Crostyx raced ahead to an early lead as Rowland slotted in a short corner past the keeper with great power, and the lead was doubled almost immediately as Jake Burke put in from close range. Rob Harrison almost made it 3 when his deflection from a short corner whistled past the post. Seemingly in complete control of the match, the Purple Train started to wobble on the tracks. Laps of concentration on the ball presented Berkhamsted opportunities to find their way back into the match, as the centre forward on several occasions waltzed his way around defenders as he fed off whatever scraps he could to pull his side level at 2-2.

Crostyx restored their lead with a goal from Dan Hunn after a key pass from Whitehead left him space to turn and shoot in the circle, but again lapses in concentration allowed the travelling opposition to get back into the match. This pattern was repeated as Crostyx found themselves ahead for a 3rd time in the game as Christian Hall scored with a reverse stick effort that hit the roof of the net from just about the penalty spot. Berkhamsted again came battling back with an equalizing goal, from almost nothing. Frustration was evident on many of the Crostyx players.

Huffing and puffing Crostyx continued to knock on the Berkhamsted door, eventually for Matt Rowland to convert another short corner after a neatly worked routine. This was one step too far for the visitors and although they tried hard to hit back at Crostyx, it was the home side who seized control of the game for the final time, with Rowland completing his hat-trick with another short corner strike and a 2nd goal for Christian Hall to eventually kill the tie at 7-4.
Matt Rowland’s hat-trick was enough to earn him the Man of the Match reward.

Crostyx head into November well placed in the table, having only suffered defeats to the top 3 teams in the league. Next week the squad travels away to Southend in a game that Crostyx will look to continue to be positive going forward and correct the silly errors that cost them defensively.