May’s day as Colney Heath retain Charity Shield
Colney Heath celebrate after their 1-0 win over Berkhamsted brought them a second successive Herts Charity Shield title. Picture: JIM WHITTAMORE - Credit: Archant
Danny May’s thunderous free-kick seven minutes into extra-time sealed a 1-0 win over Berkhamsted and Colney Heath’s second successive Herts Charity Shield title.
Despite being holders, the Magpies had gone into the contest with Southern League Berko as underdogs.
But the tie at Hemel Hempstead Town's Vauxhall Road was on a knife-edge throughout and it took one moment of magic from the Colney full-back to send the result, and the trophy, the way of Ryan Thompson's men.
The manager had brought back Lee Armitt and Joe Newton for the clash with the trio of Jack Woods, Spencer Clarke-Mardel and Chris Blunden still serving suspensions.
And after a nervy opening five minutes, they started to gain a foothold in the game.
Callum Dudrenec's wicked cross brought their first chance, Andy Sears-Black being denied by Xavi Comas-Leon while the keeper was also able to save Armitt's low drive.
At the other end Tom Blackman denied Ashley Morrissey and then Louie Collier put one narrowly past his right-hand post as the first-half finished goalless.
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The chances kept coming at both ends during the second half but nobody could find a way beyond the goalkeepers.
Matthew Bateman had a couple of efforts for Berkhamsted and a Morrissey shot needed clearing off the line by May, while Blackman also saved well from Ryan Kinnane.
At the other end Comas-Leon got to a through ball a fraction ahead of Armitt while Newton fired just wide as normal time ticked away.
Colney started the extra 30 minutes better than their loftier opponents with George Devine lifting a delightful lob inches over the bar.
But the very next attack brought what turned out to be the only goal.
Newton was fouled to the left of goal but at a perfect distance for May to rocket a shot straight into the top corner
And Colney could have wrapped it up afterwards with Devine and Sears-Black both going close.
They needn't have worried though as Blackman remained resolute to maintain his clean sheet and start the joyous celebrations.
