Knobs 2 Kimpton 4

The Vets slumped to their 2nd league defeat of the season with a frustrating performance against Kimpton.

The ground was dry and bobbly and this seemed to make the Knebworth back 4 nervous. Or at least it made me nervous. The first goal was highly disputed. Some said the Kimpton striker was 10 yards off side, others said it was 15 yards - but as James and Wayne held a strong line, linesman Dave Knights was smearing fake tan off his specs and missed the Kimpton number 9 running ahead of the defence. Running the line is nobody's favourite job, so we accept the mistake was just one of those things, unlike the ball that went out against Old Owens in 2014... Still not forgiven him for that one. Anyhow, much better make a mistake than see red like the Kimpton linesman, whoooahhh...he lost himself after some polite advice was given by Wayne.

Knebworth soon struck back. After some defensive confusion, Paul Matthews struck what can only be described as an angry shot from the edge of the box onto the post and in. 1-1. Knebworth tried to play the ball from the back, but were not looking in much control on the bobbly pitch with the Kimpton number 9 hunting the ball down. The mystery number 9 introduced himself to the Kimpton side as the match went on, and was rumoured to have played for every non-league and professional club beginning with "w" and South of Milton Keynes. Whoever he was, he gave a lesson in finishing to the Knebworth forwards and left the back 4 needing therapy to restore their confidence.  It was 2-1 when James aimed a pass for an out of position Double agent Dave, the pass was intercepted and slotted home.

Knebworth put up a fight in the second half and created plenty of chances. Barney got behind the defence on at least 4 occasions but could not find anyone willing to attack a cross. Andy Wray put a few into the trees. With last weeks comeback fresh in their minds Knebworth did not give up and took a bit more control in the middle of the park. Then Wayne, unused to playing sober, trod on the ball as last man and it was 3-1.

Knebworth threw on a third forward in desperation but were caught on the break as the mystery number 9 beat James and Wayne's off side trap by not passing and running round them to slam the ball in the top corner. 4-1

There was still time for more Knebworth chances, mostly missed, though Paul  rounded the keeper for his second, 4-2.

A frustrating performance, soft goals given away, and quite a few missed chances. Dave M put a ball into the garden of number 20 Wattan Road for 5th time in 7 matches. It was a disappointed dressing room, but at least that means people care, and the team stuck together not blaming each other.  Most headed to the Station afterwards. The wait time for the food has been reduced to 4 days after an intervention by Chairman Ally, so because Darren ordered the food on Tuesday,  the team enjoyed some artisan chips and venison sausages, served on a bed of sachet ketchup and vinegar. Hoping for a better performance against Hadley next week, I'm still having nightmares about Jono playing centre half against them last year.

Knobs 3 Croxley Community 3 AET - Knobs win 3-1 in penalty shoot out.

Late goals from Andy Wray (84 mins) and James Hobbs (88mins), followed by some heroic goal keeping saw Knebworth through to the second round of the FA Cup, for old men in Hertfordshire.

Knebworth started the day badly and the match badly. Wayne and the self-proclaimed "special one" Nick arrived direct from a night out. Nick was still unable to calculate his age. Darren arrived with his cage pre-rattled, and didn't calm down until Spurs beat Man City. Double Agent Dave was still going on about the Red Lion, very dull that. Jono arrived with a chip on his shoulder. And Barney was last to arrive with the kit.

The poor preparation was carried onto the pitch. Knebworth were 2 goals down before they realised the Croxley number 8 was decent, too fast and should be watched carefully. Martyn tried to trip him on one occasion as he scorched past, but missed. Knebworth were all over the shop and hanging on, hoping that Wayne and Nick would sober up and join in the match.  Knebworth got a lucky break when under no pressure, the Croxley defender mis-controlled in his box and the ball hit his arm. Penalty given and Jono put it away with conviction. Knebworth then gave away a third soft goal and were grateful when half time arrived.

Some strong words were spoken by Darren at half time, his cage still rattling - Darren made 50% of Knebworth tackles in the whole match and wanted more energy from everyone else. The main challenge was also to defend properly and defend as a team because despite playing poorly Knebworth had looked dangerous going forward.

In the second half Knebworth were much improved and were dominating the match. Croxley looked dangerous on the break, but Knebworth were in control. With 6 minutes remaining the score was still 3-1.... Wayne then awoke from his drunken stupor and clipped the ball to Andy Wray who made it 3-2. With 2 minutes remaining, Knebworth won a corner, Jono swung it into the box and James equalised with a towering header through a crowd of players. James now has 7 goals from 2,768 attacking corners in his Knebworth career. 3-3 from nowhere, momentum and confidence was with Knebworth.

Extra time came and went. Darren and Dave saw red over free kicks given away on the edge of the box and exchanged some strong words. Croxley could have won it from one free kick that flew across the six yard box. Barney was cynically taken down when through with 1 minute to go - but penalties it was.

The rest was history making. James whispered to Dave M that he couldn't see Tony saving too many. But when it was known that Wayne and Double Agent Dave were penalty takers 4 and 5, Tony was inspired.

For Knebworth, Andy Wray scored the first penalty. Paul scored the second after a terrible bobble over the keepers' arm. Jono took a terrible second penalty which somehow went it - the big man had to apologise to the keeper for that one. But Tony saved the 1st, 3rd and 4th penalties and Knebworth were through.