A disappointing performance by Knaphill after conceding four goals against Worcester Park on Saturday, which was brought about by frailties in defence, that saw three first half goals make it harder for the visitors to bounce back, a situation which has plagued them on several occasions this season. There’s also the problem of creating chances but in need of that extra cutting edge in the finishing. Although there was improvement in the second half which showed more graft and determination running through the team, but there was only one goal to show from their efforts.

There were enforced changes to the Knaphill side for the starting line-up, Craig Knowles pulled out with illness in the pre-mach warm up, and midfield defender Nick Darnell had to be substituted midway through the first half. But those points were no excuse of why Knaphill conceded early goals. Worcester Park hit the post in the 6th minutes and a minute later a header from striker Gary O’Leary sandwiched in between the keeper Matt Burton and near post. Mistake number one.

It was 2-0 after 12 minutes when a direct free kick by O’Leary just outside the box, sailed into the net leaving Burton clutching thin air in his move to cover the shot. Heavy rain was to continue for a large part of the half and with Darnell limping off, Knaphill’s display was already well dampend, but from one of their few created attacks, Knaphill were awarded a penalty after 35 minutes from which Ricky Hogsden duly despatched to make it 2-1. Burton denied the home side in the 41st minute, but then on the stroke of halftime, Worcester Park took a 3-1 lead.

Knaphill did step up their workrate in second half spells, and Chris Fox was unlucky not to reduce the arrears when he struck the bar after 64 minutes, which was followed up by an effort from Woody Cardona whose shot was turned away for a corner. Had Knaphill scored then, it could have changed the outlook of the game.

Another opportunity arose for Knaphill in the 69th minute, when Joe Turner was faced by the keeper who was forced to come out of goal, but saw his shot run agonisingly wide of the far post. But as the home side continued to find another way into the heart of the visitors defence, they wound up the game with their fourth goal after 86 minutes. No doubt certain aspects to be addressed from the team’s performance before they visit Staines Lammas next Saturday.

Team: Burton, Ford(Wilson 87mins),Wetherall, Darnell(Woodley 25mins), Watts, Cardona, Turner, Hogsden, Fox, Springall.

Subs Not Used: Hadley, Woodyer
Scorer: Hogsden pen 35mins
Booked Weatherall, Lumley