HOLMER GREEN 0 BERKHAMSTED 3
Berko got quick revenge on Holmer Green after Saturday’s league defeat by knocking them out of the Challenge Trophy on Tuesday night thanks to a hat trick from Connor Calcutt. Mick Vipond made three changes with Ed Canham and Lewis Rodrigoe returning to the defence and Frankie Jowle back on the right wing and the side looked more convincing.
Calcutt headed the opening goal in the 11th minute when a cross from the right was flicked into his path by Josh Chamberlain. An audacious lob from 30 yards by Steve Hawes caught Ben Boulter off his line but the ball rebounded off the cross bar to the relief of the home fans. Berko were creating chances and it was no surprise when they doubled their lead five minutes before the interval. Jowle fed Bulter and he turned neatly to lay the ball on for Calcutt to net again. Berko again picked up cards for fouls that could prove costly with Canham, Hawes and Sears getting yellows.
In the second half Jowle went clear and looked ready to score when a defender recovered enough to put the ball wide for a corner. Home skipper Gary Lines foolishly kicked out at Chamberlain outside the touchline and got a red card as the referee spotted it.
Berko turned the screws with Canham heading against the bar, a smashing volley from Chamberlain went the wrong side of the post and numerous corners went close. Calcuttt finally claimed his hat trick by heading home an inviting cross from the left by Chamberlain. At the other end a close range header was missed and Carl Tasker foiled a couple of breakaway efforts.
Berko will be at home in the next round to the winners of the January tie between Hanwell Town and St Margaretsbury.
Berko: Tasker; Griggs, Rodrigoe, Sears, Canham Hawes,(Frederick), Jowle(Morrissey), Butler (Bent ), Calcutt, ,Towell, Chamberlain. Subs not used Copson & Gavin.
This Saturday 3rd placed Berko go to Hertford Town in the Premier division looking to get some badly needed league points. However, Steve Hawes misses the match having accumulated too many bookings. On Tuesday 3rd Berko have a tough Herts Senior Cup tie at home to Boreham Wood who are from three divisions above them.
The reserves entertain Dunstable Town on Saturday in the Suburban League. Berko’s under 18s play Colney Heath two Wednesdays running-being at home on the 27th and then away next week to complete their Olympian division league programme.
Berkhamsted Football Club 
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