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.