It was too hot for cricket on Saturday let alone football as Knaphill FC embarked on the new campaign following a raft of changes over the summer in terms of management and players. The out-going Keith Hills has been replaced by Liam Parrington.

Two things are for sure this season; 1) we would play Sutton Common Rovers and 2) Matt Auletta would score against us as he always does. His emphatic finish in the 33rd minute was all that separated the teams after 90 minutes.

Both sides were fielding new players so for the first game it was entertaining with both sides attempting to play good football. SCR were slightly more polished and were worthy winners. The first real opportunity went to Knaphill. Jack Collins delivered a corner that Phillips headed on target but Ellaway made a fine save tipping over at full stretch.
Cooper-Smith should have opened the scoring on 11 minutes when a swift move saw a cross fall at his feet six yards out but as Greene came out Cooper-Smith fluffed his lines and screwed it wide. The energetic Twum had the next chance, cutting inside on his right foot to shoot but he could only find the side- netting.

SCR had a good spell before half time and their Man of the Match, Sam Johnson, tested Greene with a vicious effort but he was well positioned to make the save. Sloppy play from the visitors on 43 minutes almost led to a second goal but Harris did well to block.
The second half started brightly for Knaphill with Phillips setting up Ahorlu but his long range effort was high and wide.

Barry and Goulter replaced Harris and Phillips on 56 minutes and both players had an impact. Right footed Barry played down the left and he saw plenty of the ball linking well and delivering crosses in to the box.

On the hour a Knaphill corner routine failed and resulted in Davidson-Phipps running half the length of the pitch but his eventual shot was weak and easily saved. A minute later Costello put a great cross in and Goulter arrived to stab at goal but unluckily for him Ellaway stood big and blocked the effort. Goulter made his presence felt again on 70 minutes as he met a corner from Collins but his header lacked direction.

Cooper-Smith, having a quiet day by his standards missed another chance, blazing over and Davidson-Phipps wasted another chance heading over when well placed.
The final chance fell to the visitors as they tried in vain to get back on level terms, Milne had a half chance but again excellent defending by Dean saved the day.

Both teams are to be applauded for putting on a decent show in the searing temperatures. Liam and his management team now have three days to prepare for the next fixture, a tough looking trip away to Raynes Park Vale.

Greene, Kellet-Smith, Collins, Harris, Costello, Phillips, Ahorlu, Leighton, Losty, Rapley, Milne.
Subs Used – Barry, Goulter, White.