Berkhamsted v Cray Wanderers – Isuzu FA Trophy 1st Round – Saturday 24th October, 3 pm – Match Preview & Directions
After a historic week for both clubs Saturday sees one of the ties of the round as Cray Wanderers travel to Berkhamsted in a clash of two sides through to the 1st Round of the FA Cup for the first time. Kick off at The Glencar Community Stadium, 3 pm.
Tuesday night under the lights at Flamingo Park has to be one of the most emotional and extra special games in the long history of Cray Wanderers as Tim O’Shea’s side showed resolve and nerves of steel to beat Bedford Town on penalties after a 2-2 draw over 120 high voltage minutes.
After the steely goalless draw at Bedford last Saturday on Tuesday Cray took the lead with another superb FA Cup goal from Ola Ogunwamide in the 17th minute who curled in his third in the competition but Bedford levelled in added time with a penalty.
The second half was tense with Cray perhaps having the better chance to win it but in the first period of extra time Bedford took the lead but in the final minute of the first half Ade Yusuff made it eleven for the season and a goal in each round of the FA Cup with a penalty. Ogunwamide was unlucky not to win the game in the second half with a run and shot well turned over and Yusuff also saw a penalty saved but in the end it was the lottery of the penalty shoot-out. JJ Briggs who had an outstanding game made two penalty saves in the shoot out while Yusuff, Alfie Payne, Soul Kader and finally Jakob Lowe scored from the spot to win 4-3 and set up a home tie with EFL League Leaders Stockport County in two weeks time.
However, before that game the Wands face three matches which carry their own challenges. After Saturday, Cray who have moved down to 18th in the table but have played three games less than the top 2, Enfield Town and Welling United. Two league games in Essex at Stanway Rovers on Tuesday, 27th October and then Brentwood Town on 31st October take place before Stockport although the planned game with Dulwich Hamlet on 3rd November has been postponed.
Saturday sees the FA Trophy take centre stage and Cray advanced to the 1st Round after another penalty shoot out victory at Cheshunt on 26th September where Yusuff scored and again JJ Briggs made a key save in the shoot-out and Jakob Lowe slotted the winning kick.
Berkhamsted too have had a remarkable cup season and advanced to the 1st Round of the FA Cup winning at Bishop’s Stortford (3-2), at home to Hendon (4-1), away to Redditch United (2-0) and then on Saturday a famous win at National League Southend (2-1) with goals from Luke Andrews and Jeffrey Sekyere which sets up an all Southern League South clash at Plymouth Parkway which would see a first ever 2nd Round appearance for the winners.
They advanced through the 3Q in the FA Trophy with an excellent 3-1 win vs Isthmian Premier Chatham Town so will go into Saturday with confidence.
In the league Berkhamsted are 12th with sixteen points and on Tuesday Chris Devane’s side were beaten 1-3 at Chichester City with Billy Busari scoring a consolation goal in the second half.
So far at home (their last home game was on 22nd September) The Comrades have beaten Havant & Waterlooville (2-0), Hanwell Town (1-0) and Uxbridge (1-0) and were beaten by Poole Town (2-3) and Hanworth Villa (1-2). Away from home three points were gained at Chippenham Town (2-1), Yate Town (3-0) and drew with Evesham United and lost at Chertsey Town, Taunton Town, Sholing and Chichester City. Top scorer is JJ Lacey with six goals.
It has been a very busy six seasons for Berkhamsted who were formed in 2009 after the former Berkhamsted Town club Cray Wanderers played in the London Spartan League in the 70’s folded in 2008-09. Those years were successful for Cray with back to back league titles in 1976-77 and 77-78 and overall the teams met six times with Cray winning three, Berkhamsted Town once and two draws.
The Berkhamsted Town club had previously played in the Isthmian League and reached the FA Vase Final in 2000-01 losing to Taunton Town at Villa Park.
The reformed club were placed in the Spartan South Midlands League Division Two in 2009-10 and within two seasons were in the Premier Division after winning back to back titles. They remained in the Premier until 2017-18 when after finishing second were relocated to the Southern League Division One Central. In 2021-22 The Comrades finished second but lost to North Leigh in the playoffs. The following season they went one place better finishing Champions but their stay in the Premier Central lasted one season and were relegated. In 2024-25 they finished second and were in free flowing form in the playoffs beating Hadley (6-0) and Flackwell Heath (5-0) to earn promotion in style. Last season saw their highest league position finishing 5th in the Premier South before losing at Farnham Town. With the record breaking FA Cup run for both clubs this makes this a very unique match for this stage of the FA Trophy.
With the weather forecast not great for most of Friday and with it expected to be blustery on Saturday with rain expected around kick off time any updates about any possible inspections will be posted asap.
Please note the Glencar Community Stadium is cashless at the turnstiles and bars. Admission £14 adults on the day, £7 concessions (over 65, 17, 18s), £3 (unaccompanied minors). Those with adults free. If purchased in advance on line, £12, £6 and £2 – https://app.fanbaseclub.com/berkhamsted-fc – Programme: Online – Playing surface: Grass
DIRECTIONS TO BERKHAMSTED FC – ADMISSION
The Glencar Community Stadium, Broadwater, Lower Kings Road, Berkhamsted, Herts HP4 2AL
- Adult £12
- Concession £6
- Unaccompanied Child (U18) £2
- Accompanied Child (U18) Free
- Veterans, Blue badge or Student card holders £7
- Disabled Adult £7 (with carer free)
- Season Ticket holders Entry for league games only. Required to pay for entrance to cup matches in line with above prices.
General Public On the Gate
- Adult £14
- Concession £7
- Unaccompanied Child (U18) £3
- Accompanied Child (U18) Free
- Veterans, Blue badge or Student card holders £7
- Disabled Adult £7 (with carer free)
- International Break £7 with a UK league season ticket
- Season Ticket holders Entry for league games only. Required to pay for entrance to cup matches in line with above price’s.
Online tickets: https://app.fanbaseclub.com/club/berkhamsted-fc
PLEASE NOTE ALL TICKET SALES ARE CASHLESS – CARDS ONLY ONLINE AND AT THE STADIUM
PITCHSIDE BAR IS ALSO CASHLESS
Playing Surface: Grass
Programme: Online
- By Car via A41:
- Approach Berkhamsted on the A41.
- Exit the A41 at the junction signposted for Chesham, then follow signs for Berkhamsted.
- Go straight over the town centre traffic lights into Lower Kings Road.
- Cross over the canal bridge and take the first left turn into Broadwater.
- Follow the road left parallel to the canal (note: watch out for a single-car-width stretch before reaching the ground).
- The stadium entrance will be on your right.
Parking
- Supporters Parking: As parking is limited supporters are requested to make use of local car parks. There is one 50 yards from the ground and close to the Railway Station free for four hours plus street parking but please be courteous to local residents.
By Train
- Berkhamsted Railway Station is a short walk from the ground.
- Turn right from the northbound platform (or right out of the station), head toward the fish and chip shop, and continue toward the canal bridge. Just before the canal, turn right along the canal path to reach Broadwater.
Trains from London Euston go direct to Berkhamsted every fifteen minutes and takes 37 minutes at 09, 24, 39 and 54 past the hour. Returns at 00, 20, 30 and 50 past the hour.
Nearest pubs
There are a number of highly rated pubs in Berkhamsted but perhaps the nearest to the ground and station is The Crystal Palace. Station Road, HP4 2EZ. This is close to the canal so offers great views of Berkhamsted whilst staying close to the ground. The pub opens at 12 pm.
Otherwise the Bull at Berkhamsted, The Boat and the Goat pubs lie in the Town Centre if you wish to travel out.
Berkhamsted lies in North Hertfordshire and located in the Bulbourne Valley and neighbours Hemel Hempstead. With the Chilterns close by it gives a more relaxed feel to London and the canal should provide some lovely scenery to check out. There is a part ruined Norman Castle you may be interested to see.
Remember folks the clocks go back 1 hour at 2am so the last away game to not end in darkness.
