A minute silence was observed prior to kick off to honor the memory of former Inglewood legend Derek “Cup Tie” McKay who sadly passed away during the week.

The first chance of the game fell to the lively Dennis McRoberts but he hit his shot wide of the upright after a fine turn on the edge of the area left him with a sight on goal.

It was to prove the youngsters last meaningful act in the game as he succumbed to a knee injury and was replaced after only ten minutes.

The beneficiary was Griffiths who moved up to the attack to partner Despotovski and after running onto a ball in the Knights penalty area, was dumped from behind by Jon Mathers, with referee Jeremy Oliphant having no hesitation in pointing to the spot.

Despotovski stepped up to power an unstoppable penalty high into the net to give United the lead only four minutes before half time.

Just as the Knights were eyeing off the half time break and a chance to regroup, Despotovski’s neat turn allowed him to feed Griffiths who fired a 20 yard curler just inside the post with the outside of his right boot in what was a hammer blow to the Knights second half chances.

The resumption of play saw the Knights finally put some pressure on Oliver Taseski’s goal as an early corner was volleyed goal wards by substitute Anthony Fearon but the Inglewood defenders were well placed to clear off the line.

A minute later and a second Knights corner caused more consternation for United, this time it was the cross bar who came to their rescue as a lifted shot from Keith Butler didn’t quite dip enough.

United had a couple of chances to put the result beyond doubt in the second half, Despotovski blasting an effort well wide with only the keeper to beat and Griffiths also failed to add to his tally after neat work from Michael Baczynski in the area, but his low
centre was just beyond the Inglewood marksman.

Knights coach Ronnie Campbell was not happy with the performance, labeling it as one of the worst games in his Knights tenure.

“We were beaten by a better team today. They were more committed and thoroughly deserved to win. It’s one of the worst performances from us I think I’ve seen in ten years, we were second best all over the park, the passing was terrible and a lack of commitment. Very disappointed and the best team won on the day” said Campbell.

Inglewood coach Lee Bamber was not getting carried away with the result or his team’s 2-1 start to the season.

“Not too bad, it was a win and that’s all. They all did ok, that’s what we are about, being a team, no standouts and just a good team performance all round” said Bamber.

Despotovski whilst a couple of yards slower than in his prime hasn’t lost any of the ability he once had and was a figurehead for his side in attack, successfully converting a penalty and claiming an assist for Griffiths long range strike.

“You never lose the class do you? He tired badly towards the end, but when he is out there he is experienced and great for the lads”.

“Tough game next week at Sorrento, they are flying at the minute. We played them in a pre-season friendly so we know what they are all about. We’ll go up there, have a game plan and give them a game” he said.