Honours even as Berkhamsted share the spoils with Biggleswade United

Alex Campana hit the post three times for Berkhamsted at Biggleswade United. Picture (c) Ray Canham

The first half belonged to United, with Carl Tasker forced to rescue Berko time and again. He pulled off fine saves to deny Kane Farrell and the dangerous Tom Cookman twice.

The home side won the midfield battle, with Mohammed Hashid starring with neat short passes and the speedy little Adam Drakulic prominent on the left wing.

Berko’s best efforts in the first half were a low shot from Steve Hawes that was tipped past the post and one from Jude Eboji against his old club.

Berko keeper Carl Tasker pulled off a string of fine first half saves. Picture (c) Ray Canham

The Comrades played better in the second half but, hampered by injuries and unavailability, were still not performing as well as the team were earlier in the season.

Both sides probably would have scored with different match officials; James Towell was bundled over in the penalty area by United goalkeeper Adam Counihan but play was waved on.

At the other end Cookman netted after Tasker had come out to make a save, but the offside flag went up.

Comrades forward Alex Campana could not have done more to score as he rattled the woodwork three times in separate moves after the interval.

His first two efforts beat the keeper and came thundering back off the post; the first one was a shot and the second a diving header.

Right at the end he hit a shot that the keeper just managed to tip onto the top of the bar, and both sides were forced to settle for a share of the spoils.

Berko: 1Tasker; 2 Mead, 3 Weeks, 4 Baldry, 5 Canham, 6 Rodrigoe, 7 Towell (12 Nash-Barker),

8 Hawes, 9 Campana, 10 Eboji (14 Jowle), 11 Carter (15 Carbery). Subs not used: 16 O’Donovan & 17 Dolan.

Berkhamsted’s first team now turn their attention to their two remaining cup hopes of the season. On Saturday they go to Saffron Walden Town, bidding to reach the last 32 of the FA Vase.

The home side are from the Eastern Counties League, the same level of football as the Comrades; they are well supported and Berko have filled their coach for what should be a good game.

If the scores are level after extra-time the replay will be at Berkhamsted on Tuesday. Otherwise that night Berko are at home to Division One side Ampthill Town, with the winners going through to the quarter-finals of what is the Spartan South Midlands League’s biggest league cup.

Berko’s reserve side are also bidding for cup glory on Saturday, at home to the first team of Bedmond in the Herts Intermediate Cup, with a quarter-final place on offer to the winners, k/o 3pm.