Langford's late winner gives Berkeley a deserved victory (From Gazette Series)

Langford's late winner gives Berkeley a deserved victory

GFA North Senior Amateur Challenge Cup Hatherley Rangers 1 Berkeley Town 2

BERKELEY TOWN booked their place in the semi-finals of the county cup with a well-earned win at Cheltenham side Hatherley Rangers.

However, it took until ten minutes from time to secure the victory despite a dominant performance from the Hunters.

Hatherley made the ideal start when they took the lead after just ten minutes.

Two Town defenders were adjudged to have sandwiched a Rangers forward in the penalty area and the referee pointed to the spot.

Berkeley goalkeeper Terry Stevenson saved the resultant kick but the referee spotted encroachment by the defenders and ordered a retake.

Stevenson could not repeat his heroics and Hatherley took a 1-0 lead.

Thereafter though, it was almost all Town.

But despite their obvious possession advantage they carved out relatively few chances to score before half-time.

However, the Hunters were presented with a terrific opportunity to draw level ten minutes after the interval.

The referee spotted some shirt pulling at a Berkeley corner and awarded his second penalty of the match.

Pete Lavis stepped up but saw his kick saved and this time there was no re-take ordered.

Town continued to apply pressure and finally got the breakthrough midway through the second half when Simon Tull cracked a superb shot into the net from the edge of the area.

Nevertheless, Berkeley were still struggling to find a winner.

However, the vital goal arrived ten minutes from time when Rich Langford latched onto a through ball and slotted it past the goalkeeper.

Town controlled possession thereafter to win the match and secure their place in the semi-final draw.