Harpenden Town complete late comeback to defeat Tring Athletic 3-1 with stoppage-time winner

Goals courtesy of in-form Henry Jones and substitute Dave Keenleyside saw Harpenden Town make it consecutive wins after coming from 0-1 down to win 3-1.

Harpenden started bright as Henry Jones headed over the bar from a Charlie Smith corner, as he looked to make it three goals in four games.

Harps keeper Conor Freeman was called into action multiple times in the first half; the first of which was a brilliant double save. Freeman palmed Tring’s Dylan Fitzpatrick’s fierce shot before smothering Frankie Hercules from close range. Freeman then got down low to deny Fitzpatrick a second time, as he ran through on goal following an interception. Freeman used his legs well to deny him as Harpenden went into the break level.

The second half followed suit with the opposition on top. Their attacking play paid dividends as Tring opened the score from a corner; Kimber headed past Freeman to make it 0-1.

It almost went from bad to worse for the Harps. Good play from Tring ended with Freeman conceding a penalty. However, Hercules stepped up to take the penalty and smashed it against the woodwork.

This seemed to give Harpenden the boost of momentum needed. Captain Ben Spaul headed just wide from a Charlie Smith cross before he came agonisingly close again, volleying over from George Devine’s headed cutback.

Keenleyside had a free kick pushed out for a corner, which resulted in a Harpenden equaliser. Henry Jones scored a close-range header, rising highest to head home as the Harps now pushed for the winner.

They didn’t have to wait too long either. Henry Jones tapped home Charlie Smith’s cross at the far post to secure his second of the night. Jones has now hit nine goals in the league this season and his second brace in two games, as Harpenden turned the game on its head 2-1.

Tring looked deflated and their concentration lacked, as Keenleyside made it three just minutes later. He pressed high and got his reward as a mis-kick deflected off the Harps man and bobbled in.

Harpenden go back into the Playoff spots after back to back wins as they sit in fourth.

Speaking after the game, coach Sajad Marashi credited Conor Freeman for his Man of the Match performance. He said:

“If it wasn’t for Conor we would have been down and out.
He’s a quality player, he showed his value today.”

Saj also acknowledged his side’s fortune to win on the day. He said:

“We know it wasn’t the fair result, we know how lucky we are.
However, if you take your chances you can win and that is football.”

Henry Jones was ecstatic with getting on the scoresheet too. He said:

“I’m absolutely buzzing, I’ve been waiting for my chance.
We all must thank Conor [Freeman] and also Charlie [Smith].
When it came to the big moments today, if it was saves or passes, they performed.”

Harpenden Town play at Rothamsted Park again on Saturday, the 20th of September, as they host Wormley Rovers.