Goldnobs 0 Knobs 2

Our last match before Christmas saw us travelling to Bramfield to play our old adversaries Goldings.

It was cold and the ground was icy and so Goldings decided to surprise us by recreating a historical “Christmas Truce” football match.  For those of you unfamiliar with this, it is when hostilities ceased along the Western front during Christmas 1914 and both sides met in the middle of their trenches for a game of football.  The Goldings version was similar except in our match we played in the trenches and there was still some hostility.

Despite playing on the same pitch a couple of times before it still amazes us how anyone can play on their pitch.  It is small, rutted and sloped.  Add to that the ice and mud patches and it was going to be an interesting game.  With 2 wonky rusting goals put up by a man in fluorescent yellow trousers it became the ultimate Sunday league pitch.

The small changing room is consistent with the pitch.  The ceiling is held up by bits of wood and you have to get changed in shifts.  During our shift there were 2 things of note – 1. Our returning co-manager Dave revealed his Cyber Monday bargain yellow boots.  2. Dave also revealed that Jono is in fact Canadian which is why we cannot understand him.  Presumably he is French Canadian?

After Goldings’ turn in the changing room we finally kicked off.  From the off we dominated possession and camped in their (very small) half.  It was hard to play our preferred passing game in the trenches but we kept plugging away and trying to play.  Goldings occasional hoofed the ball into our half for their one man to chase but created little of note.  It wasn’t long before we took a deserved lead.  Jono received the ball on the right and surged into the box only to be upended by an ill-timed lunge from their defender.  It was so obvious that not even a single player on their team appealed.  Jono may have volunteered to take the spot kit but Bully doesn’t speak French so he placed the ball on the spot a scored the penalty with ease.

The 2nd half saw more of the same with us dominating possession but not troubling the keeper as often as we should have. Despite the conditions, it was all too easy really.  They rarely looked like troubling us.  We did get a second mid-way through the 2nd half.  A similar run from Jono as with the first goal saw him get taken out again but this time the ball broke towards goal and Greg helped it over the line from 3 inches out before the defender could clear the lines.  The Linesman who clearly had an itchy armpit all morning put his flag up for offside, then a penalty then he didn’t know what he was flagging for.  The ref who was great all game ignored him (again) and rightly gave the goal.
Dave brought himself on for the last 15 minutes or so to give his boots a try, his first outfield playing appearance for a couple of years.  He looked fit but has forgotten how to jump.

The game petered out with a 2-0 away win for us and then the non-strikers in the team made an orderly queue to wait in line for the use of 1 of the 2 showers.

Most of us went to the post match pub to take part in a game of “who can pick out the 1 cooked jacket potato”.  Good times.

Knobs 0 Old Owens 1

Apologies that it has taken a while for the match report to be produced.  It has been too painful trying to recall the events of Sunday.

They say sport is a cruel mistress.  I’m not sure who “they” are but “they” are right.  Sunday was like having Kathy Bates in the film Misery as your mistress.

Anyway, more of that later.  The mood was cheery in the changing room..  Jonno was trying out his best South African accent on us in the changing rooms, we think.  There was lots of jealousy that Darren was leaving early to watch the Lion King matinee in the west end and Tony C actually paused for breath between sentences for the first time this season.  Amongst all this our new signing Banksy sat looking bemused.

Greg turned up late and claimed the prize of sweeping the changing rooms along with his brother who was the 2nd to last to arrive. It’s great that we could bring the family together for some quality time.

We knew this would be a tough match.  Owens has always given us a good game but we have tended to rise to the occasion.  This match was no different.  In the first half, Owens had more of the ball than us but we were organised and active.  They were struggling to get in behind us and when we had the ball we made some fast counter attacks and looked dangerous.  Tony C did not have any tough saves to make.

Half time came and Jonno departed.  We do not know where he was going as he said something in a Jamaican accent, we think. 

Banksy replaced Jonno for his debut (39th different player used this season!).  Greg took a breather to plan his end of game sweeping session and on came non-goal machine Brendan (Wren).  The 2nd half picked up where the first half left off.  In fact we had the best chance of the game as goal machine Brendan (Walkden) got played in for a 1 on 1 with their very big keeper.  Alas, the keeper won this duel and the game remained scoreless.

With 20 minutes to go Darren subbed himself off for Greg and took a nice warm shower to ponder a drive to the west end and the cruel fate of Mufasa.

With Darren returning to the side-line with 5 minutes to go he was pleased to find we were still battling away at 0-0 and Owens were still desperately shooting from long range.  The goal machine’s take on this missing 15 minutes was “We defended really well but couldn't keep the ball.”  Succinct.
With time running out came the moment that ruined our weekend.  A ball was over-hit towards the right corner of our goal line.  The right winger of Owens almost kept the ball in as he wrapped his foot around the ball and cut it back to their big defender waiting on the edge of the box.  The defender smashed the ball in to our goal, top corner.  Lovely powerful strike but in vain as the ball was out before it was crossed.  Or so we thought….

We all looked at “our” linesman waiting for the inevitable flag to point for a goal kick.  Alas, the one person who didn’t think the ball was out was Dave K.  The air turned blue as the back 4, the goalie and side-line supporters all gave their best John McEnroe impression “The ball was out”.  Dave didn’t care and that was that. 1-0. All that hard work for nothing.  Dave K was Kathy Bates.  If he wasn’t built like a brick poo house he may have got more abuse but self-preservation kicked in.

Hakuna Matata

Whitewebbs 3 Knobs 4

We nearly snatched defeat from victory but alas it wasn’t to be.  We thought it might feel better after the game having actually won and so we did.

We had a new keeper this week, Jake who was solid for most of the game and was one of our most threatening passers on the pitch.  In fact our first goal came from one of his massive punts which sailed over the head of their defence and Paul tucked it away after rounding the keeper.  Our second came from Richard who accepted a ball from Bully and with his first two touches, controlled it and smashed it in to the back of the net.  Their goal before half time came from an obvious handball from their most dangerous player who passed it to their centre forward, who turned Tony and put it into the net.  It was a good reminder that you should always play to the whistle.

In the second half, we got another two goals and the game looked to have been settled.  Richard got his second goal after rounding the keeper and our beloved chairman got what ultimately turned out to be the winning goal with a fantastic effort. There were man hugs all round. What a man he is!

Anyway, they came back into it with a strange goal…their player looked offside and then when he crossed it, our new keeper palmed it into his own net.  The third was just a defensive disaster and doesn’t need much description other than the fact their player found themselves in the middle of the six yard area with an open goal. It looked like they would score another but luckily we held on, thanks in part to the ref who couldn’t spot a pull back from Tony that stopped one of their players a clear shot on goal.  It was an obvious penalty but then he didn’t spot the handball in the first half, so it was even stevens.  At one point one of their players shouted ‘This is the worst team we’re going to be playing all season’.  What an accolade to win so early on in the season.  Well done chaps!

Starting line-up: Jake, Gerry, James, Tony, Chairman Al, Gavin, Bully, Darren A, Brendan the goal machine, Dave M, Paul.  Subs: Des and Richard

Buntingford Town v Knobs - postponed

Game postponed due to waterlogged pitch. How very exciting!

Knobs v Hadley Green - postponed

Game postponed as Hadley Green were unable to get a team together for the fixture. At least the mighty Knobs get the 3 points to help in the fight against relegation!

Knobs 3 Saints 1

A big squad was selected for the game against the Saints who had apparently not won all year and being a friendly, it gave Dave the manager an opportunity to give some of his fringe players a starting berth.  Unfortunately Saints only had 9 men at the start so we gave them left-back Dave and new player Jono.

After a minute’s silence for the fallen, we kicked off and it was quite competitive and scrappy with little happening.  The pitch had been churned up from the weather which made good passing football difficult.  I think Dan Looney had a speculative shot from a very tight angle before they took a lead from a Jono volley, which left a sour taste in the mouth. It was an extremely well taken finish, like a hooked sideways volley.  He may also have had another shot that was stopped by Tony C.  Despite falling confidence, he look assured for the majority of the game, dominating his penalty area when he needed to.  We pulled a goal back after some ping-pong in their box.  We think it was a shot from Greg that eventually went in off a Saints goalkeeper.  The introduction of Gavin late in the second half saw KNOBS take the lead after his surging run in the box led to a penalty.  As per usual, Bully tucked it away with relative ease.

In the second half, we looked untroubled throughout and had plenty of chances.  Jono (who had now swapped sides) had 2 or 3 decent chances but alas he could not find the accuracy that saw him score against us.  Greg also had a couple of good chances and at times some lovely football was played.  Our third goal came when Gavin’s 20 yard thunderbolt was saved by their keeper but from the corner, Bully’s cross was met superbly by Paul who put a thumping header into the back of the net.  They had a free-kick at the end that was close to being a penalty but other than that, not much happened apart from a few chances that were spurned by our attackers.

Looking across the park, Richard played solidly at the back alongside both Tony and Chairman Al.  Brendan put in a good shift for both teams…in fact he had a headed chance saved by Tony in the second half.  James was very competitive in the middle and he is certainly a good option there for when opposition teams do not have a big lump up front.  Chris Cox worked hard as always and Greg was always an outlet out wide.  Paul is an excellent team player, always telling people where he’s going to put it or where he wants it but a lot of the time he doesn’t get it.  Lee was always a winning runner but alas the killer ball never found him either.

Overall, it is always nice to get a win and I’m sure Dave was happy but he can comment on the game in the blog.

STARTING XI – Tony C, Chairman Al, Tony K (and his friendly mouse), Richard, Brendan Wren, Dan, James, Bully, Chris Cox, Paul and Lee.  Subs: Greg, Jono and Gavin.

Knobs 2 Stotfold 4

Following 2 disappointing performances it was important that the team played well this week.  There had been a feeling that something had been missing in the last 2 games.  There was a lack of energy, leadership and spirit which had all been there at the start of the season.  It was therefore with great relief we welcomed back a player from injury who has set the tone early season and who represents all the things we have missed in the past 2 games.  Yes, Dan Looney was back. (And did a great job running the line)

Also returning from injury to the side, renewing his central midfield partnership with Bully was Darren.  We also introduced the 32nd different player to represent us this season to the team.  Greg, older brother of Dave M took up position on the right wing.  Another debut will be made in the next game.  33 players, what a squad!

The grass was long, the mud was thick and the weather was peeing down.  Not normally conducive to our attempts to get the ball down and play.  But we did!  From the off we played like we know we can.  We hassled, won the ball and passed it around.  We were back!

We dominated possession and they couldn’t get out of their half.  It wasn’t long before Dave M raced through and was thwarted by their midget in goal.  Great save.  They couldn’t hold on for much longer though and we duly scored from some nice play down the left, a crossed ball and a finish by Paul.  We continued to dominate possession but didn’t fashion too many chances.  Darren headed inches past the post having got on the end of a Dave M cross and a few more half chances fell our way but nothing clear cut.

It all looked so good.

Then it went a bit wrong.  Somehow our left side both injured themselves at the same time and both left the pitch hobbling.  On came our 2 subs.  Our other debutant Colon didn’t show up so the 11 on the pitch were all we had fit.  This seemed to unsettle us as we were forced to rejig the team.  Ironically, 5 minutes later and the first time we failed to press them we allowed their right midfielder all the time he wanted to play in their winger whose shot (miss hit cross!) squirmed over the line.  1 shot, 1 goal was the sum total of their attacks all first half.

The second half started and we had even more of the ball than in the first half.  Their defence sat deeper and their midfield lined up in front of the back 4. It was harder to get through them but we kept plugging away.  Eventually though we broke through.  Dave M who had troubled them all game had a shot from the edge of the box which the keeper could only palm to Dan L.  Dan finished with aplomb and we were back in the lead and well deserved.

What followed was not something that you can do anything about.  In fact even their first goal was down to an individual error and so were the next 3.  We managed to get an assist for all 6 goals in the game. That takes some doing! There is no point here ridiculing or calling out the players who made the errors.  They didn’t do it intentionally and you could tell they felt bad about their mistakes.  It happens to us all at some point.

We managed to grab defeat from the jaws of victory.  Unlike the Whitewebbs capitulation it was not through lack of effort or being outplayed.  These things happen.

We continue to score goals which is great and if we can tighten up at the back many victories await!

There were some interesting observations made in the changing room after –

Paul – If Tony kicked the ball as hard as he kicked the post his goal kicks would be massive.
Bully – Their goalie was tiny and ours is a giant yet ours gets lobbed twice. 

So, we retired to the pub with the opposition and after half an hour we enquired about the food only to be greeted with blank looks.  Another individual error (again, no names) meant that nobody had told the pub we would be there.  We had given Stotfold 4 goals so we told them that our generosity had been used up and to go home for a sandwich.

Knobs 2 Wilbury Wanderers 4 - county cup 2nd round

Two days after this disappointing result and it still pains me to write about it. So I will keep it short... somewhat.

I thought we were up for the cup and when we were in the changing room before the game the signs looked promising. A solid side was put together from only 13 replies through the week. James sitting in midfield would be our first line of defence and so it proved for the first 20 minutes until Kenny got a thigh strain and James went to centre back and Martin BG was his replacement. I would have to say regardless of who played where we did not stamp any authority on the game from start to finish. They were more organised and fitter (surprisingly) and had a knack of moving the ball better than us and taking their chances well. The only positive thing that happened in the first half was Ross controlling the ball with his right foot lifting it up and controlling with his left before smashing it from 25/30 yards beyond a hapless keeper. A bollocking ensued at half time which I hoped would ignite any chance of wanting to win this game. I was wrong. Admittedly we upped our game but conceded early which found us 3-1 down. We had a 15 minute spell which saw some good football but they were running the midfield and we were becoming tired. Final score 4-2 and they deserved their win. They have Garston in the next round and I cant see them getting any further, but hey it's the cup. Lets be ready for our next game against Stotfold.

Foot note-:
Cracking save from good Tony in the first half. A deflected shot going the opposite way to the keeper and he still managed to save it one handed.     

Knobs 3 Whitewebbs 6

A wise man once told me (or maybe it was Gavin) that if you want to criticise then you should sandwich the criticism between 2 pieces of praise.  So here goes –

We had a good turnout this week.  We have now played 32 different players in just 8 games.  The match being a friendly allowed us to revolve the players, start some players who deserved some playing time and give minutes to players returning form injury.  There was a record crowd in attendance and I am sure they thoroughly enjoyed all of the goals. All very nice. 

Before the match the new concept of “the last 2 to leave the changing room have to sweep up after the game” was introduced.  Unfortunately this was the quickest that many of the players in the team moved all day as the changing room emptied quicker than a John Boyle pint glass.  The new concept of “if you turn up late, you start as sub” will be discussed at the next managers meeting.  The management dream team run a tight ship!

This is the first time this season when the team have not played well.  The oppo were not great, they were not fit, they were not young but they can pass and move.  We beat them comfortably at home last year and we would have done again if we had not stopped doing what we have done so well all season.  We just did not get in their faces.  We did not shut them down.  If we did it was done by individuals and not as a team.  We have played much better teams this season and got results through pressing them as a team.  Let’s get back to doing that.  Surely no one enjoyed the game yesterday!

Anyway, somehow we took a 2-0 lead.  Both goals were against the run of play but the first was put away well by Dave M who has the pace and composure to trouble anyone we play.  The second was a cross that flew straight in from wide on the right.  Last week Steve Bradley scored a wonder goal, this week his goal was a little more fortunate!

The 2nd half is too painful to report fully.  The highlights were another great goal from Dave M, rounding the keeper after a great 1-2 with Steve Bradley.  The oppo linesman ruled out a Dave M goal for offside when he clearly was not.  The linesman was actually 20 yards behind play and that is being generous to him.  It mattered not, as we let them do whatever they wanted with the ball.  They had multiple pass options when they looked up and they just passed around us or in 1 case run from their own half all the way through to score unchallenged.  Embarrassing.  Maybe I’m being too tough but I hate losing and hate it even more when we don’t compete.

Special mention goes to Ally who scored an own goal from 2 centimetres out when trying to clear.

Back to the positives.  We continue to score goals even when we play badly.  It is the first time in 8 games we have not played well so hopefully a one off.  Richard continues to be a rock at the back.  Dave M looks like he’ll be a threat whenever he plays.  A much better turnout at the pub but I am not sure we got our money’s worth this week with a plate of brown stuff per team being all we were offered.

This week sees us continue or journey in the cup and I’m sure we will be up for the challenge and a place in the quarter finals.

Wilbury Wanderers 4 vs KNOBS 3 (But we win on appeal!)

It was a funny old game as Greavsie used to say. The lunchtime kick-off was clearly more popular with them than it was for us and the original referee. This was reflected in the fact that we let in a goal after 10 seconds!  Despite this early set back though, we battled back into the game well and it wasn’t long before we were level as Dave Millhouse nipped onto a poor headed back pass and finished with a beautiful lob. We were having a lot of success down the right flank but sadly many of the attacks came to nothing. They scored a second before half-time but I can’t remember much about that.

In the second half, Steve came on, with Ross moving to the right flank after previously being on the left flank.  They scored a third when their twat of a centre forward managed to get to the by-line and cross the ball which seem to evade all our defenders and one of their guys kicked the ball in. Steve then scored the goal of the game and potential KNOBS goal of the season with a jinking run that took him past three defenders before calmly chipping over the keeper from some distance. They then scored a fourth after another change when the player-manager took himself off and Lee came on (he was told a wrong time to meet at The Station) with Paul moving to a central midfield role. Basically one of their guys toe-punted the ball into the top corner…from the comments afterwards, it appears he has a knack for it. Dave managed to get another goal, again nipping in after a poor back pass and slowly the game petered out with continual ill-feeling and they won 4-3. They probably were the better team but seeing their goalkeeper time waste as if it was a Champions League match was something to behold and made for a rather frustrating time.

However, after the game we did point out that they had been playing with a 31 year old which is against the league rules. Darren had used the guy to do some work for him and had informed him he couldn’t play for the KNOBS due to his age. Clearly that hadn’t stopped Wilbury accepting his services. Chairman Al informed their guy that we would be putting in a complaint. They then said that we should have informed them but Darren had pointed out to a number of their players that he was under-age and yet he still continued to play. We probably wouldn’t have been so petty if we considered them a nice bunch of lads but alas…we didn’t. Which all adds some spice to the next time we see them which will be in the Herts County Cup in two weeks.

The team played well in patches. Paul really holds up the play well and when moved to the middle in the second half we missed that up front. Dave is a very tidy finisher when he gets the chance. That combo could have plenty of goals if they play enough together!

Nearly forgot…Tony C wanted me to point out that he basically started the move that set up Steve’s goal.  To be honest, he could probably say that for nearly every goal we’ve ever scored! Oh…he also made two fantastic saves…one going into the top corner in the first half and a one-on-one in the second. But writing that just reminded me of the second goal. Tony came out to punch the ball and was beaten by a header that went into the empty net.

Team: Tony C, Gerry, Richard, Chairman Al, Dave, Gavin, Bully, Darren, Ross, Dave M, Paul. Subs: Lee and Steve

Harpenden Rovers 1 Knobs 3 - county cup 1st round

We’re on a cup run!!!  WE ARE ON A CUP RUN!!!

These are exciting times for the Knebworth FC Veterans…the first time ever in a County Cup game and we go over to Harpenden and put them to the sword with a very convincing display.  Well done everyone.

Before the game started it was revealed that our manager had handed over the responsibility of team affairs to his number two but just before the game was about to start, Dave appeared like some biblical character and lifted the whole squad, with his presence and forthright decision making.  We were on it from the start and Lee had two good chances that were easily scooped up by the keeper.  We pressed well and eventually our reward came with a great through ball from Darren A and it was expertly put away by Dave Millhouse.  At the back, James and Darren B looked solid in the middle and also gave us a threat at set pieces, with James going close at a couple of corners.  There best chances came from corners as well but our keeper was decisive and did well under pressure when needed.

At half time we were 1-0 and the heat was getting to all the players.  Who’d have thought it was the back end of September?  In the second half, we carried on where we left off, with some good breaks and some good pressure being shown across the field.  We got the goals we deserved when a rare break from the returning John Boyle saw a cross he delivered rebound off a defender and Gavin was there like a fox in the box to tuck it away.  Our final goal came from another venture forward from John, which saw the ball end up with Dave M. who had a shot at goal that was parried by the keeper.  Lewis responded first and tucked the ball away under the keeper.  3-0 and the game was practically over.  Lee missed a gilt edged chance from a few yards out after Gavin had crossed it in to make it 4-0 and even though they scored late on after their forward had got between Ally and Richard and tucked it home.  This was after a defensive reshuffle that saw Darren come off after a collision in the box with Bully and one of their players.

It was a good team performance all round.  James captained the side superbly at the back and Bully and Darren A put in a real shift in the middle of the park.  Dave M looks more threatening with each game he plays and the new lad played really well and showed good energy. 

Next up in the cup is Wilbury Wanderers at home…that will be a tough game but who knows what will happen?  That’s the magic of the cup!

Starting XI (4-4-2):  Dobbo, John Boyle, James, Dave B, Richard, Gavin, Bully, Darren A, Lewis, Dave M and Lee.  Subs:  Chairman Al

Knobs 2 Blunham 3

We played quite well in patches today but it wasn’t good enough a team that have really upped their game since last year and the score is rather flattering. They were better than us and that’s that.

In the first half we created little but went into half time after a lovely flowing moved that started with Tony  C, who passed to Brendan W, who picked out Bully, who fed Gavin, who drove down the middle and passed to Dave who had a shot at goal that deflected into the path of Dan, who powered the ball home. Their goal came from a cross come shot that Tony could do little with.

In the second half, a mix-up between big Darren and Brendan led to their second but ultimately it was a fantastic finish from their guy. Their third came from a dubious free kick that was given for a back pass.  Although they didn’t score directly from it, the ball eventually went out to the wing where it was whipped in for them to score. Richard was furious at that one. They had more chances, Tony saved some, one was cleared off the line and big Darren made some excellent blocks.  We had some chances with Ross shooting over, Dave having some blocked and the keeper saving from Gavin but overall there was nothing clear cut.  The final goal came in the dying seconds after Gavin went on a marauding run that saw him fouled in the box. Bully tucked the ball away as he usually does.  The ref then blew the whistle.

It was a hard fought game where we were simply over-run in midfield.  Darren A and Bully tried their hardest but the wide men struggled to get back to help. It’s difficult committing to attack knowing fitness levels aren’t what they were.  Maybe we should have changed the tactics somewhat but that’s up to Dave and Darren A to think about. We do seem to struggle against a 3-5-2 formation.

The team was Tony C in goal, Brendan W, Richard, Darren B, Dave, Gavin, Darren A, Bully, Dave, Ross and Dan. Adrian came on as substitute in the second half for Darren A.

After the game the manager said "I'm disappointed and angry. I think we had a very bad day. We played very very slow. We need to be more alive and play quick"

Sandridge Rovers 1 Knobs 1

After our 3 pre-season friendlies, our first league match duly arrived – a tough looking away game v Sandridge.

Back in March we had surrendered meekly at home and lost 4-2.  The dream team of Dave and Darren were expecting a lot better in this fixture.

For the 2nd away game on the bounce we all arrived early and were raring to go.  We had time for a short presentation by the chairman to last year’s player of the year, James and off we went to do battle.

After 10 minutes of warming up the referee decided to get the match started.  He made no friends on our team by making quite a few strange decisions.  Leaning on a Sandridge player was a foul.  Only when a Knob hit the floor hard did we get a decision.

The Sandridge players didn’t need the referee to wind them up though as they were doing a good job of that themselves.  One of their players stormed off early saying that he would not come back on unless one of his team mates left the pitch. 

We were just about on top in the first half as we pressed them high and restricted their chances.  The only shot that troubled Tony all game was the deflected shot during the half that managed to find its way into our net.  We had more of the chances but we either missed the target or found their very good goalkeeper.  The half ended with us trailing 1-0.

At half time Dave J had a shuffle.

On came debutant Dave Millhouse.  He says he is a forward so we put him on the left wing.  Dan Looney was replaced by Ross up front.

From the off the second half was a different story.  As the team continued to press, Sandridge resorted to simply lumping the ball up to their front players who rarely got a sniff with both James and Big Darren winning everything in the air.  With Sandridge tiring our superior football meant the chances were coming to us more frequently. 

Not long into the 2nd half we were forced to make a change as Sergio got a sun tan injury and was replaced by the returning Dan.  Dan’s Mars bar would just have to wait.

The superior passing and moving meant we were now dominating the game.  Darren A proved his crossbar hitting skill from the week before was not a fluke by lobbing the keeper and hitting the cross bar again.

Finally though we got the goal we more than deserved.  Ross was played in down the left, cut in and sent a curling shot towards the top right corner.  The goalie who was the difference on the day, somehow got his hand to the shot but the ball fell to Tony K who from 1 yard out managed to scramble the ball over the line.  The management dream team should take full credit for this as they made the bold move of putting Tony on the right wing!

Our chances kept coming.  These were missed, blocked or saved by their keeper.  Frustration all around.

We pushed for the win but ran out of time.  A great performance but ultimately it was a draw that felt like 2 points dropped.

Most of us headed for the bar to eat the sausage sandwiches and sawdust wedges where we were entertained by Dave J and Alastair debating the acoustics of the changing rooms back at Knebworth and the wisdom of making John Boyle a licensee of a club house at the Rec.

Next week we return home to play Blunham in the league.  In our first 4 games we have used 26 different players but only Bully and Darren have played in all 4.  It’s a big squad but it would be nice to have a settled team!

Walkern 1 Knobs 4

The oppo star player heads clear

A sweltering September morning saw the veterans take on their local rivals Walken at Thomas Alleyn School. We all arrived early (well some of us did) to find that the opposition were struggling to find a team. They eventually found the bare 11 and the game kicked off 15 minutes late.
The game started at a pace with the veterans chasing down the oppo at every opportunity. We were not allowing them timer on the ball which forced them to play wayward passes or play backwards. Darren and Bully were controlling the midfield with Darren on his game, constantly running down loose balls and Bully tracking back to cover. We were playing some great passing football mainly on the right using Gavin's pace. He was combining well with Kenny who was right back and Paul.
Our opener wasn't far away and Paul obliged with Robin their defender as he was passing it back, to slot pass the keeper. #1-0 Got to say their keeper was shit, to say the least. So with that in mind Darren, Phil, Paul and i'm sure one other tried to either lob him or shoot from a considerable distance. Paul had two chances in quick succession and fluffed his lines on both occasions. Darren had a hit and hope (he would say different) which hit the bar and Phil was just  trying his luck. Eventually Paul had a thunderous half volley which found the top corner. A goal to grace any game. Two in as many games, in fact it was pretty similar to last weeks terrific effort which found the same corner. More of the same please.
Our third goal was class personified. It started with Tony, playing a short pass from goal and the ball being stroked around from defence to midfield and out to the wing where Gavin played a triangle with Paul (I think) and then made his way into the box. This sweeping move was something to behold as Gavin was the final touch that passed the ball in the goal. Best "team" goal I have seen scored in my time at the club. Adding to that we barely gave the ball away. Our passing and vision was up there with the best of them. Not to dwell on it too much the goal we conceded was a poor back pass from Chris C who underestimated the thickness of the grass which helps their centre forward nip inbetween  defender and keeper to slot home an easy goal. That said, we didn't let it get to us and played some very attractive football to get the third.
Second half started a bit flat as we conceeded several corners in the first ten minutes which we revered well. We are becoming very organised when it comes to set pieces a lot of talking and directing, we will definitely need this in our tougher games during the season. After the early spell of pressure we found our form and were back to passing the ball around. Walkern were running out of puff and had no answers to our constant pressure. Which paid dividens as a ball played from the back again by Darren B (who looks solid for his 45 minutes) found Steve Bradley who in turn passed a neat ball to Paul who then passed across field to Gavin (I think). Within four passes the ball was in the box and found its way to Dan who slotted home. Another great goal to the collection. We were outstanding for all 90 minutes.
Good Tony - Some terrific saves in the second half and well organised with his defence.
Chris Cocks - Unfortunate back pass for their only goal but done a job in a position he is not used too.
Richard and Martyn - Forming a good partnership together although both learning the ropes. They were solid and resolute throughout.
Gavin - Power and pace. Not many people can cope with the electrifying speed. A great contribution.
Bully and Darren - Much better than last week. Were commanding in the middle, much quick on and off the ball. Both put in a shift. May it continue.
Phil - The Ernie Els of the team! The big easy looks effortless on the ball and gives himself more time with his sidesteps. Unfortunately injured before half time.
Paul - Such a solid player was player maker throughout the game/ Great vision when passing a long ball. Another one to add to his collection.
Dan - First game out field and didn't put a foot worng. Was in some great positions but didn't get the right pass. Can see him bagging a few goals soon.
Steve B - Linked well with Darren B, had loads of energy covering back and supporting.
Darren B - Had a great 45 minutes didn't shirk from a challenge and pleasing on the eye. More of the same for Sunday please. We are serious contenders this season don't forget it.
Uncle Tom Cobley - rubbish

Knobs 1 FC Falconer 3

Did you know that Scottish immigrants brought their tradition of deep frying chicken in fat to the southern United States? After that, Colonel Harland Sanders perfected it with his 11 herbs and spices.

Knobs 5 Royal Oak 4

Well where shall I start! A lot went on in this game, much more than I can remember. I do remember there were 2 own goals a goal keeper howler a sublime curling shot which ended up in the top corner and a sending off and to top that lot there were 9 goals!! Todays opponents looked a fit young side although the majority of them were in their 30's, must be something in the Stevenage water. Their fitness proved vital later in the game. The first half started at a pace with both teams carving chances early doors. We were fortunate to go one nil up by courtesy of an own goal. Not long after that we found ourselves 2 up with Simon AKA Sergio bundling the ball over the line. I know I sound a bit vague as I cant remember much of the first 20 minutes as I got a phone call from our sorely missed ex manager Sir Ronald. He must be missing us and the whole Sunday morning football thing. It was one of those rare occasions that we had a balanced side and were playing some effective but simple football. Needless to say Royal Oak were moving the ball about nicely themselves which is why they scored in the dying minutes of the half. Their centre forward who was pretty nippy considering he was wearing a figure hugging shirt had us in trouble on a number of occasions luckily he left his scoring boots at home. Second half started like the first both teams passing the ball neatly and I for one was impressed with what was on show. We get another fortunate own goal and cement our lead. Then came the goal of the game. Sergio who impressed all game picked up the ball left side of the penalty box and swerved an inch perfect curler  which had the keeper beaten before it left his foot. Not intent with scoring a great goal the fella has a models look like he should be in a catalogue selling golf equipment and I bet he plays the piano and speaks 3 different languages! Anyway 4  1 and were looking comfortable for the win until it went all pear shaped with our new left back Dave K taking a swipe at one of their guys and Alistair who was acting as justice of the peace grassed him up to the ref and was duly sent from the pitch. Hence to say I was subbing Sergio and slotting Alistair at the back to make 5. All that went out the window as Alistair now holds the fair play award. It didn't take long for them to score to make it 4-2 . Straight from the kick off Phil tried one of his long rangers from the centre circle. Brimming with confidence the goalie shouted "Im not that bad" or words to that effect and decided to let the ball bounce through his legs. Give Phil another cigar!  We switched off for the last 20 of the game and allowed them to attack at every opportunity. The long ball over the defence was catching us out every time. They reduced the deficit and we were 5-4 up with 10 minutes to go. They smacked our cross bar and had enough chances to win the game. I thought our defence were resolute with Tony and Martyn pairing well again. See Martyn you are a centre back in the making. Tony K played really well you can't see many people getting the better of him this season especially if he gives them a slap!! Thanks to Sean for helping out. Adrian needs some fitness if he wants to be a regular but didn't look out of place. Joel had a blinder as well as Sergio and Paul who always looks the part. Phil was pinging balls around as usual. Darren and Bully were industrious in the middle although had their work cut out against younger opposition. On this display the future is definitely bright in fact its orange which is the colour of the new kit in our next game. Before I disappear in my own verbal diarrhoea we have a charity game on the 31st for the Amy Winehouse foundation please make your presence felt it will be nice to support this worthy charity.

Toodle P

Knobs 3 MBDA 1

WEV’E DONE IT!!
  We have won a game of football and we won it in style. After so many attempts of trying to score we bagged 3 and only let in one. On a beautiful sunny evening with a near perfect pitch which was cut by the way. Both teams played at a fast pace considering the heat and it wasn’t long before we had a first chance with nick and Steve up front combining well. Could be a combination for next season with Steve slotting himself in the right positions and nick charging around covering every blade of grass wanting to win every tackle. We had won a free kick after 20 minutes on the edge of their box and whilst MBDA were lining up their wall Bully surprisingly passed directly to Phil (when did that last happen) who was loitering just outside the D. A first time strike saw the ball fly in to the goal pass the keepers bottom left post. One nil KNOBS and we had our tails up. We were playing some free flowing football to feet against a MBDA side that were short of first team players, but still gave a good account of themselves. Another combination between nick and Steve I think brought us our second. Please remind me otherwise. They had a well taken chance which ended up in the top corner of good Tony’s net and so it ended 2  1 at half time.  I said a load of old bollocks in the interval and some others chipped in. The second half started as sprightly as the first with us playing downhill. A few substitutes were made to keep it fresh and they all slotted in quite well. Apologies to Chris C who was subbed twice but got 2 long spells out of the game. We had some good chances in the second half notably Dan who had a one on one with the keeper and nipped the ball passed him with a gaping goal getting smaller by the yard. They smacked one against our bar and it was frantic to say the least. Nick scored our third from a lovely passing move. A few people were blowing out their arses by mid half and some more subs were made to keep a good balance which I thought we had through most of the game. Time will tell whether we will be challenging for anything next season. More than likely not, but hey it’s good to put a pair of boots on or high heels if your that way inclined. Keep fit my lovelies and I will see if I can get a game at Southend before the season starts. Pre-season training will commence after England are out of the World Cup which will probably be the 25th of June.

Ciao Bella     

Knobs 0 Buntingford Town 1

They came, they saw, they did a little shopping.

Crap game, crape result, crape everywhere, no goals scored in over a month. Bring back Sir Ronald.

Welwyn Sports 7 Knobs 0

Lots of enthusiasm amongst the team as we waited expectantly in the car park at the station.  Manager Dave was only slightly late due to chasing his dog through the streets and  arrived with news that Nick Took Took  had again cried off the night before.  All was not lost though as Dave had picked up a young chap on the way who just needed to borrow some size 8 boots and put some talc in his hair so he looked old enough to play.

Amazingly though we arrived on time for the first time this season to an away game (well most of us did).  What we found was the world’s longest football pitch waiting for us and an opposition with a squad of about 16 players who made changes every 10 minutes.

Manager Dave gave a rousing speech – “You all know what you’re doing”. 

Mascot Billy won the toss and chose that the Knobs kick off.  That we did, promptly lost the ball attacking down the right, the oppo attacked down their left, crossed to the left back post and scored.  Less than a minute in and 1-0.  Things didn’t get much better after that.

We had quite a few shots early on.  None of them within 30 yards though.  The midget keeper may well have been tested if the ball hadn’t rolled along the floor to him every time.

Brendan was subbed by Dave after doing his best Danny Rose impression against Stoke and trying to fight the player who fouled him.  At least he showed some fight!

Lee ran his heart out in his pair of new £95 boots.  He asked if we can make a mention that he is washing the kit.

Martyn gave away a penalty which was scored.  Tony tried to give another away pushing a goal bound shot past the post with his hand but the ref by this point had clearly lost the plot having moments earlier allowed Welwyn an offside goal which he claimed was because one of the Knobs played the scorer, when we clearly didn’t and he couldn’t tell us which one of us it was!

Manager Dave said there were lots of positives and was happy with the performance.  Clearly chasing his dog round the streets and being out in the sun had sent him mad!

Next week we have the boring, rigid and physical Buntingford coming to town.  Ron is playing up front so expect some goals!

Knobs 0 Walkern 5 or thereabouts

Terrible! Don't know whether that is because this is simply the latest woeful result/performance or simply cos it's a standalone piece of shite. Roll on next season- new management, new attitudes, new commitment.
Individuals tried hard, some individuals look past it- well perhaps for this season yet as a team we are, well, simply not a team.
Well done James. Immense.
Fair wind to yer arse.

Knobs 1 Blunham 6

They played together, we didn't/couldn't. They had three outstanding individuals who were much fitter. They had one bloke who could ping the ball about over distance with pace and accuracy, two of his goals were delicious strikes. We were strangers to each other- literally.
Pitch surface disgustingly grassy and bobbly but same for both sides.
New keeper sensible Dave at fault not at all.
Bully sliced in the opening goal...... for them.
We chopped and changed position all to no avail. Could things have been different? Probably not. Better player availability would help. But that is where we are at present.
Gavin scored with his head I think. Gave a glimmer of hope 3-1 but they shat on us.
Good pub turn out but no food, thank goodness.
Home v Walkern 13th, away v Welwyn 27th, home v Buntingf ord May 4th and home v MBDA May 14th, Wednesday.

Whitewebs 3 Knobs 2

Another bruising encounter away from home against the White Webbs team saw us lose narrowly in a tale of two halves.  It hadn’t started well for the mighty KNOBS when Martyn failed to turn up with the kit.  He then had a problem with an oil light and for 15 minutes, the KNOBS team sat in the changing room, reminiscing about Tony being locked in a changing room and listening in on the opposition’s conversations.  Bully informed me that he heard the words ‘…don’t have a fight this week’ said to their guy with a cut above his eye.  He was also the guy who was drinking some bottled lager before the game on the touchline.  But hey…it takes allsorts to keep the Sunday Vets football afloat.  Anyway, Darren was in charge of the team but had instructions from Dave the manager.  So we started off with a 4-5-1 formation.  Unfortunately it wouldn’t have mattered what formation we played in the first half because there was (according to Darren) a distinct lack of energy and effort, hence the reason we let in 3 simple goals.  Dave (our new goalie) didn’t really stand a chance.  Gavin did have a couple of chances at the other end and their centre back certainly handled the ball in a goal mouth scramble but alas it wasn’t to be.  We did get a goal back though just before half-time when Tony passed the ball to Gavin on the wing, who cut back to Jamie, whose shot come cross found Brendan Wal. at the back post, who fired it home.

At half-time some stirring words were said and we came out with a bit more energy.  They also made some changes throughout the 2nd half that also helped us.  James was a commanding as ever at the back and they hardly had a chance.  We had a few before Gavin scored with an acrobatic finish after some pinball in the penalty area from a corner.  After that we had some chances to equalise, with Lee screaming through the middle only to be foiled at the end and James headed wide from a corner right at the death.  Other notable moments were Dan getting into a scrap with the centre-half at a corner.  It’s the normal centre-half who has a tendency to lose it a little bit.  Their centre forward was caught offside more times than I can bare to imagine and yet always insisted he wasn’t.  He also had a thing for saying the C word several times over.  Normally after James had nibbled at his ankles.  Brendan Wren added to our injury woes by turning over his ankle.  The final talking point was the almighty clash of heads between Martyn and Darren, which saw the former go off for a Terry Butcher bandage.  Darren’s was coming up nicely at the end of the game as well.  Both would have made a sight at the Spurs game they were attending afterwards…hopefully they were both okay but I’m sure the Spurs victory was a good enough medicine.

So that was it.  We had the opportunity to get the draw but if we were to be honest, they were better the team throughout, as they played some nice triangles around us.  We seem to lack that composure and accuracy at the moment around the pitch, struggling to string more than 5 or 6 passes together.  However, the 2nd half efforts were pleasing to see and delighted Darren.  As always, no game on Mothers’ Day and rightly so!  Come on KNOBS, go out there and give your mother a treat next Sunday.

Starting line-up:  Dave, Tony, Martyn, James, Brendan Wal, Brendan Wren, Jamie, Darren, Bully, Dan and Gavin.  Subs:  Chris Cox and Lee 

Knobs 2 Sandridge Rovers 4

This won’t take long.

On a beautiful morning, we played quite poorly on a bobbly picture.  There was a mixture of old and new faces and this may have contributed to what was a very disjointed performance.  They didn’t play that well but we probably deserved to lose in front of a record home crowd.  There was at least 16 there at one point and that doesn’t include the tennis players.

In the first half nothing happened.  Honestly…nothing happened.  We had no shots and they had one.  Maybe you could say that defences were on top.

In the second half, within a few minutes of the restart, Craig gave away a penalty.  Tony saw the red mist descend apparently but it was too late to do anything about it.  Brendan Wren’s first touch as the new goalkeeper was picking it out from the back of the net.  They then scored a second about 10 minutes later and it looked like the start of a proper collapse but unlike the mighty Spurs we battled on.  Gavin turned a defender on the half way line and threaded a lovely ball through the defence to Dave, who was rudely barged out of the way and so a clear penalty.  Bully stepped up and rolled it into the net.  Unfortunately though they went on to score two more.  Brendan wasn’t to blame I don’t think.  In fact at one stage, I’m sure he made quite a good stop when someone tried to go round him.  In the last minute, Gavin weaved some magic in the area to get to the by-line and cut back to Bully, who stroked home to score a second.  The only other moments of note were two strong runs and misplaced shots by Craig and Steve.  To be honest, we looked unlikely to score all match.  We never really turned their defenders, we never ran at their defenders and when we passed, it just bobbled up in the air and there wasn’t much that could be done.

So that was it.  The final score was 4-2 to them and it was well deserved.  We’ve got a few injury concerns at the moment.  Joel came off with a calf issue today and Dave with a groin injury.  This is where we need to see the strength in depth of our squad.  Have we actually got anyone coming back from injury???

Well played everyone.  As long as we all enjoyed it, that’s what counts.  I thought Nick and Martyn had a very strong first half.  Nick really pressurised their players but as he pointed out at one point during the first half, we didn’t do it as a team.  I think we need to be a little bit more compact at times.  But that’s just me.  It will be interesting to see what Dave thinks in the post-match interview.  Who can he trust to do a job in the team?  Who’s got the necessary desire to represent the KNOBS?

Team (as started): Gavin, Craig, Martyn, Tony, Dan, Gerry, Bully, Chris Cox, Joel, Nick and Dave. Subs – Steve and Brendan Wren

Knobs 3 Whitewebs 1

A mighty win from a team with verve, passion and energy. Welcoming back as manager that crafty old c....  cart horse Sir Dave Jordan, replacing Cymru bound Sir Ronald a newly vamped team showed their paces- actually trot, walk and stop, plenty of the latter but enough of the other to put this opposition in its place.
We had a squad of millions so much so that we gave them 2, including the returning from an annual sabbatical, Dave, Joel 's mate. Bad move many thought.  Yet we won convincingly so we do victory and magnanimity. Worra lot the Knobs are. My heroes.
Woody, the laughing cavalier foraged, fought, fouled and fullicked and was unlucky not to score on two occasions sending one shot crashing against the crossbar and just missing out with a chip, I'd have bet on him taking on that keeper and rounding him. Another break saw him haring to the byline before squaring, Gavin showed the value of a pair of legs that can move by keeping pace with the attack and nodding neatly home.  Woody was left hugging and caressing a sycamore tree for the next 5 minutes only prised away from it when Dave threatened to bring on a sub. We normally piss against those trees!
James had replaced an injured Jaimie and we were looking pretty formidable defensively as Tony moved out to full back. Early second half saw the equaliser as a cross from the right was smashed home gleefully by Dave . Aye aye what's happening.
We started attacking more and more and each time with pace and threat and it was only a matter of time before we would go ahead. This time time an interchange between Woody and Joel saw the latter 'purposefully' chip over the keeper from a position 25 yards wide out to the left. A Gavin run was thwarted but he reacted very quickly to regain possession and cross where Woody's head looped in the third.
Several penalty shouts went unheeded by a consistent referee, consistently clueless as to whether or not they were fouls never mind penalties.
Big Rob performed well on a rare outing in his debut season. He was strong and always involved. An enterprising bicycle kick was followed by  a surging run into the box which deserved better than his final lunging shot. Martyn had a peerless game at centre back and Stu performed well in goal. His save in a one v one with minutes to go was a good one and allowed us to trot out comfortable and deserving winners.
The 'crowd', one John Boyle, thought the game was shite I thought it wasn't bad.
Goodly turn out in pub. No opposition, they're all Spurs fans! So!
Next week Sir Dave pits his wit and vision 'gainst  Sandridge, recently beaten 7-1 home to Welwyn.
Join him on his amazing journey.

Knobs 0 Therfield A's 3

A difficult time of bad weather and disinterest.
We scraped a team out thanks to crippled Dave (watch him in 2015!). We featured a goalie, Terry who I gather hadn't played an 11 a side for 14 years. He certainly looked the part, massive kicks and goal kicks crossing the half way line, Vinnie and Paul would have relished that sort of distribution. So would I. It would have cut out our dependence on purist triangular passing football to get us somewhere in the vicinity of their half. Tippy tappy football which oh so often floundered in the mud we are facing this year. It lets us down and so it did here. But there was no Paul or Vinnie or even fleet footed Gavin to enjoy such back to front directness only the lonely Joel fighting and scrapping furiously alone on scraps. Except for one occasion when a directed cross found him six yards out and his instinctive header arrived at totally the wrong spot, the keeper's midriff. Well done Joel you worked hard and alone throughout.
They were no great shakes but did have 3 players who were faster and fitter than anyone on our team, a difference at Vets level.
They took the lead when a bouncing ball found Tony out and his instinctive arm to ball led to a converted penalty. Pity, no one near him. The second shortly afterwards had plenty of defenders around who were simply not up to preventing their bloke's challenge and simple knock in from close in. Should never have been a cross and should have been more robustly challenged when it arrived.
Dave's dog Chilli barked enthusiastically- bred in Therfield no doubt.
2-0 half time.
Second half neither team threatened except for Martyn threatening me for not keeping up with play with the flag. He was quite right, I were too busy gassing with Dave and northern Ian on the side. Smack my bottom- if you dare!
Some poor individual performances I thought but we were hardly out of it. We scored in a melee but their linesman's flag saw Les plod toward their guy for the inevitable, to hear the worst and disallow the goal. A joke but no one complained. Gerron with it. Crap weather by the way drizzle and wind, where's the curling rink?
Steve craftily sent a free kick against the post and then we launched our secret weapon. Ron came on. I made 6 passes 5 of them went to our men which rejuvenated me. The premeditated one to Joel just didn't come off but hey am a little rusty. And also for the first time in nearly three years not a twinge from that Achilles. I'm back.
I thought Martyn was very elegant some tasty tackles,/interventions and fouls let down by some over elaboration in his distribution and the crap pitch was a factor. Terry please come again no fault in any of the goals, the third was slotted in late from a breakaway. Darren had bronchitis and tried his lungs out to no avail, should have been bedridden. Jamie was pleasing in his return after over a year out.
Chris Cox tried his guts out in a central position, but the constructive side so often floundered in the mud. Tony looked fitter than any of our lot highlighted by his fracas way up the right wing handbagging with their Y Fronts model man, mind you his handshake at the end brought tears to my eyes and the piss simply ran down my knees. Y Front man's handshake not Tony's.
Noone wanted to take the kit. I was leaving it filthy for next week to an ever diminishing group till there was only Steve, Tony and me left after our sweeping and locking up. Steve quietly took it.
NOONE likes to take the kit but howay a bit of fairness. we are supposed to be a team.
Next week the kit goes to Brendan. No he's unavailable, Bren no ditto. Not me I've done it 3 times this year and hardly play. This week the kit will be washed by Chris Cox.
Next week..... watch this space.
Pub and home to see Newcastle squeeze out Villa, not too bad a day.
John Boyle, happy birthday today 39 is working his way back to fitness, he will be back we need him.
Gavin. Gavin come and have a game you were player of the year last year and you're so swift and young..... and beautiful. Twitter is no substitute for a game on Sunday

Knobs 2 Harpenden Rovers 3

Fury…we’re all full of fury.  Brendan furious that we weren’t attacking more at 3-2 down, Gavin furious that he went for a punch instead of a simple catch, the groundsman furious that the game went ahead (he doesn’t know that yet), the Chairman furious that the shorts don’t add up, John furious that his umbrella has broken (don’t mention the wally and the brolly).  Fury…fury everywhere!

We had a good team out…we should have won with ease.  Despite the horrendous conditions we played well.   There was some lovely inter-play between the whole team throughout the game but ultimately we did not finish our chances.  Yes we scored 2 but we should have had 7 or 8.  After early pressure, we got the breakthrough thanks to Nick side footing home a cross from Paul after he broke the off-side trap.  It was a very open and attacking game, with both sides being stretched.  It was certainly the case in the first half that we could have utilised Martyn and Brendan more on the left hand side but overall at half-time we looked quite comfortable.  Having said that, the weather was with us in the first half, with a strong wind helping, very much like the game at their place.  And like the away game, we did not have enough goals in the bank when we turned around at half time.
Although as soon as the second half started, we showed some real attacking intent with Woody now joining Paul upfront.  Again, some of their inter-play as an attacking partnership was very impressive and if we could get them playing together more, it could be a potent combination.  It was Woody who scored the second but even he would admit that on another day he would have scored a hat-trick, if it wasn’t for some very good goalkeeping and some more composed finishing. 

Their comeback started from a corner when a ball whipped in on the wind was headed home from close range.  Their second came from a free-kick that was poorly dealt with from Gavin and one of their players pounced to stick it in the back of the net.  Their third came as the game opened up even more and on a breakaway, one of their midfielders slotted home.  A more accomplished keeper would probably have dealt with all three goals better but that is the nature of Sunday football.  We should have been well ahead by that stage but alas…a miserable morning ended up with a miserable scoreline for the KNOBS.

It was especially disappointing as we played them off the park at times and they knew that as well.  They couldn’t believe they got three points out of it.  Well done to all the players though who played so well at times in difficult circumstances.  Gerry and Brendan were solid at in their full back positions, James and Tony were defensively strong, making some vital interceptions and James provided a threat at set pieces.  Darren, Nick and Bully worked well gaining a stranglehold in the middle of the park.  Richard worked tirelessly as ever and Martyn was always willing to have the ball on the left.  He should have scored one but hey…what can you do?  Paul played really well up front and should definitely have scored two, one superbly saved by their keeper and the other…well, it would be rude to dwell to long on what might be considered an open goal, although the ball did come to him at pace on a very muddy surface.  Paul offers much more than a goal threat though, his hold up play is impressive and really gets stuck in for the team.  When Woody came on he was a constant threat and Chris Cox battled well on the right hand side.

Thanks to all the supporters who turned up in the horrible conditions.  I was particularly impressed with Tommy’s climbing skills to retrieve a ball from the tennis courts.  No game next week, so we can have an extra week rueing this defeat.  It’s only football but my goodness, it can be a cruel mistress.

Knobs 0 Goldings 4

First half frost, and a good display during which  Goldings threatened Knobs sit in keeper
not once. We were so superior yet had failed to score.
Second half heavy clarts mitigated against any attempts at purist football. In possession we were trying to be far too precise, not in the least expansive, no popping the ball down channels and feeding Paul' s strengths and we failed to score. So what went wrong, what brought this superior outfit to its knees? 4-0! Well I was shite. Say no more. Oh alright just a little. Having saved a straightforward shot which reared up and smacked me in the clock I felt a smidgen ill at ease. They almost scored when they poked a 'shot' tentatively toward goal , everyone was amazed I made no attempt to intercept it as it puffed, farted and trickled toward our unguarded goal only to come to rest against a post! They finally scored. A farty kick towards our goal from the top wing was inexplicably waved on its way to nestle inside the post. I'm perfecting that manoeuvre, I've done it before. How on earth did it happen? The second was shite. How the bloke on the right was onside I don't know, but he squared to the centre forward who popped it into an unguarded net. Well strictly speaking it was unguarded all game but on this occasion the keeper was not at fault. Should have advanced and cleared lines for next one  and ignored the baleful , bleating of "Tony's ball". It wasn't and it was poked in. Their lucky day. A goalkick that was under hit for a six year old soon saw number 4 being notched. At that moment I retired giving Richard his debut between the sticks. He thereafter kept a clean sheet. It was only left for a last minute fracas involving you know who, Grandad, who wanted to flay first Martyn then James as he stoated around like a blind beast. Drew humanely blew a final whistle and as far as I know Grandad is still reeling round Bramham searching for the next target of his psychopathic ire. It could be anyone , please Grannies don't approach him it'll only make him worse, perhaps he'lll be worn out given a year's prowling and gnashing of teeth.
No one went to the pub, any pub.... A first. Tiotte goal offside! Such was the day but at least Man City were in a contest.