Knowle Ladies Enjoy a Sunny Sunday Win

Sunday was a perfect day for football, and both Knowle and opponents Rugby Borough were definitely pleased to take to the field without gale force winds or driving rain as they have done in previous weeks!

The formation and line up was tweaked somewhat from the last game, with debutant Michelle McCormack named in midfield and Sam Smith returning to the back line. Within two minutes of kick off, the referee was pointing to the penalty spot after Jess Holland had been hacked down just inside the area. McCormack duly stepped up and slid the spot kick past the keeper for a dream start to her Knowle career! The early lead gave Knowle confidence and the first half was one way traffic. Balls into the penalty box were causing chaos for Rugby defence and Knowle could have double the lead when Emma Shaw’s deep cross found fellow full back Rach Keen on the back post, but she couldn’t get over the ball and clipped her attempt just over the bar. Demi Rolph was then sent clear by McCormack, but the Rugby goalkeeper came out and blocked her shot. McCormack herself also forced a good save with a free kick that had to be parried round the post. 

Knowle were able to pick off any sporadic Rugby attacks, though were sometimes guilty of letting the bobbly pitch affect the way they held onto possession. However they were creating opportunities by playing over and in behind the Rugby backline, and with better finishing, would perhaps have extended their lead several times in that first half. Alice Belcher beat the offside trap on the half hour mark and squared to Rolph, but she rushed her shot and didn’t connect properly. Rolph’s next attempt was deflected wide by the keeper and from the resulting corner, Kate Fleming’s volley hit the bar. The home side therefore had to be content with a 1-0 lead at half time.

The second half started in much the same fashion as the first, with Knowle creating a couple of quick fire chances. Rolph was again in the right position to pick up Holland’s clever through ball, but this time the Rugby goalkeeper stretched out a leg and just managed to divert the attempt wide. Belcher then combined well with Jess Barlow to find space to hit a shot, but the keeper blocked once more. Long range efforts from McCormack and Camile Abbotts were off target too. Rugby then had a period of success in the Knowle half, pouncing on a couple of loose passes to attack goal. The forward was under pressure from Shaw and shot high over the bar on the first occasion, and Maz Byrne raced back to clear the second. 

Knowle did eventually get their second when Rolph skipped round a defender on the left side, drew out the keeper then squared to Belcher to slot home. Ten minutes later it was 3-0; Holland’s persistence in chasing down a hopeful pass rescued the ball out wide right, allowing Morgan Betteridge to cross. Rolph collected the ball on the back post and fired it in from a tight angle to deservedly get on the scoresheet. There was just enough time in the game for Rugby Borough to grab a consolation however; Smith’s clearance rebounded off Byrne’s arm, rolled off the arm and shoulder of the attacked and was poked past Smirthwaite – unpick that one referee!?  Knowle closed out the last couple of minutes easily though, giving them a 3-1 win.

Knowle: Smirthwaite, Shaw, Byrne, Smith, Keen, Holland, McCormack, Fleming, Barlow, Belcher, Rolph.

Subs: Abbotts (for Barlow, 59), Harris (for Shaw, 63) Betteridge (for Keen, 66)

Photos courtesy of Dave Lockie - https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?vanity=DaveLockiePhotography&set=a.3044172849182774

1 - Jess Barlow beats a defender

2 - Camile Abbotts blocks Rugby Progress