Knobs 4 Welwyn Sports 2

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"