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.
4 comments:
I can only apologise for Darrens behaviour on sunday. He turns up late and sticks 2 fingers up to the rest of the team and say's he is not cleaning the changing rooms. He leaves early before the the game finishes. He abuses one of his own team mates with no justification and shows no leadership skills. I think he should clean changing rooms next Sunday
Yes i agree completely.
Shit, Cant believe Tony had such a good game in the shootout. Looks like i'm dropped.... I agree on the scathing attack on Darren. Poor... Very Poor....
Dave J is a liability, why don't we play Al instead. He's a much better player.
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