Match Preview: Tring Athletic

James Smith
Aug 11
3 min read

Written by James Smith

Photos by George Lewington & James Smith (unless stated)

Opposition recent history

2021/22 - Former player Ryan Sturges was appointed First Team manager and part way through the season there was a change of direction as they brought in some highly talented youngsters. The team finished the season in 13th place but won the Premier Division Cup for the second time in their history beating Flackwell Heath 3-0 in the Final with goals from teenagers Ronan Hutchins, Charlie Miller and Leo Farruch.

2022/23 - The highlight of the season was their superb run in the FA Vase, reaching the 5th round Proper for the second time before losing 2-1 to former Football League club Bury in front of a large crowd of 840 at our Stadium. Tring lost in the St Marys Cup Final 1-0 to Leverstock Green but finished 9th in the Premier Division table an improvement of 4 places over the previous year.

2023/24 - Tring lifted the Herts Charity Shield for the fourth time in their history by beating Oxhey Jets 4-0 in the final with goals from Max Hercules, two from Harry Shepherd and a penalty from George Carbery. For the third year running Ryan Sturges and his coaching team improved the final league placing by finishing 6th just two points and one position off a playoff place.

Our emphasis on youth saw us enter into an historic arrangement with PSA (Pro Sports Academy) headed by former Athletic player Kieran Turner. Our joint U18’s Team finished the season unbeaten in the League and achieved national recognition by reaching the 2nd Round Proper of the FA Youth Cup eventually losing 3-1 to Leyton Orient’s U18’s at Brisbane Road. To demonstrate how far we went in this competition we would have played Newcastle United U18’s away had we won.

2024/25 -This was a terrific and record-breaking season. After Xmas 2024 the team went on a magnificent 24 game unbeaten run in all competitions which included a spell where they conceded just 1 goal in 12 games. They finished 2nd in the Premier Division table and for the first time qualified for the playoffs, which Tring unfortunately lost to Wormley Rovers 2-1 in front of a crowd of 509 at The Michael Anthony Stadium.

In addition, the team won two cups, beating Aylesbury Vale Dynamos 2-0 to lift the Gladwish Challenge Trophy for the second time and Wormley Rovers 2-1 to collect the Herts Charity Shield for fifth time. Unfortunately, they were denied the opportunity to make it a trio of cup successes by Harpenden Town who won 2-1 in the final of the St Marys Cup.

2025/26 - Tring have started with two wins and a defeat in the league. A 5-1 win at Potton United on the opening day and a 2-1 win against Kempston Rovers but lost to 2-0 to Arleeey Town at home on Saturday.

They are through to the next round of the FA Cup having beaten West Essex 5-0.

Players in focus

Tring have built a group of played over the last three years which has brought them great success.

Former Town player Harry Beaumont was added last season.

Ed Daffern who has played for other local teams, signed for Boston United last season but has come back to Tring on loan.

The Hercules brothers are also players well known around the local circuit.