Berko do the double over bottom side Harefield

Alex Campana takes on the Cockfosters defence. Picture (c) Ray Canham

The Comrades were able to field an unchanged starting line-up for the first time since October, and they were on top throughout the game – playing some neat football at a ground they will revisit later this month for the Challenge Trophy final.

A fine ball from Josh Chamberlain – making his 250th appearance – created the opener in the first half, with Tom Carter pouncing to put the visitors in front.

Not long afterwards, a long range lob from Chamberlain was only just reached by home keeper Jacob Ballheimer, while Frankie Jowle went close a few times, but Berko could not add to their lead before the interval.

In the second half, Comrades keeper Carl Tasker pulled off one top drawer save to deny United an equaliser and preserve a clean sheet, before the visitors struck again to double their lead.

Steve Hawes won the ball and started a flowing move that featured Chamberlain and Jowle, with top scorer Alex Campana taking two touches to shoot home the second goal and make sure of the win.

Lewis Rodrigoe and Luke Ladyman picked up yellow cards, but it was generally a fine team performance from the Comrades.

Berkhamsted: Tasker, Mead (Edwards), Carter, Baldry, Ladyman, (Carbery), Rodrigoe, Jowle, (Jackson), Hawes, Chamberlain, Campana, Farrelly (Frederick). Subs not used: Weeks and Canham.

Elsewhere, Berko’s reserve side went down 4-2 at home to Camberley Town in the Suburban League North.

They did not help themselves by scoring an own-goal early on, while Ollie Hunt’s penalty was saved in the second half.

Jack Skinner scored in the first half for Berko and George Carbery in the second, but it was not enough to prevent the defeat.

Tomorrow, Berko entertain Hertford Town in a battle between the fourth and fifth placed teams in the SSML Premier Division. Adiel Mannion and Josh Chamberlain miss out through suspension.

Max Farrelly joins them on the banned list for Saturday’s trip to St Margaretsbury, before Berko go to the league leaders AFC Dunstable on Tuesday, April 12 when Chamberlain can return.

Berko’s reserve side are at home to Hartley Wintney on Saturday in the Suburban North.