To quote the unforgettable finishing lines of Pliny/Graham the Younger in last week’s match reports concluding comment ‘A constant thorn in the side of the 2s. A constant request to stamp it out. And so, we end as we started, with the immortal words of Charles Dickens; Change begets change. Nothing propagates so fast. Perhaps it’s time to change and keep a full complement for games.’

So how did the team react? Would Berkhamsted 2’s have learnt from their lack of discipline or keep being the master of their own downfall… They welcomed back the prodigal son & senior officers from the team above and below to provide additional strength to the core elite.

Last weeks shenanigans put even more pressure on this festive final game of the year as both teams found themselves on similar footing in the league. The raging red bulls from Newbury put the white knights of Berkhamsted under pressure from the off, their high press put Berko in all kinds of trouble. However, the 2’s have learnt to soak up the oppositions onslaughts and be comfortable on the ball no matter where they’re on the pitch.

As Winston Churchill once said ‘We shall defend our island, whatever the cost may be. We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing-grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills. We shall never surrender!”. So Berko knuckled down, soaking up the pressure and rolled the dice - finding that if they countered the red swarming high press with some clear concise passing then they could counter at speed. This was exactly how the 2’s turned the tide with a fantastic team goal completed in fine style with a Payton pee roller.

With their backs against the wall Haydn came to the fore producing some sensational saves with an occasional rush of blood tempered by the experience of the defence. Jamie stopping a short corner on the line using all his experience to be at the right place at the right time. For the rest of the first half there were plenty of chances for both teams and a notable miss from this week’s not so foul-mouthed father of the prodigal son.

The 2nd Half started in a similar fashion to the 1st with Berkhamsted being pushed back and some individual errors costing field position. Once again the 2’s struck back with a lightning fast counter attack with the midfield unleashing the forwards to play some short sharp passes for Roger to provide a tap in for Reece. This joy was short lived with the overload finally paying off for the relentless red wave from Newbury.

Was this the moment where the Krafty Berko Captain would have to witness another capitulation?

An ‘interesting’ run from yours truly was mimicked moments later by Paul Whitby unfortunately resulted in his DoD nomination for missing when through on goal. The difference this time from last week was the maintained discipline and not resorting to long balls when short passes were working best. Another quick counter attack and Berkhamsted found themselves 3-1 up with another assist from Roger.

Some more resolute play in midfield from Tuppers, Steve and Hugo helped to sure things up. This allowed the team to relax a little before the immortal words were echoed ‘You and Me Son’ as the Payton’s played a lovely interchange resulting in Toby scoring.

BOOM 4-1 and that’s the game - Merry Christmas everyone onwards and upwards!!!

MoM – Haydn (Keeper)