Spartan South Midlands League
Premier Division
Saturday 23 Apr 22
Tring Athletic FC 1 v Crawley Green FC 1Crawley Green managed the "Great Escape" from relegation with a 1-1 draw at Tring Athletic in the last game of the season. Skipper Joe Hankins followed up on his midweek hat trick with a stunning free kick to secure the point Crawley needed to survive.

Massive congratulations go to Manager Paul Blackman and Assistant Matt Harding who galvanised the team to secure 10 out of the last 12 points to ensure Premier Division football for the Maroons next season. Going into the final game Crawley had to avoid defeat to finish above London Colney and Holmer Green.

Chances were at a premium on a difficult bone hard pitch with a stiff breeze down the slope. After 10 minutes Crawley's Ferrell Charles headed wide from a Joe Grossi corner and shortly after Luke Andrews had a shot blocked after being set up by Hankins.

Tring replied with 2 corners and a free kick from Charlie Miller which were cleared. Andrews and Jake Kissiedu both went close for the Maroons and Ronan Hutchins had a shot blocked for the hosts and it finished 0-0 at the break.

In the second half Miller had an early shot go wide and Crawley replied with another header by Charles from a Mathieu Rancine free kick which went over.

The hosts then had a goal ruled out for offside following a fine save from Crawley's Loris Marcimain. News that London Colney were leading at Leverstock and Holmer Green were 1 down to Baldock added to the tension.

In the 72 minute the game changed when Like Andrews out stripped the Tring defence and was pulled back by Jack Stephen who received his marching orders. Up stepped Hankins who planted the ball over the wall and past Mike Underwood to make it 1-0 to the Maroons.

Tring responded well to the set back and poured men forward looking for an equaliser which duly arrived after 80 minutes when George Carbery netted from close range.

News update was London Colney were 3-1 up and Holmer Green had equalised. Squeaky bum time for the last 10 minutes with 4 added on.

Crawley rallied to the cause and gave their all to not concede again. Good game management with the slope and wind in their favour helped run down the clock and cue wild celebrations as the final whistle brought an end to this epic day. Well done again to all involved.

Crawley Green Reserves had a walk over against Stevington and on Wednesday they host Risely Sports. Next Saturday they visit AFC Kempston & Bedford College.