Fans return as Berkhamsted and Leverstock Green play out a final friendly

Fans were back to watch Berkhamsted and Leverstock Green bring the curtain down on the season in a friendly clash. Picture by Dave Nelson

Berkhamsted and Leverstock Green brought the curtain down on an unusual 2020-21 season by playing out a friendly as fans returned to Broadwater last weekend.

Green were led by Mick Vipond, a legend of both clubs, on his 73rd birthday as he took charge following the midweek departure of first-team manager Matt Harding.

Announcing Harding’s departure in a club statement, Green said: “We have made the tough decision to part ways with Matt Harding as the first team manager.

“This is after some very careful consideration into all aspects of his role and we feel it is the best decision for the club moving forward.

“We are very thankful to Matt for all he has done for Leverstock Green Football Club in his time at the club and we wish him every success in the future.”

A crowd of 265 were on hand for the return of football at Broadwater on Saturday and they were treated to a goal-fest as Berkhamsted recorded a 7-3 success.

Green struck first when Lawrence Bunker converted a Frank Jowle cross but Berko levelled three minutes later through Jervon Campbell.

The hosts took the lead thanks to a James Verney solo effort but Green made it 2-2 through Fraser Bryden.

However, it was the Comrades who opened up a 4-2 lead by half-time with Campbell netting his second before Eric Lopes added the fourth from the penalty spot.

Green pulled one back early in the second half through James Hall but Berko went on to complete their victory with Verney completing his hat-trick either side of a second goal of the game for Lopes.

Both clubs will be staying in the same divisions for next season after the FA confirmed the restructure of the non-League pyramid last week.

Berkhamsted will again play in the Pitchin In Southern League Division One Central while Leverstock will be in the Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division.

There were mixed fortunes for Berkhamsted’s youth teams over the past week.

The under-14s stayed in second place in the Eastern Junior Alliance with a 2-0 win at home to Barking. Iain Kanu and Tioluwani Eniade scored the goals. Their final four games are all away in a tough run-in.

The under-15s, meanwhile, went down 2-0 at Potters Bar Town in the league.