Ten-man Berko lose out to Harefield
Harefield United 1 Berkhamsted 0
Berkhamsted’s run of defeats continued in the pouring rain at Harefield on Tuesday night.
The Comrades battled bravely, but a red card for Danny Power in the first half ruined their chances of taking the points.
Power had committed a series of fouls before finally receiving a yellow card for a challenge near the half way line. In an act of petulance, he then said something to the referee and was immediately shown his second yellow, hampering the team’s chances as the Comrades were reduced to 10 men.
Former Berko Town player Ben Porter went close to breaking the deadlock for United soon afterwards following a mazy run, while Lawrence Bunker and Lewis Pritchard looked lively at the other end despite some physical Harefield defending.
United keeper Charlie Miller made a flying save to keep out a half-volley from Pritchard that looked destined for the net, and Bunker found the target from a splendid cross by Bekim Culaj but the goal was chalked off for offside.
Berko had a series of free-kicks around the edge of the penalty box but could not make them count, while Frankie Jowle and Pritchard were denied penalty appeals.
Despite their battling display, however, the Comrades were eventually undone with 20 minutes left to play.
Two Berko defenders hesitated instead of clearing the ball, and Mark Sargeant pounced to fire home the only goal of the game.
Comrades boss Mick Vipond threw on Stefan Owen-Edwards, a recent signing from Leverstock Green, as he tried to force an equaliser, but the substitute limped off injured soon afterwards following some rough treatment from the Harefield defence.
On Saturday, Berko travel to Hanwell Town for a Premier Division game and must do without Owen-Edwards and the suspended Dale Sears, who has clocked up too many bookings. However, Josh Chamberlain and Dan Griggs may return and Myles Stephenson could face his old club.
For the first time this season Berko get a rest from midweek action after the Hanwell game.
The Reserves, meanwhile, are away to Leverstock Green on Saturday in the Suburban League, and Berko’s U18 side face a trip to Hillingdon to play All Stars Academy on Thursday, November 29.
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Weather for Hemel Hempstead
Thursday 20 June 2013
Today
Thunderstorm
Temperature: 13 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Light showers
Temperature: 12 C to 19 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: West
