Campana treble tames the Tigers as Berko roar to victory

Despite having to make four changes to the starting line-up, Berko got their noses in front after just five minutes.

Frankie Jowle set up Campana, whose first shot was saved but when the danger was not cleared, he placed an exquisite chip from an acute angle for the opening goal.

Max Farrelly headed over for Berko and a strong drive from Namy Kiliangu just cleared the bar at the other end.

The Comrades were well on top, with Tigers contributing some good football on a difficult pitch; however it was surprising that Berko could not increase their lead in the first half as they created chances by pressing and robbing the home defenders of the ball.

Tom Carter came on for the injured Jude Eboji after 19 minutes, so the team was again reshuffled. Ed Canham headed over and a long clearance down the hill from Carl Tasker set Jowle free of the last man, but his shot was held by the keeper.

Jowle got a yellow card and was penalised for hand ball when he moved his arm up, trying to get out of the way of a bouncing ball early in the second half. Suffyian Bettamer stepped up for the spot kick, but Tasker came up trumps diving to his right to save it.

The points were sealed with 20 minutes left when Campana spotted Ravan Constable off his line and lobbed home exquisitely from just past the dugouts.

Another well placed shot from Campana completed the hat-trick, and Berko were fortunate to keep another clean sheet as a late free-kick rattled the cross bar and the rebound was disallowed for offside.

Berko: Tasker, Frederick, Weeks, Ladyman, Canham, Rodrigoe, Jowle Farrelly (15Carbery), Eboji (14 Carter), Campana, Jackson.

Thursday’s game with Hertford Town has been put back to April 5 so Berko’s next two games are at home in four days when they entertain Stotfold on Saturday and Biggleswade United on Tuesday. It is a chance to close the gap on fourth placed Hertford in the league table.