Ath Res(1)6

Despite missing 6 starters from last weeks home game lured to the Reading Festival we were able to field if anything a stronger squad for our first away League game of the season.

On a pitch, bearing in mind the recent hot weather, in good condition we started a variation of 3-5-2 which in truth only worked reasonably well in the first half when too often we finished with 5 in and around their area but not enough defensive cover for the wide men in the back 3. Too many first and second balls weren't won and a number of crosses penetrated our area without causing us too many problems.
We created a couple of half chances in open play and the same from a couple of well delivered corners but once again there was a reluctance to shoot. A change of shape served us well with both wide men playing in front of their respective back 3 defenders and 2 out and out forward supported by an attacking midfielder.

In the 44 min a delicious pass from MOM Connor Blake resulted in a neat chip over their advancing custodian by the Silent Assasin.

The introduction of Frankie (The Better Hercules) Hercules served to change the game when after 60 mins he struck a peach of a free kick into the far corner. This effectively knocked the wind out of our opponents sails and 2 further goals from Joe Naylor completed his hat trick plus further strikes from Frankie(TBH) Hercules and from the improving Joe Smith completed the score line. Congratulations to another of Cliff Hercules U 18 team, Luke Cesterone, who made his debut.

Without ever reaching the heights of last weeks first half, the crucial difference was bring able to convert the chances that came our way.

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