Report
A decent sized crowd assembled at a very rainy Theobald’s Lane, home of Cheshunt FC for this much anticipated game between Division One Central champions elect and a steadying Hitchin Town, nominally favourites since they were the Senior placed team. Everyone expected goals tonight at the ground where Hitchin had overcome Cheshunt in the semi final.
The pace was impressive despite the downpour and the first goal attempt came from Hitchin, with the ball skidding across the goal mouth with no connection. There was a half chance for Berko’s Luke Andrews which did lead to a corner, headed over the bar by skipper Ryan Kinnane. Jack Snelus was able to send in a cross close to goal but it was cut out by Cameron Groom.
Then there was a cheap corner conceded by Hitchin, and Comrades’ supporters raised a cheer when a goal came from this set piece. Luke Andrews was the marksman and the time was thirteen minutes. So, once again Hitchin pay the price from a set piece.
The pitch was already quite sodden, with some standing rain and the rain showed no sign of relenting. Of course it brought some slipping and sliding, making fouls look more dramatic. A move from Snelus and Bell had some promise but was intercepted by Groom.
Twenty- five minutes had expired and it was marked by an almost hesitant assault on the Berko goal, which was dealt with too easily. Two crosses came in from Hitchin, the second, from Layne Eadie seeing a glancing header from Fin Wilkinson whose equaliser was timed at twenty- nine minutes. It was suitably greeted.
Hitchin began to see more of the ball but seamless and accurate play was becoming more difficult owing to the deplorable conditions. My neighbour, Adam Watkins was replaced by Jack Tompkins with ten minutes to go to half time. Berko had to deal with two snap attacks. Ashley Hay won a corner on the run and the referee had the usual words before the kick but on this occasion Groom was able to gather the ball.
Berko conceded a free kick, taken by Bell and Syme’s cross was headed just over by Hay. Important little duels were being won by individuals and Hitchin began to have the edge. Another free kick floated in, was netted to some acclaim and disallowed with equal enthusiasm for a foul. So, Hitchin were not able to get a valuable lead at what is always seen as a crucial time.
Berko had a free kick, taken by former Canary Ben Walster. This was defended and the whistle went for the interval, which was announced would be of twenty minutes duration to allow some remedial work on the pitch which was earnest but still looked a little cosmetic.
There were ominous signs of a referee’s inspection before we could resume and the rain was still falling. There a few sweepers on the pitch and I mean those chaps with brooms. Then the decision was made – we could carry on.
And so we did, with Eadie having to deal with a tricky cross. Berko had a free kick, centrally outside the area, the ball nestling in water, but it was a first class strike, with the scorer being our ex player Ben Walster. It was timed at fifty- six minutes and was indeed a notable goal. Yes – yet another goal conceded from a set piece.
Hitchin responded with the requisite urgency and a free kick from the right was beaten away. The rain had also eased at last. Then an absolute blunder of a back pass from the Berko defence gave Snelus a simple task in snatching the fifty- ninth minute equaliser. It was hoped that this might again see Hitchin seize the initiative that they had worked at before the interval.
Wilkinson was fouled and Toomey was cautioned and the Comrades made a substitution with Goss replacing Coker. A Berko corner was next and the clearance actually gave Hitchin a goal chance which was shakily defended as was the next foray.
There was some inconclusive midfield play and an exciting moment when an unintentional ricochet almost caught out Groom. Wilkinson had a shot that struck the side netting. Ciaren Jones tried one from range but although dramatic circumstances favoured such an effort it was wayward.
Walster took another free kick which caused no problems and a following long throw very nearly deceived the Hitchin defence.They were more positive in dealing with the next threat, another free kick from Walster.
Intricate play was difficult in the conditions but there was some and a Hitchin corner landed on the roof of the net, following a bit of smart manoeuvring. It was Berko who forced the next corner with Wadkins’ header dealt with.
We were getting close to full time and it had already been announced that there would be no extra time, which, for the sake of the pitch was some solace. There was a late free kick for Hitchin, sent in by Eadie and it brought a corner. It brought another an an announcement of three extra minutes. Now was the time – but it brought a free kick for Berkhamsted.
Hitchin attacked wilfully, and met with stern resistance in these closing moments. There was to be no heroic last gasp winner. And so we went to penalties.
Here are the details. Hitchin details first.
Snelus, 1-0. Wadkins, 1-1
Hay, 2-1. Walster, 2-2
Wilkinson, 2-2 Blake, 2-3
Eadie, 2-3. Kinnane, 2-4
Thus Berkhamsted win 4-2 on penalties, score at 90 minutes 2-2.
We offer our sincere congratulations to the Comrades and salute their inevitable march to promotion. The score at ninety plus minutes was a fair reflection of the game and I feel the players did well to master the appalling conditions and indeed we thank Cheshunt FC for providing the venue, although I would not like to be in earshot of their ground staff when they survey the pitch.
One last thing- as Berko celebrated in a huddle , it was good to see Ben Walster mingling and commiserating with his former colleagues, before rejoining his team mates. It was a fine and sporting gesture.
BERKHAMSTED
Cameron Groom, Ryan Neufville, Tom Silford, Connor Toomey, cautioned, Ryan Kinnane, captain, Ben Walster GOAL 56 MINUTES , Luke Andrews, GOAL, 13 MINUTES, Adam Watkins, (Jack Tompkins), Ryan Blake, Tobi Coker,
(Linton Goss), Bradley Wadkins. Substitutes not used- Tommy Smith, Alie Bangura, James Verney.
HITCHIN TOWN
Charlie Horlock, captain, Bradley Bell, Layne Eadie, Toby Syme, Cieran Jones, cautioned, Lewis Barker, Finley Wilkinson, GOAL, 27 MINUTES, Josh Coldicott-Stevens, Ashley Hay, Dan Idiakhoa, Jack Snelus, GOAL, 59 MINUTES.
Substitutes- none used. Steve Cawley, Josh Allen, Kye Tearle, Kav Cotter, Diogo Freitas Gouveia.
Referee- Mr M Norton.
No details given for assistants on team sheet.
Attendance 461
REPORT BY PIPEMAN