KNUTSFORD 5 – DEESIDE RAMBLERS – 1

Black Knights hit Deeside for five

Knutsford gained another key victory in there end of season run in as they comfortably beat Deeside at home to avenge the defeat from earlier in the campaign. The score line was a reflection on the game and how it was played and had the black knights showed a more clinical edge in front of goal they could have won the game by many more.

It was a much changed Deeside team from the reverse fixture so Knutsford were apprehensive about what to expect. As the game started the message was simple for the home team – get the basics right and the rest will come. The game started well for Knutsford as some good possession allowed them to penetrate deep into Deeside territory and the pressure was turned to a score as Simon Trenbrith opened the scoring with a dazzling run and finish past the hapless Deeside goalkeeper after it looked as though a short corner had broken down.

The home side were good for the lead and looked to increase the advantage shortly afterwards with another string of short corners but weren’t able to put the chances away, the second goal that they deserved came not to long afterwards though when another mazy run from the ever improving Andy Conway ended with him crossing the ball to Jonny Price who slotted in from close range. Although Deeside did push on any attempts on goal were well thwarted by Jay Punshon between the sticks and the back four of Steve Torrie Danny leidland, Simon Locke and Ian Lawrence were in resolute form, repelling any attacks that came there way. 2-0 at the break.

At half time Knutsford were hard on themselves reinforcing the need to be clinical and putting away chances they were working hard to create. In the second half they soon made it three nil when an early short corner gained following impressive work once again in midfield from Dan Allan and Stuart Kenyon was converted by player/coach Trenbrith as he sent the keeper the wrong way. But Deeside were allowed a root back into the game when they were awarded a penalty stroke by the umpire and this was converted. In recent weeks Knutsford may have capitulated but they are made of sterner stuff now and immediately from the restart they got a response. Trenbrith sent a wimbledonesque route 1 ball to Hodge who on the run took the ball in his stride and ferociously powered the ball home into the roof of the net past the hapless Deeside goalkeeper. The goal was recorded as the fastest goal from a restart in North West Division 2 hockey history.

With the three goal cushion restored Knutsford were relaxed and again created chances that should have been finished, Jonny Price and Mat Hodge guilty of not being clinical enough in front of goal. It was left to Man of the Match Trenbrith to seal his hat trick with a clinical finish at the top of the D and make the final score 5-1. A good win for Knutsford which gives there goal a difference a boost, that could prove crucial as the season draws to a close. Trenbrith was delighted with the performance and was heard in his post match interview as saying “Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant” giving reference to the excellent training session earlier in the week.

Knutsford face a tough test this coming Saturday when Colwyn bay visit Westfield Drive. Push back at 14.15