Berkhamsted 1 - 4 Shefford 1 - 2
Having lost away to to Shefford earlier in the season, albeit with a depleted team, Berkhamsted knew they had a potentially difficult game on their hands. It was good to see the team almost back to full strength with the return of Rocky Savage in midfield who even managed to last a full game without those well turned calves going 'twang'!
Shefford started the game but were soon put under pressure by a determined Berkhamsted side who soon spotted a few weaknesses in the opposition midfield and defence and put together some crisp passing moves through Hodges and Savage with Jason Silver getting into some good attacking positions from right half. The pressure finally paid off with a goal from James Barron who was too strong for the defenders. This was followed by an all too rare goal from a penalty corner scored by Pete Allam who has been putting in a lot of good work up front all season without being as prolific a scorer as last year. The usual tireless efforts from Jason Silver were rewarded with a third goal for the home team, a breaking run and a tidy finish in at the far post. Shefford were kept at bay by a solid Berhamsted defence who restricted their chances on goal to a very few. Shefford seemed too intent on picking fault with the Umpires who excellent throughout.
The second half saw the balance shift a little and Berkhamsted were put under pressure by a more focussed and no less aggressive and talkative Shefford side. A few errors started to creep in and the marking relaxed and a Shefford goal followed from an undercut cross into the 'D' and a player unmarked at the far post. This spurred on the visitors who were allowed to score a second shortly after the first. Berkhamsted's commanding first half lead was now looking precarious and another Shefford break forced a brave sliding save from Jay Cremin which was unfortunately deemed a penalty offence. It also left the keeper a little dazed but he recovered to make an excellent save from a powerfully taken penalty flick. This missed opportunity to draw level seemed to deflate the visitors who let their discipline slip further and three yellow cards were awarded, 2 to the same player who was lucky to avoid the early bath! Berkhamsted rallied and took charge of the game once more and a second goal from Barron put the seal on their home win.
Over all a deserved and welcome result. Good performances all round, most notably in midfield strongly supported by Simon Leathem who showed his experience in front of the back 3.
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