Berkhamsted FC Ladies vs Harpenden Town Women Colts
At last, the sun broke through after what felt like a month of relentless rain, setting the stage perfectly for a huge afternoon of football. With a place in the Herts Women’s Trophy final at stake, Berkhamsted FC Ladies emerged from the tunnel alongside mascots from Chipperfield U8s and U10s, greeted by a bumper crowd of 114 — a record attendance for the ladies’ side.
Berkhamsted started brightly, dominating possession early and immediately testing the Harpenden goalkeeper. Evans fired the first warning shot inside two minutes as Berko knocked on the door and asked questions of the visitors’ defence.
However, against the run of play, Harpenden struck first. A speculative effort from around 40 yards looped over Charlotte Howey and into the net to give the visitors a surprise lead.
Berko responded well, creating chances of their own. McConville came close, narrowly missing the target as her effort drifted just wide of the post. A tactical change followed, with Nic Hollick replacing Andrea Hunyadi, a move that would soon pay dividends. Before the equaliser, Howey produced a superb fingertip save to keep the score at 1–0 and keep her side in the contest.
The pressure finally told when Hollick danced through the defence and calmly slotted home, assisted by Bentall, bringing Berkhamsted level before the break. The sides went into half time at 1–1, setting up a fascinating second half.

Whatever was said in the changing room had the desired effect, as Berkhamsted emerged with renewed intensity and intent to take control of the game.
Ten minutes into the second half, Evans produced a wonderful pass through the defensive line for McConville to chase. She beat her marker, drove into the area and squared the ball for captain Curry, who hammered home to give Berko the lead.
The one goal cushion never felt comfortable in an end to end contest that proved entertaining for the neutral. On 66 minutes, the Harpenden goalkeeper made a good save but could only parry the ball to the edge of the box, where Hollick reacted quickest to fire into the top corner for her second of the afternoon.
With ten minutes remaining and a two goal advantage, many supporters began thinking ahead to a potential trip to Letchworth. But the drama wasn’t over. Harpenden were awarded a questionable free kick on the edge of the area, and there was no disputing the quality of the finish as it curled into the far corner to reduce the deficit.
Tension rose further when Lewis Roberts brought down a Harpenden attacker in the box. Strong penalty appeals were waved away by the referee, leaving fans on the edge of their seats.

Any lingering nerves were settled moments later. Following another parried effort from Hollick, Evans struck a thunderous half volley into the roof of the net, sealing the victory in emphatic fashion.
A strong, resilient performance from Berkhamsted FC Ladies sees them through to the Herts Women’s Trophy final, backed by a record crowd and growing momentum. McConville’s tireless running, creativity and key involvement in the second goal earned her a well deserved Player of the Match award.

Amy Dunton-Payne
22nd February 2026