HEMEL HEMPSTEAD TOWN 2 BERKHAMSTED 0

Report by Grant Hastie

The tie was close throughout, with Hemel’s second goal coming with literally the last kick of the game.

Both sides made a host of changes for a tie switched at 24 hours notice from Broadwater to the artificial pitch in Hemel, as the weather forecast was dreadful.

The first half was an even passing along the ground affair with Reece Robins a constant danger for Hemel, knocking over crosses and shooting. At the other end Cheyne Grant struck the junction of the post and cross bar with a 40th minute header for the Comrades from a cross by the recalled Mohamded Bangura.

Berko suffered a couple of bad first half injuries. Connor Toomey broke his thumb in a challenge and will be out for over a month. That allowed Alie Bangura to come on and the side was again reshuffled. As the interval approached, Phil Draycott got injured battling for possession and concussion is suspected. Adam Cash took his place when the game resumed, with Berko now kicking down hill.

The game opened out more in the second half. Berko lost possession in midfield and were punished for the first goal. Hemel broke at pace and Aaron Simpson popped up on the left to convert a cross. Lewis Toomey was brought on against one of his old clubs to try and rescue the tie. He worked the ball well to Adam Cash, whose shot was saved and Alie Bangura put the loose ball above the goal. Hemel hit the bar with a header in what became and end to end game in the closing stages.

Substitute Gus Scott-Morris capitalised on a defensive mix up deep in stoppage time to clinch the win for Hemel with a second goal just before the final whistle went. Hemel go to Cheshunt in the next round. Berko are now only left in one cup, the Southern League Cup.

Berko team: Xavi Comas Leon, M. Bangura, Cooper, Frederick, Kinnane, Goodman, Draycott (sub 16 Cash), C. Toomey (Sub 14 A. Bangura), Tabor, Kirkpatrick, Grant (sub 12 L.Toomey). Subs not used - 15 Smith & 17 Groom

Berko have got a home draw in the Southern League Cup quarter final. They face the winners of next week’s tie between Swindon Supermarine and Wantage Town. The quarter final is set for Tuesday 11 January, so Berko’s previously scheduled trip to Didcot Town will have to be rearranged. Wantage are in Berko’s division and Swindon are from the division above, but so were Kings Langley and Chesham United, who The Comrades knocked out in earlier rounds. There is a chance for The Comrades to reach the semi finals for the first time.

Meanwhile it is back to league action with a couple of away games. Top of the table Berko make the short trip to AFC Dunstable on Saturday and then on Tuesday a long one to St Neots Town.