Defence of the Challenge Cup Title Begins

Dave Sykes reports from Hampton Road

As holders of the Les James Challenge Cup, Knowle were clearly not in the mood to relinquish their trophy to Jim Barry’s Men from Leamington. Jim is in his early 80s and actually founded the Hibernian club about 50 years ago. His whole family have been involved over the years and many of them were there to give the team some support.

 Knowle were well under strength because of injuries and holidays but it gave the management team a chance to give youngsters more experience. Joe Riddiford started his first game for the club at left back and impressed us all with his pace and accuracy of passing. Mike Palmer also proved an able deputy but the two real surprises were George Seeley starting as a centre back and Callum Burston-Keeley coming on for a 12 minute cameo at the end of the match. Callum had an ACL just over 12 months ago so all last season he couldn’t play. He ran the line, acted as ball boy, was a more than capable physio and frustrated supporter. Everyone was delighted to see him come on to play. They were even more delighted when his first touch gave an assist to Mike Palmer when he scored our second goal.

Even with a depleted side Knowle took control right from the start. Dylan Bennett and Mike Palmer won their battles in the midfield and our two wing backs Joe Sinton and Joe Riddiford powered forward. The chances came and went. Double figures after about 15 minutes! Tom Craine was clearly disappointed as he narrowly missed probably 4 chances himself but made no mistake when he scored from the penalty spot. Soon after, a piledriver nearly doubled our lead; Bennett has a bit of a reputation for power shooting so we all knew what was coming but the ball just skimmed the cross bar. Their young keeper then came into his own! Making save after save leaving Owain Taylor and Tom Craine scratching their heads in disbelief! 

The second half saw Jack Mullen take over where Tom Craine left off. Shots just wide or comfortably saved became the order of the day. But then things turned! A Hibs counter attack and the ball was in the net! Fortunately the lino’s flag was up. We breathed again. Jonno didn’t have time for that as he pulled off a stunning save with 15 to go. Knowle needed another goal and it came with a skilful bit of play from sub Callum. He lobbed the ball over the centre half, Mike Palmer ran onto it and headed it over the keeper!. Seconds to go! Penalty for Leamington. Surely a consolation for them but Jonno in goal did what he does best! Keep a clean sheet!