Berko are spot on in the cup as Jowle keeps his cool against London Colney

Frankie Jowle was the hero for Berkhamsted. Picture (c) Richard Solk

An early cross-cum-shot from the wing landed on top of the Berko crossbar, however the visitors took the lead in the seventh minute as Aaron Nash-Barker won the ball and squared to Nick Jackson who gave Tom Blackman no chance with a 20-yard shot into the top of the net.

Jackson had another rising shot that just cleared the bar as Berko enjoyed their best spell of the half, but at the other end, Jon Clements found himself in space just outside the six-yard box and levelled the scores midway through the first half.

A Dale Sears header was blocked as Berko continued to attack up the hill, while Ed Canham and Aaron Nash-Barker went in the book and Bradley O’Donovan came on for the injured Jackson before the interval.

In the second half Berko introduced Dan Weeks and Jude Eboji and pressed for the winner to avoid a penalty shoot out.

The referee booked Sears and Max Farrelly after the interval but the home side escaped without any cautions in an evenly contested game.

Colney broke with numbers quickly several times but could not find the target, and they were eventually made to pay for their profligacy.

It was ex-Comrade Danny Power who conceded the vital penalty when he was troubled by Adiel Mannion’s pace down the slope, and Frankie Jowle stepped up to net from the spot with a calm finish.

Berko will be at home in the next round to whoever wins next week’s clash between Division One sides Ampthill Town and Southall.

Berko; 1 Tasker, 2 Edwards, 3 Rodrigoe, 4 Canham (16 Weeks), 5 Sears, 6 Farrelly, 7 Jowle, 8 Hawes, 9 Mannion, 10 Nash-Barker (14 Eboji),11 Jackson(15 O’Donovan). Subs not used: 12 Caines, 17 Carbery .

There is more cup action this week with Berko having two home ties. On Saturday they are in FA Vase action at home to Northampton Spencer k/o 3pm in a match that should draw a good crowd to Broadwater.

Assuming a replay is not required, Berko will be at home to Kings Langley in a local derby in the Herts Senior Cup on Tuesday, November 3. The winners will be at home to Watford in the next round.