A kick in the Knuts

With a handful of senior players missing due to work or personal commitments, it was always going to be a tough day at the office for South Manchester.

The game started brightly for the Bees and within two minutes, Simon Lamb weaved through the defence but his finish was lacking and it was a simple save for the keeper. Antony Rigby and Mark Ives, fresh from their Colasurdo Camp for Wingers, played wide and the Bees looked a real threat from both down the middle and along the flanks. The Bees also had a few short corners early on but they will be disappointed with the end product with no clear shots on target from them.

The half was back and forth, but it was the home side who took the lead after 16 minutes. A short corner was drilled into the bottom corner, neither Lynch-Mathew nor Sean Stewart on the line could stop it. Both defences stood strong and clear cut chances were few and far between. Captain Hampton perhaps had the best chance as a nice pull back from Ives on the wing picked out Hampton at the top of the D but he screwed his shot wide.

The second half started strongly for South Manchester as they passed the ball well, Ed Holmes often getting forward to help the momentum. Another chance was spurned by Hampton, this time he just lost his footing as he was about to pull the trigger in the D. Knutsford pushed on and doubled their lead mid way into the second half, another short corner routine drilled in, almost a carbon copy. Then just a few minutes later, it was 3-0. Another short corner. This time saved by Lynch-Mathew but no reaction from the defence on the rebound, allowing the attacker all the time in the world to pick his slot. The fourth with 15 mins to play was a ball played into the D and the attacker simply deflected it in. The defender will be disappointed he didnt get closer to his man. The fifth, unsurprisingly, was another short corner and another rebound. Vivek Tharaken making it very clear that the defence was not doing its job.

On reflection, a 5-0 scoreline does not represent the game and on another day it could've been much closer. Although Knutsford deserved the 3 points, there were elements to be pleased about for the Bees. It is a good learning experience for this team and they will look to bounce back at home next weekend.