A beautiful sunny day at Broadwater, and another home win for a fast-improving Berkhamsted FC. A poor first half for both teams, was followed by one of Berko’s best 45 minutes of the season, as a constant attacking threat saw the Comrades come from behind to run out deserved 2-1 winners and move above Long Eaton in the table.

In a busy start, Jordon Frederick was booked inside the first minute, but in the ref’s words after the game was ‘as good as gold’ thereafter - neither side was able to get control of the game in the first half, with neither keeper called into action. And then, just like on Tuesday, with the ref having indicated a single minute of additional time, a bouncing ball down the middle wasn’t dealt with by either centre half or the goalkeeper, and Barwell’s Davidson-Miller got a touch on the ball, which rolled, almost apologetically, into the net. Comrades conceding again in first half injury time, and manager Devane headed to the changing room, clearly ready to deliver some harsh words to the team.

The second half started with Connor Toomey and Ross Oulton on as substitutes to strengthen midfield and, in truth, this turned the game. The two experienced players took control and the second period was pretty much all Berko. The home team were level on 47 minutes (again, exactly as in Tuesday’s cup final) as Frederick and McClelland won headers after a free-kick to put Massingham in on goal, and the tall centre back made no mistake, clipping the ball past Brook in the Barwell goal to make it 1-1. Max Bustamante was a handful for the Barwell back line, constantly using his pace to get in behind, but not quite finding the finish needed. And then on 72 minutes, the match-winner - Tom Newman chipped the ball across from the right, Brook misjudged the flight of the ball, and - finally - a bit of luck for Berko as it looped under the bar to put the Comrades 2-1 ahead. Moments later, Max was fouled in the box for a clear penalty - was the scoreboard finally going to register a third home league goal? Unfortunately not, as a weak spot kick was easily saved by Brook, partially redeeming himself for his earlier blunder.

So no relaxation for the anxious home fans, but in truth the game was seen out pretty comfortably, and the ref blew up after 90+4 minutes to give the Comrades the three points which lifted them off the bottom of the table. Connor Toomey was the MOTM on a day when Berko finally got the result that their performance had deserved. One more home game to play - Halesowen on April 27th - we hope to see a decent crowd for that one to say goodbye to a difficult season.

Team: Head; Sandiford, Williams, Newton, McClelland, Massingham (Chamberlain), Lawal (Oulton), Frederick, Bustamante, Newman, Bessadi (Toomey)

Subs: Watkins & Ismail

Scorers: Massingham (47) & Newman (72)

Attendance: 168