TT No.10: Paul Roth - Saturday 11th August 2007; Knaphill vs. Hanworth Villa; Combined Counties League Division 1; Result: 3-3; Att. less than 100; Programme: 44 pages, £2 including entry; Weather: HOT!

View matchday images 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09   Off we go again for another season, and like so many opening day fixtures the weather is scorching, an irony after the terrible Summer we've all had to endure.   I'm with my mate Geoff and his daughter Emma today, and after a lovely run out to some smashing country pubs in East Surrey we are installed, along with a good smattering of 'hoppers, at Knaphill FC, freshly promoted to the Combined Counties League. Situated to the south of the small town on the western side of Woking, their Brookwood Country Park ground is quite magnificent and resplendent today in the shimmering heat.   Parking in the good-sized car park and after paying £2 at the new entrance hut, which gleans admittance along with the glossy 44 page all colour programme (this is a fantastic effort), this is already a strong contender for bargain of the season. A lot of effort and hard work has been put into gaining promotion and this shows with the myriad of touches around the arena.......signs pointing the spectator in the directions they need to go, expensive black wire fencing protecting the ground, immaculate pitch and metal railing all around leave one feeling the club is well loved.  Trees will provide protection from the elements when the weather turns inclement again.   The game is less than a minute old and "the Villa" are ahead...the "'Knappers" No.3 hisses "what a f****** start", but he should have had more faith, as by half time his lads in red and black have turned that early set back around are winning 2-1. A welcome and refreshing cuppa later, from the pavilion...no licensed bar at the ground, and the second half restarts with Knaphill going quickly 3-1 up and seemingly into an unassailable lead, thanks to their excellent No.9 Orando Pike, who completes a debut hat trick. Lots of chances ensue, but it's the visitors from West London that fight back to take a point in a hugely entertaining three-all draw. Both sides should fare well this term.   What a good start to the 2007/08 season.   FGIF Rating 4*

contributed on 12/08/07