Berkhamsted kept pace with their title rivals in the Spartan South Midlands Premier Division as they beat Tring Athletic 1-0 at Broadwater.

Connor Calcutt's goal on the hour was enough to seal the win which leaves Berko in second place, five points behind Ampthill Town but with two games in hand.

Tring had the first chance but Chris Salmon failed to connect cleanly with his shot before Berkhamsted went close as Jordon Frederick volleyed Calcutt's cross over and Josh Chamberlain was unable to keep his header down.

Berko took the lead on the hour as Calcutt drove at the Tring defence and fired a shot past Liam Watson for his 31st goal in 36 matches.

Tring almost snatched a point at the death as Greg Deer pounced on some sloppy defending but his shot went wide of the post.

Berko’s Towell was needlessly sent off at the end for a second yellow card but the home side held on for an important win.

Tring are not in action again until January 11 when they play St Margaretsbury while Berkhamsted host fourth-placed Colney Heath tomorrow.