As a Berkhamsted resident and having played for the Lilywhites and managed their reserve team for four years, he desperately wanted a win against the side to which he has 'a big connection.'

And that is what he got as Athletic finished on the right side of a 5-3 victory in a goal-fest at Broadwater in the FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round.

"Personally it was a game I had to win," said Casserley. "I thought it was a cracker and we thoroughly deserved the victory."

Tring had last season's top scorer Mark Burfoot to thank for three of the goals, the striker playing despite carrying an injury, and netting a hat-trick to help them bounce back from their midweek defeat to Hanwell Town.

But it was Berkhamsted who opened the scoring in the 21st minute on Saturday when Tony Field stole in at the back post to head home unchallenged.

Burfoot grabbed his first 12 minutes later, pouncing on a rebounded Graham Hall strike to equalise. He doubled his tally a minute before half time with a clever lob over Berko keeper Sam Bridges to put Tring ahead at the break.

Berko put the game back on level terms ten minutes into the second half when Ashley Addison converted Field's fine cross.

There were chances aplenty for either side with Burfoot and Ben Butler hitting the woodwork as Athletic and Berko both showed defensive frailties.

It wasn't until the 76th minute that the goal of the game put Tring back into the lead. Dave Whicker controlled the ball and in the same movement volleyed home into the bottom corner of the goal, wrong-footing keeper Bridges.

The game looked done and dusted four minutes later when Andy Humphreys' cross was turned into his own net by Darren Till, but there was still time for a dramatic conclusion to this thrilling local derby.

The impressive Butler found his way into Athletic's area before firing home to give the Lilywhites hope of a momentous comeback against their rivals.

As time ticked away chances came and went for both teams. It looked as though Burfoot would be denied his first ever treble for the club after he missed a sitter from five yards, but Tring's number nine came up trumps as he put the game to bed.

Doing what he does best, he found himself in the right place at the right time to tuck away Trevor Gibbs' squared pass to score his sixth goal in four games and set up a second round home tie against Biggleswade United on Saturday, August 30.

"He's looking great," said Casserley. "Considering he injured himself last Tuesday and had to come through a late fitness test it's even more of an achievement.

"Going forward we were excellent but I still have a concern about how we are looking defensively. We will work hard to tighten up and I think if we do that we can be a real force."

Berkhamsted joint-manager Rob Butler was understandably disappointed at crashing out of the cup to their local rivals. and believes he needs an experienced head to help settle the back four.

"It was a very even game," he said. "They are the more experienced side-they know how to win games like that and we don't at the moment. I'm still trying to get an experienced centre-half to help the youngsters.
"It was a superb effort though. Their heads never went down."

Casserley also paid tribute to Berkhamsted's youngsters after the cup encounter.

"They have a tremendous young side. Going forward they were a real threat all game. I think they will have a good season."

Tring next game is this Saturday at home to Welwyn Garden City and on Tuesday they travel to Holmer Green.

Berko entertain Haringey Borough this Saturday and play away at Chalfont St Peter next Tuesday.