What a strange time to play a game of footy, 1st of July! As our fixture secretary/manager is so keen to keep us young bucks active we had players aplenty. Well 2 subs at least.There was one absentee which was young Ronald. I hear he had a nagging leg or was that wife! I'm not sure. We were welcomed at the Francis bacon and eggs school by a sorry looking changing room with no showers as they were 300 yards and 2 streets away. Lyle our STAND in keeper acquired some gloves from the opposition before we made our way out not sure whether they were those special ones with holes in. The pitch looked lush and needed a cut. I gambled with the toss and decided to play up hill against the wind which was to pay dividends. The game started at a good pace with their defence and midfield playing the ball to feet neatly and finding space sometimes too easily. Ian my MOM was organising our back 4 of Darren Chris W and Twiggy very well and most of their chances were from outside the box. Lyle was showing his keeper skills by not being able to kick the ball straight or far. So Chris took all goal kicks.The pace picked up and there was alot of posession to be had by both sides. Phil was trying the long curve ball tactic which was being held up in the wind. I think (please help can't remember) that it was a long punt from Phil that found Vinny's head and a Carroll Esq header put us 1 nil to the good. Our second came 10 minutes later when Jamie (sub for Twiggy) found himself cutting in from the left flank to the bye line where he cooly fooled the keeper and slotted home for 2. We were looking comfortable at half time and the team talk consisted of keep pressing high and when Lyle our STAND in keeper gets a chance he will throw the ball out rather than kick it. From the start we sat a bit too deep and allowed them to come forward. I believe it was a thumble from Lyle our STAND in keeper that allowed them to score. They had their tales up and it wasn't long before they had their second. Although there was a blatant penetration from the rear on Darren which the ref failed to spot. In my opinion they were 2 goals they did not deserve. Anyway Lyle our STAND in keeper tried his best at kicking and even throwing needless to say i think we still have a keeper issue. Something to ponder for the future me thinks. Phil was exposed for most of the second half as he had 2 midfielder's and a defender to contend with there wasn't much support for him as he was chasing shadows 3 in fact. 30 minutes gone and Ian found himself pinging another quality ball down field which found their defender who thought he was making a basic back pass over his keepers head in to the net. 3.2 and we were eventually getting on top of the game with the oppo beginning to tire we started playing some good passing moves involving Brendan of all people. This was one of his better games and may it continue into the season. Our final goal came with a minute to go.Once again Ian pinged a 40 yard precision pass to Dave who was well out side the box and running on to the ball. On the up lift of the bounce Dave smacked it first time and with dip ,swerve and definitely power the ball launched over the keeper and found itself in the back of the net. I've always said top quality strikers are hard to come by and we still haven't found one. As this is the start of the new season i am claiming this wonder strike as goal of the season thus far. Average turn out at the bar which had a strange feel to it. Reminded me of the pub scene in American werewolf in London. "Stay off the moors and keep to the paths"
Foot Note-:
When's the fucking presentation!!!!!!
Goodbye Sir Ronald
Quack quack
Friday, 6 July 2012
Monday, 28 May 2012
AGM
The AGM at the Lytton Arms was sparsely attended. The usual club workhorses attended.
The management job was open to offers but none came. Ron decided to give it another go more or less by default.
Two things:
1. We need a goalkeeper, hopefully gold old Trevor will return after his sabbatical.
2. Substitutes. On off substitutes will be employed irrespective of the state of play in a game and irrespective of the staus of the game. Substitutes, unless there is an injury, will start taking place after 20 minutes. Everyone will get regular rests during the course of the season. substitutions will therefore not always be on made on pure footballing grounds but to ensure everyone gets a fair turn on the pitch for what is after all a Sunday morning veteran's social club.
If you do not agree with this arrangement please take it up with the committee who will spell things out.
Probably t-o-u-g-h t-i-t-t-i-e!
Seriously though this was the meeting's unanimous agreement. OK.
Enjoy the summer and stay positive.
The management job was open to offers but none came. Ron decided to give it another go more or less by default.
Two things:
1. We need a goalkeeper, hopefully gold old Trevor will return after his sabbatical.
2. Substitutes. On off substitutes will be employed irrespective of the state of play in a game and irrespective of the staus of the game. Substitutes, unless there is an injury, will start taking place after 20 minutes. Everyone will get regular rests during the course of the season. substitutions will therefore not always be on made on pure footballing grounds but to ensure everyone gets a fair turn on the pitch for what is after all a Sunday morning veteran's social club.
If you do not agree with this arrangement please take it up with the committee who will spell things out.
Probably t-o-u-g-h t-i-t-t-i-e!
Seriously though this was the meeting's unanimous agreement. OK.
Enjoy the summer and stay positive.
Monday, 21 May 2012
Ashwell 1 Knobs 3
The last post!
A dreary sort of morning that owed nothing to the early start. It was bliddy freezing.
We all eventually arrived at the right place after a little detour. Mark Mills arrived- then Mark Mills went, so it looked like our 11 against their 10 until Brendan relinquished the linesman's flag and it was our 11 against their ......
They started slickly on the astroturf but hardly reached the half way line in their approach play- something better than a fundamental belief in keeping it on the ground was needed. Up stepped Ali, who began with the energy of a train , swerving and dribbling past men at will. A neat move gave him possession in the area and he neatly tucked away Knobs first. Soon after Richard might have notched with the head but the keeper saved. This became the mantra of the match...."and the keeper saved". He certainly did, time and time again, his forte being the elegant tip over the cross bar, time and again, including an overhead kick from Dave late on!
Did I mention Dave's overhead kick? Well he had his back to goal and he kicked it over his head.
First half proceeded with it being one way traffic in Knobs favour. Mr Boyle risen from his sick bed- a nearby bar stool - relished the astroturf and one blistering shot from a narrow angle- should he have squared it back?- was saved by keeper Del- playing his first ever game in goal. After a lot of joy down the right through perceptive Steve, Ali, John and Darren play, Brendan was removed- by them- their 11th man had turned up. They threatened not. Dave punched a cross away and pulled off one competent save. Little changed till half time which Knobs led 1-0.
Second half saw a little bit of Ali's renowned feistiness as he was pulled down from behind (literally buggered actually) but he had the last laugh when he surged into the area and was chopped by the defender before stumbling, struggling for verticality before crashing to earth- penalty which Steve converted, same cool, same position.
Paul now in goal aimed a kicked clearance right at their centre forward 25 out and he dispatched into an empty goal. From then on the scoreline remained tight though the result hardly seemed in doubt, mind we've suffered from certain errors all season. Alistair sold a brilliant dummy down the right- one and six, no change- surged to the by line and squared. From feet out John Boyle of all people contrived to spoon over. The goal keeper kept tipping over and Dave in his fifth position of the game, no. 69 I think, had a commendable overhead kick tipped over.
Another piece of Ali strength and skill saw him work a chance onto his left in the area then start all over again to get it on his right. This he managed before side footing neatly home, no tipping over this time.
The game finished in good spirits. The showers were filled with aching, steaming, naked bodies but all the talk was of Dave's curious overhead kick, especially by Dave. Off we all went home, the kit left for poor old John Boyle to wash.
I chose a lift from Dave if only for the pleasure of being regaled by him on the sheer, brutal mechanics of that overhead kick which was, as we all know, tipped over the bar!
How did he do that? Ask Euclid.
A small gathering in an empty Station, a little mirth then yem. I hate to see John on the Pepsi- seems such a waste.
Have a nice summer when it comes. See some of you hopefully for the game v St Albans City on July 1st. Trevor is in goal I think.
AGM is next Sunday at the Lytton where new officials will be picked. Good luck.
Ron
A dreary sort of morning that owed nothing to the early start. It was bliddy freezing.
We all eventually arrived at the right place after a little detour. Mark Mills arrived- then Mark Mills went, so it looked like our 11 against their 10 until Brendan relinquished the linesman's flag and it was our 11 against their ......
They started slickly on the astroturf but hardly reached the half way line in their approach play- something better than a fundamental belief in keeping it on the ground was needed. Up stepped Ali, who began with the energy of a train , swerving and dribbling past men at will. A neat move gave him possession in the area and he neatly tucked away Knobs first. Soon after Richard might have notched with the head but the keeper saved. This became the mantra of the match...."and the keeper saved". He certainly did, time and time again, his forte being the elegant tip over the cross bar, time and again, including an overhead kick from Dave late on!
Did I mention Dave's overhead kick? Well he had his back to goal and he kicked it over his head.
First half proceeded with it being one way traffic in Knobs favour. Mr Boyle risen from his sick bed- a nearby bar stool - relished the astroturf and one blistering shot from a narrow angle- should he have squared it back?- was saved by keeper Del- playing his first ever game in goal. After a lot of joy down the right through perceptive Steve, Ali, John and Darren play, Brendan was removed- by them- their 11th man had turned up. They threatened not. Dave punched a cross away and pulled off one competent save. Little changed till half time which Knobs led 1-0.
Second half saw a little bit of Ali's renowned feistiness as he was pulled down from behind (literally buggered actually) but he had the last laugh when he surged into the area and was chopped by the defender before stumbling, struggling for verticality before crashing to earth- penalty which Steve converted, same cool, same position.
Paul now in goal aimed a kicked clearance right at their centre forward 25 out and he dispatched into an empty goal. From then on the scoreline remained tight though the result hardly seemed in doubt, mind we've suffered from certain errors all season. Alistair sold a brilliant dummy down the right- one and six, no change- surged to the by line and squared. From feet out John Boyle of all people contrived to spoon over. The goal keeper kept tipping over and Dave in his fifth position of the game, no. 69 I think, had a commendable overhead kick tipped over.
Another piece of Ali strength and skill saw him work a chance onto his left in the area then start all over again to get it on his right. This he managed before side footing neatly home, no tipping over this time.
The game finished in good spirits. The showers were filled with aching, steaming, naked bodies but all the talk was of Dave's curious overhead kick, especially by Dave. Off we all went home, the kit left for poor old John Boyle to wash.
I chose a lift from Dave if only for the pleasure of being regaled by him on the sheer, brutal mechanics of that overhead kick which was, as we all know, tipped over the bar!
How did he do that? Ask Euclid.
A small gathering in an empty Station, a little mirth then yem. I hate to see John on the Pepsi- seems such a waste.
Have a nice summer when it comes. See some of you hopefully for the game v St Albans City on July 1st. Trevor is in goal I think.
AGM is next Sunday at the Lytton where new officials will be picked. Good luck.
Ron
Sunday, 6 May 2012
Knobs 1 Buntingford 4
A poor end to the home fixtures at dull as dishwater Knebworth Rec. Players looked jaded and devoid of interest or passion. Far too many fixtures arranged for the season perhaps. Next season we probably should have a dozen or so football games and more bathchair races and pub crawls. yet the league is planning to expand with two new teams, one playing in Welwyn and the other from north of Sandy.
A goalkeeper is a priority however many games we have.
They didn't create a host of chances but looked and indeed were the better football unit. They deserved their win. A good and fair opposition who were quite energetic in midfield I thought. A good turn out in the Station afterwards was praiseworthy.
Which Knobs played well?
Well Brendan did. Paul was competent at left back and had a good start in goal, being hailed the 'new Dave' before the plaudits went to his head and he let in two snorters. Can't be blamed - he volunteered, an excuse we've hid behind too often this season.
They led half time 2-0 thanks to a neatly placed shot from their CF and a close range stab in from a cross that our defenders and keeper should have competed for more vigorously.
Gavin did some good things but his rare possession was usually from his own foraging. He was ill served. He scored our only goal from a slaloming run from half way which he finished off well.
He was then inexplicably substituted. Was he knackered?
Their keeper saved well and handled well when he went in for the second half. A 30 yard low exocet from Alistair turned round the post being one of his highlights.
Having 14 players for once seemed a distinct disadvantage in that the frequent roll on off subs seemed to bring about wholesale changes to team 'formation' as players tried out a number of positions for size. "How do I look in this?"- fucking rubbish geroff again.
Bill showed his handling skills well in preventing a through ball on goal which would have been a red card in Alistair's reckoning, Two minutes to go, well behind- did it matter.
An opportunity to finish off the season in style against Litlington away but the numbers look unpromising for next week.
Enjoy your rest you lucky people. Wish I could have had the chances you lot had to play the finest game in the world. But alas Father Time's sickle has severed me legs below the knees.
Dreaming on!
A goalkeeper is a priority however many games we have.
They didn't create a host of chances but looked and indeed were the better football unit. They deserved their win. A good and fair opposition who were quite energetic in midfield I thought. A good turn out in the Station afterwards was praiseworthy.
Which Knobs played well?
Well Brendan did. Paul was competent at left back and had a good start in goal, being hailed the 'new Dave' before the plaudits went to his head and he let in two snorters. Can't be blamed - he volunteered, an excuse we've hid behind too often this season.
They led half time 2-0 thanks to a neatly placed shot from their CF and a close range stab in from a cross that our defenders and keeper should have competed for more vigorously.
Gavin did some good things but his rare possession was usually from his own foraging. He was ill served. He scored our only goal from a slaloming run from half way which he finished off well.
He was then inexplicably substituted. Was he knackered?
Their keeper saved well and handled well when he went in for the second half. A 30 yard low exocet from Alistair turned round the post being one of his highlights.
Having 14 players for once seemed a distinct disadvantage in that the frequent roll on off subs seemed to bring about wholesale changes to team 'formation' as players tried out a number of positions for size. "How do I look in this?"- fucking rubbish geroff again.
Bill showed his handling skills well in preventing a through ball on goal which would have been a red card in Alistair's reckoning, Two minutes to go, well behind- did it matter.
An opportunity to finish off the season in style against Litlington away but the numbers look unpromising for next week.
Enjoy your rest you lucky people. Wish I could have had the chances you lot had to play the finest game in the world. But alas Father Time's sickle has severed me legs below the knees.
Dreaming on!
Monday, 23 April 2012
Saints 1 Knobs 0 - Report by Gavin
The weather forecast for the weekend was sunshine and showers and when you reflect on our league performances this season, we’ve seen something similar. We’ve played some excellent football in patches and on Sunday it was no different but unfortunately we did not prevail against a very good, energetic Saints team that sneaked a goal in the first half that proved to be the difference. It was disappointing and terribly frustrating but now we must plan ahead for next season. What could make the difference? A good keeper would certainly help. To be fair to Dave, he’s actually been pretty good but sometimes (as we saw on Sunday) communication issues occur when players are playing in unfamiliar positions…even the basics like picking up a back pass become fraught with danger. Saints found their goalkeeper halfway through the season and as their manager pointed out, he’s made a world of difference. And you could see it, with confident handling from crosses and great speed off the line to close down attacking options. So it is up to Darren our recruitment officer to find us a new Trevor or hopefully we could welcome back the old Trevor next season, although that rather looks like a long shot. And variations to our play are so important. On Sunday, we saw Saints change their strategy, where they man-marked Ali in the second-half and changed their centre-back to nullify Gavin. It’s the kind of thing we never seem to do and maybe we should be a bit more pro-active at working our opposition’s strengths and weaknesses at half-time.
As for the game…we had quite a strong line-up and had chances in the first half. Bully played Gavin in on a couple of occasions with some beautiful passes but alas, the chances were not buried. Richard found it difficult to get shots in when he received it in a crowded penalty area and John also maybe had a half-chance from an Ali cross but I’m not too sure. He certainly had a bust up with their keeper though…marvellous stuff. Ron was rightly proud in the pub afterwards – ‘that’s my boy’ he said as he stifled back a tear. Chris Wilson hit a lovely shot that just went past the post. Their goal came from the bloke with a lovely left foot but mysteriously it came from his right as he breezed past John and poked it past a non-diving Dave. Defensively we were quite sound throughout, with Darren, Chris G, Tony, Brendan, Paul and Bill all doing a pretty good job against a big lump of a centre forward and their players running off him. In the second half, we didn’t create as many chances, Chris Cox had one apparently and Richard was nearly through again. The defining moment came when Gavin raced past two defenders in the dying minutes only to see his cutback dissect the on-coming Ali and Richard, who would have had an empty net to aim at. Eventually it fell to Tony who blasted over. It was so disappointing and the sheer agony of it all could be seen in the changing room afterwards.
Not in the pub though!!! We had a fine old time. Food came out promptly and much discussion was had about this game, the next game, Bully’s adventure at the Belfry next weekend and Bill getting out on his bike. Ahhh…that’s the pleasure of playing for the KNOBS isn’t it? The pint, the chat and the ribbing afterwards. Did we have fun team??? Of course we did. It was so fun; I’ve already text Dave for next week. Roll on Standon!
League news – Blunham Vets beat MBDA at the weekend 5-3. It means if Blunham beat Sandridge next week (away) they would win the league. If Sandridge win 2 of their remaining 3 games, we could end up being 6th but currently we stand at 5th as Saints overtook us this weekend.
As for the game…we had quite a strong line-up and had chances in the first half. Bully played Gavin in on a couple of occasions with some beautiful passes but alas, the chances were not buried. Richard found it difficult to get shots in when he received it in a crowded penalty area and John also maybe had a half-chance from an Ali cross but I’m not too sure. He certainly had a bust up with their keeper though…marvellous stuff. Ron was rightly proud in the pub afterwards – ‘that’s my boy’ he said as he stifled back a tear. Chris Wilson hit a lovely shot that just went past the post. Their goal came from the bloke with a lovely left foot but mysteriously it came from his right as he breezed past John and poked it past a non-diving Dave. Defensively we were quite sound throughout, with Darren, Chris G, Tony, Brendan, Paul and Bill all doing a pretty good job against a big lump of a centre forward and their players running off him. In the second half, we didn’t create as many chances, Chris Cox had one apparently and Richard was nearly through again. The defining moment came when Gavin raced past two defenders in the dying minutes only to see his cutback dissect the on-coming Ali and Richard, who would have had an empty net to aim at. Eventually it fell to Tony who blasted over. It was so disappointing and the sheer agony of it all could be seen in the changing room afterwards.
Not in the pub though!!! We had a fine old time. Food came out promptly and much discussion was had about this game, the next game, Bully’s adventure at the Belfry next weekend and Bill getting out on his bike. Ahhh…that’s the pleasure of playing for the KNOBS isn’t it? The pint, the chat and the ribbing afterwards. Did we have fun team??? Of course we did. It was so fun; I’ve already text Dave for next week. Roll on Standon!
League news – Blunham Vets beat MBDA at the weekend 5-3. It means if Blunham beat Sandridge next week (away) they would win the league. If Sandridge win 2 of their remaining 3 games, we could end up being 6th but currently we stand at 5th as Saints overtook us this weekend.
Monday, 16 April 2012
Walkern 1 Knobs 7 - Report by Gavin, edited by super sub Darren
What a difference a week makes. From the misery of Easter Sunday to the goal-fest of this Sunday, we showed what a good team we can be when we pass the ball about and have the energy and dynamism of Chris and Ali in midfield – both excellent on the day.
The morning started with Richard heading off to a different venue, and the disappointment for Darren of starting as a sub despite early morning gifts to the manager. Football can be a dirty business at times but it’s good to see that our manager can rise above it. If you are going to bribe Dave, you have to be more subtle.
It’s unusual to put your best players on the bench to start, but it did prove to be a tactical master stroke.
On a pitch that was covered with lots of different athletic markings, very narrow but strangely long, we started off knocking the ball about nicely but space was at a premium. These strange markings did seem to confuse Tony in the second half. He thought he was on the half way line only to find he was at second base on the Rounders pitch.
We finally made the breakthrough with a fortuitous goal that came from a Gavin header (thus claiming it) which rebounded off a defender and a goalie to settle in the net. After a while they went up the other end and scored thanks to a headed goal. At this stage it was a close battle and the game could have gone either way.
It was at this point that Dave revealed his master plan and turned the game in our favour. The starting unit had softened up the oppo, now it was time to unleash the beasts from the sideline!
At once, John (in his new boots and now in his proper position) settled the KNOBS nerves with a well taken goal. A hoof up the pitch from Dave was headed on by Vinny, trapped by Gavin and played back to Vinny who picked out John (steaming in like Carlos Alberto) who thumped it home.
In the second half, a HUGE moment came in the match. Walkern attacked and a great effort by their striker was acrobatically turned round the post by Dave in goal. Was it a turning point? It certainly was. His comedy punched clearance in the first half is now forgotten. That moment from the manager lifted the whole team. He really is an inspiration. (Gavin is a kiss arse!)
Suddenly we were playing total football, led by the surging runs of Ali, the energy of Chris W and the passing skills of Bully. Gavin scored his second with a run and a shot from outside the area. Then Ali scored the first of his three. And that was it…the game was gone from Walkern. A blatant penalty against Richard wasn’t given but it didn’t matter. The goals just kept on coming and some of them were beauties. Ali’s second one was reminiscent of the England v Holland classic scored by Shearer. For Gascoigne and Sheringham, read Boyle and Simpson. Ali’s final goal…the dink over the goalie was lovely and as the Walkern goalie remarked ‘…they’re taking the piss now.’ – ahhh yes…and it felt good. Gavin Mentioned again!!) should have scored six but was happy with his second hat-trick of the season. Defensively we were sound despite the dominance. It could have been easy to get a bit over-confident but Chris G marshalled the defence well alongside Tony. Brendan, Chairman Al and Darren all came forward and supported attack from their full-back positions. Chris C made his comeback and played solidly on the left midfield. Vinny showed that he can play centre-back as well as centre-forward. That kind of versatility could be crucial when we’re searching for a Plan B in competitive league matches.
And that was it. 7-1. Comprehensive stuff without a phantom goal in sight. Complaints were made that we had a young side out but that’s slightly hypocritical given the last match – there were certainly no twenty year-olds in our team. I skipped off early to go back for my gammon roast and therefore didn’t go to the pub but I’m sure we revelled in the glory of it all, although slightly stinky as the showers didn’t work. Oh well. Can we tell Chairman Al the F1 result now? It was Rosberg. Next match is against the Saints at home. The last league match. COME ON!!! Let’s make 3rd our own.
The morning started with Richard heading off to a different venue, and the disappointment for Darren of starting as a sub despite early morning gifts to the manager. Football can be a dirty business at times but it’s good to see that our manager can rise above it. If you are going to bribe Dave, you have to be more subtle.
It’s unusual to put your best players on the bench to start, but it did prove to be a tactical master stroke.
On a pitch that was covered with lots of different athletic markings, very narrow but strangely long, we started off knocking the ball about nicely but space was at a premium. These strange markings did seem to confuse Tony in the second half. He thought he was on the half way line only to find he was at second base on the Rounders pitch.
We finally made the breakthrough with a fortuitous goal that came from a Gavin header (thus claiming it) which rebounded off a defender and a goalie to settle in the net. After a while they went up the other end and scored thanks to a headed goal. At this stage it was a close battle and the game could have gone either way.
It was at this point that Dave revealed his master plan and turned the game in our favour. The starting unit had softened up the oppo, now it was time to unleash the beasts from the sideline!
At once, John (in his new boots and now in his proper position) settled the KNOBS nerves with a well taken goal. A hoof up the pitch from Dave was headed on by Vinny, trapped by Gavin and played back to Vinny who picked out John (steaming in like Carlos Alberto) who thumped it home.
In the second half, a HUGE moment came in the match. Walkern attacked and a great effort by their striker was acrobatically turned round the post by Dave in goal. Was it a turning point? It certainly was. His comedy punched clearance in the first half is now forgotten. That moment from the manager lifted the whole team. He really is an inspiration. (Gavin is a kiss arse!)
Suddenly we were playing total football, led by the surging runs of Ali, the energy of Chris W and the passing skills of Bully. Gavin scored his second with a run and a shot from outside the area. Then Ali scored the first of his three. And that was it…the game was gone from Walkern. A blatant penalty against Richard wasn’t given but it didn’t matter. The goals just kept on coming and some of them were beauties. Ali’s second one was reminiscent of the England v Holland classic scored by Shearer. For Gascoigne and Sheringham, read Boyle and Simpson. Ali’s final goal…the dink over the goalie was lovely and as the Walkern goalie remarked ‘…they’re taking the piss now.’ – ahhh yes…and it felt good. Gavin Mentioned again!!) should have scored six but was happy with his second hat-trick of the season. Defensively we were sound despite the dominance. It could have been easy to get a bit over-confident but Chris G marshalled the defence well alongside Tony. Brendan, Chairman Al and Darren all came forward and supported attack from their full-back positions. Chris C made his comeback and played solidly on the left midfield. Vinny showed that he can play centre-back as well as centre-forward. That kind of versatility could be crucial when we’re searching for a Plan B in competitive league matches.
And that was it. 7-1. Comprehensive stuff without a phantom goal in sight. Complaints were made that we had a young side out but that’s slightly hypocritical given the last match – there were certainly no twenty year-olds in our team. I skipped off early to go back for my gammon roast and therefore didn’t go to the pub but I’m sure we revelled in the glory of it all, although slightly stinky as the showers didn’t work. Oh well. Can we tell Chairman Al the F1 result now? It was Rosberg. Next match is against the Saints at home. The last league match. COME ON!!! Let’s make 3rd our own.
Sunday, 8 April 2012
Knobs 1 Walkern 4
Strange result but fairly easily explained. We lost in the goalkeeping department.
Kicking uphill we played some very impressive stuff unluckily failing to net. They managed a couple of chances, without any fluidity of play, which they badly missed. One gorgeous move between Phil and Steve ended with a first time Phil rocket which shaved the goal. Another pleasing move saw a Gerry centre across the face of the goal see Vinnie's close range poke glide wide. The post took a battering! At the back Ian was having a blinding debut, heading
powerfully, intercepting well, talking well and showing an ability to play balls forward with pace and power. 0-0 at half time. Bill and John were proving solid at full backs, allaying fears of the doubters. An unchanged set up second half would have been just the job kicking downhill. But with the current keeper Dave, improving between the sticks with every game, itching for a game out Twiggy volunteered for a stint at keeper. Not one one of John's more inspired games as Knob guardian. But he did volunteer not many others would. They swiftly scored three and the game was irretrievable. Who am I to say the winning or competing is all?
True their fourth goal came via an 18 year old's sprint forward and a diving header by their 17 year old centre forward but the presence of these two youngsters was not the reason for the defeat though hardly a part of vets football ethos. I thought we handled them really well.
If we want to win games we either need a keeper or we use Dave. If it's a case of people just taking a turn between the posts then we must quietly accept the consequences, often they will spell defeat despite any good outfield play we muster. By the way during the last ten minutes their strapping 17 year old asked me four times how long was left! Hardly the confidence of superior youth.
We pegged back a goal from a Steve penalty after both Ali and Vinny were pushed at a corner by the same marker. Soft? Nah, stone dead penalty. Their keeper produced two world class reflex saves to prevent a narrowing of the arrears.
For the benefit of their manager Tony we played 90 minutes + 3 minutes over time at the end of the first and second halves.
I thought Ali was terrific, Steve was effective till subdued by his ankle problem, Vinny put himself about, Phil was classy and was unlucky with volleys, Gerry was wholehearted and effective and everyone played well I thought.
Next week a return game against this mob which I fully anticipate will be a Knobs' victory
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