Knobs 1 Walkern 4

Strange result but fairly easily explained. We lost in the goalkeeping department.

Kicking uphill we played some very impressive stuff unluckily failing to net. They managed a couple of chances, without any fluidity of play, which they badly missed. One gorgeous move between Phil and Steve ended with a first time Phil rocket which shaved the goal. Another pleasing move saw a Gerry centre across the face of the goal see Vinnie's close range poke glide wide. The post took a battering! At the back Ian was having a blinding debut, heading

powerfully, intercepting well, talking well and showing an ability to play balls forward with pace and power. 0-0 at half time. Bill and John were proving solid at full backs, allaying fears of the doubters. An unchanged set up second half would have been just the job kicking downhill. But with the current keeper Dave, improving between the sticks with every game, itching for a game out Twiggy volunteered for a stint at keeper. Not one one of John's more inspired games as Knob guardian. But he did volunteer not many others would. They swiftly scored three and the game was irretrievable. Who am I to say the winning or competing is all?

True their fourth goal came via an 18 year old's sprint forward and a diving header by their 17 year old centre forward but the presence of these two youngsters was not the reason for the defeat though hardly a part of vets football ethos. I thought we handled them really well.

If we want to win games we either need a keeper or we use Dave. If it's a case of people just taking a turn between the posts then we must quietly accept the consequences, often they will spell defeat despite any good outfield play we muster. By the way during the last ten minutes their strapping 17 year old asked me four times how long was left! Hardly the confidence of superior youth.

We pegged back a goal from a Steve penalty after both Ali and Vinny were pushed at a corner by the same marker. Soft? Nah, stone dead penalty. Their keeper produced two world class reflex saves to prevent a narrowing of the arrears.

For the benefit of their manager Tony we played 90 minutes + 3 minutes over time at the end of the first and second halves.

I thought Ali was terrific, Steve was effective till subdued by his ankle problem, Vinny put himself about, Phil was classy and was unlucky with volleys, Gerry was wholehearted and effective and everyone played well I thought.

Next week a return game against this mob which I fully anticipate will be a Knobs' victory