Asa Hall's side looks to build on a positive first half against Dorchester in Hertfordshire.

Match Preview

Berkhamsted v Tiverton Town

Saturday February 28th

3pm Kick Off

At The Glencar Stadium

Darren Holmes

After Two close fought losses, Tiverton will be in Hertfordshire on Saturday where their opponent's will be Berkhamsted who will still be harvesting thought's of a late play off play off push. The Eighth placed side are only Three points behind Fifth placed Sholing.

Viv Curtis

The Yellows’ first half display on Tuesday evening especially, was not one that perhaps you would expect from a side adrift at the bottom of the league and they demonstrated good quality, character and resilience. Our young front Two of Will Collins and Karim Coulibaly gave an experienced Dorchester plenty to think about then.

It was a fluent performance from Tivvy, as they played attractively through the third's. They were a very cohesive unit in the opening half, but they will need to copy that recipe at the weekend and build on that promise, if they are to cause an upset.

Toby Stephen's second debut was impressive and the whole side functioned well, despite the predicted raid’s on our playing staff, that have led to a number of departures with the predicament that we are in.

Berkhamsted or the Comrades’ as they are fondly known by their fans’ have adjusted to promotion to our division in admirable fashion. They're managed by Chris Devane who is in a second spell in the dugout at the Glencoe Stadium. He has put together a very competitive squad for this level of football. On the road last Saturday they were defeated 3-1 by Poole.

Talisman centre forward Jonathan Lacey or JJ Lacey as he is more commonly known is the Comrade's top scorer. 12 goal's from 30 games is a decent return for the maverick frontman. His goal's were vital in securing promotion to the Southern League Premier South and the former Hemel Hempstead man who also has played for Biggleswade will be a dangerous proposition.

Fellow forward 34 year old Ryan Blake is a player of strong pedigree. Blake can operate as a winger or through the middle and made 177 league appearances for Chesham. Having also worn the colour's of Hayes & Yeading, Hemel Hempstead and Bedford Town amongst others. In a previous stint in the 2022/23 season with Berko, the gifted Player notched 18 goal's from 34 games.

Michael Harding who emerged through Northampton Town's Youth system, had a brief senior career there and the 24 year old striker has Eight goals this term. He had spell's with Kettering and St Ives earlier in his career and the talented marksman's other clubs are; Barwell, Risborough Rangers and Flackwell Heath.

Jose Sani is another striking option and was a starter last Saturday. Bracknell, Marlow and Hayes & Yeading are other clubs that the promising young striker has played for.

Attacking midfielder Adam Watkins played for Luton Town in the Conference(National League) and is an inspirational player for the host's. The 34 year old. He has since gone on to play for a host of top non league outfit's. These include Eastleigh, Kidderminster, Cambridge City, Arlsey, Dunstable Town and Chesham. The creative midfielder has played 115 times for Berko.

Also a mainstay of the Comrades midfield is Brad Wadkins. A dependable performer in this standard of football the 28 yr old has played for both Chesham and King's Langley. A spell at Slough highlight his footballing abilities. He Joined our host's a little way into last season from Welwyn Garden City.

Mid-season signing from AFC Dunstable Kyle Brook's is a regular in Berko's line up. The central midfielder is another to have played for Chesham. That Chesham link extends itself to Cameron Hyde. The ex General is another to heavily feature for Berkhamsted this term.

Central defender James Gurteen is a defensive lynchpin and the strong presence In the Comrades’ backline is formerly of our previous league rival's Harrow Borough. The 26 yr old had prior to that played at this level for Bracknell and Kings Langley.

A player of untold experience in this division and higher is 33 yr old defender/ midfielder Lewis Rolfe, who started the season with Chesham in National South. He has made well over 200 appearances for the Generals and also was a Stalwart for Hitchin where he also played in excess of 200 league games for. His knowledge and talent's will be invaluable in Berko's dressing room and on the pitch.

The relocated Pierce Mitchell who was with the Yellows’ in the 2019/20 campaign is an ex pro with Bristol Rover's, though only made a solitary appearance for them. Playing many games for Taunton and also serving Truro, Frome, Swindon Supermarine and Yate, he has been a regular visitor to the Slee Blackwell Solicitor’s Stadium. The cultured left back has virtually been an ever present at his current club.

In possession of the gloves is 30 yr old Charlie Horlock. With vast experience and pedigree he played more than 200 league games for Hitchin and spent last season as Number One at National South Slough. Horlock’s formative year's were with EFL side Wycombe Wanderers.

There is plenty of ability in this young Tiverton squad too, but it will be a tall order at the weekend. Although come 3pm on Saturday, the Yellows’ will be looking to take away something from their higher opponent’s, Glencar Stadium.