Berkhamsted bounce back to down Colney in the cup

Ed Canham was back after a month’s holiday and he scored on his return and settled the defence down.

In midfield Jordon Frederick also won a recall to the Berko starting line up.

The first half was goalless, but there was lots of fast flowing football to admire as both sides played at a high tempo.

Berko had plenty of chances to score at the Railway End, but somehow despite the ball frequently flying across the six-yard box, nobody could apply the finishing touch.

Carl Tasker had only one real save to make for Berko in the first half, but Steve Hawes got away with several moments where dribbling looked like landing them in trouble.

A downward header from BJ Christie was Berko’s closest effort.

The Comrades at last got in front early in the second half when Josh Chamberlain won the ball and passed to Christie.

Berko’s leading scorer navigated his way past a trio of defenders before unleashing a fine shot to open the scoring.

Another Christie shot was deflected for a corner as Berko had their tails up.

A double substitution brought on Ashley Morrissey and Dylan Gittens and, soon afterwards, Berko scored the vital second with a powerful header from Canham to covert a well flighted corner by Chamberlain.

Dan Millard got a consolation goal for the visitors with a shot when there was only one minute of normal time left.

Berko will be away to Hoddesdon Town in the second round, probably on Tuesday, December 2.

Oxhey Jets were beating Hoddesdon 2-1 on Tuesday with just four minutes remaining, but Town hit back to win the game 4-2 in injury time to progress to play Berko.

After three consecutive cup games, second in the table Berko return to SSML premier Division action at Hillingdon Borough on Saturday and travel to St Margaretsbury on Tuesday.

Mick Vipond is still hoping James Baldry and Kyle Lincoln will soon be back to bolster the defence.

On Saturday Berko’s reserve side are at home to Farnham Town, kick-off 3pm in the Suburban North.

The Comrades’ U18 side entertain Tring Athletic tonight and Newport Pagnell Town next Wedesday.