Knowle Make Hard Work of Victory

This is very different Cadbury Athletic side from the one that graced the MFL Division Two last season. With both sides having played two days ago on Saturday, there were some tired legs on show. Nevertheless, the Robins’ forwards especially, ran themselves into the ground.

Whether tiredness was the cause or not, the match we witnessed, was not the greatest spectacle. For the most part it was a mid-field battle. Athletic, without a point so far this term, shored up their defence, and concentrated on keeping the Robins at bay. Although the home side were on top for all of eighty minutes, opportunities in front of goal were in short supply. When the chance presented itself, it was squandered.

As far as the visitors were concerned, only Harry Stone, and Rene Adigbo can have satisfaction in their performances. For the rest, it was mediocre fare.

Despite their dominance, the Knowle goal was a farce. A real mix-up between goalkeeper Oliver and his defence, allowed Tom Craine to bemuse and beat the Goalie to the ball. Having pounced, he was never going to be denied. It proved to be the only goal of the match. Scant reward for the Robins’ eight shots on target, although Athletic could only manage three and those were all in the final ten minutes when they sensed the Robins tired legs.

When all is said and done, it is three valuable points for the Robins and takes them up to fifth place in the Division Two table.

Afterwards, Clive Seeley the Robins’ Joint Manager was pleased with the result and performance, given the obvious tiredness of his players. He picked out Guy Clark for special mention as Man of the Match. Few will argue with that assessment.

On Saturday 2^nd September, The Robins welcome near neighbours, Hampton FC, to The Robins’ Nest. Hampton have started the season really well, and seemed to have put together a good squad of players. As Clive Seeley said, “It is another tough match!”

Knowle FC: Johnson; Jones; Riddiford, L Clarke; G Clark; Bennett; Taylor (Campton); O’Donnell; Craine [38]; G Seeley ©; Mullen. Subs not used: Sinton & Manning. Yellow Cards: G Seeley; Riddiford; and O’Donnell.