PETER MORRISON TROPHY ROUND ONE

HERTSWOOD VALE 3 MILL HILL DONS 4

Goals from Zach Cohen, Ryan Kramer and two own goals sealed a place in round two of the National Trophy for the first time.

Dons chief Brandon Hamme told JC Sport: "It was a great performance from the boys, getting an important win to see us through to the next round.

"We were desperate to go on a run in the Peter Morrison and it’s great to have got off to a good start."

Asked what impressed him most about the performance, Hamme commented: "We showed our tough, gritty side today and worked hard to secure the win. We had several players playing in new positions due to injuries, it was extremely impressive how well they adapted to their roles."

Hamme hopes the result can help kickstart Mill Hill Dons' season. He said: "We have lacked consistency and we will be desperate now to put a run of results together.

"We now have our eyes set on next week’s game against Redbridge."

Vale's goals came via Danny Feuer, Ben Mandel and Alex Trup and joint-manager Jacob Emanuel reflected on an action-packed 90 minutes. "Being a cup tie, this one had a very strange feel about it, almost like a friendly. Although we’re never happy to lose a game, it never really felt like the boys were up for this game and as I mentioned before kick-off, our priority really does extend fully to the league this season.

"It was a particularly strange game - seven goals, three of which came in the first nine minutes. But it was a game of pretty much seven chances. A couple of defensive mistakes cost us very early on, and although the Dons really didn’t trouble us other than their four goals, we didn’t really trouble them either - the keepers didn’t have much to do other than pick the ball out of the net."

Asked about the game's star performer, Emanuel remarked: "Josh Cinna deserves a place in the team of the week. When I say we didn’t trouble the Dons too much, what I really mean is, Josh Cinna stopped us in our tracks at every occasion. Without a doubt the best CB in our division and definitely should be playing at a higher level - If Jordan Sapler is reading this, put him on your radar!

"One thing I will say is that we were extremely lucky to have Andy Myerson referee us. Although I’ll never agree with every single one of a referee’s decisions (where would the fun be in that??), I thought his overall control of the game, explanation of decisions and confidence meant that the game was managed perfectly. He absolutely needs to win referee of the week. 

"We wish MH Dons all the best in the next round, and look forward to playing them in our reverse league fixture."