Knaphill hosted Kensington Borough on Tuesday evening in the Cherry Red Records Premier Challenge Cup, and progressed courtesy of a 2-0 victory with a goal in each half from Jack Collins and Danny Taylor.
Harry Rapley came into the starting line-up following some impressive performances in the development side. Jimmy Norman was serving the first of a three game ban and Danny Taylor returned on the bench following his recovery from injury.

Knaphill started brightly against their Division One opponents and an early Timmy Taylor effort, was cleared from the danger area. Rob Parrott pushed forward at every opportunity linking well with Connor Blanchard. Connor Close was prominent alongside Rob Kersley with a good battle developing in midfield. Gavin Muir also returned to the starting eleven, playing just off Rapley and his neat touch around the box opened up the Kensington defence a couple of times. Rapley got through on the right but his effort was high and wide and Kersley slipped the ball through to Taylor but the keeper came out bravely to save.

Kensington felt their way into the game and worked hard out of possession. Their final ball let them down and Jordan Clement was not severely tested apart from a fine shot that he pushed away, diving to his right.

The breakthrough came on 28 minutes when Timmy Taylor’s whipped in corner was met by the head of Jack Collins who powered in from 6 yards. As the half wore on a few niggly fouls crept in from both sides and Rob Parrott was grabbed around the neck and head and pushed the player away. The Referee calmed things down and had a quiet word. Connor Close was cautioned for a late tackle and soon after he was caught by a stray elbow, not seen by the officials.

With the Knappers on top the Kensington keeper made three saves early in the second half. Kensington plugged away and were gifted a chance to equalise when they were awarded a penalty following a handball in the area. The penalty was struck with power but Clement guessed the right way and made an excellent save.

Danny Taylor and Shawn Lyle were introduced and the intensity was upped. Lyle had two efforts, one wide and one saved and Taylor’s pace unsettled the Kensington back line. His darting run into the box was spotted by Blanchard and his cross was crashed home from six yards first time to make it 2-0. Minutes later, Lyle set up Muir and his effort crashed back off the crossbar.

With things going well, this soon changed when Rob Kersley got involved after a late tackle and was shown a red card for kicking out. Kensington’s captain was also sent off in the same incident for raising his hands and pushing Kersley in the face. A 3 game ban now awaits the influential midfielder.

Just before full time a penalty was awarded to the Knappers, given harshly for a handball. Danny Taylor stepped up but his low effort struck the base of the post.
That was the last of the action and a second successive clean sheet and progress to the quarter finals was a good night’s work only dampened by the red card.

Team:Clement, Parrott, Allen, Close, Collins, Rowley, Blanchard, Kersley, Rapley, Muir, T Taylor.
Subs Used – D Taylor, Lyle, Whiddett
Unused – Leighton, Roffey.