The perfect early Christmas present

Jake Newman’s goal at the end of the first half was enough to separate the two sides as Rovers dug in and defended for their lives in a text book smash and grab win.

Berkhamsted, second in the league table, were in good form ahead of the game and started with purpose. Carl Knox was forced into a save in just the seventh minute. The Rovers’ stopper’s heart was in his mouth midway through the half as he played the ball against Lewis Toomey, but the luck was with the Walnut Boys as the league’s top scorer couldn’t divert the ball goalwards. Toomey, Lacey and former Rovers midfielder Will Summerfield all wasted chances as the half wore on. Knox produced a stunning point blank save to deny the hosts before Rovers, in one of very few attacks in the half, found the net. Ben Baker found some room on the right hand side and cut the ball back across goal, a Berkhamsted foot diverted it into the feet of Jake Newman, who then managed to dig the ball out and pass it into the bottom corner, well out of reach of Xavi Comas in the home goal, sending the small band of visiting fans into raptures. It was Jake’s fiftieth strike for the club in just eighty one games.

The second half continued in the same fashion as the first with Berkhamsted largely in control and pressing for the leveller. Chances came but failed to be converted, Lacey guilty midway through the half. Kempston held firm and were dogged in their defensive display to repel everything that the hosts could throw. As Berkhamsted push more and more forward to try and save the game, it could’ve provided Rovers with the chance to score a clinching second. Ben Baker had the opportunity to bear down on goal, but couldn’t get his shot away before he was mobbed by recovring defenders. Rovers were so nearly made to pay for that missed chance as in stoppage time, Berkhamsted did find a way past Carl Knox, rounding him perfectly, but defenders swarmed around to make the chance difficult and eventually nulled the danger by blocking the shot on the line and clearing. At the final whistle, Rovers fans tension and nerves were released in loud euphoria.

Victory moves Rovers level on points with Biggleswade, who they face next at Hillgrounds on the 28th, having pushed the game back from Boxing Day. On New Years’ Day Rovers are due to make the short trip to St. Neots as they face another of the sides around them in the table, looking to begin 2020 by climbing up the table.

The Andy Kirby Kit Predictor Game – We called it right again with a left field choice of the home kit. 13/14 for the season as we continue to get inside the mind of Mr Kempston.