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.