Berkhamsted saw their 20-game unbeaten league run come to an end on Saturday as they went down to a surprise 1-0 defeat against St Margaretsbury.

With the Saints sitting 16th in the South Midlands Premier Division, there was little to suggest they would be able to cause an upset against the table toppers.

The defeat came despite Berko enjoying the majority of the possession and repeatedly causing defensive issues for their opposition.

Adam Seymour was in fine form in the St Margaretsbury goal and made a host of smart saves, first denying Ashley Morrisey and then Ashton Campbell early on.

Inevitably, Berko’s failure to find the net was punished as they fell behind after lacklustre marking led to the only goal of the game.

Ryan Wade curled a free-kick into the back post where an unmarked Matt Aldred rose highest to head home what proved to be the winner.

Content to rest on their laurels, the Saints sat back and soaked up wave after wave of Berko attacks.

Ben Bateman had the league leaders’ best chance, but headed wide as Berko were frustrated and fell to a narrow defeat.

Tuesday evening gave Berko an instant chance to bounce back and they duly took it, dispatching Hadley 4-0 with a commanding display.

It took the home side 16 minutes to find the breakthrough goal when Alex Campana skipped clear down the wing and crossed for Adiel Mannion to head home.

It was two just before the interval thanks to Josh Chamberlain’s header, which snuck in despite a touch from the Hadley keeper.

Adam Mead gave Berko further breathing space by scoring his 18th goal of the season from the spot in the second half before Frankie Jowle added a fourth late on.

Berko carry on their title pursuit away against London Colney tomorrow.

They have a one point lead at the top of the table, but second place Welwyn Garden City have played three games fewer.

Tring Athletic managed to salvage a late point from their meeting with Hadley on Saturday as David O’Connor scored an 88th-minute leveller in their 1-1 draw.

Both sides were lacking some key names and it had a clear impact on the game as goalmouth action was at a premium.

Max Hercules and Jack Read both went close in the first half, but the scores remained tied at the break.

Nearly all of the game’s incident came in the second period and Hadley took the lead with just over an hour on he clock.

A slip from substitute Steve Nott-Macaire allowed Jeff Idemudia a free run at goal which was only halted by a Tring foul in the box.

Kerkstun Macpherson stepped up and did the rest from the spot to give Hadley a lead they didn’t look like losing.

The visitors advantage remained intact until late in the day when Dave O’Connor made the most of a poor clearance to head high into the net.

Tring are 17th after the draw and face Biggleswade United away from home tomorrow.

Leverstock Green went down to a3-1 defeat against Edgware Town on Saturday.

They conceded three times in the opening 34 minutes to ensure Ross Adams’ effort was little more than a consolation.

Saturday’s loss was followed by a 1-1 stalemate with Colney Heath on Wednesday evening.

Alex McCarthy gave Green a second-minute lead, only for Jimmy Hill to hit back soon after.