Knobs 3 Athletic Old Boys 0

The Vets ran out comfortable winners in a wet and muddy friendly. But co-manager Dastardly Aldrich was under whelmed with the performance. The under sized administrator said "Director of Footballs John Boyle told me the stats report gave us 86% possession but Millhouse and Forde managed only 2 goals between them. It was Jono's 46th birthday today, and between them they should have had a goal for every year. We were rock solid at the back, we only looked like conceding when Muttley Hobbs was upfield for corners, but going forward we really lacked the killer touch in the final third, I will have to take a look at the January transfer market."

Knebworth made several changes for this fixture. Wayne was serving a one match suspension and dealing with his 'lifestyle' issues at the Priory Clinic (it's now 2 clean sheets without him). The Naked Knebworthian Debt Collector Ally agreed to play if Greg was dropped. Greg was dropped. Brendan Wren returned from a scouting trip in Australia, New Zealand, Thailand and California.  Tony Clare was dressed as Santa in a shopping centre somewhere and Stuart made his debut in goal. Tory Boy Gavin Simpson made his third comeback from retirement this season, and agreed to be late for his lunch date with Grant Shapps. Gerry was back as well, after finishing a short cage fighting tour in Eastern Europe.

Captain on account of his birthday, Jono gave the pre-match team talk. It was distinctly average speech, but fortunately the translation by Muttley Hobbs was highly motivating and set up the team for a strong start. 

Knebworth dominated the match from the beginning, playing some great passing football in difficult conditions. The final ball and finishing was average at best, and the opposition keeper was in great form. Knebworth took the lead when Gavin slipped in the box for a penalty which Bully put away. One nil at half time.

Knebworth were a bit casual in the second half until Chris Cox and Tony K arrived to watch - this reminded the team they were playing for the places, and energy levels rose. Jono made it 2 with a simple tap up after a cross from the right. Then it was 3 when James attacked on the left, passed to Tory Boy Simpson who turned nicely to find space to shoot. The keeper fumbled and then Jono tripped over the ball in the act of scoring from a yard.

Good performance in terrible conditions. Jono left early for his birthday party at a nearby Wacky Warehouse. Strangely not one player was invited to the party. Fair play to Dave M for helping sweep up, and good luck to the Naked Debt collector getting the kit clean.