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