Knowle Edge Closer to Title With Vital Away Win

George Revell reports on a huge night for Knowle in their quest for the league title…

Battling Knowle strengthened their position as frontrunners in the Midland Football League Division One title race with a hard-fought 1-0 victory on the road at high-flying Leicester St. Andrews.

A solitary first-half strike from Hayden Purves, coupled with two magnificent saves from goalkeeper Matt Horton and a superb defensive display, made sure the Robins preserved their table-topping status, leaving themselves in a strong position with six matches to play.

The Drews, in the midst of an impressive play-off challenge themselves, weren’t afraid to take the game to Knowle early on and crafted the game’s first real chance four minutes in.

A lofted ball from home right-back James Merriman bypassed Knowle’s midfield, and caught out centre-backs Jack Duggan and Flynn Powell. Onrushing striker Joe Ball raced beyond Powell but couldn’t quite direct his delicate chip inside Horton’s right-hand post.

Experienced defender Duggan soon intervened to deny Nathan McGarrity a shooting chance after he had neatly flicked over Powell in an opening 10 minutes where Knowle weren’t allowed a glimpse of goal.

But Knowle, aiming for the title, soon turned it on and almost found the net in the 14th minute when Purves’ menacing right-wing cross flashed across the face of goal and narrowly missed the left foot of Talib Copeland at the back post.

The game’s frantic opening continued with Knowle coming close again barely 90 seconds later. Odane Barnes brilliantly plucked the ball from the Leicestershire sky before losing his footing and firing just wide of the left-hand upright.

Knowle often threaten down the right, so it was no surprise when Purves’ 12th goal of the season came about from that side on 19 minutes. Copeland, after holding off pressure and driving to the byline, pulled back for Purves to guide a shot past Drews stopper Archie Wood and into the bottom-left corner.

The already-poor lighting at Canal Street only became more apparent as the sun lowered further and intensity came down slightly as the players got used to the dark conditions.

But the pitch remained in excellent condition and the dry weather allowed Knowle to settle and take control as the half wore on.

Having said that, Knowle’s next opening arrived in scrappy fashion, Duggan having a stabbed effort saved by Wood after Copeland - helped by his tall frame - beat two defenders to the header and smartly flicked on for him six yards out.

Wood couldn’t parry far enough to fully clear the ball, but McGarrity did his defensive duties to prevent Knowle skipper George Seeley from pouncing on the rebound.

Seeley’s next involvement - or lack of it - was the cause of a few worries. Joint-managers Matt and Clive Seeley were forced into an early substitution after their relative stayed down following a collision nine minutes before half-time.

The striker tried to shake off the pain but was unable to continue. Zak Parsons was summoned from the bench.

The lengthy stoppage for Seeley’s treatment seemed to suck all life out of both teams as half-time approached and the game became much more scrappy. Neither side really threatened again before time was called on the first half and Knowle went in a goal to the good.

Play was even but cagey immediately after the restart and openings were hard for either side to come by, hence why the Drews were furious when their angry penalty appeals were waved away six minutes into the second half.

Connor Mort was beaten by Ball before the young midfielder wriggled his way into the box and eventually went to ground after a minor shirt-pull by Callum Scott. Ball, who only joined the Drews in January from local rivals Aylestone Park, made it look much worse than it was, though the hosts felt aggrieved.

The Drews continued to pile on the pressure and Horton was called into action two minutes later following a well-worked set piece. A deep free-kick was met by Merriman, who flicked back for McGarrity to drive one at Horton’s near post from 16 yards. Quick reactions from Horton preserved Knowle’s lead.

There were periods of bright spells from Knowle, but Horton again denied the hosts an equaliser after the hour following a swift counter-attack.

After setting himself with his chest, Ball played a pass to Corey Bucalossi on the edge of the penalty area, but the midfielder played a clever dummy for McGarrity to drive one just within Horton’s grasp.

Neither side registered a shot on target at all after that. In a quiet final 25 minutes, Knowle stayed resolute to secure a victory which could prove huge come the end of the season.

Second-placed Gornal Athletic ended their minor slip-up with a dominant 5-0 win over Coventry Copsewood at the same time, but Knowle are still firmly in the driving seat.

They lead Gornal by two points and have two extra games to play.