Butler delivers to send Tring through in the FA Vase

Ollie Butler scored the winner for Tring. Picture (c) Colin Sturges

The game was heading towards extra-time until youngster Ollie Butler intervened to send Athletic through to the next round.

Athletic’s utility player skilfully controlled a high headed clearance on his chest before striking a low shot from well outside the box that nestled just inside the post.

It was a superb finish from the highly rated 18-year-old that capped a fine second half display in which the young Athletic side came back from a goal down to secure a merited win.

Athletic started off in a sloppy fashion when a poor pass presented Adam Knight with a shooting opportunity after only 65 seconds, but the Woodford player/manager shot rather tamely at Matt Evans.

Tring’s first scoring opportunity came in the 11th minute when Greg Deer and Paul Jeffrey combined to find Adam Toone unmarked in the area but big centre-back failed to make a decent connection.

Visiting defender Joe Henderson purposefully stepped out of defence and smashed a terrific long range shot that flew just wide of the post, while Paul Jeffrey cracked a fierce shot that sailed narrowly over the bar at the other end.

The deadlock was broken in the 38th minute when the visitors got some reward for their enterprising play as a cross was deflected to Dan Childs and the Woodford skipper took full advantage to fire an unstoppable shot past Evans.

In need of more attacking inspiration, Tring introduced Butler from the bench in the 58th minute – a move that undoubtedly changed the course of the game.

Within three minutes Athletic drew level when Trevor Gibbs seized a loose ball and fired a good shot home.

Butler was making his presence felt with his skill and dribbling ability, while Toone, Ryan Sturges and Jeffrey all drew good saves from the keeper.

Athletic were facing extra-time until Butler had his moment of inspiration to book a place in the next round to the delight of his team-mates and the Tring fans.

After a poor first half, Tring turned things around in the second and will hope to replicate the good run they had in this national competition last season when they got through to the third round proper.