We must learn from defeat, says Howell

11:09am Thursday 3rd April 2008

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Chingford 0
Tring 3
(London Two North)

CHINGFORD entertained league leaders Tring in what was billed as a winner takes all' contest.

The third-in-the-table hosts knew they needed a win to keep themselves in the title frame, so an edgy game looked on the cards, especially in extremely difficult weather conditions.

Chingford started the game with the wind behind them, and instantly realised the force of that gust when kicking off, as the opening punt cleared the dead ball line.

That mistake was repeated on numerous occasions in a first half in which Jan Bonney was sent to the sinbin.

Tring could not make anything of the numerical advantage, and it was Tobias de Klerk who almost opened the scoring for the hosts with a shot that flew wide.

The visitors had their elements in their favour after the turn around, although it was the hosts who looked the more likely to succeed.

Twice they were awarded kickable penalties that the normally reliable De Klerk would have expected to kick, but with a strong wind in his face he was unable to make the most of the chances.

Chingford then had a Thomas Lockwood try ruled out, with the referee stating the ball had gone dead before he pounced on it.

And despite having a lot of the play the hosts were punished for giving away an unnecessary penalty, which Tring's Tom Newton was able to convert.

Newton should have added a second penalty shortly after, but he couldn't keep the easier kick on target.

The home side just didn't get the bounce of the ball.

That was certainly evident at the death when captain Declan Bird was driven over the line only for the referee to decide that he had not grounded the ball.

Chingford manager Phil Howell said: "We just could not score those points and we must learn from this."

The Waltham Wayers did receive some good news with second-placed Staines being beaten Ruslip, that keep the pair level on points going into the final two matches.

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