Managers Hobbs and Aldrich were given freedom of the village after guiding Knebworth Vets to a second victory over Welwyn Sports in a single calendar year - something never achieved by the previous 32 Knebworth managers in 53 years of the oldest Vets Football fixture in the North Herts parish.
Knebworth welcomed Lewis Caroll to the squad for a poetic senior debut for the Knebworth franchise. The managers have every faith that Lewis can bridge the gap between Veterans and First Team football much faster than previous home grown talent, Wayne and Jono. The pair, despite their commitment, have struggled with obvious gulf between the levels. Good luck Lewis.
Welwyn were a little under strength arriving with just 11, and being turned down by Bully to help them out. Bully said "I've seen people lose respect for Double Agent Dave since he started turning out for anyone who would have him, so you won't catch me doing that, at least not against Knebworth with that clogger Wayne in the back 4". A request for a 40 minute each way match was declined by Knebworth, who instead offered both linesmen.
Knebworth started brightly, but it was Welwyn who took the lead. A mix up on the right and some poor marking on the left meant a good cross was easily volleyed home. Knebworth appeared unconcerned and continued to attack at pace, with Nick using up his puff chasing the ball out for goal kicks on a regular basis. Barney soon levelled with a well taken equaliser that I can't remember.
After 30 minutes a double Millhouse substitution was made as Dave and Greg were replaced with Jono and Dave Knights. James has subsequently taken several calls from various Millhouse relatives who are not afraid speak their minds - some of the language used has, allegedly, been rather colourful. Jono scored with his first touch, seemed like an effective substitution, but the Millhouse mafia continue to disagree. The managers resisted temptation to take Jono off straight away.
Before the match James explained he had watched reruns of the last 28 Welwyn matches, and the analysis showed the Welywn number 18 was expert at winning penalties - therefore everyone should be very careful if tackling him in the box. 1 minute after taking the lead James was pulled to the left to cover ailing sun burn victim Dave Knights. After a lucky bounce the Welwyn number 18 ran into the box and James was harshly adjudged to have tripped him. Dave Jordan celebrated wildly having been told off by James on 13 occasions last season for giving away penalties. 2-2 at half time.
Knowing Welywn would tire in the second half, Knebworth upped the tempo after half time and soon took the lead. A great team move finished with Greg passing to less cheerful but more talented (joke!) brother Dave for a neat finish. Welwyn always had the potential to score, and looked dangerous on the break and won some free kicks in good positions. A few long shots were dealt with well by Andy but Knebworth held firm. Barney rejoined the match for the last 15 minutes and showed some great touches. He rounded the keeper twice, and on the second occasion made the match safe at 4-2.
After the match Darren Aldrich thanked his central defenders for their performance. Aldrich said "James and Wayne were outstanding again, they start all of our attacking moves with incisive passing, they win all the 50-50 balls, all the headers, cover both doddering full backs and organise the midfield. Absolute legends". Joint manager Hobbs said "For once I agree with Darren, but with Andy Wray and Paul Matthews available soon selection will be tough for the FA Cup next week, we could be a manager down"
Goodbye Sir Ronald
Quack quack
Monday 26 September 2016
Monday 19 September 2016
Harpenden 1 Knobs 5
The Vets stretched their winning run to 2 matches with a strong win away at Harpenden. Morale was high and team spirit strong with Wayne, Dave Knights and Andy Wray away at an all weekend 1960s school reunion.
The Vets reacted calmly to the loss of keeper Andy on the morning of the match. Clubman of the year Banksy and Double Agent Dave were willing volunteers to put the gloves on, probably recognising a rare chance to get 90 minutes.
Knebworth started strongly on the usual bobbly Harpenden pitch. Barney, Nick and Rob were lively whilst Darren tried his best.
On a hot run of playing consecutive matches for the first time in his Knebworth career, Rob opened the scoring with a cross shot. Great form with 3 in 2 matches for the Whacker from Watton. The managers would be more impressed if he didn't turn up with a note from his mum saying he had to leave early.
Knebworth were on top, but with cries of "no foul" ringing in his ears, Greg chopped the Harpenden forward down in the box. However the intimidating presence of Banks in goal was enough to see the penalty put wide.
One foot Nick coped better on the right flank and looked dangerous - one run into the box saw him brought down for a probable penalty, but nothing given.
Dave M made it 2 nil at half time with a shot from the edge of the box - the keeper was lying down though.
At half time Jono realised he was too tired after running 1 mile in the mud on Saturday. He went in goal and Banksy moved up front to keep up his goal to running ratio of one goal for every 30 metres of movement on the pitch.
Harpenden pulled a goal back shortly after half time - but angered by Jono's mistake in goal, Knebworth quickly struck back with goals from Dave M and a rare Darren goal. At 4 -1 Knebworth were comfortable and Harpenden began to argue amongst themselves. At one point the frustration was evident when the Harpenden midfielder booted the ball into the woods after the whistle had gone for a foul. The same player then complained Jono took too long to get the ball..... Mmmmmmm...
Banksy made it 5, after a great run and cross from barney, happy days.
After the manager deputy assistant manager Hobbs said "Darren wanted to put Nick on the bench but he was a revelation in the first half, that Aldrich couldn't recognise a baller if ran into one in central midfield". Hobbs continued... "It was good to have Martyn and Ally back - they lack the orange tan of Dave K, but their language is much better and the conversations about politics and brexit were more balanced than the debate with Wayne and Dave in the second last week"
It's another 6 pointer next week at home to welwyn sports. Big crowed expected, this is an all ticket affair.
The Vets reacted calmly to the loss of keeper Andy on the morning of the match. Clubman of the year Banksy and Double Agent Dave were willing volunteers to put the gloves on, probably recognising a rare chance to get 90 minutes.
Knebworth started strongly on the usual bobbly Harpenden pitch. Barney, Nick and Rob were lively whilst Darren tried his best.
On a hot run of playing consecutive matches for the first time in his Knebworth career, Rob opened the scoring with a cross shot. Great form with 3 in 2 matches for the Whacker from Watton. The managers would be more impressed if he didn't turn up with a note from his mum saying he had to leave early.
Knebworth were on top, but with cries of "no foul" ringing in his ears, Greg chopped the Harpenden forward down in the box. However the intimidating presence of Banks in goal was enough to see the penalty put wide.
One foot Nick coped better on the right flank and looked dangerous - one run into the box saw him brought down for a probable penalty, but nothing given.
Dave M made it 2 nil at half time with a shot from the edge of the box - the keeper was lying down though.
At half time Jono realised he was too tired after running 1 mile in the mud on Saturday. He went in goal and Banksy moved up front to keep up his goal to running ratio of one goal for every 30 metres of movement on the pitch.
Harpenden pulled a goal back shortly after half time - but angered by Jono's mistake in goal, Knebworth quickly struck back with goals from Dave M and a rare Darren goal. At 4 -1 Knebworth were comfortable and Harpenden began to argue amongst themselves. At one point the frustration was evident when the Harpenden midfielder booted the ball into the woods after the whistle had gone for a foul. The same player then complained Jono took too long to get the ball..... Mmmmmmm...
Banksy made it 5, after a great run and cross from barney, happy days.
After the manager deputy assistant manager Hobbs said "Darren wanted to put Nick on the bench but he was a revelation in the first half, that Aldrich couldn't recognise a baller if ran into one in central midfield". Hobbs continued... "It was good to have Martyn and Ally back - they lack the orange tan of Dave K, but their language is much better and the conversations about politics and brexit were more balanced than the debate with Wayne and Dave in the second last week"
It's another 6 pointer next week at home to welwyn sports. Big crowed expected, this is an all ticket affair.
Tuesday 13 September 2016
Knobs 6 Leisure League Herts 1
The Vets returned to winning ways - which was a relief for the divided committee who engaged in a whatsapp war over which pub should be chosen for post match festivities. An unnamed committee member said there is deep resentment on the Board and leadership from chairman Al is really lacking. The chairman was last seen supping free pints in the station pub refusing to take calls from referee organiser Dave "one job" Jordan who enjoys free meals at the Red Lion, Woolmer Green.
After 2 referees arrived last week, inevitably One Job Jordan struggled this week, and only a desperate call from manager Hobbs to village intellectual Gavin saved the day.
On the pitch Knebworth sized up their opposition before the game and calculated that some tight shirts could mean the game would be won in the second half on a lovely sunny day at the Rec.
Leisure League bravely travelled with only 11 players. After a thrashing last week, Knebworth started nervously and were patient in the first 20 mins. Leisurely League ran about a little but the orange back 4 were excellent, dominating and playing the ball nicely from Andy in goal.
Andy Wray opened the scoring with a nice volley and Ron Hanlon made it 2-0 at half time. It was a patient and comfortable first half, Leisurely were beginning to tire and lament the absence of their missing star players.
The second half was very comfortable, Leisurely stopped running and the midfield had acres of space to run the game. Many chances were missed and Knebworth were lucky leisurely were missing their star players (apparently they would have thrashed Knebworth with a full team out - from where I was stood they would have needed to replace the entire team, so the comments felt a little desperate).
Taking 99% possession Knebworth ran the game. Barney missed a load, scored 1, and created a few. Jono was regularly pushed off the ball by the weakest defender and scored. Rob H, played 3/4 of the match, in 2 positions and scored a second - more activity than in the previous 2 seasons. New boy Nick refused to kick with his left foot but got a goal after breaking a toe with several scuffed passes and shots.
A consolation for leisurely left the score at 6-1 - some breathing space for under pressure managers Hobbs and Aldrich.
The team retired to the station pub for some of the best sandwiches, beer, atmosphere, music and banter ever known in Hertfordshire.
After 2 referees arrived last week, inevitably One Job Jordan struggled this week, and only a desperate call from manager Hobbs to village intellectual Gavin saved the day.
On the pitch Knebworth sized up their opposition before the game and calculated that some tight shirts could mean the game would be won in the second half on a lovely sunny day at the Rec.
Leisure League bravely travelled with only 11 players. After a thrashing last week, Knebworth started nervously and were patient in the first 20 mins. Leisurely League ran about a little but the orange back 4 were excellent, dominating and playing the ball nicely from Andy in goal.
Andy Wray opened the scoring with a nice volley and Ron Hanlon made it 2-0 at half time. It was a patient and comfortable first half, Leisurely were beginning to tire and lament the absence of their missing star players.
The second half was very comfortable, Leisurely stopped running and the midfield had acres of space to run the game. Many chances were missed and Knebworth were lucky leisurely were missing their star players (apparently they would have thrashed Knebworth with a full team out - from where I was stood they would have needed to replace the entire team, so the comments felt a little desperate).
Taking 99% possession Knebworth ran the game. Barney missed a load, scored 1, and created a few. Jono was regularly pushed off the ball by the weakest defender and scored. Rob H, played 3/4 of the match, in 2 positions and scored a second - more activity than in the previous 2 seasons. New boy Nick refused to kick with his left foot but got a goal after breaking a toe with several scuffed passes and shots.
A consolation for leisurely left the score at 6-1 - some breathing space for under pressure managers Hobbs and Aldrich.
The team retired to the station pub for some of the best sandwiches, beer, atmosphere, music and banter ever known in Hertfordshire.
Monday 5 September 2016
Knobs 1 Lilley Savage 5
The first game of the season, and first league game. A fresh start.....New keeper, new centre midfielder, goals put up early, new choice of pub, and a "new" club for returning Double Agent Dave Jordan. Sadly some things were not fresh and new. Late drops outs, late arrivals (with reason), soft goals and an injury for Paul Biscuits-Matthews.
Most of the season we worry about finding a ref. Dave's new found love for whatsapp meant he missed the email that said a ref had already been appointed for the fixture and we had 2. Les was sent packing. 2 refs was 2 more than the Knebworth subs bench, with a late drop out and Wayne running late after a late night at A&E - the team picked itself and all the managers had to do was to decide where to put Greg - centre defence was the answer.
First half - poor, defended Ok but the midfield gave them 2 goals. Opposition, decent, but we let them play and did not defend as a team. Passing was too long on a fast surface. Debutant andy Wray put in a shift in midfield next to Darren, but overall we seemed to give Rangers too much time on the ball.
second half - some improvement, but gave them 3 easy goals and Jono got a consolation. Passing a bit better, and shorter. Paul's ankle took a nasty blow and he was carried off. It was clumsy rather than nasty but a very dangerous one on someone with custard creams for legs. The clown making the tackle let himself down by coming into the dressing room after the game and asking Paul if he had seen his beloved and missing red tee shirt, without making an apology or asking how Paul was.
After the heaviest defeat in the opening game of the season since 1897, deputy assistant manager Aldrich said "team spirit went out of the window at 4-0 - heads were down and the blame culture crept back in. I thought Dave Jordan had his best vets game since he played in a 3-0 victory for Sandridge last season. So it's not fair to blame Dave this week, I'm going for the forwards, barely had a shot on goal"
Aldrich's right hand deputy assistant helper was forced to apologise after the game. Hobbs said "Sorry I could not make the pub. Andy Wray took 90 mins to get dressed causing a delay to locking up the pavilion - I had to catch a flight to Dublin, there are 10 days until the transfer window closes and we are in the market for a new Irishman"
Most of the season we worry about finding a ref. Dave's new found love for whatsapp meant he missed the email that said a ref had already been appointed for the fixture and we had 2. Les was sent packing. 2 refs was 2 more than the Knebworth subs bench, with a late drop out and Wayne running late after a late night at A&E - the team picked itself and all the managers had to do was to decide where to put Greg - centre defence was the answer.
First half - poor, defended Ok but the midfield gave them 2 goals. Opposition, decent, but we let them play and did not defend as a team. Passing was too long on a fast surface. Debutant andy Wray put in a shift in midfield next to Darren, but overall we seemed to give Rangers too much time on the ball.
second half - some improvement, but gave them 3 easy goals and Jono got a consolation. Passing a bit better, and shorter. Paul's ankle took a nasty blow and he was carried off. It was clumsy rather than nasty but a very dangerous one on someone with custard creams for legs. The clown making the tackle let himself down by coming into the dressing room after the game and asking Paul if he had seen his beloved and missing red tee shirt, without making an apology or asking how Paul was.
After the heaviest defeat in the opening game of the season since 1897, deputy assistant manager Aldrich said "team spirit went out of the window at 4-0 - heads were down and the blame culture crept back in. I thought Dave Jordan had his best vets game since he played in a 3-0 victory for Sandridge last season. So it's not fair to blame Dave this week, I'm going for the forwards, barely had a shot on goal"
Aldrich's right hand deputy assistant helper was forced to apologise after the game. Hobbs said "Sorry I could not make the pub. Andy Wray took 90 mins to get dressed causing a delay to locking up the pavilion - I had to catch a flight to Dublin, there are 10 days until the transfer window closes and we are in the market for a new Irishman"
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