Knebworth deservedly squeezed past Elizabeth Allen in a tight cup encounter at The Rec, needing penalties to seal their passage.
Knebworth 0, Elizabeth Allen Old Boys 0; Ks win 4-3 on penalties – 10/01/2026
Lucas Squirrell is back on the typewriter after the festive break…
Knebworth were back in action in the new year as they welcomed Elizabeth Allen to The Rec in the Cecil Hudson Cup. Against a very tough opponent, could the Ks start the year as they meant to go on?
After a delayed start, the game eventually kicked off with Knebworth looking to set the tempo early, utilising Sim Vilakati’s pace in behind and trying to get Billy Mulley on the ball as much as possible.
The first half proved a tight and cagey affair. Some neat passages of play from Reece Leen and Billy Mulley created promising moments, but the Elizabeth Allen goalkeeper was in inspired form, pulling off several important saves. At the other end, Elizabeth Allen threw everything they had at Knebworth, but Mal Miles and Ritchie Ashie were outstanding at the back, winning every header and tackle that came their way. A crucial goal-line clearance from James Moore summed up the defensive effort and kept the Ks on level terms.
As the half ticked on, Knebworth earned a corner down the right. The ball was swung to the back post where Alex Parker controlled brilliantly on his chest and lined up a strike that looked destined for the net, only for the Elizabeth Allen goalkeeper to produce cat-like reflexes and deny the central midfielder just before half-time.
The teams went into the break goalless after a closely contested 45 minutes, with both defences on top and a fierce midfield battle leaving little to separate the sides.
Knebworth came out for the second half with renewed intensity. Callum Pickstock picked up the ball in the opposition half, found some space and curled an effort towards the top left corner, only to be denied once again by an excellent save from the Elizabeth Allen keeper.
With the Ks on top, the game began to open up and the tackles flew in as both sides searched desperately for a breakthrough. Pickstock again found himself in front of goal after some good work from Leen, but his shot was saved and parried into the path of Vilakati, who, under heavy pressure from the defence, was unable to keep his effort on target.
As Elizabeth Allen grew into the second half, the Knebworth defence remained solid and disciplined, refusing to give anything away. Late on, Knebworth won a free kick on the edge of the box. Tyler Pullin stepped up and delivered a dangerous ball into the area, but it was confidently claimed by the goalkeeper.
The final whistle blew with the scores still level, sending the game to penalties.
Knebworth dispatched their first few penalties coolly, as did Elizabeth Allen, until their third struck the bar. After a calm finish from Paul Clarke, Callum Crouch saved to win the game for Knebworth and send the Ks into the next round and kick off the new year in perfect fashion.
Raja Tandoori player of the match: Callum Crouch
Enjoy this week’s Match Programme here
The Ks return to league action next Saturday, 17 January 2026, with Sarratt Reserves the visitors to The Rec (SG3 6AH); kick off is 14:00. Find the fixtures list here for 2025/26.
Musings of an old man: Happy New Year, indeed!
Special thanks to Alan Sleator for the header photo.
Knebworth FC 