Another Disappointing Weekend

Didsbury Northern displayed their league title credentials by inflicting a heavy defeat on rivals Knutsford Mens 1st XI. It was especially disappointing for Knutsford, having played so well in an engaging encounter at The Firs, Manchester University.

Captain Mat Hodge, restructured the formation and the personnel for this top v bottom encounter and Knutsford started the game impressively, stroking the ball around at leisure with the league leaders struggling to maintain any sustained possession. For 25 minutes the visitors kept Didsbury at arms length with the restructured 3 man defence of Mike Anderson, Simon Locke and Chris Drake manfully dealing with sporadic attacks. Two early Didsbury Northern short corners were repelled, but finally a fortuitous one found its way in via a deflection.

The visitors did conjure up some chances themselves. Simon Trenbrith failed in a short corner attempt and Mike Power and Mat Hodge both came close from open play.

Knutsford continued to play at a high level in the second half. Man of the match Stuart Kenyon engineered some momentum and began to dominate midfield alongside Mike Power and Johnny Price.

Nevertheless, the game became a lot more difficult during a bizarre 10 minute spell when Knutsford became over-confident and over-committed to attack. The end result was that 4 goals in 10 minutes were scored past the hapless Simon McCoy.

Tristan Baddeley tried to rally the troops with his enthusiasm. A deliberate foot, a deliberate foul and a bad challenge in a 5 minute spell left Baddeley lucky to remain on the pitch until the end of the game. Nevertheless this zeal epitomised Knutsford’s effort as Baddeley himself articulated at the end of the game “Enthusiasm is the best protection in any situation. Wholeheartedness is contagious. Give yourself, if you wish to get others.”

Though Didsbury deserved their 3 points on this occasion, the final score was harsh on Knutsford who remain bottom of the table. However hope remains. Four wins in the second half of the season should secure Knutsford’s place in the Northern League.

Next week the team welcome Southport to KLC hoping to take some points before the Christmas break.Pushback is 2.15 and everyone is encouraged to come and support if you aren’t playing or have an earlier/later game.   We are then going upto Cross Town to start our Christmas social – again everyone is welcome.
 
Knutsford Mens 2nd – welcomed Crewe Vagrants 2nds to the Leisure Centre on Saturday and were unfortunately on the end of a 6-nil defeat.   Man of the Match went to keeper Jason Punshon.  The team remain in 11th position.
Next week on the final day of the season before the Christmas break they travel to Tameside the only team they have beaten this season and will hope to re-start their season.
 
Knutsford Mens 3rd – unfortunately the 3rd team this week was pre-dominantly a team of 14, 15 and 16 year olds however they did themselves proud for the first 20 minutes of the game against a Neston side full of experience, strength, class and of course age which eventually told.   Simple pass & move hockey that Knutsford’s 3rds made it a delight to watch and something they have only replicated once or twice this season so far. 
Ollie Lasham continues to impress at right midfield.  Ben Cashmore was strong in the tackle and booming of drive at centre back.  Dom Rogers a virgin at centre back was commanding.  James Barker was brave & resolute at left back.    Unfortunately by half time they were 2-0 down highlighting Neston’s finishing but not their dominance.
 
During the second half Knutsford were placed under further scrutiny by some testing runs and superior skill by the Neston team.   The final scoreline of 7-0 perhaps flattered Neston. Man of the Match went to keeper Matt Robins and D of the Day to Ben Cashmore.   The team remain in 10th place.
 
Next week the 3rd team welcome South Cheshire for a 12.30 pushback, they will be hoping for a home revenge after losing to them 2-nil on the opening day of the season.  Lets hope they finish for the Christmas break with a flourish!
 
Knutsford Ladies 1st – the Ladies travelled away to Crewe for a 4.30 start only to find that this was delayed to 5pm and therefore contravened league rules.   Therefore the Ladies will have to re-play the game at a more appropriate time.   Next week the Ladies are due to play Crewe in a friendly but this maybe played as the league fixture????
 
Knutsford Ladies 2nd – played a friendly against local rivals Warrington this week and did a fine job despite being without a full compliment on the pitch. Despite losing the game 2-0 the team can be proud of what they achieved with depleted numbers.   Man of the Match went to Ellie (who was Captain for the game) and new girl Elaine.

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