Knobs 4 Shephall Old Boys 1

On a glorious sunny Sunday morning, we had our final league game of the season. Both teams had shown late season form and came into the game with a 5 game unbeaten streak but luckily for us, by the end of the game, it was we who marched on triumphantly.

We lost the toss and started the game kicking downhill. From the very start we showed good attacking intent. Lots of movement meant that soon chances were coming. Darren H missed an absolute sitter early doors but it wouldn’t be the last for the team….there were plenty to come. Ron got the away team on his side after 5 minutes by awarding a goal and then not awarding it, with the ball having nearly crossed the line but not quite. It was a close call but certainly no goal. Ron had obviously got the morning jitters having seen that Paul was our goalkeeper for the game. Gavin missed a one-on-one with the keeper (it was well saved) and Andy also had a nicely angled drive gathered in by the keeper. We had quite a few chances in the first 20 minutes and then it went a bit peary. I think it was when John Boyle came on. By half-time it was 0-0 and so in the 2nd half there was everything to play for.

Dave used all his motivational skills at half-time to keep us focused and Chairman Al made the substitutions. Make way Bully, the touchline needs you.

In the 2nd half, Shephall came storming out of the blocks and they had a couple of chances without Paul looking too worried. And then suddenly we were 1-0 down. John Boyle had a Tony ‘chicken’ moment and parried the ball in the penalty area with his elbows. Penalty cried Ron and it was duly dispatched. At that point, no one in the team was taking responsibility. We needed leadership. Someone to get a grip on the game. It didn’t really happen but Darren A did nail one of their players which effectively reduced them to 10 men for the rest of the game. Our way back in to the match was with a penalty. Handball again. Bully came on for the injured Richard and duly dispatched the penalty. More chances went begging…Andy hit the cross bar, Gavin hit the cross bar…as the old man on the side said ‘Rubbish!’ and yes indeed it was until finally, Gavin finally dispatched one into the corner after a lovely through ball by Andy. Our third came from a Bully corner where Andy flicked on and after a mild melee, Gavin pounced and tucked it away like a ‘fox in the box’. By this stage, we had flowered. When people had the ball there was suddenly plenty of options. As Ron remarked to Bully ‘…everybody wants the ball now!’ – highlighting the fact that many went missing during that first 20 minutes of the 2nd half. The final goal came from another bit of fine inter-play from the front men. A one-two in the box saw the keeper eventually save well from Gavin but Andy put away the resulting rebound. What a partnership…up there with Crockett and Tubbs, Shearer and Sheringham, Laurel and Hardy…maybe even Clegg and Cameron. Little bit of politics there. Oh, I should say that Chris Wilson had an excellent game at the back, marshalling quite a strong forward and he showed his usual determination throughout. Tony, Al and Brendan were solid at the back and Dave puffed beautifully throughout. Yet again, Ron had a marvellous match as referee.

A good natured game…not sure what happened at the pub. I’m sure it was all good fun but for some of us, it was the Knebworth House Free Day for all Knebworth citizens…so we had to rush. I managed to bore Darren A’s kids to tears up there. Ho-hum.

Well done all. Let’s look forward to starting our league campaign next year the way we ended it this year.