Berko boss Vipond left frustrated by defeat against Harefield

The Comrades were the architects of their own downfall as an Ed Canham error was punished by the fourth-placed hosts.

Despite creating a host of chances throughout the game, the frustrated Comrades were unable to break down the dogged nine men of Harefield – a matter Vipond rued.

“We’ve scored 100 goals this season and we still couldn’t beat nine men,” bemoaned Vipond.

“Last week a defensive error cost us three points at Stotfold and unfortunately on Saturday our centre-half has made an awful mistake and its cost us again.

“They got a lot of men behind the ball, defended very deep and hung on.

“We missed our leading scorer BJ Christie through suspension which didn’t help. We were by far the better side but we just couldn’t score.”

The 1-0 loss was the 64th goal Berkhamsted have conceded this season, an issue the Berko boss is all too aware of.

“You can’t expect to get promotion conceding that many goals,” said Vipond.

“We need a leader and possibly a defensive one. We would have had that in Danny Ryan but he hasn’t kicked a ball for us after sustaining a bad knee injury and I was banking on his experience and his leadership.

“But a leader is a leader and that could be in any position. We are a fairly young side and we might need that voice of authority on the pitch.”

The defeat ended Berko’s three-match unbeaten run and, with the Premier Division Cup final looming, the players may have been forgiven for taking their mind off the league – something Vipond dismissed.

“The players are completely focused on the final game of the league campaign, against Cockfosters,” said Vipond.

“The attitude of the players has been excellent and their commitment is first class and we’re determined to finish on a high.

“Cockfosters have had a traumatic season with so many of their players and manager leaving for Edgware Town but none of that matters on the day. They are a tough side to beat and we will be ready.”

The Comrades will rest centre-half James Baldry, ahead of next week’s cup final, for Tuesday’s Cockfosters clash after overstretching his groin on Saturday.