Berkhamsted bounce back with a bang against Hadley

The Broadwater faithful were glad to see five key players back in the Comrades starting line-up after the midweek defeat to league leaders London Colney.

Berko took an early lead when Max Farrelly spotted Charlie Mann off his line and lobbed the opening goal while the visiting defence hesitated.

A trip on Steve Hawes in the 14th minute was punished with a penalty which Josh Chamberlain converted with aplomb into the corner of the net.

Ex-Watford, Hemel Town and Kings Langley forward Alex Campana then opened his account for Berko with a third goal in the 35th minute, shooting home neatly.

Adam Mead was back in the Berko line-up after shin splints and he had a fine game apart from a back header that fooled the rest of the defence and allowed Ivan Machedo to nip in for his fourth goal of the week.

Berko responded well and hit the bar before the interval, while visiting skipper Tony Sabag fouled Campana and got a yellow card for his troubles with most of the crowd expecting to see the referee produce a red.

Comrades substitute Jude Eboji was unlucky to have a goal disallowed for offside, as he appeared to come from behind a defender to latch on to a pass and net at the Canal End.

In the second half Gustavo Angel Tamayo and Nick Crysanthiou sent shots whistling past the Berko post at the Railway End, while the hosts’ best efforts came from Campana and Mannion.

The Comrades thought they should have had a penalty when substitute George Carbery went down in the penalty area but nothing was given, while Tom Carter came on to make his debut after signing from Kings Langley.

Berko stay third in the table but move closer to second placed AFC Dunstable who lost to Hoddesdon Town.

Berko: Tasker; Mead, Weeks, Baldry, Sears, Farrelly, Jowle (Eboji), Hawes, Campana (Carter), Mannion, Chamberlain (Carbery). Subs not used: Canham & Towell.

Elsewhere, Berko’s reserves had their best win of the season as they beat Lemsford’s first team 5-2.

Ashley Higgins scored a hat-trick and Ross Trevillion bagged a brace to set up a home clash with Bedmond’s first team in the next round.

On Saturday Berko are at home to AFC Kempston Rovers in the FA Vase. The visitors are unbeaten in the United Counties League Premier Division and will be the toughest test to date in the Vase for Berko.

If the scores are level after extra-time there will be a midweek replay, but otherwise Berko have two consecutive free midweeks.

In the Suburban League Berko go to North Greenford United Reserves on Saturday.