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Knaphill F.C.

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Knaphill
Full nameKnaphill Football Club
Nickname(s)The Knappers
Founded1924
GroundRedding Way, The Brookwood Country Park Football Ground,
Knaphill, ,
GU21 2AY,
Capacity750
ChairmanDavid Freeman
ManagerKeith Hills
LeagueCombined Counties League Premier Division South
2023–24Combined Counties League Premier Division South, 3rd of 20

Knaphill Football Club is a football club established in 1924 and based in Knaphill, near Woking, Surrey, England. In 2007, they joined the Combined Counties League Division One after winning the Surrey County Intermediate League (Western) 1st and Premier Divisions in consecutive seasons. The club has a 1st Team playing in the Combined Counties League, a Reserve Team playing in the Suburban Football League as from season 2013-14 after 6 seasons in the Combined Counties League Reserve Division. The Youth (U18) side which started in 2010 in the Allied Counties Youth League, switched after 2 seasons to the Southern Youth League for 3 seasons before returning to the Allied Counties for season 2015–16. Knaphill had a Ladies team that played in Surrey Women's League Premier Division where they won the double, the Ladies folded in the summer of 2014.

History

Formation

Knaphill Football Club began its life in 1924 at Waterer's Park in Knaphill, Woking, Surrey. Waterer's Park was left to Woking Urban District Council in 1924 by Mr Anthony Waterer of Knaphill Nursery.

The Recreation Ground was originally part of the nursery called "Blue Gates Field" and the park was laid out by Woking Council between 1924 and 1928. The task took a significant length of time as the bottom part of the field was very "soggy", whilst the rest was uneven and infested with moles, conditions of which there is still evidence of, over 70 years later. Very little is known about the club history between 1924 and 1980, although it is known that the original team colours were red and white. Knaphill are also listed as winners of the Surrey Intermediate League for 1935–36.

1980s

In 1980 Knaphill were represented in the Old Woking and District League (now Guildford and Woking Alliance League) in Division 3 under Manager and now Life President, Dave Holloway. Dave helped the club to achieve promotion that took them from Division 3 through to the Surrey County Intermediate League (Western). He subsequently left Knaphill to take over Conference side Woking's reserve and youth teams.

In 1984 Andy Wescott took over as 1st team manager at Knaphill. Andy successfully took the Club from Division 3 to the Premier Division, at the same time Clive Howes was running the Reserve Team, who also won promotion from Division 3 to the Reserves Premier Division. Geoff Poulton then took over the running of the Reserve Team from Clive Howes.

1990s

Mick Garbutt became the Manager of Knaphill in 1990, with Paul Bambini running the Reserve Team. Mick Garbutt left the Club in 1994 to join up with Colin Lippiatt and Geoff Chapple at Woking FC, and going on to enjoy that club's most successful years in the FA Cup and with top 5 finishes in the Football Conference.

After this time the club went into decline and started to struggle for players for both the First and Reserve teams. The decision was taken by the then Senior Secretary, Sean Carrigy, to approach local team Heathlands FC, who were playing in the Guildford and Woking Alliance League. Heathlands found themselves struggling for facilities, but not players; this gave the two teams the opportunity to amalgamate for the benefit of both.

The 1995–96 season saw the arrival of Greg Anderson as head coach, with Sean Carrigy running the Reserve Team. In 1996 current Chairman, David Freeman took over from Greg and remained First Team Manager until 2007, when he stepped down to Assistant Manager.

The Reserve Team Manager's position was handed over to Noff Diliberto in 1997, he left the club a year later, with Carl Barker taking over.

2000s

The 2002–03 season saw the arrival of two new personnel to take charge, with Mick Garbutt returning to take charge of the First Team and Frank Walters in charge of the Reserves. Garbutt was replaced as First Team Managed when Paul Bailey took over midway through the season. Carl Barker was now in his second spell as Manager of the Reserves with Danny James as Reserve Team Coach and David Freeman as First Team Coach.

At the start of the 2003–04 season the club formed a third team, Knaphill 'A', to play in the Guildford and Woking Alliance League due to volume of players at the club. Carl Barker took over as 'A' Team Manager with Danny James in charge of the Reserves.

The 2004–05 season brought about further changes at team management level seeing David Freeman retiring from playing due to injuries and being appointed as First Team Manager with Mick Garbutt stepping down to Assistant Manager. Kevin Fletcher also took over the 'A' team, taking over from Carl Barker who became the Knaphill's Chairman. The club also moved into their new ground at Brookwood Country Park, now known as Redding Way. The ground was a purpose built facility supplied by the developers of the Brookwood Manor housing development and owned by Woking Borough Council. With the re-development of the Waterer's Park ground, completed in April 2005, this gave Knaphill Football Club some of the best facilities in the Surrey area. The Reserve Team finished the season as Runners Up to Old Rutlishians and the 'A' Team were beaten by a last gasp winner in the Junior Cup Semi-Final against Shepperton FB FC.

In the 2005–06 season, with the first team now firmly established at its new ground at Redding Way, the 'A' Team now reverted to Waterer's Park upon refurbishment of the pavilion. David Freeman remained in charge for the 2005–06 campaign and appointed Bob Pritchard, former professional with Bristol City and Chertsey Town manager as First Team Coach. Kevin Fletcher was appointed Reserve Team Manager having impressed by running the 'A' Team the previous season. It was a particularly successful season for Knaphill FC, winning the Surrey County Intermediate League (Western) Division One title on the last day of the season against nearest rivals Virginia Water and gaining promotion to the Premier Division.

The 2006–07 season continued with David Freeman in charge of the First Team and Paul Bailey re-appointed as Reserve Team Manager. The 'A' Team management was split during the season. Martin Hobson took charge during the first few months, but had to resign due to work and family commitments. Gavin Wilcox and Tim Handley then took over until the end of the season. The First Team claimed back to back titles by winning the Surrey County Intermediate League (Western) Premier Division Championship which resulted in achieving promotion to the Combined Counties Football League, and the start of the most successful period in the club’s history.

With the club entering a new era for season 2007–08, David Freeman, Bob Pritchard and Mick Garbutt remained in charge of 1st Team affairs; the club appointed former Ockham FC Manager Steve Hutton as Reserve Team Manager and Paul Bailey took charge of the ‘A’ Team.

Merge with Knaphill Wanderers

New Chairman and club sponsor through his Miles Estate Agents company, Nick Croshaw, along with Kevin Barkham brought together Knaphill FC & Knaphill Wanderers FC, the junior club providing football for boys and girls of all ages and abilities, under the umbrella of Knaphill F.C, whilst the Wanders still retained their financial independence. At the same time plans were introduced to provide floodlights, a stand and a raft of further improvements to the ground at Redding Way to comply with the FA's Ground Grading requirements for a club at Level 6 on the Non-League Pyramid.

The club received the 1st Division Programme of the Year (David Freeman - Editor) and Secretary of the Year (Bryan Freeman) awards from the Combined Counties League at the end of Knaphill FC's first season in senior football with the club finished a creditable 7th in the final league table. The 2008–09 season started with the loss of Steve Hutton to Woking & Horsell FC of the Surrey County Intermediate League (Western), along with many 1st and Reserve team players. With pre-season imminent the club had only a handful of players and no Reserve team. One of the first pre-season signings was experienced player/coach Ian Savage. Ian's presence at the club attracted a great number of high ability players from both local teams and higher leagues. This led to the club obtaining one of the most experienced squads Knaphill have had in their history. The addition of Graham Pope and Iain MacLean to run the Reserve Team was the final piece of the jigsaw, however both Graham and Iaian left the club in November due to personal reasons and the Reserves side was taken over by Adie Wilson and Lee Cook. The 'A' Team was now under the control of James Taylor and Brendan Baker who received the good news at the GWAL AGM that their team was promoted due to a restructuring exercise and was to play in the 2nd Division.

With a reduction in League games in Division One from 38 to 34 in 2007–08, Knaphill FC entered two new Cup competitions. The Anagram Trophy and the Southern Combination Cup, both of which saw early exits. However the team kept a high profile in the league, staying in the top half of the table all season. They came close to becoming Champions that season as a win in the last game to be played would have crowned them Champions. With a tightly bunched set of teams in the top six, Knaphill FC travelled to Farleigh Rovers FC to secure the three points needed. However they lost 3-2 after a tense and nailbiting game, and finished 5th in the table, just 2 points off the top.

The Reserves finished ninth in their Division with the second half of the season providing a 17-match sequence in which only two games were lost. Adie Wilson, having taken over in November from Graham Pope, organised his players together well and this was reflected with the improvement in results. The 'A' team won promotion to Division 1 of the GWAL, their second move up the ladder, having been promoted from Division 3 to Division 2 the previous season. A new 'B' team was also formed, starting their first season in Division 4(North).

In the close season local businessman, Terry Chapman, was voted in as the new Chairman, replacing Nick Croshaw who stood down due to work commitments after two successful seasons in the position. Plans for floodlights and hard standing along with a 50-seated stand at Redding Way were well advanced with the help of The Football Foundation and Woking Borough Council who continued, as in recent years, to support the club.

2009–10 saw Knaphill achieve their highest ever position in the club's history with a 'last kick of the game' goal in the final game of the season securing a 2–2 home draw against Cobham FC and providing the point needed to clinch 3rd spot in the CCL Division 1 table. A poor start to the season saw Knaphill languishing down in mid table with good away form negated by a poor home record. However a run of 12 consecutive wins after Christmas saw the Knappers close in on the top 3. Before the start of the season the 'A' & 'B' teams decided to break away and form their own club by merging with fellow GWAL side Surrey Athletic FC to form Knaphill Athletic FC.

New beginning

It was agreed that the historic links between Knaphill FC & Knaphill Wanderers FC were to be dissolved and The Wanderers lined up alongside Knaphill Athletic and during the summer of 2012 finally completed their merger. From 2005 tp 2010, Knaphill FC have set successive improvements in their overall league position within the National League System. In the summer of 2010 a Youth (U18) Team was added to continue the development of the club for the future. On 29 November 2010, long serving 1st Team Manager Bob Pritchard announced his resignation after a poor start to the season. Chairman Terry Chapman then appointed General Manager and former 1st team Manager David Freeman and former Reserve Team Manager Adie Wilson as joint Caretaker Managers until the end of the season. Their first 16 games resulted in 13 wins & 3 draws, a club record for unbeaten matches in the Combined Counties League, until a 2–1 reverse at Hartley Wintney FC on 15 January 2011. This started a run of 4 consecutive defeats followed by a draw (a club record, at that time, for the worst run without a win in the Combined Counties League).

From season 2011–12 Knaphill Ladies, playing in the London & SE Regional Ladies League, became be part of the senior club after transferring from Knaphill Wanderers with a Reserve (U18) side playing in the Surrey Girls U18 League. On 8 May 2011 club chairman Terry Chapman announced that Dave Freeman & Adie Wilson were confirmed as the 1st team management for season 2011/12.

On 26 June 2011, it was announced that Knaphill will be the first Combined Counties League team to travel to the Channel Island of Guernsey to face the newly created Guernsey FC. This historic game was covered by local and national media and raised the profile of the club enormously. The game finished with a 5–0 win to Guernsey FC.[1] On 8 July 2011, Knaphill FC entered into The FA Vase for the first time in the club's history and were drawn out of the hat with a home tie against Combined Counties League Premier Division side Horley Town FC, losing 1-4 at Redding Way. Knaphill also faced Horley Town FC Reserves in the Surrey FA Senior Cup and Horley Town FC's Youth team in the Surrey FA U18's Mid-week Cup, winning 4-0 in a home tie played at Horley Town's The New Defence ground due to floodlight restrictions at Redding Way, during the same season.

On 6 October Club Chairman Terry Chapman stood down after two years in charge and former 1st Team Manager David Freeman was voted into the Chairman's role with immediate effect. Before the end of October Adie Wilson had resigned from the 1st Team Manager's position after a long run of league defeats and with exits from 4 cup competitions at the first round. Phil Ellery, who has previously managed Bedfont Sports F.C., Staines Lammas FC and Chertsey Town FC, was appointed 1st Team Manager on 30 October.

On 9 December 2011 a number of records were set. For the visit of Division 1 Leaders Guernsey FC, a league match was played at Redding Way on a Friday night for the first time. A record crowd of 323 (beating the previous record of 134) turned up to witness Knaphill FC's biggest ever senior defeat, with the visitors running out 8–0 winners.[2] There were also no players on the pitch or bench for Knaphill FC on the night, who had made that inaugural trip to Guernsey back in August. The league season ended in a disappointing 12th-place finish with the club having registered over 100 players during the season.

The start of the 2012–13 season saw the U18's move from The Allied Counties Football League to the Southern Youth Football League, their first martch being an away match to Godalming Town FC U18 which resulted in a 2–1 victory for Knaphill FC. On 10 September 2012 after a poor run of results, especially at home (four straight defeats); 1st Team Manager – Phil Ellery – was relieved of his duties. He was replaced by former semi-pro Phil Ruggles, formerly at Sheerwater FC and Kevin Bailey who was previously Reserve Team Manager at Westfield FC as Joint 1st Team Managers. The new management team had their first win, and Knaphill FC's first victory in a cup competition since 2009, with an extra-time 2–1 defeat of local rivals Westfield FC in the El Records Division 1 Challenge Cup 2nd Round on 2 October 2012.

Best Season 2015/16

Knaphill FC 2015/16 Season The season of 2015/2016 turned out to be the most momentous in Knaphill FC’s 91-year history after a plethora of records were set. This came of the back of Knaphill’s first season in the Combined Counties League Premier Division which proved to be a tough season with only a sterling fight at the end that saw The Knappers eventually finish in 13 position after a relegation battle plagued much of the season. The Reserves had been with a short of the league title until the final run-in and had made the League Cup semi-final against Boreham Wood FC before succumbing to a combination of a plastic pitch, high winds and some carelessness defending.

The season started in high confidence for 1st Team Manager Keith Hill, Reserve Team Manager Simon Martin & the new duo in charge of the Youth Team – Barry Losty & Steve Hobbs. August saw a win for the 1st team at Bedfont Sports F.C. and a loss at Horley Town F.C.opening the season and leading into the first cup game, a home FA Cup Extra-Preliminary round tie with Hellenic Premier side Highworth Town FC which finished in a 3-1 win to the visitors. A home win to Redhill FC and an away defeat to Premier Division newcomers A.F.C. Hayes saw out the month with Knaphill in 10th place in the table. The Reserves started with season with wins at home to East Grinstead Town FC (6-1) and away to Cobham FC (4-0) and draws against Greenwich Borough F.C. & Raynes Park Vale FC, and 2nd place in the table.

September saw the Knappers consolidated their position with leagues wins against Sutton Common Rovers F.C. (H 4-1), Cove FC (A 5-0) and Colliers Wood United F.C. and a draw at home to Windsor F.C., although the last two games of the month saw defeats at Guildford City FC & Hanworth Villa FC both by the odd goal, but still climbing to 9th in the table. The Reserves continued their unbeaten start with wins over local rivals Westfield FC(H 5-1) with Nic Donaldson getting 4 and a further brace in the League Cup win at East Grinstead Town F.C. (A 5-2) and a single goal (9 in 7 games) with a 2-0 win at Home to Cray Valley FC which took the Reserves to the top of the table. The Youth team started with a defeat at Sandhurst Town F.C. and a draw at home to Badshot Lea F.C. before recording their first FA Youth Cup win with their biggest ever victory by beating Redhill F.C. 8-0 with 7 different scorers in front of a crowd of 91.

A busy October began with an FA Vase 2nd Qualifying Round tie at home to Lydney Town FC of the Hellenic Premier which resulted in a comfortable 3-1 win at Redding Way, followed by a late 1-2 league defeat at home to Camberley Town FC. A comfortable 3-0 League Cup win at Dorking FC and a 2-0 win at Chessington & Hook United FC was a great way to return to face Camberley Town FC in the Surrey Senior Cup and after a pulsating game ended 1-1, the Knappers held their nerve to win 3-2 on penalties with captain Jamie Doble scoring the winning penalty. After that great result eventual League Champions and great rivals Hartley Wintney FC visited Redding Way and they were relieved to take all three points with a 1-0 victory after a no hold barred game that either team could have claimed the win. A first foray into the Aldershot Senior Cup saw Farnham Town FC win 2-1 at Redding Way, but the month ended with a startling win as Cray Valley Paper Mill FC visited Redding Way in the FA Vase 1st Round. Having been behind throughout the match it took two late goals to take the time into extra time and it was Danny Taylor who scored the winner to take a superb 5-4 win. The Reserves tasted defeat for the first time as their only two games in October ended 1-2 at Horley Town FC and 4-1 at Raynes Park Vale FC. The Youth team lost at Metropolitan Police FC(3-0) in the FA Youth Cup, 5-4 on penalties after a 0-0 draw at home to South Park FC in the County Cup and a 1-4 league defeat to Fleet Town FC. However more records set as they went to rivals Westfield FC and after being held 2-2 at half time, they cruised to a 7-2 win (a record away win) in the Grant-McLellan Cup 1st round.

November proved to be a successful month as a draw at home to Epsom & Ewell FC (1-1) was followed by outclassing former FA Vase finalist Tunbridge Wells FC 3-0 with Charlie Postance getting 2 and Robbie Kersley the third in front of 154 supporters. A league defeat at Sutton Common Rovers F.C. followed by a home win and the double over Bedfont Sports F.C. saw the Knappers holding on to 11th place in the table. With the weather now starting to play apart in the season the Reserves had just one competitive game with a 3-2 win at Farnham Town FC and the U18’s thrashed Thatcham Town FC 6-1 away and then lost 2-4 at home to Premier Division side Marlow FC in the League Cup and could have won, but for the lack of a recognized striker after creating chance after chance.

The year ended with more cup success as the Knappers entertained Ashford Town (Middlesex) F.C. in the County Cup and recorded a famous 4-3 win with goals from Jamie Doble 2, Jack Mazzone & Matt Morris with the winner. A 3-2 home win over Raynes Park Vale FC set up the trip to Canterbury City FC in the FA Vase 3rd round which saw a 10 man Knaphill triumph 3-1 with goals from Danny Taylor 2 & Jack Mazzone for a famous win over higher placed opposition. This high was followed by a 2-5 defeat at Colliers Wood United FC. The Reserves continued their great form with wins over Westfield FC and Crowborough Athletic FC in the league and a 3-1 win at Molesey FC in the League Cup. The U18’s took a point at Hartley Wintney FC and a win at Tadley Calleva FC in an ill-tempered match which saw a Knaphill red card for dissent, but a number of bruised and battered Knaphill players at the final whistle.

The New Year started with a 4-6 defeat at Ashford Town (Middlesex) F.C. , but Knaphill FC did finish with 10 men. Unfortunately the number of red and yellow cards shown to Knaphill FC players over the year did take the gloss off some fantastic performances, not all were fully justified, but there were far too many given for dissent. The much postponed FA Vase 4th Round tie (the last 32), the farthest that Knaphill FC have ever gone in a national tournament, against Kidlington FC saw the Knappers take a coach of supporters to Oxfordshire. Although losing 2-3, the Knappers were not outplayed and the hosts breathed a sigh of relief at the final whistle. The month finished with a comprehensive 4-0 home win over Chertsey Town FC. The reserves had only a friendly against Hanworth Villa fc’s 1st team, which they won 3-2, in the whole of January. The Youth team lost 3-2 in the Grant-McLellan against CB Hounslow United FC on an ice rink of a pitch which saw both sides lucky not to end with players injured. In the league a fine 4-1 win at Camberley Town FC ended the month on high.

February saw the 1st team undefeated as wins at Redhill FC (2-1), home to Ashford Town (Middlesex) F.C. (4-2), a total of 23 goals in 3 games against this opposition, and a 6-1 thrashing of Westfield FC on their own patch kept the league form going. A 3-0 home win over Chipstead FC in the Surrey Senior Cup 3rd Round saw a home tie against Sutton United FC (soon to be National League South Champions) in the 4th round. Due to the poor weather the tie was eventually moved to Sutton’s Gander Green Lane ground with its newly fitted 4G playing surface and despite going down 0-1 it was a magnificent performance and rightly praised by the opposition after the game. The League Cup saw a third round tie against Chertsey F.C. (2-1) safely negotiated. The Reserves beat Uxbridge FC 3-2 at home in the League Cup Quarter-Finals to reach the Semi-Finals for the second year in a row. A win a Croydon FC was followed by a defeat at Crowborough Athletic F.C. and a County Cup defeat to Farleigh Rovers FC’s 1st team in the County Cup. A 3-3 draw against title rivals Greenwich Borough FC finished the month with the Reserves in 4th place in the table. The youngsters lost 3-0 at Eversley & California F.C. in their only game of the month.

March was a packed month as the Knappers played 9 League games, but started the month with a defeat to this year’s bogey team, Farnham Town FC, in the League Cup quarter-final (1-3). The league games saw 3 wins against Badshot Lea FC (H 3-0), Epsom & Ewell FC (A 2-0) & Westfield FC (4-1), followed by a 2-2 draw at home to Farnham Town FC and two defeats to AFC Hayes FC (H 2-3) & Camberley Town FC (A 1-3). The final two games saw a 4-1 win at home to Guildford City FC and a 1-2 defeat to Windsor FC in front of 204 supporters, finishing the month in 9th place in the league. The Reserves won 4 on the trot with wins against Cobham FC (H 5-0), Horley Town FC (H 5-1), Molesey FC (A 2-1) & Farnham Town FC (H 2-0) consolidating the Reserves 2nd pace in the standings. The U18’s lost 1-4 at home to Camberley Town F.C. and gained draws at Fleet Town FC (4-4) & home to Alton Town FC (2-2).

The final month of the season saw the Knaphill FC teams involved in 24 games as the weather and the continued poor drainage of the Redding Way pitch led to this huge backlog of matches. The first team continued their excellent form with 9 wins and a draw to clinch 5th spot in the table, the highest league position the Knappers have ever achieved. Wins against Raynes Park Vale FC (A 1-0), Spelthorne Sports FC (H 6-1), Hanworth Villa F.C. (H 4-2), Spelthorne Sports F.C. again (A 4-1), Badshot Lea F.C.(A 5-1), Cove F.C. (H 3-0), Farnham Town FC (A 3-2 (at last!)), Chertsey Town FC (A 4-1) & Horley Town FC (5-0). The only blemish being a 2-2 home draw to Chessington & Hook United F.C.. A remarkable effort in scoring 37 goals and conceding just 10 in the last 10 matches of the season, with Charlie Postance contributing 11 of the goals to finish the season as top scorer. The Reserves started the moth by losing at home to Chessington & Hook United F.C. (1-2) and drawing at Cray Valley F.C. (1-1) leading to their away League Cup semi-final against Premier Division side Kings Langley FC which ended 1-1 after extra-time only for the Knappers to stun their host with a 4-2 win on penalties. Two further league wins, Molesey FC (H 3-0) & Erith Town FC (A 2-0) set up a clash with Metropolitan Police FC in the League Cup Final which was marred by poor refereeing decisions and saw the Knappers reduced to 9 men by the end. A 1-3 defeat was undeserved, but the high spot was the Knaphill FC goal being scored by Youth Team top scorer Michael Chapman - one for the future! The league title was clinched two days later as Jamie Hills (son of 1st Team Manager Keith Hills, and fittingly former youth team player and Club Young Player of the Year, Ashley Hitchinson scored at Redding Way in a 2-0 win over Erith Town FC. The final game being a celebratory 4-2 win at Chessington & Hook United F.C..

The U18’s went into the last month of the season having to play 8 games in 4 weeks, with injuries, illness, exams & work commitments decimating the squad and resulting in some squads of a bare 11. The results do not do justice to the incredible performance’s from the core of players who played two games a week over 3 weeks. A home defeat to a physical Binfeld F.C. side (0-4) was followed by a 2-6 home defeat from Eversely & California FC despite being in the game until the last quarter when the exhausted players couldn’t hold the opposition back. The next game, away to Binfield F.C. saw Knaphill FC miss a penalty, but score a goal through regular keeper James Croshaw playing as an emergency striker and the mood at the end of the game you would have thought that Knaphill FC had won 4-1, not the opposite. The next game saw the performance of the season as Hartley Wintney F.C. defeated 9 man Knaphill FC 1-0 after the Knappers had to start with 10 men after a last minute withdrawal , and then having Player of the Season Ashley Upson withdraw due to illness (he shouldn’t have been out of bed let alone on the pitch) after half an hour. Captain Alfie Wheelhouse cajoled the players to the performance of the season which was acknowledged as such by the opposition, match officials and every-one at Frimley Green FC (where the last home games were played due to the unavailability of the Redding Way pitch). Two 2-4 home defeats to Tadley Calleva FC and Champions Sandhurst Town FC were topped off by a 2-2 draw at Badshot Lea F.C. as the Thatcham Town F.C. home game was awarded 0-0 by the League as Thatcham Town FC failed to finished their last four games.

This season has seen the 1st team finish in their highest ever position in the non-league pyramid, as well as reaching the last 32 of the FA Vase, the 4th round of the Surrey Senior Cup and the Quarter–Finals of the Combined Counties League Premier League Cup – all best performances. The Reserves clinched the Suburban Football League - South Division title and will now play in the Premier Division against the Reserve sides of National League teams Boreham Wood FC & Woking FC. Another crack at the League Cup should surely be on the agenda. The U18’s will be building on their performances from last season and will surely turn those performances into wins and a competitive season in the league and cups.

Football Association Competitions

1st Team - FA Cup

The club achieved another landmark in 2014 with their entry into The Football Association Challenge Cup. The draw sees the club travelling to Fairford Town FC (Hellenic League) in Gloucestershire. After racing into an early 3-0 lead with goals from Jamie Daltry and a brace from Josh Watkins, Fairford Town FC were awarded a penalty which came back off a post and the rebound was headed over. A consolation goal came later in the second half, but Knaphill FC ran out comfortable 3-1 winners on the day. A home tie against fellow CCL Premier side Badshot Lea FC was the reward.

The match against Badshot Lea FC, the third cup meeting in less than a year (1-1 in victories) and with two league games and a potential FA Vase tie later this season, was played out on 30 August 2014. The Knappers scored just before half-time through Josh Watkins and added a second later with a well worked goal from Dan Thorogood. The match ended with high drama as The Knappers went down to 10 men after a second yellow and Badshot Lea FC scored a consolation with virtually the last kick of the game. A home tie against Southern League Division 1 (South & West) side Fleet Town FC awaits on 13 September. Fleet Town FC currently lie in 18th place in their table.

1st Team - FA Vase

Having finally achieved a 'G' grade for Redding Way, the way was quite literally paved for Knaphill FC to enter the FA Vase. The first game, a 1st Qualifying Round tie, taking place against CCL Premier Dission side Horley Town FC at Redding Way on 10 September 2011. The result was disappointing as a well marshalled Horley won by 4-1 with U18 player Haluna Masembe scoring the first goal from Knaphill FC in a Football Association competition.

The following year saw Knaphill FC travel the relatively short distance to Ash United FC, also of the CCL Premier Division on 1 September 2012. A more competitive game saw the home team squeeze a 2-1 victory with Luke Craig getting on the scoresheet for The Knappers.

Third time lucky and on 6 September 2013 another trip to Ash United FC, this time to play their fellow CCL Premier Division side Badshot Lea FC who were ground sharing at the time. In a hard fought game, Knaphill FC took the lead through substitute Ross Murray in the 80th minute to clinch victory and a 2nd Qualifying Round tie with Wessex League side Tadley Calleva FC. On 21 September 2013 more history was made as despite taking an early lead through Charlie Postance, Tadley Calleva FC levelled before half-time. However the second half was all one way as Alex Lumley, Matt Edwards, former Youth Team Captain and SYL Player of the Year Jonny Coats with a free kick and a second from Postance made it a very comfortable 5-1 win for the Knappers.

On 19 October Knaphill travelled to Dorking FC to play in the 1st Round Proper for the very first time. In a tight game Dorking took the lead in the 56th minute and despite great Knaphill pressure it was only in the 91st minute that former Dorking player Scott Todd, making his debut equalised. The FA Vase rules mean extra-time in the first game and Alex Lumley swepted Knaphill into the lead on the 109th minute only for poor defending to allow a Dorking equaliser five minutes before the final whistle to set up a replay on the following Tuesday. The replay on the following Tuesday evening kicked off to the sound and display of a spectacular thunderstorm that wrecked games at Portsmouth, Aldershot & Farnborough, but left the Redding Way pitch wet but not waterlogged. The Knappers should have been out of sight by half time with a number of chances wasted and an inspired performance from Dorking FC's goalkeeper Ciaran McGuire. Matt Powell, Charlie Postance, Josh Watkins and Scott Todd were all guilty of missed chances, however the breakthrough came when Josh Watkins clinical finish put the home side in front on 64 minutes and captain Jamie Doble added a second on 81 minutes. Dorking FC pulled a goal back on 85 minutes with a fantastic 25 yard effort; but there was still time for Knaphill FC to extend their lead however Tom Davies and man of the match Charlie Postance wasted their opportunities to make a more comfortable looking than the 3-1 scoreline.

The prize was a home tie to East Preston FC who were the Sussex County League Division 1 leaders at the time, the game being played on 16 November at Redding Way. After an even first half hour the visitors went in front on 36 minutes and a minute later went further ahead as they stamped their authority on the game. Two further goals in the second half rounded off an impressive display from the Sussex side. Despite the result Knaphill FC were rightly proud of their achievements in the competition having made club history on three separate occasions.

After the heroics of last season the club starts in the 2nd qualifying round with an away tie against the winners of the Woodley Town F.C.,who are also debutants in the FA Cup this season and fellow Combined Counties League Premier Division side Badshot Lea FC, whom we defeated away last year.

FA Youth Cup

On 26 September 2013 Knaphill FC's U18 team travel to Sussex County League side Lancing FC for their first ever FA Youth Cup tie. After holding the opposition to 0-0 for an hour, two defensive slips as tiredness overtook the very young team, playing against a well organised side on a superb pitch; the eventual 0-2 defeat was no disgrace and the team that played that night can hold their heads high.

For the second attempt at the FA Youth Cup, the U18's have a home tie against Littlehampton Town FC U18's. They play in the Sussex County Youth Football League West Division where they finished runners-up last season.

Ladies Team

On 30 September 2012, Knaphill Ladies travelled to Canterbury to play Prince of Wales Ladies in the 1st Qualifying Round of the FA Women's Cup. Their extra-time victory by 3–2 was the first victory for any Knaphill FC side in a Football Association national competition. Their reward was a home tie with Eastbourne Town FC which ended in 1–4 defeat.

Ground

Redding Way or Brookwood Country Park Football Ground to give it its official title, is located at the foot of The Knap Hill and bordered by Hermitage Road, the Basingstoke Canal and Brookwood Country Park; the access into the ground is from Redding Way. The ground has also been used by local leagues for their Cup Finals which have proved to be well supported. Completed in April 2005 the facility is currently shared by Knaphill FC (1st, Reserves & U18) and the Woking FC Ryman League side, who play mid-week. The Junior pitch is used by Woking County Schools who play on a Saturday morning and Knaphill FC's associate junior team Woking Cougars FC who play on a Sunday.

The ground is enclosed by a high wire fence on three sides and a mature tree line on the fourth. There are two car parks which have places for 71 vehicles in total at the front of the clubhouse. The Club House originally had four separate changing rooms (one is now used a physio room and kit store), there is also a match officials changing room, a Committee room and ladies, gents & disabled public toilets. The club room offers twin colour TV's, a licensed bar selling alcoholic and soft drinks, snacks with a separate food preparation area serving hot food. On 20 November 2009, planning permission was granted by Woking Borough Council to erect 6 floodlight posts and site a 50-seat stand behind the 'home' goal adjacent to the clubhouse. This work was jointly financed by The Football Foundation, Woking Borough Council & Knaphill FC and was started on 31 January 2011 with the stand being lowered into place on 11 February 2011. The installation of the floodlights was completed and certificated on 23 March 2011. This raised the grading of the ground to Grade G, which is the required grade to play at level 6 of the non-league pyramid, which is the level of Division One of the CCL Combined Counties League.

The first floodlit match played at Redding Way was between Knaphill FC U18's and Ascot United FC U18's in The Allied Counties League on 30 March 2011 (Result: 1–3 defeat). The initial 1st Team game under lights came on 5 April 2011 against local rivals Eversley F.C., when a Matt Baker penalty in the first half decided the match in favour of the hosts. Further developments to the site by Woking Borough Council have added an additional 31 parking spaces and a new entrance from Redding Way. This has alleviated the issues regarding the original access arrangements, which was through Strathcona Gardens, for the local residents. The work started on 26 April 2011 and was completed in early June 2011. Knaphill FC then arranged for a tarmac hardstand was put down along the dug-out side of the pitch in late June 2011 to conform with the regulations for entry to The FA Vase.

Knaphill FC will continue to upgrade the facilities both internally and externally as befits a ground in senior football. Woking Borough Council installed solar panels on the roof of clubhouse in April 2012 to help make the facility more self-sufficient in electrical energy. The club have completely redecorated the clubhouse over the 2012 summer break, as well as replacing and adding new fencing, additional seats in both dugouts (now allowing for the seating of a total of 11 football management personnel and substitutes), a new seating layout in the home dressing room, the formation of the Committee room, the addition of a laundry facility and a dedicated kit/physio room.

In the summer of 2013 and as part of their 'Giving to the Community' project whilst their Knaphill store was expanded, J Sainsbury generously allowed their contractors to lay a third side of tarmac along the side of the pitch that adjoins the junior pitch. This now gives Redding Way three sides of hard standing, with the addition of another 50 seat stand and an additional 50 standing places the ground will then be appropriate for Combined Counties League Premier Division football (FA Grade F) which will be required by 31 March 2015 as Knaphill FC were promoted to the Premier Division in 2013/14.

The additional 50-seat stand and two new covered standing areas were in place before the deadline. The second stand sits on the side of the junior pitch and just before the half way line, the two new covered standing areas (built by former player Chris Fox)are located to either side of the home and away dug-outs. The Combined Counties League Ground Grading Committee visited the ground on April 1, 2015 and satisfied with the arrangements made the recommendation to the Football Association that a Grade 'F' be granted.

Non-playing Staff 2016–17

  • Hon President - Dave Holloway
  • Chairman - David Freeman
  • Vice-Chairman - Jim Ahmed
  • Senior Secretary - Mick Clement
  • Treasurer - Caroline Hills
  • Director of Football - Dave Robertson
  • 1st Team Manager - Keith Hills
  • 1st Team Assistant Manager - Kevin Bailey
  • 1st Team Coach - Roland Baker
  • Goalkeeping Coach - Andy Rowe
  • Reserve Team Manager - Richard Keown
  • Reserve Team Assistant Manager - Michael Hulse
  • Reserve Team Coach - Steve Hobbs
  • Youth Team Manager - Barry Losty
  • Youth Team Assistant Manager - Steve Hobbs
  • Youth Team Coach - Andy Elliot
  • Youth Team Secretary - Nick Croshaw
  • Club Kit Man - Tony Hebditch
  • Club Physio - Jenny Thraves
  • Director of Communications - Carl Barker
  • Club Welfare Officer - Caroline Chew
  • Community Liaison Officer -
  • Bar Manager - Caroline Hills
  • Social & Fundraising Manager - Ray Coombes
  • Ground Staff - Kevin Putley, Billy & Paul Garland
  • Match Programme & Website Editor - David Freeman
  • Club Historian - Trevor Wenham

Players

First team squad

As of 14 May 2016.[3]

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
— GK England ENG Richard Shelley
— GK England ENG Luca Bertolone
— GK England ENG Jordan Clement
— DF England ENG Timmy Taylor
— DF England ENG Matt Morris
— DF England ENG Jamie Doble
— DF England ENG Josh Watkins
— MF England ENG Alex Lumley
— MF England ENG Steve Brown
— MF England ENG George Frith
No. Pos. Nation Player
— MF England ENG Robbie Kersley
— MF England ENG Danny Taylor
— MF England ENG Connor Close
— MF England ENG Josh Coke
— MF England ENG Scott Costello
— MF England ENG Charlie Postance
— FW England ENG Yassa Kabuye
— FW England ENG Jack Mazzone
— FW England ENG Jimmy Norman

Honours

League Honours

1st team

Reserves

Cup honours

Reserves

Youth

Best Performances

  • FA Cup best performance: 1st Qualifying Round - 2014/15
  • FA Vase best performance: 4th Round Proper - 2015/16
  • FA Youth Cup best performance: 2nd Qualifying Round - 2015/16
  • FA Women's Cup best performance: 2nd Preliminary Round - 2012/13,
  • Surrey County Intermediate League best performance: Winners - 1935/36
  • Surrey County Intermediate League (Western) 1st Division: Winners - 2006/07
  • Surrey County Intermediate League (Western) Premier Division: Winners - 2007/08
  • Combined Counties League Premier Division best performance: 5th place 2015/16
  • Combined Counties League 1st Division best performance: 3rd place - 2009/10, 2013/14 (P)
  • Surrey FA Senior Cup best performance: Quarter-Finals - 2015/16
  • Surrey FA Premier Cup best performance: Semi-Finals - 2013/14
  • Combined Counties League Premier Challenge Cup best performance: 4th round - 2015/16
  • Combined Counties League First Division Challenge Cup best performance: semi-finals - 2008/09,
  • Southern Combination Challenge Cup best performance: Quarter-Finals - 2013/14
  • Capital Counties Anagrams Records Trophy best performance: 1st round - 2008/09
  • Aldershot Senior Cup best performance: Quarter-Finals - 2016/17
  • Combined Counties League Reserves Division best performance: 9th - 2008/09 & 2010/11
  • Combined Counties League Reserves Challenge Cup best performance: Quarter-Finals - 2007/08 & 2012/13
  • Suburban Football League Central Division best performance: 4th - 2014/15
  • Suburban Football League South Division best performance: Winners - 2015/16
  • Suburban Football League Challenge Cup best performance: Runners-up - 2015/16
  • Southern Youth League West Division best performance: 3rd - 2014/15
  • Southern Youth League Challenge Cup best performance: Quarter-Finals - 2012/13
  • Southern Youth League Invitation Plate best performance: 4th in Group stage - 2013/14
  • Allied Counties Youth League South Division best performance: 6th - 2010/11 & 2011/12,
  • Allied Counties League Cup best performance: Quarter-Finals - 2011/12
  • Combined Counties League Grant-McLellan Youth Cup best performance: Runners-Up - 2010/11 & 2011/12
  • Surrey FA Mid-week Floodlit U18 Cup best performance: 3rd round - 2011/12

Season-by-season record since 2000

Season Division Position
2000-01 Surrey County Intermediate League (Western) 1st Division
2001-02 Surrey County Intermediate League (Western) 1st Division
2002-03 Surrey County Intermediate League (Western) 1st Division
2003-04 Surrey County Intermediate League (Western) 1st Division
2004-05 Surrey County Intermediate League (Western) 1st Division
2005-06 Surrey County Intermediate League (Western) 1st Division 1
2006-07 Surrey County Intermediate League (Western) Premier Division 1
2007-08 Combined Counties League 1st Division 7
2008-09 Combined Counties League 1st Division 5
2009-10 Combined Counties League 1st Division 3
2010-11 Combined Counties League 1st Division 9
2011-12 Combined Counties League 1st Division 12
2012-13 Combined Counties League 1st Division 12
2013-14 Combined Counties League 1st Division 3
2014-15 Combined Counties League Premier Division 13
2015-16 Combined Counties League Premier Division 5
2016-17 Combined Counties League Premier Division

Club records

References

  1. ^ "Combined Counties League: Guernsey FC 5–0 Knaphill FC". BBC News. 6 August 2011. Retrieved 12 July 2012.
  2. ^ "Guernsey thrash Knaphill 8–0 to keep 10 point advantage". BBC News. 12 December 2011. Retrieved 12 July 2012.
  3. ^ "First Team - The Team". Knaphill F.C.

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