Category: First team

Knebworth surrendered their early lead against promotion rivals.

Knebworth 1, Norsemen Thirds 1

Richard Ashie writes…

As the 2025/26 season draws closer to its conclusion, the Kneb were back on home soil as they lined up against north London visitors Norsemen FC.

With both teams eager to boost their promotion hopes, the stage was set for a fierce encounter between the league’s second and third placed teams respectively.

A slight change at the back saw the Kneb line up with the vocal Tristan Tompkins who came in for the injured Richard Ashie to accompany Paul Clarke, skipper Will Oram and Malachi Miles at the back.

It didn’t take long for the home fans to get some goal mouth action as a teasing Billy Mulley corner sent Knebworth one goal to the good as the ball went in off a Norseman defender. As the Norsemen defence looked at each other in disbelief, Knebworth celebrated their early opener.

The away side managed to respond well despite the early set back, establishing a keen desire to get the ball down and play to nullify Knebworth’s efforts.

The 13th minute saw some good work on the right hand side when exuberant Miles linked up with Reece Leen with a slick return pass which sent Miles’ effort wide.

As both teams looked to establish a foothold in the game, it was neck and neck as the first half wore on with some good passages of play from the visitors.

An injury early in the first half to James ‘Bobby’ Moore saw the introduction of the dynamic James Ellis to accompany reliable duo of Alex Parker & Callum Pickstock in the middle of the park.

As the first half wore on, a teasing Will Oram ball managed to evade the Norsemen defence but Knebworth failed to convert.

Knebworth’s hopes of going into the half time break one-nil up were thwarted by two Norsemen efforts. Despite some strong hold up play by Paul Clarke, the Norsemen striker managed to steal half a yard but his close range effort shot straight Callum Crouch in the Ks’ goal.

The visitors didn’t stop there and their equaliser came shortly before the stroke of half time as a teasing in-swinging corner beat the home side at the near post.

Kneb fell to pressure early on in the second half with Norsemen growing into the game and controlling much of the possession.

The introduction of the mercurial Tyler Pullin added a much needed spark to Knebworth’s attack as the skilful midfielder caused all sorts of problems for Norsemen back line.

Knebworth came close to getting the winner after some positive pressing from Billy Mulley which led to loose Norsemen ball which fell to Leen whose long range effort shaved narrowly wide.

As the clock wore on, it was a point a piece with both teams feeling like the draw was a fair result.

Raja Tandoori player of the match: Malachi Miles

Enjoy this week’s Match Programme here

The Ks now have two away games before their final match of the season at home on Saturday 9 May, when Welwyn United will be the visitors.

Next Saturday, 25 April, the Ks travel to Sarratt (King George V Playing Fields, Sarratt WD3 6AU); kick off at 14:00. Followed by a trip to Bengeo on Tuesday 5 May; 18:45 kick off at Presdales School, Hoe Lane, Ware SG12 9NX. Find the fixtures list here for 2025/26.

Musings of an old man: Almost over the line… final push!

Special thanks to Alan Sleator for the header photo.

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 returned from Abbots Langley with all six points.

AFC Evergreen 1, Knebworth 3
Knebworth 2, AFC Evergreen 0

Lucas ‘Motty’ Squirrell writes…

Knebworth travelled to AFC Evergreen for the second double-header fixture of the campaign, with six crucial points on the line in their push for promotion. Evergreen came into the day full of confidence after an impressive 7–0 victory in their previous outing, but the Ks were determined to continue their strong run.

Game 1.

Knebworth kicked off on what was arguably the most bobbly pitch in the league, but that didn’t stop them from starting brightly. Early pressure from the Ks attack caused chaos in the Evergreen defence, and it paid off when Billy Mulley found space down the left-hand side. After driving into the box, he squared the ball to James ‘Bobby’ Moore, who finished calmly to give Knebworth an early lead.

The strong start continued as Lucas Squirrell won an important 50/50 challenge with the Evergreen centre-back and played Reece Leen through on goal. He kept his composure and slotted home to make it 2–0 inside the opening ten minutes — the perfect start for the visitors.

However, Knebworth’s concentration slipped late in the first half, gifting Evergreen a penalty which their striker converted confidently. Despite the excellent opening spell, it wasn’t the way the Ks wanted to finish the half.

The second half was tighter, with fewer clear chances, but Knebworth’s pressing remained relentless and continued to force errors from the Evergreen defence. The decisive third goal eventually arrived when new signing Shay Diviney played a superb ball over the top for Mulley, who finished well to secure a deserved 3–1 victory.

3 points secured, and 3 points to go.

The second game started at a slower tempo, with both sides battling for control. Knebworth’s defence stood strong throughout the first half, limiting Evergreen’s attacking opportunities and keeping things solid at the back.

The breakthrough came when a clipped ball over the Evergreen defence found Mulley, who showed great skill to weave past multiple defenders before smashing the ball into the net to give the Ks the lead.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with Knebworth remaining organised and disciplined defensively, never allowing Evergreen a real chance to get back into the match.

The final goal arrived after Leen chased down a loose ball and went one-on-one with the goalkeeper. His initial effort rebounded back to him, but he reacted quickly and squared the ball to Malachi Miles at the back post, who calmly finished to seal a 2–0 win and all six points on the day. It proved to be a hugely important afternoon for Knebworth, as maximum points were secured while other promotion rivals dropped points — giving the Ks a valuable edge as the season approaches its final stages.

Main Door Security player of the match: Billy Mulley

The Ks will be back in action with a trip to Redbourn Rovers on Saturday, 11 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! Lay off the chocolate eggs next weekend, though!

Special thanks to Alan Sleator for the header photo.

Knebworth cruised past Ware United to enhance their promotion credentials.

Knebworth 5, Ware United Reserves 0

Lucas ‘Motty’ Squirrell writes…

Three important points were on the line as Ware United travelled to the Rec to face the Ks in a crucial fixture for Knebworth’s promotion hopes.

Knebworth knew a strong start was essential following last week’s encouraging performance, and Billy Mulley set the tone early. Picking up the ball on the left wing, he drove past the Ware right-back with confidence before cutting inside and forcing a sharp save from the goalkeeper.

After some solid defensive work at the back, including important contributions from Paul Clarke, Knebworth continued to press forward. Callum Pickstock found space on the left-hand side, worked his way around the defence and drilled a dangerous ball across the box, where James “Bobby” Moore was perfectly placed to finish and give Knebworth a deserved lead.

Following a long and competitive first half, the referee brought play to a close with Knebworth leading 1–0 against their promotion rivals.

Ware saw more of the ball after the restart but struggled to create any real chances against a well-organised Knebworth midfield and defence.

Knebworth doubled their advantage thanks to a defensive mix-up from Ware, allowing Mulley to react quickest and finish confidently to make it 2–0.

The Ks continued to push forward. Moore drove down the right and found Lucas Squirrell, who played the ball forward to Sim Vilakati. After controlling well, Vilakati switched play wide to Mulley, who beat the full-back once again before finishing neatly to secure his second goal of the match and put Knebworth firmly in control.

Moore continued to cause problems down the right flank, later finding Pickstock on the edge of the box. Pickstock produced a clever outside-of-the-boot pass to Mulley, who squared the ball perfectly for Vilakati to finish off another well-worked team move.

Ware United kept trying to play out from the back, but Knebworth’s midfield press proved relentless. A strong challenge saw the ball fall to Vilakati on the edge of the area, and he returned the favour by setting up Mulley to complete his hat-trick in style.

Five goals, three points, a hat-trick for Mulley, and a clean sheet for Knebworth made it another excellent afternoon in the sunshine at the Rec — and a huge step forward in their push for promotion.

Raja Tandoori player of the match: Paul Clarke

Enjoy this week’s Match Programme here

The Ks travel to Evergreen (South Way, Abbots Langley WD5 0JL) next Saturday, 28 March 2026, for a ‘double header’ in the league; kicking off at 14:00 for the first game and 15:00 for the second game. Find the fixtures list here for 2025/26.

Musings of an old man: Bit squeakybum for a while until the floodgates opened!

Special thanks to Alan Sleator for the header photo.

Knebworth return with a hard-fought point but could have taken more.

Elizabeth Allen Old Boys 1, Knebworth 1

Lucas ‘Motty’ Squirrell writes…

Knebworth were back on the road as they travelled to face Elizabeth Allen, looking to secure all three points and continue their push for promotion.

The K’s started the game brightly and looked dangerous from the opening minutes. Early pressure almost paid off when James Ellis was played through one-on-one with the goalkeeper, but his effort was well saved and pushed wide. It set the tone for a positive start as Knebworth pressed high and worked relentlessly off the ball, forcing the Elizabeth Allen defence into mistakes and keeping them under constant pressure.

Despite dominating much of the first half, Knebworth were unable to find the breakthrough. When the halftime whistle blew, the score remained 0–0, which felt harsh on the visitors after a strong and disciplined team performance that arguably deserved at least a goal.

The second half began with the same intensity from Knebworth, who were determined to turn their control of the game into a lead. A well-worked move from midfield saw Reece Leen unleash a shot that the Elizabeth Allen goalkeeper spilled, with the rebound falling into the path of James Moore. However, Moore was denied at the last moment by a well-timed tackle from the opposition left back.

Chances continued to build as Billy Mulley drove forward to support the attack, helping push the team higher up the pitch in search of the opener.

The breakthrough finally came when Malachi Miles collected the ball at right back and picked out Leen in space. Leen cleverly flicked the ball past the Elizabeth Allen centre-back into the path of Sim Vilakati, who controlled it before firing confidently into the far corner to give Knebworth a deserved lead. It was an excellent team goal that reflected the visitors’ attacking intent throughout the game.

The goal seemed to spark a response from the hosts, who began pushing forward in search of an equaliser. Knebworth were forced into some resolute defending, along with several important stops to protect their lead.

Elizabeth Allen eventually found a way back into the game following a corner. After the initial clearance, the ball fell to one of their midfielders on the edge of the box, whose strike crashed against the crossbar. The ball then bounced down and, after a moment of hesitation, the referee awarded the goal, judging that it had crossed the line.

The final whistle followed not long after, confirming a 1–1 draw away from home against tough opposition. While Knebworth may feel they deserved more from the match after a strong all-round performance, the team will take confidence from the display as they look ahead to next week’s crucial home fixture against Ware United Reserves in a key game in the race for promotion.

Main Door Security player of the match: Will Oram

The Ks host Ware United Reserves on Saturday, 21 March 2026 in the league; kicking off at 14:00. Find the fixtures list here for 2025/26.

Musings of an old man: Getting to the ‘business end’…

Special thanks to Alan Sleator for the header photo.