You're Not Fit To Referee!!! - Berkhampsted vs. Cockfosters

A ball in to the Cockfosters box in the first and only half.

Having past the ground several times on the train, I decided to visit Berkhampsted for their home game against Cockfosters. Both teams have experienced relegation from the Spartan South Midlands Premier Division for different reasons. The home side went out of existence in 2009 following financial troubles. They won the second division title in their first season to get back to the first division. Cockfosters were unfortunately relegated as their ground did not meet strict new rules. I'd seen Cockfosters twice previously in the London Senior Cup.

The canal end of the ground.

Berkhampsted had a 100% home record coming in to this game and were at the top of the league. Cockfosters were down in the lower reaches of the division. The game started true to form and the home side got straight in to Cockfosters and there were a few tasty challenges from the visitors. Berkhampsted get the ball in to the wide areas regularly and force the keeper in to a few saves. The opening goal comes when the away team fail to clear a free kick and the centre forward has an easy task. Cockfosters still fail to get in to the game and the league leaders have a goal disallowed for offside. Just before half time Cockfosters get a penalty. There is a lengthy delay as the defender requires treatment and the striker has to take the penalty twice but he makes no mistake either time.

A slightly blurry main stand.

And so on to the second half. Or as it proved the lack of it. The referee is not fit enough to continue and requires someone from the crowd to run the line. Following a phone conversation with a league official the game is abandoned as both the linesmen are only 16 and are not qualified enough to replace the referee. This is a great shame for two reasons. First of all it was shaping up to be a very good game. Secondly, this forces the crowd to watch England labour to a nil nil draw against Montenegro. On leaving the ground I discover this game was not the only one to abandoned tonight due to the disgusting scenes in Genoa.   

Open standing on one side of the ground.

Berkhampsted is defiantly worth a visit even if you don't like football. There is the ruins of the castle right next to the station. There is also the Grand Junction Canal which is quite tranquil. The high street is also a short walk from the station and there is a good selection of pubs here. Including the decent most looking Weatherspoons I've ever seen! The clubhouse is a good size, serving a decent selection of drinks. There is however no Sky Sports. The ground is a five minute walk from the station and there is a regular service from London Euston. The journey takes about 35 minutes.

The disallowed goal.