Aylesbury FC thump Berko in final pre-season outing

Aylesbury made a great start with two headed goals in the early stages – Brian Haule got the first when a corner was not cleared properly in the fifth minute.

Ex-Dunstable player Grant Fryer notched the second, nodding high into the top corner, out of Carl Tasker’s reach to double Aylesbury’s lead in the eighth minute.

Berko then settled down and played some good football towards the Railway End against a side that are a division higher than themselves.

Josh Chamberlain broke free on the left and picked out Jay Caines with a cross, but it was volleyed over the bar, while Aaron Nash-Barber went on a solo run but James Weatherill held his low shot. The visitors also struck the post with a thundering shot.

Berko defender Ed Canham had to kick a lob off his own goal-line in the second half, while at the other end, he headed over from a Pierce Kelly corner.

Tasker saved well from Jamie Rudd but the striker hit another fine shot for the third goal with 20 minutes left. In the closing stages Rudd again netted with a fierce effort.

This was the final first team friendly for Berko, who were also in action in a 2-0 victory at Bovingdon on Thursday night. Nash-Barber opened the scoring and Chamberlain converted a penalty after George Carbery was brought down in the second half.

Berko team versus Aylesbury: Tasker, Edwards, Canham, Rodrigoe, Weeks, Nash-Barber, Hawes, Farrelly, Foster, Caines, Chamberlain. Subs: Kelly, Carbery, Trevillion.

Elsewhere, Ben Gomm scored against his old team for Berkhamsted Reserves in their first pre-season friendly at Tring Corinthians. However, the home side capitalised on some defensive mistakes to win 6-1.

The season proper starts this week with Berko having three important games in eight days.

They entertain St Margaretsbury in the Herts Charity Shield tomorrow night (Tuesday), before the SSML Premier Division campaign starts on Saturday with a trip to Dacorum rivals Leverstock Green.

Next Tuesday, Sun Sports visit Berkhamsted for the Comrades’ first home league game, kick-off 7.45pm.

Berko should have James Baldry back for these games but Adiel Mannion is doubtful with an injury.

Berko have strengthened their defensive options by signing right-back Dan Edwards from AFC Dunstable this week.