There were 7 sides in Berko ‘s group and the young Comrades started with a 0-1 reverse against Birmingham, but then beat Warwick 2-0 with goals from Tio Eniade & Charlie Bradshaw. Eniade was again on the mark in a 1-1 draw with Nottingham. Berko beat the defending champions Solihull, 2 – 0 with goals from Reece Thomas and Ethen Viana. There was a goalless fifth game against North Nottingham. Berko got through the group stage courtesy of another Viana goal which was enough to defeat Bury St Edmunds.

Berko drew 0-0 with Brighton in the last sixteen but won on penalties, and went through to the quarter finals, where we knocked out Crawley 2 – 1 with familiar scorers of Eniade & Thomas. Berko drew with Eastbourne in the semi – finals but again won on penalties and went into the final.

In the finals Berko played South Shields and despite being down to 5 fit players drew 0 – 0. Each side had three penalties each to decide the winner. South Shields went first and scored. Zach Kapterian went first from Berko and scored. South Shield second was saved by Berko goalkeeper Bruce Taurian. Ethen then scored for Berko which made it 2 – 1 to Berko. South Shields scored their second to make it 2 – 2. Melchi Nyembwi stepped up, and put the ball in the left hand top corner to earn the 3 – 2 win so Berko are NATIONAL CHAMPIONS. Taurian saved at least one penalty in all of the shoot–outs.

It is all looking good for hard working Tony Clarke’s young side who are again in the Eastern Junior Alliance this season.