Knebworth claimed their spot in the second round of the County Cup via a penalty shootout on Saturday afternoon, with the hosts failing to capitalise on a dominant performance in 90 minutes.
Knebworth 1, Sarratt Reserves 1; Knebworth won 4-3 on penalties – 13/09/2025
Billy Mulley reports…
With the heavens opening half an hour before kick-off, and with the thunder and lightning following, kick-off was delayed 20 minutes.
However, that did not hinder the hosts, who were fast out of the traps, with Matty Harwood being a particular threat at right wing and Tyler Pullin proving to be very effective in the 10 on his first competitive start.
Knebworth deservedly took the lead in the 25th minute when Harwood’s cross was swept in emphatically by Pullin.
It was more of the same as the rest of the half played, with the Ks controlling the game and getting into some promising positions, without testing the Sarratt goalkeeper frequently enough.
The lead was nearly doubled around the 35th minute when Pullin’s floated corner was met by a Will Oram header, with the Knebworth captain’s effort crashing the bar and somehow staying out.
The start of the second half followed a similar pattern to the first, with Knebworth getting into advanced areas of the pitch on a consistent basis, but being unable to test the goalkeeper enough.
Sarratt started to push for an equaliser in the latter stages as the game became slightly more chaotic and they managed to level following a well-placed cross and a strike back across goal, with the visitors punishing a couple of defensive errors.
The sound of the full-time whistle meant that it was straight to penalties, where Knebworth would go on to win 4-3. Ross Field made a strong save in the process and it was Oram who scored the winning penalty.
Raja Tandoori player of match: Ross Field
Enjoy this week’s Match Programme here
The Ks host their second league game of the season on Saturday 20 September 2025 with Elizabeth Allen the visitors; kick off is 14:00. Find the fixtures list here for 2025.
Musings of an old man: we made jolly hard work of that!
Special thanks to Alan Sleator for the photos.
Knebworth FC 