Opening League Draw For Berko

BERKHAMSTED 1 NORTH LEIGH 1

Report by Grant Hastie

Chris Devane gave league debuts to five players in the starting line- up and it took a while for the Comrades to settle. However, there were two excellent goals in the second half and a grandstand finish for a good crowd to enjoy in the sun.

A great shot from the edge of the area gave the visitors the lead when John Mills finished off a fine move by bending the ball into the top corner past Xavi in the home goal at the railway end early in the second half. Lewis Toomey, who scored many goals last season did not get much service and The Millers kept a tight grip on him to minimise Berko’s chacnes.

The goal instantly prompted the first of three substitutions for the Comrades, who played better towards the canal end. Connor Toomey went close with a shot. Eric Lopes came on after being injured in the FA Cup tie last week, and sent over some good crosses that were not finished.

Berko equalised with a stunning first club goal from new signing 21 year old Alie Bangura. Again it was put in the top corner from a central position on the edge of the box, giving Adam North no chance in the North Leigh goal. Danny Murphy took one for the team with a yellow card for a foul on the half- way line as the visitors counter attacked when Berko were caught upfield trying to win the points.

In the end Berko ran out of time to get the winner but overall the points being shared was a fair result. It means Berko extended their unbeaten league run which goes all the way back to New Years Day.

Berko: Comas-Leon; Neufville, Murphy, Spaul, Doolan, Briggs, Verney (Lopes), C Toomey (Farrelly), L Toomey, Chamberlain (Witham), Bangura. Subs not used - Cooper & Andrews.

A video featuring photos of the game can be seen here: https://www.pitchero.com/clubs/berkhamstedfootballclub/videos/berkhamsted-v-north-leigh-by-richard-solk-162761.html .

Early rounds of the Emirates FA Cup and Buildbase FA Trophy leave Berko with a gap of 10 days to their second league game of the season. They will be away to Bedford Town on Tuesday 29th September.. This season, visiting supporters to Bedford Town must now purchase their tickets for the fixture online. They are currently not accepting cash payments on the day of the fixture. Full details for this are available at https://bedfordtownfc.ktckts.com/

Round up

In Spartan South Midlands Division 2 Berkhamsted Comrades made their debut and conceded a late goal to go down 2-1 to Tring Corinthians. Ben Wootton scored Berko’s goal with Harry Bennett getting both goals for Corinthians-one in each half. The Comrades go to Aston Clinton on Saturday for another SSMFL division 2 game.

Berko got off to a flier in the first Southern Counties Floodlit Youth League game of the season with a 5-0 win at home to Hemel at under 18 level. Hemel’s keeper did well to keep the score down but Nabil Seodi and an own goal in quick succession gave the Comrades a 2-0 lead at the interval. Fraser Bryden converted a penalty and Jake Tabor also netted in the second half. Seodi got his second just before the final whistle. They face Hanwell Town at home next in the FA Youth Cup.

Berko’s under 14s did well to come back from 3-0 down to draw at May & Baker on Sunday despite being reduced to 10 boys due to injury. Mete Cakir got two goals and Cruz Fontaine-Harrow was also on target. The under 15s lost 3-1 to Ware in the Eastern Junior Alliance with Jawad Ahmed scoring for Berko.

Eastern Junior Alliance action on Sunday 27th sees the under 14s at home to Ryan ko 1;30 and the under 15s are away to Ware.