Knebworth fought all elements for all three points.
Redbourn Rovers 1, Knebworth 4
Mitchell Proctor debuts on the typewriter…
It was a windy affair at Oaklands College as Knebworth kept their unbeaten run intact. Both sides struggled to put an early foot in the game but it was Knebworth who dealt the first blow. A sharp run in behind from Vilakati caught the goalkeeper short as he clattered into the number nine to give his side a penalty. Quick reflexes from the opposition keeper saved the penalty from Leen who followed up, the second chance being saved again, but it was Vilakati who was there to place it into the bottom corner, giving Knebworth an early lead. Against torrid conditions the oranges would soon extend their lead, Vilakati finding himself on the end of a Crouch goal kick beating both sides’ midfield and the Redbourn defence with the striker heading for a quick brace. From then on the conditions took over as the ball spent more time in the air than on the ground. Redbourn found their way back into the game with a ball in behind and a first time finish catching Crouch off guard. With the wind and momentum against them, Knebworth regrouped and soon found themselves extending their lead, Mulley converting a calm finish into the bottom left corner from a pinpoint Leen through ball. Knebworth had a few chances to extend their lead further but a hesitant Moore clattered into the Redbourn defenders, losing possession. Just before half time, Redbourn looked to threaten the oranges when their player snuck in behind, being stopped only by a swinging leg from Crouch, receiving a yellow card for the challenge. The final kick before half time came from another Redbourn chance being blocked off the line by the ever present Ashie.
Knebworth came out the gates swinging in the second half despite being heavily against the wind. Attacking from all sides, they found themselves with more clear cut opportunities to score. Leen carved a great opportunity for himself when he brought down the ball around the halfway line and pushed forward with the Redbourn defence stopping a certain goal and Parker being an aerial threat in the air. Three became four with Ashie finding the back of the net for the second time this season with a great header. From then it was all Knebworth. Redbourn could not find their rhythm in the chaos of the furious wind and rain. Pullin’s introduction brought a new lease of life into the game with his silky dribbling penetrating the Redbourn defence, but it was a moment to forget as the midfielder saw his nine yard effort just graze the top of the crossbar. Five minutes later, Knebworth again had a chance to extend their lead when a one-two between Mulley and Jack inside the box ended with the latter shooting just past the post. Redbourn found no opportunity to get past the solid Knebworth back four and solid saves from the keeper. Though it was not the best performance from the oranges this season, the Knebworth faithful will certainly be happy with three points, many chances on goal, cementing themselves in second place, six points clear of third place Norsemen.
Main Door Security player of the match: Sim Vilakati
The Ks will be back at Knebworth Rec for their penultimate home fixture, against Norsemen on Saturday, 18 April 2026 in the league; kicking off at 14:00. Find the fixtures list here for 2025/26.
Musings of an old man: Good stuff!
Special thanks to Alan Sleator for the header photo.
Knebworth FC 