Knaphill slipped to a narrow 3-2 defeat at home to Virginia Water in the Combined Counties Premier Division South.

The opening 20 minutes set the tone for what would be an entertaining encounter. Knaphill came out with intent, and their pressure paid off on 12 minutes when Ross Murdoch finished clinically. He was found in the box, and after holding off his defender, Murdoch turned and struck a left-footed finish into the bottom corner.

The Knappers should have extended their lead shortly afterwards. Ben Mitchell's intelligent play created a glorious opportunity on 15 minutes when Murdoch picked out Bradley Sweeney alone in the box, only for the effort to be blocked.

Knaphill doubled their lead on 34 minutes through Mitchell, who showed excellent composure to finish past visiting keeper Matthew Jones after picking up a deflected through ball.

At 2-0 up Knaphill looked well-positioned, but Virginia Water pulled a goal back on 61 minutes through Tyler Robinson's volley after a long throw-in caused chaos in Knaphill's box.

The visitors got back on level terms eight minutes later. Luke Appleton’s long ball wasn't dealt with convincingly by James Glover, and Knappers keeper Harvey Keogh tried to punch the ball away but it span off his fist and behind him into the empty net, despite Dale Burnham’s attempt to clear it off the line.

Virginia Water completed their turnaround on 76 minutes when Stuart Mortimer rose highest in between two defenders from James Darvill's cross to put the visitors 3-2 up.

Knaphill looked for a late leveller and nearly equalised in stoppage time when Murdoch’s shot was well blocked by Kai Boylen.

The Knappers had other chances to rescue a point, but Virginia Water’s defence held firm and Jones remained alert when he was called into action.

By Jonas Poon