Report by Phil Hobbs

Berko fielded a team which left many regular first-teamers on the bench and gave games to a few players who possibly needed a bit of time on the pitch, but it still looked a strong line-up. Harpenden, who play in the Premier Division of the Spartan South Midlands League were 3-0 down just after half-time but came back strongly to finish at 3-2.

The visitors took the lead though Jordan Kinoshi who received the ball in the box and held off a couple of challenges to shoot home across the keeper. They increased the lead through Josh Chamberlain who forced the ball over the line in a bit of a scramble around the goal-line, the referee's assistant's flag being needed to confirm it had crossed the line. Shortly afterwards, he also had a shot from outside the area well saved by Alex Desmond in the Harpenden goal. Both teams suffered injuries before half-time which required substitutions to be made, Ethan Kessel going off for Berko.

The lead was increased to 3-0 immediately after half-time. I wish I could describe the goal but I was on my way back from the bar and missed it! It was, however, apparently an emphatic shot from Luke Andrews and the game seemed be over at that point. However, Harpenden immediately responded with a goal of their own from Jake Anthony to make it 3-1. He then followed that with a fantastic strike from a long-range free kick to make it 3-2 and it was game-on. Berko brought on some subs to try to re-take control of the game but Harpenden always looked like being capable of grabbing another goal. However, Berko also had a lot of the ball in promising attacking positions but could just not find a way through although Adam Watkins did hit the bar with the final kick of the match. It had been a good game for the spectators to watch.

Harpenden made us work hard for the win and we wish them well for the rest of their season. We await the result of the Royston Town versus Enfield game on 1 November to find out which of those we will play at home in the quarter finals.

Don’t forget that we are at home to mid-table Hertford Town this Saturday, 22 October, kick off 3pm.