KNAPHILL 1 - 0 HANWELL TOWN

Knaphill welcomed Step 3 side Hanwell Town FC to Redding Way for the First Round Qualifying of the FA Cup on a glorious day, ripe for a footballing extravaganza.

Knaphill were hoping to advance into the Second Round Qualifying and match their best ever showing in this historic competition, for only the second time.

Right from the start, Knaphill went straight at the higher league opposition, and Karczewski went close after latching onto a loose ball, forcing an early corner, from which Drinkwater produced a decent header.

This spurred Knaphill on and set the tone for the first half. Knaphill dominated in many areas, thus limiting their opponents to a few chances.

The lively Jake Hawker had a couple of efforts on 11 and 13 minutes but was unable to convert, but the tone was well set.

The game’s biggest moment came in the 25th minute. Some good work by Knaphill found the ball at Poynter’s feet. His shot taking a deflection and finding its way into the Hanwell net, sending the home crowd crazy with delight.

This seemed to ignite Hanwell into a response, going close themselves with a good chance from a header.

However, a speculative shot from outside the box 5 minutes later hit the arm of a Knaphill defender and the referee gave a penalty, which was hit high and wide.

The closest Hanwell came to levelling was when Bernie Tanner went on a mazy run, jinking across the Knapper’s penalty area and seeing his shot come off the foot of the post.

HALFTIME: Knaphill 1-0 Hanwell Town

The second started in the same manner as the first ended, with Hanwell applying the pressure.

However, Knaphill very nearly made it two, when Horkan headed into the side netting following a good free kick.

Hanwell continued to look for the equaliser but found Knaphill in good shape, restricting the visitors to several half chances.

A series of yellow cards followed with both sides eager to get the result. With 20 minutes to go, Knaphill remained solid throughout, looking to hit Hanwell on the break and protect the slender lead.

On 70 minutes, Jake Hawker had the goal at his mercy following a great ball in from the wing. Somehow he managed to lift it over the bar from close range.

A series of substitutions followed which then led to some serious Hanwell pressure with, Jos Barker making a superb save late on to keep Knaphill ahead.

After nearly 8 mins of injury time the referee blew the final whistle, sending the home crowd into ecstasy.

Knaphill had pulled off what seemed on paper to be an impossible task. Their effort and application to the tie was first class. In defeating Hanwell Town FC, The Knappers now find themselves in the hat for Monday’s Second Qualifying Round draw.

FULLTIME: Knaphill 1-0 Hanwell Town

Chairman, Chris Drane commenting on the game: "I’d love to say I’m thoroughly proud of my boys yesterday, for showing true grit and determination to upset a step 3 side! The dressing room after the game was testament to how much it meant to everyone including the management and coaches! I can’t wait for Monday’s draw where we will hopefully get a juicy one. Up The Knappers!"