BERKHAMSTED 0 HODDESDON TOWN 2
Mick Vipond gave first team competitive debuts to four players in Saturday’s Herts Charity Shield tie, including three defenders, Tom Hardy, Glen Donnelley and substitute Jack Copson (who has returned to Broadwater after several seasons at Leighton Town). Former Egham Town player Steve Coultas came into midfield.
Hoddesdon served an early warning when Dave Pigden headed inches over the bar. Robbie Carroll was adjudged to have beaten the offside trap and ran on to score with a cool lob over the exposed Carl Tasker to open the scoring midway through the first half. Berko could have equalised before the interval but when they got behind the visiting defence the crosses often lacked quality. When they did connect, Berko were off target, with a shot going over the bar and a Josh Chamberlain header was inches too high.
Jordon Frederick and Adam Mead picked up a yellow card each either side of half time as Berko’s frustration showed. Frederick hit Berko’s best shot of the day, a real piledriver that was foiled by Jayden Purdue’s fine save. It looked like Berko might manage an equaliser amidst a flurry of substitutions by both managers but with 5 minutes left Hoddesdon doubled their lead. Berko lost possession in midfield and the ball found its way to Jamie Brandon who drew out Tasker on the right of the penalty box, before squaring he ball for substitute Dave Brewington to tap in at the back post.
Hoddesdon will be at home to Hadley in the quarter final after Hadley won 5-1 at Welwyn Garden City.
Tasker; Griggs, Hardy,Donnelley(Copson), Gavin, Frederick, Coultas (Thompson),Jowle, Calcutt, Mead(Welling), Chamberlain Substitutes not used Bevan & Canham.
Berko’s reserves also went down 3-0 to London Colney in a friendly, with Alfie Osborne going closest for the Conrades with a header that came back off the cross bar. It followed a 3-1 midweek defeat to St Margaretsbury when Spencer Warby took his goal well for Berko.
Steve Hawes should be back for Berko at home to Chipperfield Corinthians on Tuesday 6th August in the final pre-season friendly ko 7:45pm.
The Spartan South Midlands Premier league season starts on Saturday with Berko travelling to Hanwell Town. On Tuesday 13th Berko are at home to Harefield United in the Premier division ko 7:45pm. Lewis Rodrigoe will be back after suspension for that match.
On Saturday Berko’s development squad take on Uxbridge at Broadwater with a 1pm kick off.
Berkhamsted Football Club 
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