This 1st Cup Match saw the Knights spring into action; Gardener launch a long ball forward, which Holloway chased, he controlled the ball, rounded a defender but the Eagles keeper rushed out to make a great save, denying the Knights an early goal. The Eagles pressed forward, passing the ball well but Komboni soon stopped them, releasing Gardener and Hooper up-field; Hooper slotted the ball to Holloway, this time there was no mistake, goal Knights. The Eagles again came forward but Courtnage, Blackbourn and Choularton stood firm in defence; Garland slipped the ball up-field where Holland won the Knights a throw-in. Quickly taken by Hooper, Holland lobbed the ball high into the Eagles area, the keeper came but failed to hold onto the ball, giving Holloway an opportunity to score but the Eagles keeper recovered well and soon gathered the ball safely. Powell and Holloway then combined, forcing the ball deep into the Eagles half, forcing the Eagles keeper to make another save, but he was unable to hold the ball; quick to pounce was Hooper but his effort struck the bar. Another throw-in for the Knights saw Komboni take, an Eagle defender couldn’t clear far enough away from the danger zone and Holloway rushed forward and slotted home the Knights 2nd goal of the match. Tadd and Rust, the Knights keepers, so far had very little to do, but they couldn’t relax, as the Eagles kept forcing the play and could strike at any moment. Again the Knights built their attack, Holland released Holloway, who quickly controlled the ball and headed goal-ward; without hesitation he fired in another goal for the Knights, giving him a well deserved hat-trick, and the Knights a commanding half-time lead.
2nd half, the Eagles attacked, forcing Rust out of his goal to collect the ball; Rust then sent Doel on route towards the Eagles goal, Doel neatly slipped the ball to Sellitto who in turn unleashed Holloway goal ward, but this attack was stopping at the expense of a corner. Taken by Sellitto, Owen rose above everyone to head the ball, off the bar, and into the back of the net, giving the Knights a 4-0 lead. As the Knight started to dominate the mid-field Powell and Doel combined to release Holloway, Holloway skipped around a defender before slotting home the Knights 5th goal of the match. Later, during an Eagles attack Courtnage timed his tackle well, releasing Owen and Hooper up-field, assisting through the middle was Sellitto, but his final effort on goal was deflected for a corner. Moments later, a poor goal kick allowed Sellitto a shooting opportunity, but the Eagles keeper responded well, making a good save. The Eagles kept thrusting forward and made their way into the Knights area, but Choularton stopped this promising attack; Choularton quickly released Powell, and he skilfully skipped past an Eagles player before passing to Holland; Holland saw Holloway up-field, and sent over a high ball for him to chase. Holloway collected the ball and went route one towards goal, firing home his 5th and the Knights 6th goal of the match. Credit where credit is due, the Eagles never stopped trying, and with the clock ticking away mounted another attack; but this effort went wide. From the resulting goal kick, a quick footed Eagles striker seized the opportunity and took control of the ball, firing a powerful shot towards the Knights goal. Tadd, the Knights keeper, diving at full stretch was unable to make contact with the ball, and the Eagles scored a well deserved goal, seconds before the final whistle. The award for man of the match could only go to one person today, and that was Holloway; he worked hard the entire match, supporting the team and scoring 5 times – a well deserved award.
