Penalty shootout heartbreak for Knebworth away to AFC Evergreen in the Hertfordshire County Cup.
AFC Evergreen 2, Knebworth 2 – Evergreen won on penalties – 11/10/2025
Asher Smith reports…
In today’s match we witnessed two teams going in search of a place in the next round of the County Cup, only one winner could be had.
In the first half Knebworth struggled to come to terms with a poor playing surface, and control of possession was a challenge, but still created some chances, with a shot from Alex Parker coming off the cross bar and goal mouth scramble before hand.
The hosts scored the first, with a fortunate scruffy shot which dribbled underneath the keeper into the bottom corner after the 35th minute; 1-0.
After some conversations at halftime, the intensity increased and we witnessed a bit more tempo and aggression from Knebworth and quickly after 55 minutes Sim Vilakati scored the equaliser after great cross from Malachi Miles, physicality and persistence got him through; 1-1.
Substitutions came and a real tug for possession for both teams but no joy until the latter stages.
A lovely passing move allowed Alex Parker to get a chance on the edge of the box for a deflected shot into the corner which put Knebworth in the lead with a couple minutes to spare.
But then a lack of concentration and some fortune for the hosts, an equaliser came with what would be the last kick of the 90 minutes.
Penalties followed with some great saves, some dismal penalties and a retake made it a chaotic penalty shoot out. In the end Evergreen came out on top with the winning kick for 7-6 to end Knebworth’s run in the County Cup.
Raja Tandoori player of the match: Paul Clarke
It’s back to league action next Saturday, 18 October 2025, with a trip to second-place Norsemen; kick off is 13:30. Find the fixtures list here for 2025.
Musings of an old man: not another penalty shootout!
Special thanks to Alan Sleator for the header photo.
Knebworth FC 