First class recovery

After just 2 games Knutsford already have more points than the whole of their last campaign. The first home game of the season provided an opportunity for their own fans to enjoy the beauty of this wonderful game.

Bebington were this weeks visitors and it was an opportunity to see how far Knutsford have progressed since last season. A scouting report on the opposing side enabled Knutsford to prepare thoroughly, but despite this the home side had a distinctly nervous start. Bebington played on the counter-attack as expected but within 10 minutes, the visitors had scored a classic breakaway goal and were clearly in the ascendancy. Knutsford’s defensive line-up were being pressed into mistakes and Bebington were clinical in punishing errors.

Knutsford were fantastic in possession though and dominated this area of the game. Ollie Ruby and Mickey Power pulled the Wirral defence out of position and had many chances but failed to capitalise.

Johnny Price, playing a rare game in midfield, was a constant thorn in side of the left back and the home fans roared on the Westfield Drive outfit to what seemed like an inevitable equaliser.

However a misplaced pass in midfield put Bebington in another counter-attacking position and it was 2-0 at half time.

Knutsford remained confident given their display but Bebington’s defence remained resolute. However as time wore on, it seemed that the goal was never going to arrive. With 15 minutes to go the whole game changed with a dipping, swerving strike from Johnny Price that evaded the goalkeeper and victory was suddenly a possibility. However Johnny Price suffered the umpires wrath with a yellow card and Knutsford’s momentum was temporarily halted.

Defensively, Knutsford were now organised, confident and assured. Graham Heath rolled back the years to give a masterclass in defending, winning the man of the match by country mile.

Bebington also retreated into their shells to protect their lead and Knutsford’s chances diminished. But ten minutes later the game was suddenly there for the taking as Ruby’s shot ricocheted off feet in the ‘D’ before the effervescent Dan Allen scrambled the ball home.

Price was back on and from this point the supporters sensed there was only going to be one winner – nobody was going to leave this game before the final whistle. With 30 seconds left on the clock Knutsford charged forward, winning a short corner. With the last touch of the game, the redoubtable Simon Trenbrith slammed the ball home to send the home side into raptures.

Whilst Knutsford are not a young side, Player-Coach Trenbrith believes that their experience will be telling this season as he explained “Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is not putting them in a fruit salad.” Knutsford take their experience to Tameside next Saturday with expectations on retaining a 100% record.

Knutsford 3 Bebington 2 (HT 0-2)

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