The Defence Wins It For Knowle

Ronald Crane reports from The Draintech Community Ground

Inkberrow are one of the most attractive sides to watch in MFL Division; well run with a good backroom staff, they are a good footballing side. This match was intriguing, one could not take one’s eye off the action. Not because it was end to end, it was not; but because both sides were intent in playing football on a surface that is best described as “poor”.

The Robins were first out of the starting gate, with a through ball from George Seeley to Jack Mullen who fed Nathan Corry as the unfortunate Max Court in goal, and the Inkberrow defence in general, made a real mess of things. Corry took full advantage and tapped the ball home. He even had time to follow his effort and make sure of the goal as it did seem that the ball would not make the line. He made sure it did, and The Robins were one to the good with two minutes on the clock.

For the rest of the first forty-five minutes it was all Inkberrow. They held mid-field with the impressive Callum Davies and Ellis Vaux very much in charge. Knowle found it hard to get forward as Inkberrow controlled the match. Yet the visitors could only manage three shots worth the name, one of which hit the post.

As far as The Robins were concerned, at the back, Jones, Lewis, McArdle and Seymour in front of ‘Keeper Johnson were really solid. The defence held firm and showed just why The Robins have only conceded two goals in their last six league games.

Knowle made two changes at half-time. Nathan Corry and Joe Sinton gave way to Jacob Walton and Jack Ricketts. The alteration changed the match. Knowle were a different side. They controlled things from then until the finish, yet to Inkberrow’s credit, the home side could not extend the lead. The substitutions injected some energy into The Robins performance. This brought the best from Kartel O’Neil-Martin who was excellent. Yet he, and Jacob Walton, were both guilty of being caught in possession too many times.

These three points were earned the hard way. The Robins had to dig deep to secure them. That they did, is all the more credit to the squad. The men on show were minus Morris, Rainey, and Bennett. Those who came in were more than up to the task. A mention for Ben Jones, singled out by Joint Manager Clive Seeley after the game for praise. He is Knowle’s most improved player.

The only blot was Referee Gudger’s liberal use of yellow cards; five for Knowle, three for Inkberrow. This win takes Knowle up to second place in the MFL Division Two table, eight points adrift of leaders Sutton United, with four games in hand.

On Wednesday 5th April, Knowle welcome Cadbury Athletic to the Draitech Community Ground for the Les James Challenge Cup Semi Final, Kick Off at 1800. Then come four away League games.

Knowle FC: 

Johnson; Jones, Hayden, L Clarke, McArdle, Sinton (Ricketts); O’Neil-Martin; Staley; Mullen; Seeley ©; Corry (Walton). Subs not used: M Bailey; M Seeley; Burston-Keeley. 

Forthcoming Fixtures:

WED 5th April 2023: Knowle v Cadbury Athletic : Les James Cup Semi-Final: KO 1800

SAT 8th April 2023: Fairfield Villa v Knowle AWAY – MFL D2 – KO 1500

MON 10th April 2023: Boldmere S & S F AWAY – MFL D2 – KO 1500

SAT 15th April 2023: Alcester Town – AWAY – MFL D2 – KO1500