Report by Martin Hicks

The rain wasn’t helping the pitch as the game started, with both teams struggling to keep control of the ball. Hitchin started the better but didn’t test Groom in goal for Berkhamsted. Ben Walster took a corner that Ryan Kinnane headed over as the game opened up.

Soon after, another Ben Walsters corner found Luke Andrews all alone at the back post. He hit his shot first time into the bottom right corner, sending the Berkhamsted fans wild as they took the lead. Berkhamsted then began taking control of the game, as the rain continued to make things difficult. Then as the half was getting near to finish, Hitchin equalised when a cross from Daniel Idiakohea was met with a firm header by Lewis Barker going into the bottom corner giving Cameroon Groom in the Berkhamsted goal no chance. A little while later Adam Watkins limped off and was replaced by Jack Tompkins.

Hitchin started the second half stronger and there were brave blocks and good tackles to deny them any goal scoring opportunities as Berkhamsted’s defence stayed strong. Then Bradley Wadkins received the ball from Connor Toomey but was then fouled for a free kick. Ben Walster stepped up and, as sweet as you like, hit it up over the wall and into the bottom corner and sending the players and fans wild with delight as Berkhamsted re-took the lead. But only a few moments later, sloppy play at the back saw the ball fall to Jack Snelus for Hitchin whose first time shot went under Groom to bring Hitchin level.

Lynton Goss then replaced Tobi Coker as the game became tight with neither team wanting to make a mistake.. A deflected shot luckily fell in Grooms’ arms as Hitchin piled on some late pressure. Berkhamsted had a break away and a Ben Walster cross was flicked on by Lynton Goss and went inches wide of the far post, as the game headed to penalties.

Both teams scored their first two penalties, the third round saw Hitchin’s Finley Wilkinson hit the underside of the bar and bounce away. Ryan Blake stepped up to score his penalty and Berkhamsted were in front. For the deciding penalty, Layne Eddie saw his penalty brilliantly saved by Groom diving to his left, so it was up to captain Ryan Kinnane to score the winning penalty, sending players and fans wild as they had won the cup.

Berkhamsted showed they have what it takes and can compete with teams at a higher level and they deserved the victory. Now on to Saturday’s home game against Kidlington to win the league and have many more celebrations. The manager, Chris Devane, deserves a lot of credit for having a talented bunch of players.

Berko team:

1. Cameron Groom
2. Ryan Neufville
3. Tom Silford
4.Connor Toomey
5 Ryan Kinnane (c)
6 Ben Walster
7 Luke Andrews
8 Adam Watkins (Jack Tompkins)
9 Ryan Blake
10 Tobi Coker (Lynton Goss)
11 Bradley Wadkins

Not Used

15 Tommy Smith
16 Alie Bangura
17 James Verney