Third placed Knaphill hosted the end of season promotion play-off semi-final against fourth placed Tadley Calleva at Redding Way, in front of a club record crowd of 507 last Saturday (4th May).

Kick-off was delayed by 15 minutes (3:15pm) to allow the supporters to get into the ground.

With both sides fielding their strongest sides, it promised to be a good game with the winner facing either Jersey Bulls or AFC Croydon Athletic in the final, the prize being a place in the Isthmian League step 4.

From the start, it was Knaphill that showed their intent to progress, forcing several early corners after creating chances for Sani and Aziz.

Tadley Calleva themselves showed why they have had a good season, as they hit the home side with a few counter attacks, with Ross Cook going close on three occasions.

Knaphill’s best chance of the half saw Camara have an effort superbly tipped over the bar by Nash, after a fine cross in from the right. Tadley themselves could have gone in at half time a goal up had Cook’s free kick not hit the post from outside the box.

Half-Time: Knaphill 0 – 0 Tadley Calleva.

The second half started much the same as the first, with Knaphill looking for the breakthrough with Aziz seeing his effort well saved.

With the game being contested mainly in the Tadley half, it was no surprise that the opening goal came from Knaphill. What a strike it was! A run down the left from Aziz in the 72nd minute, saw him lay a ball inside to Seb Karczewski. A quick shift onto his right foot, he then unleashed a bullet of a shot from 25 yards out that swerved several times as it flew into the net, leaving Nash in the Tadley goal flat footed. Knaphill 1 – 0 Tadley Calleva.

The home crowd were still celebrating the opening goal when Sani laid the ball back to Camara in the 75th minute. His pinpoint cross from the left found the tireless Zac Hawker unmarked in the middle of the 6yd box. Such was the accuracy of the cross, Hawker just chested in the second Knaphill goal. Knaphill 2 – 0 Tadley Calleva.

At this point, it was all Knaphill. They had a chance to further extend their lead in the final minutes when Aaron Burchett broke away on a clearance following a Tadley corner. His run set up Sani for a decent chance but it was well saved by Nash.

The final whistle came, Knaphill 2 – 0 Tadley Calleva.

News came to the home supporters before the end that Croydon had secured a 1 – 2 away win in Jersey. A result that would see the play-off final being held at Redding Way, The Home of The Knappers.

Thanks to all at Tadley Calleva for a great game. We wish them well for next season.

Knaphill will host AFC Croydon Athletic in the play-off final at Redding Way, GU21 2AY on Tuesday, 7 May 2024, 7:45pm kick-off.

#ComeOnYouKnappers!