Berko Go Top Of Table

BERKHAMSTED 4 KIDLINGTON 0

Report by Grant Hastie

He had previously played for Berko just in pre-season friendlies but with a few players missing for the wedding and holiday season he took his chance on being called up. He is pictured celebrating after the game with Chairman, Steve Davis, and Vice Chairman, Benny Mitchell.

His first goal was a thumping header from a Jonathan Lacey cross from the right. Lee Stobbs started the move on the right side for the second, finding Lacey whose cross was volleyed home by Dodd. Just before half time Dodd again scored from close range. There was little action at the other end in the first half, but Lewis Coyle sent an inviting corner across the face of the goal but none of the Kidlington players could apply the finishing touch. Dan West got a first half booking for a foul on Ben Spaul.

Kidlington made a double substitution at the interval in a bid to get back in the game. In the second half Berko’s Xavi Comas-Leon had to save long range shots from substitute Mark Flanagan and Coyle.

Steve Hatch shot a fourth goal, volleying in from a Lacey corner for his first goal since joining the Comrades. Soon after Dodd came off to a standing ovation and received the signed match ball.

Lacey also hit the bar with a long shot after cutting in from the left wing in the closing stages. It was the first time Lacey has not scored this season, but he could not have got much closer as the ball rebounded to safety. Saul Williams arrived at the back post to volley just past from a Stobbs cross. He also flicked a header just wide from another Stobbs cross as Berko pressed at the canal end.

The referee awarded a bounce up to Kidlington when Hatch was holding his face after being struck by a stray arm. That raised the temperature and soon after Max Farrelly got a red card for a high boot when trying to win possession. The visiting skipper was booked as tempers flared in the aftermath as was Tom Castle and Berko’s keeper also got a card before play resumed.

Berko’s second 4-0 win at home took them back to the top of the league as the previous leaders AFC Dunstable went down 2-0 at Corby Town.

Berkhamsted 1. Xavi Comas-Leon, 2. Daniel Akubuine (Alex Taylor) 3. Danny Murphy, 4. Max Farrelly, 5. Ryan Kinnane, 6. Steve Hatch, 7. Saul Williams, 8. Ben Spaul (Darren Locke), 9 Stephen Dodd (M Wylie), 10. Jonathan Lacey, 11. Lee Stobbs. Unused subs - Summerfield & Warrington.

On Wednesday table topping Berko go to Chesham United to play Aylesbury United in another vital league game. Cameron Brooks is still doubtful with a knock and Ashley Morrissey is unavailable. Brighter news is that Lewis Toomey and Josh Chamberlain could return.

On Saturday Berko go to Premier division St Ives Town in the FA Cup. Stephen Dodd is cup tied having scored for Leverstock Green earlier in the competition. Max Farrelly will also be missing with a suspension after his sending off against Kidlington. Supporters wishing to travel on the team coach for £10 should contact chairman Steve Davis