Harpenden 1 Knobs 5 - report by Jihn T

Well who would have thought it? A misty autumn morn on the outskirts of St Albans and Harpenden brought the new dawn we’ve been waiting for. A fine team performance where age and ambition overcame youth and derision.

The early knock-ins were evenly shared, with the Harpenden midfield four matched equally by the enterprising Knobs midfield men. Ten minutes in, after Ally had completed his usual range finding exercise by kicking the ball twice into the trees he was ready to make his mark on the game. Playing from the back Brendan refused to be mowed down by the scything tackle of the Harpenden No6 and moved the ball skilfully onto Bill who dissected the field with a telling through ball to Ally. His tantalising, swirling cross was met forcefully by Chris C and as the net bulged, so did Knobs confidence. No deadwood there then, just dead good.

The game continued apace and whilst Harpenden did their share of attacking, two further goals by half time from the kneeworthy Gavin and a long range effort from Phil which caught the keeper by surprise, meant we went in at half time with a well deserved 3-0 lead.

The usual stirring half time pep talk from Chris G had, unusually for this season, a galvanising effect. Straight from the kick off a Jihn T curled ball up the left wing fell into the path of the flighty Gavin. A shimmy and shammy gave Ron time to join in the fray, executing a neat one-two with Gavin who crossed to find John B at the far post. 4-0!

Half-way through the second period came our unfortunate defensive mistake – passing to their centre forward who bustled his way through a robust challenge from Dave. The resulting shot gave Crozzers no chance in goal and tarnished what would otherwise have been a seamless performance.

A final flurry with five minutes to go after a long period of intense Harpenden pressure provided us with the opportunity to snatch a fifth. Dave once more foraged forward, looking really for someone else less advantaged than their forwards to foul. His mission became distracted by the ball which had been teased into their half following a series of quick passes, to our own team on this occasion, and an accurate cross-field knock by Phil. Dave’s cute control enabled a final masterful pass through to the on running Gavin who slotted wide after rounding their flailing right back.

Full house at the pub to sample the Harpenden fare and congratulations all round.

5-1. Who said it would be a rout? Roll on Therfield next week.