Saturday was an opportunity for a few players to make an impression with four youth team players and a couple of the development side in the squad. With Jimmy Norman and Rob Kersley suspended, George Rowley unwell, Gavin Muir and Ethan Allen unavailable and Danny and Timmy Taylor injured it was a point very well gained. It could have been all three but Horley Town also had chances to win.
Rob Parrott captained the side and played alongside Jack Collins in the centre of defence with 17 year old Aidan King making his debut at right back and Jack Leighton returning at left back. King, understandably, had a nervous start but he soon settled down and can be proud of his afternoons work. Leighton also impressed with possibly his best performance so far. Connor Close and Luke Whiddett used their experience to full effect protecting the back four and both getting forward as well. Whiddett had one terrific run into the box beating three players before being edged out as he tried to shoot. On the flanks Connor Blanchard and Charlie Smith, another development player worked hard all game. Smith is electric with the ball at his feet but he did his fair share of tracking back too to help out. Jacob Mcdonald was re-called but unfortunately he picked up an early injury and was replaced by 18 year old Ethan Losty. McDonald had a chance to open the scoring before getting injured from the penalty spot. Andre Williams, making his full debut burst into the box and was hauled down with McDonald taking responsibility for the kick. His effort was a nice height for the keeper to save as he guessed right diving to his left. Williams was a real handful for the Horley back line as he chased everything. He set the opener up with a forceful run down the left cutting into the box and squaring for Blanchard who timed his run perfectly to fire into the roof of the net.
Horley Town came more into the game with Ryan Smith and Leyton Regan prominent in most of their attacks. Regan was put through down the right and advanced on goal but his low effort was well saved by the right foot of Jordan Clement, who was Knaphill’s best player on the day with a commanding performance and a couple of excellent saves in the second half. He also turned defence into attack with some great kicking.
The equaliser was slightly fortunate as a Horley corner was flicked on and hit Close on the arm but he didn’t really have a chance to move his arm away. Smith dispatched the penalty right into the bottom corner. Clement then set up a quick attack, finding Losty who flicked on for Smith who got into the box and got his shot away but it was off target. Parrott and Collins started well and got better and better with great defending.
Into the second half and Horley dominated possession as Knaphill were happy to drop off and defend in their own half. Williams was slightly isolated but he worked his socks off and caused alarm every time he ran at the back four. The keeper saved well from an effort and he won numerous corners for us.
Horley were spreading the play well especially down the right and a rare slip from Leighton allowed Regan a run at goal but Clement stood tall and blocked the attempt. Collins won numerous headers as crosses rained in and there were a couple of great 50/50 challenges made with neither player pulling out.
With Horley pressing, a quick break from us saw a cross from the left half cleared to Blanchard but his effort was blocked and he then set Losty up for a great chance but he hit the base of the post.
Clement then made the save of the game as a dangerous cross fell to Boylan six yards out and unmarked. He made a good connection but Clement got down and smothered the effort.
Whiddett’s weaving run and Parrott’s header were our final efforts and all in all it was a very hard fought draw from both sides. A real end to end battle with both Managers feeling they probably deserved the three points.
Team: Clement, King, Leighton, Close, Parrott, Collins, Blanchard, Whiddett, Williams, McDonald, Smith.
Subs Used – Losty, Chapman.
Unused – Roffey, Lumley, Perks.