The team talk from conjoined captains Ethan and Jason noted that the opposition seemed somewhat better prepared for pushback. Indeed, against Yateley’s half pitch press, Berko’s 4-3-3 looked initially flat footed, quiet and bereft of ideas.

Some dynamism was eventually injected though a corridor of Graham, Moorhouse (of the Mo variety) and Silver to facilitate D entries from the front three, though none could find the coolness of touch needed to convert.

As Berkhamsted’s confidence grew, so possession increased, and passing became slicker. Moorhouse distinguished himself in service to the front line, and pressure was applied through a series of short corners, though without return. It was Yateley who drew first blood, from a set piece with a lofted strike that deflected in off a Berko stick just before half time.

Fueled by jelly babies and a Silver rocket, the home team looked sharper after the interval. Krafft was exceptional at the back to unpick the Yateley press, while Jason led from the front to terrier-like keep possession on the right flank. James Barron and Ethan each found space in front of goal but it was Nils who found the equalizer with a delicious strike into the top corner from range. After an insightful pass by Theo which Jason dummied.

Momentum was now with Berkhamsted but the push forward opened the backdoor for a counter attack and Yateley went ahead again, somewhat against the run of play.

Making his second XI debut, young Jonny H brought confidence, aggression and energy, linking with a spritely Tom E and Theo P to make Berko look the fresher side. But it was forward surges from defenders Hugo Graham and Paul Krafft that sucked in Yateley shirts and opened space for Nils to slot home his second to bring scores level again, with a great overhead volley.

Berkhamsted had the opportunity to steal the match with a short corner after the final whistle but both teams came off the pitch feeling the draw was a fair outcome.

Our thanks to Will and Liz for umpiring, and to Jason, Jamie and Paul who also volunteered to take the whistle for games before and after.

REPORTER: TOM VILA
MAN OF THE MATCH: NILS MUNDY