THE KNIGHTS endured their first mauling at the hands of Barford Tigers on another warm Autumn afternoon in Handsworth.

With just 10 men and facing a quality Tigers team made up of second, third and fourth team players, it was always going to be an uphill task for Sol Buckner’s side.

Sterling defensive work from centre backs Richard Wood and Andy Carey helped keep the score to just 2-0 at half time and in truth Dudley carved out enough chances to be level at the break with superb midfield work from Chris Breedon and Dave Wilkinson.

The hosts poured forward in the second half and notched up two more before Carey tapped in Buckner’s short corner shot on the hour to make it 4-1.

Barford grabbed another two goals despite some brilliant stops from rookie keeper Martin Matthews who earned man-of-the-match.

Striker Jess Warren hammered home a consolation from 10 yards after superb work from debutant Ed Parkes on the wing.

Buckner said: “It was a tough game for us with 10 men against a well-drilled team.

“We had several players out with injuries or unavailable but it was a great team effort. We are having to learn fast about each other but I’m sure we will be in good shape for the start of the league next month.”

The Knights play their final pre-season friendly at Ormiston Sandwell Community Academy on Saturday against Wednesbury Seconds with a 2pm push back. For more information about the club visit www.dudleyknights.co.cc