The Knights attacked from the start, with a long ball played forward by Holland, Holloway collected and feed Sellitto, and he rounded a player before sending Holloway goal-ward. Holloway skipped passed the Falcons keeper and shot for goal, but a well placed defender cleared the ball off the line. Again the Knights launched a high ball from Holland, and this time Holloway’s effort went wide; a few moments later Powell had a shot on goal but he only found the side netting. The Falcons then ventured forward, and with good passing movements soon put the pressure on the Knights defence of Courtnage, Garland, Choularton and Gardener, but this time they managed to hold the Falcons at bay. A few moments later the Falcons came again, the Knights defence appeared at odds with each other, and a simple ball played into the area found a lone striker for the Falcons; unchallenged, he had no problems slipping the ball into the back of the net, giving Rust, the Knights keeper little chance. The Knights tried to respond and quickly started an attack again, but Doel and Holland’s efforts were successfully blocked by the Falcons defence and Holloway’s final effort went wide. From a poorly taken goal kick by the Falcons, Hooper intercepted and released Holloway but his shot was well saved by the Falcons keeper. A little later the Knights advanced forward with Gardener and Sellitto combining to release Hooper; Hooper skipped into the Falcons penalty area where he was brought down – penalty Knights. Hooper took but the Falcons keeper was alert and ready and made a good save, denying the Knights their equaliser. The Falcons then fought their way forward, and using good passing movement forced Courtnage to concede a corner. The Falcons floated the ball into the Knights area and no-one reacted, leaving a path free for a striker to send the ball crashing into the back of the net, 2-0 Falcons. As the half was drawing to a close the Knights did again managed to apply some pressure to the Falcons defence; Holland tried his luck from distance which brought out a good save from the Falcons keeper, helping maintain their lead at half-time.
2nd half started with the Knights attacking, Rust to Gardener to Holloway, who head down, headed for goal only to see his effort go wide. Deep in the Falcons half the Knights were awarded a throw-in, quickly taken, a little too quickly, and a Falcons defender intercepted, sending his forwards goal-ward; the ball was lifted high into the Knights area and no-one appear to want to head the ball, they appeared to just stand and watch, which was a big mistake, as this allowed the Falcons to score another goal. The Falcons again massed another attack; Gardener, Courtnage and Garland were caught out of position which gave the Falcons their 4th goal of the match giving Tadd, the Knights keeper no chance. This seemed to inspire the Knights into action; Gardener sent to the ball to Holland, who released Doel; Doel took route-one towards the Falcons goal and as the keeper came to meet him Doel lifted the ball over his head and scored the Knights opening goal, lifting the spirits of the team. The Knights then fought their way forward again with Powell sending Sellitto on route towards the Falcons goal; by skipping around a defender Sellitto saw Holloway in the open and slotted a great pass to him. Holloway didn’t disappoint, and he drove home the Knights 2nd goal of the match, but time was running out for the Knights. With only a few minutes remaining the Knights again surged forward, Powell, Hooper and Holloway leading the charge, but again the Falcons keeper was alert and quickly put pay to this Knights attack; this was the last action of the match. The whole of the Knights team didn’t play to their full potential today, playing well below par, but well played to the Falcons for taking full advantage of this and coming home winners; all that remained now was who would be awarded man of the match. The decision was made and Courtnage was given the honour; this was for the commitment he showed during the match, defending well and challenging for every ball.
