Berkhamsted boss Vipond is up for the cup

The Comrades set up a first round proper clash with Dacorum neighbours Kings Langley after seeing off Newport Pagnell Town 3-0 on Saturday.

And while there is still a long way to go in the competition, Vipond believes that his squad are capable of challenging on all fronts this season – as long as they apply themselves in the correct manner.

“It’s just a case of finding a bit more tempo and working a bit harder,” said Vipond.

“Wembley Stadium awaits at the end of the competition and I reminded the players of that after the game.

“It’s a hard task to reach the final but the old Berkhamsted Town did it so it is possible.”

Vipond was satisfied with his side’s second half display on Saturday, but admitted he had a few stern words for his players at half-time.

“It was a bit of a slow start and we had to poke one or two of the players in the eye at half-time,” he said. “It’s a bit frustrating when you have a dressing room full of good players and they are slow out of the blocks.

“In fairness, our keeper didn’t have a save to make in the first half but we weren’t doing enough to win the game ourselves.

“We told this to the players at half-time and we got a good reaction from them.

“We have a big squad and the players can get frustrated at times, but they understand what we need to do in order to be successful this season.”

The Comrades will take on Kings Langley in the next round of the competition at Broadwater on November 1, although Vipond admits he would have preferred a different draw.

“It’s a bit of a shame that we have got Kings Langley because I like cup games against teams you don’t normally play, but that’s the way things go,” he said. “At least we are at home and there will be a big crowd.”