Stortford will be hoping that November holds better fortunes than the club's nightmate October. An FA Cup exit, coupled by dismal league form has seen Martin Hayes' men slip down the Ryman Premier table.

But the FA Trophy may provide a needy distraction, and Stortford were only 12 minutes away from a morale-boosting win at Division One North side Berkhamstead Town on Saturday.

Glen Southam gave the visitors the lead on 11 minutes, beating two defenders and goalkeeper Nick Webb.

Chances to double that advantage came and went as off-form Vinnie John scuffed in front of goal.

That miss proved costly as Berkhamstead restored parity shortly before the break as Micky Desborough lost the race to a loose ball in the box, and veteran striker John Richardson stabbed home.

Lanky Richardson then failed to control in the box, and Stortford raced upfield to regain the lead as Russell Williamson fed John; the striker finding the net with ease.

A quiet second period looked to be ending with a Stortford victory, but on 78 minutes Neil Yates' centre was harshly deflected past a flailing Desborough for the midfielder's first of the season, and the Essex side will have to try again at Woodside Park on Tuesday night.

Published Sunday November 3, 2002