On a humid Tuesday evening in July, our First Team travelled to The Michael Anthony Stadium to face Step 5 side, Tring Athletic, applying their trade in the Spartan South Midlands Premier Division, it was definitely a challenging opening match of our pre-season!

The match started with Tring having most of the ball and we had to defend compactly and show a lot of resilience, which is exactly what the boys did. There was wave after wave of pressure from Tring, only allowing us a couple of counter-attacks in the first half. Tring would have gone into the half 1-0 if it wasn't for a superb penalty save from goalkeeper, Will Essex around the 40 minute mark, which resulted in the half-time score being 0-0. A very good opening half of the season, leaving Tring frustrated going into the half.

HT: 0-0

One change for us and a few changes for the home side as the second half started in a similar fashion, Tring Athletic had a lot of the ball and really started to apply the pressure and their opening goal came about five minutes after the restart, a deserved goal from the home side. Stewkley stayed strong, however, and managed to get a couple of breakaway attacks down the Tring wings, which unfortunately, didn't result in a goal. The half continued much the same with Tring having most of the ball and their fitness showed in the last 15 minutes with a couple of late goals against a worn-out visiting side.

FT: 3-0

Thank you to Tring Athletic for a competitive but respectful match, who came out deserved eventual winners, we wish them luck for their season!