Match Preview | Berkhamsted

Tiverton Town v Berkhamsted Town 

Saturday 18^th October 3pm Kick off 

The Slee Blackwell Solicitors Stadium. 

Football can take players and management teams to unforgiving and lonely places, but with every game comes a chance to turn the tide. Each game on paper seems like a tough proposition, although a minefield’s worth of mistakes has erupted in the last three or four weeks ? It isn't implausible that one good result could re-activate our season. 

For all the team’s spirit in adversity, it was only natural that eventually, continuingly shipping early goals would take its toll. Saturday saw Tiverton unable to respond positively. That performance must quickly be consigned to the archives, and the Yellows need to put it behind them and believe again. 

Gabe Billington may come into contention after injury, although Dean Moxey will take his place in the treatment room again, after damaging his ribs against Evesham. Dan Koita played the entire second half and may be fit enough to start. 

Berkhamsted, another of the promoted sides, travel to the Slee Blackwell Solicitors Stadium in lower mid table and the Comrades won’t be content leaving Devon empty handed. The Hertfordshire based side, played at this level in their recent history, before relegation from the Premier Central Division in the 2023/24 season, after a one-year stay. 

Manager Chris Devane is in a second spell with Berkhamsted, following a short stint in between with Biggleswade.  He oversaw the Comrades fast return to Step Three and has assembled a talented roster of players. His team had been a little goal shy thus far but addressed that with a 3-1 midweek win over Saturday’s victors Evesham. 

Striker Jonathan Lacey or JJ Lacey as he is more commonly known, is very close to 100 senior, competitive goals with the club and he’s in the middle of a third spell. The 27-year-old has additionally played a step higher with Hemel Hempstead. The prolific marksman also spent a season with Biggleswade. 

Alternative firepower will be provided by Sean Duodu, who is currently on loan from Dunstable. He is a goal every other game striker for his parent club, with 21 goals from 41 league games. Duodo also played briefly, a step higher with Slough.  

Originally from the USA, fellow centre forward Michael Harding played a solitary non-competitive game for Northampton Town, having been a fixture in their Under 18 team. Harding has since appeared for Kettering, though he had limited game time there, St Ives, Beaconsfield and Barwell at step 3 and Flackwell Heath at step 4, prior to signing for the Comrades are other clubs the 23-year-old has been at. 

23 year old Winger Billie Busari's CV includes; Gosport, Chesham Havant & Waterlooville  and Hayes and Yeading. As a schoolboy he was with Fulham, before joining Reading’s academy. Busari has very good technical ability. 

Adam Watkins is a midfielder with excellent pedigree, having played for Luton Town when they played at National League level over a number of season's, emerging through their youth system. Kidderminster Harriers, Eastleigh, Chesham and Cambridge City are amongst the influential 34 year old’s former club’s. 

Another gifted player in The Comrades midfield is Charley Barker. His formative years were spent at Leyton Orient at all age group level’s and the 26-year-old has since gone on to represent; Braintree and Kettering. His services were acquired by our visitors last term. 

A location change has seen right back Pierce Mitchell, who played for the Yellows in the 2019/20 season, sign for Berkhamsted this campaign, following a spell with Frome. A National South player with Truro, Mitchell is very at home at this level. Taunton, Swindon Supermarine and Yate have all been previous clubs for the ex-Bristol Rovers’ trainee and Republic of Ireland Under 18 international. 

Commanding centre back Max Rosner arrived from divisional rivals AFC Dunstable last season and has made a big impact and become an important player for the Hertfordshire side. 

Taking the gloves is likely to be Charlie Horlock. The 30 year old was with Slough for the previous campaign, but spent a considerable amount of his early football career at Wycombe Wanderers. The experienced and talented keeper was also number one for Hitchin Town, Eastbourne Borough and Hastings United. 

At the moment one win can potentially take the Yellows’ out of the bottom four or at least close the gap on those directly above Tiverton. There is a lot of football to be played between now and the end of the season and Asa Hall and Steve Orchard’s men will be firmly intent on navigating themselves away from trouble. As fans we have a part to play too, so let’s get behind the lads.