"Bucks face Berko in final home game of the regular campaign"

Match Date : April 20th, 2024 3:00 pm
Competition : Southern League Premier Central
Ground : New Bucks Head
Kick Off : 15:00

Berkhamsted are the visitors to the New Bucks Head this Saturday, in the Bucks’ final home game of the regular season.

The Comrades cruised to the Southern League Division One Central title, finishing 19 points ahead of second-placed Biggleswade. But budgetary constraints led title-winning manager, Chris Devane, to quit the Hertfordshire club last summer, with many of the championship-winning squad also departing.

The man tasked with leading Berkhamsted during their inaugural Step 3 campaign is former AFC Dunstable manager Steve Heath. But after their summer of change, Berkhamsted have struggled to adjust to life at the higher level. The Comrades haven’t been able to escape the confines of the drop zone all season and their relegation was confirmed some weeks ago.

Currently 20th, Berkhamsted have the division’s worst attack (29 for) and second-worst defence (77 against). But while they may be down, Berko are still fighting not to finish bottom. Last Saturday’s 2-1 win over Barwell saw the Comrades climb above Long Eaton, moving two points ahead of the Derbyshire side.

And the Hertfordshire side seem to have hit upon an exciting partnership that may serve them well in future. When injury recently ruled dangerman Matt Bateman, Max Bustamente filled in up front, and the youngster has excelled in recent weeks alongside attacking midfielder Tom Newman. Bustamente has four in seven, while Newman has three in his last six.

The Bucks 3-0 win at Long Eaton last weekend saw Kevin Wilkin’s men climb up to 2nd in the table. The Bucks have won their last six on home soil and have picked up 31 points from the last 36 on offer. And three more points on Saturday would, of course, be more than welcome in the Bucks push to secure home advantage in the playoffs.

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MATCHDAY INFORMATION

Tickets for Saturday’s fixture will remain on sale up until kick-off and are available for purchase online in advance. See our ticketing page for further details.