Club News

Adult teams, First team

Seniors: Saturday 5 September 2026 – Seven Heaven!

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Thumping win for the Ks

Buntingford Town Reserves 2, Knebworth 7

Lucas ‘Squiz’ Squirrel reports…

After a dramatic ending to last week’s season opener, the Ks were back on the road against rivals Buntingford Town Reserves, looking for a joyous start to Division Two.

The Ks came flying out of the gates and started impressively, with skipper Will Oram finding a reaching ball to Kyle Young, who, with some neat footwork, sat the defender down before opening the scoring for the day.

Sim Vilakati picked the ball up down the right-hand side, getting behind the Buntingford defence and slotting it across to Young, who found his second of the day within the first ten minutes.

Nearing the 30th-minute mark, Young and Billy Mulley combined for some quick football down the left-hand side. Mulley shifted the ball onto his right foot before unleashing a strike into the top-left corner, giving the Ks a healthy three-goal lead.

The last 15 minutes saw the opposition try to gain some ground back in the game, but the Ks defence and midfield stayed strong, managing to stay tight and prevent Buntingford from finding a way back into the game.

Half-time rolled around, and it was an impressive performance by the boys, to say the least. Exactly what was needed to follow up last week’s win.

Tyler Pullin came into the side for the second half and pressed the attack on, releasing Mulley for a one-on-one, which he slotted home for his second of the game.

A lack of concentration from the team in general saw the Ks concede two goals to the Buntingford team, which came against the run of play — something the boys would have been disappointed with.

Just as a shout from a Buntingford player came ringing out that they were “back in this”, Alex Parker picked the ball up and clipped it over the top for Mulley, who took it in his stride and finished to complete his first hat-trick of the season.

The Ks were in full control now, and everything they did looked effortless, keeping the ball nicely around the back and moving it forward smoothly. Kieran Klimek extended the score to 6-2 on his league debut for the Ks, picking up the scraps in the box and slotting home with ease.

Reece Leen, back to his scoring ways, rounded the game off at 7-2. An impressive burst of pace from Klimek down the right-hand side found Leen in the box after a lovely dummy from Pullin, where Leen smashed it home to finish the game.

Finishing 7-2, the boys were nothing short of impressive against Buntingford Town Reserves, carrying on the momentum from the week before.

Raja Tandoori player of the match: Billy Mulley

The Ks return to The Rec on Saturday 12 September, when Ware United Reserves will be the visitors. Find the fixtures list here for 2026/27.

Musings of an old man: Deadly going forward! Need to tighten up at the back – a wise man said defences win you leagues…

Special thanks to Alan Sleator for the header photo.

Adult teams, First team

Seniors: Saturday 29 August 2026 – We’re Back!

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Knebworth surrendered their early lead against promotion rivals.

Knebworth 2, Elizabeth Allen Old Boys 1

Lucas ‘Squiz’ Squirrel dusts off the typewriter after summer recess to report…

After the first game was called off, Knebworth were back at The Rec to kick off the new season in a new division against familiar faces Elizabeth Allen.

Despite the buzz around the team, Elizabeth Allen were the ones out of the gate quicker, making the most of their wide players to create opportunities and get in behind.

Dominance started to creep in for Knebworth as the midfield three of Alex Parker, Callum Pickstock and Kyle Young got hold of the ball and moved it around with ease.

A chance opened up for the Ks as Matthew Harwood was unleashed at the Elizabeth Allen defence, but his shot went narrowly wide. Momentum was building.

Pressure was mounting as Pickstock recycled the ball back into the box, finding Kyle Young, who put Knebworth into the lead with a thumping drive on his debut!

Half-time soon approached, and the Ks were leading. However, a free-kick from skipper Will Oram came close as it hit the post, nearly nudging Knebworth into a two-goal lead.

The whistle blew, and the Ks went in with a one-goal advantage, having certainly been the better team in the first half.

New coach Ryan Ellis led his team back out for the second half as the rain started to hammer down, really causing problems on the pitch.

Some good link-up play saw Billy Mulley one-on-one with the Elizabeth Allen defence, but his effort was saved, shortly followed by Young’s free-kick smashing the crossbar.

Elizabeth Allen grew back into the game and were gifted a penalty by Oram, which was calmly slotted away by their midfielder to equialise.

Hard work was now required from the Ks as the final ten minutes approached. Three points from the opening game would have been the perfect start.

Just as the game was closing out, late drama arose as a cross from returning Andrew Howie was found its way into the net for a 90th-minute winner! Debate rages on over whether Parker made a decisive nudge over the line.

A thrilling end as Kneb picked up all three points to kick-start the campaign.

Raja Tandoori player of the match: Alex Parker

Enjoy this week’s Match Programme here

The Ks travel to Buntingford Town Reserves next Saturday, 5 September, before returning to The Rec on Saturday 12 September, when Ware United Reserves will be the visitors. Find the fixtures list here for 2026/27.

Musings of an old man: Tough start well navigated.

Special thanks to Alan Sleator for the header photo.

Adult teams, Reserve team, First team

Baker’s Recipe for Success: Knebworth FC Serves Up New First Team Manager

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Knebworth Football Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Russell Baker as First Team Manager, as the Club looks ahead to an exciting new chapter for its Senior side.

Russell Baker and Ryan Ellis

Russell arrives at Knebworth having most recently led Niche FC in the Hitchin Sunday League, where he combined the roles of manager and club secretary. That experience, both on the touchline and behind the scenes, gives him a strong understanding of what it takes to build a well-organised, ambitious and committed football environment.

Joining Russell as coach is Ryan Ellis, who worked alongside him at Niche FC. The pair have a shared philosophy and established working relationship, with clear enthusiasm for developing players and raising standards. The Club believes their combined experience will add fresh energy to the First Team setup and help strengthen the pathway for Senior football at Knebworth.

Asher Smith will remain in place as coach, providing valuable continuity after supporting outgoing manager Paul Hewitt over the past two seasons. Asher’s knowledge of the squad, the Club and the league will be an important part of the transition as the new management team settles in.

The committee were particularly impressed by Russell and Ryan’s football experience, their ability to raise the standard of coaching, and their clear commitment to creating a positive environment for players. Their family ties to the village of Knebworth were also seen as a real strength, underlining the connection between the new management team and the wider community the Club represents.

Knebworth FC would like to place on record its thanks to Paul Hewitt for his work and commitment to secure promotion, and looks forward to supporting Russell, Ryan and Asher as they begin preparing for the season ahead.

Everyone at the Club wishes the new management team every success as they get to work and continue building on the progress made in recent seasons.

Adult teams, First team

Seniors: Final Day Photos

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With second place secured and the campaign completed, Herts Senior County League asked the Ks to play against a new side, Northgate Athletic, as a benchmark.

Club Photographer, Alan Sleator captured some brilliant photos on and off the pitch to tell the story of Knebworth Football Club’s senior set up.

Behind the scenes Clare Biddle keeps everything ticking over; from registrations to fixtures, she even makes the tea and washes up!

Man of the Match was Jeff Pratt; not for his footballing talent but his willingness to muck in a shift the pitch barrier, where most players had shirked away! Unfortunately the barrier has to come down each summer and go back up 10 weeks later for the start of the season; it is incredibly heavy and a tough task. Huge thanks to Jeff for his help.

Half time entertainment for the young supporters club was organised by superstar Cambridge United player Sammy Edgar.

Top goalscorer Billy Mulley popped along to spectate.

Supporters Player of the Season Callum Crouch did a shift in goal as well as on pitch.

Young Player of the Season Malachi Miles.

Skipper Will Oram.

Alex Parker successfully avoided any headers.

Charlie Pratt notched four goals, or was it five?!

Debutants Joel and Wahid chipped in with a goal each.

James Ellis avoided a booking and carrying any barrier poles.

Jamie Morley forgot his shorts and socks.

Richard Ashie’s biceps stretched another shirt.

Tyler Pullin danced through the defence.

Special thanks to Alan Sleator for the photos.