Wembley just 11 games away!
The magic of the FA cup was there for all to see at The Grass Roots Stadium on as Tring Athletic recorded a 3-2 victory over AFC Hayes.
New boys Ryan Redford and Nick Jackson scored twice and once respectively on Saturday to take their combined tally to 13 for the season.
Athletic need just another 11 wins to make it to the final.
"It was a terrific day for the club and the FA cup always brings with it a special atmosphere," said manager Phil Casserley after the game.
The whole team showed a real drive, determination to come from behind at half-time and secure the victory.
As the game approached the half hour mark Hayes began to dominate and in the 33rd minute opened the scoring in bizarre fashion.
A cross-come-shot had keeper Tom Vincent scrambling and he could only tip it onto the far post.
The ball then bounced back onto Vincent, off the Hemel-bound Danilson Vicente and into the net.
Hayes' lead lasted only three minutes as keeper Simon Grant fumbled a corner and Ryan Redford was on hand to fire the ball home.
But just a minute later a superb strike from Hugo Figueredo gave them the lead again.
Tom Vicent punched a corner clear which fell to Figueredo outside the area and he cracked home an un-stoppable strike which flew into the net off the woodwork.
Athletic went in to the break 2-1 down but the manager's team talk must have worked its magic as the sides were back on level terms sxi minutes after the re-start.
"At half-time I told the players to keep probing and keep up a high tempo, the second half was one of the best performance I've seen since taking up management," said Casserley.
With the visitors dithering over their defensive wall at a free kick, Danny Gray slipped Jackson through on the right and his cross was converted by Redford for his second of the game.
From then on Athletic began to dominate and in the 75th minute the match winner came. Steve Smith fired a long pass out to Gray on the left and his pin-point cross was finished calmly by Jackson for his fifth of the season.
Hayes would not give up lightly but in the end Athletic battled away and managed to keep hold of the lead to earn a well deserved victory.
Athletic travel to Isthmian Premier League side Wealdstone in the next round and Casserley is eagerly awaiting the tie:
"I'm really looking forward to the nex round but realistically its going to be tough," he said.
"We're going into it as underdogs but have noting to lose and there will be no pressure so we can certainly give them a game."
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Weather for Tring
Tuesday 07 February 2012
Today
Light snow
Temperature: -7 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: -6 C to 1 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: North east
