Knobs 3 Saints 4

A casual performance from the Vets led to defeat. We began much more brightly than last week, goals were assembled with minimum fuss, the only hiccup was Gerry forgetting the balls. Unfortunately shambolic Saints arrived with only 8 players and the match was downgraded to a friendly (league points to Knebworth we assume).  Big thanks to Darren Bedford who accepted the late invitation to join the fixture for Saints and to Gerry and Sergio for doing the same.

After an impressive victory last week perhaps we thought this would be an easy win again, especially after James hand/shouldered in a corner in the early minutes to give Knebworth the lead. There was plenty of possession for Knebworth as the ball was passed around well. But Sergio, angered by his demotion to the bench and then onto Saints had a point to prove and put himself about like a Saints veteran. Sergio levelled the score after turning past the defence - his delight in proving a point to the management was tempered when he realised he had turned past Vinny and not under pressure joint, deputy assistant helper joint manager James.

Knebworth continued to dominate possession but found themselves 2 - 1 down at half time after a shot found its was past Tony from close range. A few expletives followed from the big stopper, but obviously he remains a legend.

Under pressure joint deputy assistant joint manager helper james called Chairman Al for a vote of confidence at half time. The vote of confidence was offered by Al in exchange for a return to the side next week in a free role behind the front 2.  A few tactical changes were made at half time with the newly signed full back Rob moved from right midfield to left midfield, woody moved to midfield and captain for the day paul (play me up front or I am taking my ball home) Matthews, moved up front. This tactical masterstroke appeared to be working as woody equalised after a cross from Rob. Knebworth then proceeded to dominate again, but missed chances and lacked the killer touch. The final ball as drifted across the Saints penalty on numerous occasions.

A great run from Rob saw Knebworth take the lead, and again maybe we relaxed too much because Sergio was still trying to kick Bully, Gerry was angry as we've ever seen him and Darren had a variety of Knebworth forwards in his left pocket. Saints were not in the mood for giving up and equalised with a once in an 8 aside season shot, and then sealed victory with a great strike past Tony as Knebworth were caught on the break from an attacking corner. 

Disappointingly result - if we had defended better, crossed it better, finished better and not given them 3 players a victory would have been ours.

More selection headaches await management duo laurel and hardy with a squad containing 8 centre backs, 9 centre midfielders, 14 centre forwards one keeper and 2 full backs. Thanks to angry Brendan Walkden, Chairman Al and Martyn Brown for stepping down from the squad with good grace. We had 17 players available, Saints had 8, and we lost. Darren "hardy" Aldrich, chief joint, supremo manager has woved never to give the opposition our 3 best players again.

Great start with the whistle from Gavin, you wonder why he ever tried to play, he was that good. Look forward to those brown shorts  gracing the theatre of dreams for many more matches.

For the record, 3 points a clean sheet for Tony