East League Division 8SW
Welwyn 4ths v Berkhamsted 3rds
Berkhamsted initially found it difficult to break through the hordes of students looking to register at Hertfordshire University and when they finally got on the pitch it got no easier. The first half was fairly one-sided with a resolute defence withstanding many Welwyn attacks but unable to develop any of their own.
A slightly fortunate deflected goal set Welwyn on their way but just as it looked as if Berkhamsted would get to the break only one down, Welwyn mounted an incisive attack to score the second. An upbeat half-time team talk, by committee as usual, had the desired effect and Berkhamsted had a few attacks and long corners, although were then caught on the break and Welwyn scored a well taken lob over Phil Fido for 3-0. This inspired Berkhamsted to greater efforts and a snapshot from Jim Watson from the edge of the ‘D’ reduced the deficit and shortly afterwards from the next attack Brian de Mattos’ shot hit the post and Alex Winwright followed up to force the ball home. Although Berkhamsted continued to mount pressure, there were gaps at the back and Welwyn produced a copy of the 3rd goal a few minutes from the end. A late 5th for Welwyn was a little questionable but the match was over by then.
Berkhamsted can be pleased with their 2nd half comeback against a team which is likely to be one of the stronger sides in this league. Good defensive performances from new boy Andy Bustin and old boy Gerry Montague in front of the ever reliable Phil Fido helped to keep Berkhamsted in the game in the first half and allowed the recovery.
Final score:Â Â Â Â Â Â Welwyn 5 Berkhamsted 2
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