Knowle reclaim top spot with gutsy away win after touching Jimmy Merry tribute

Knowle moved back into first place in the league as they returned to winning ways with a hard-fought 1-0 victory at Godmanchester Rovers on Saturday afternoon.

A week on from his inadvertent own goal that helped Heanor Town secure a comfortable United Counties League Cup win at The Robins’ Nest, Jack Duggan scored the game’s only goal on a day where both sides remembered Knowle’s Match Secretary Jimmy Merry during an impeccably observed minute’s silence before kick-off.

The Robins had already spurned several second-half chances before Duggan got the final touch when Ethan Green’s powerful strike from the edge of the penalty area took two heavy deflections on its way past home goalkeeper Max Rigby with 20 minutes left to play.

Knowle’s lives were made slightly easier five minutes later, Goddy midfielder Tim Omodu sent for an early bath after committing his second bookable offence in quick succession.

The fog grew heavier throughout the second half but Knowle avoided any late Halloween scares to secure a battling victory that Jimmy would have been extremely proud of.

The win saw the Robins reclaim their place at the top of the United Counties Premier South table having played two games fewer than league leaders Rugby Town, who were in FA Vase action while this game was being played.

Next up for Knowle is a home game versus Histon at 3pm on Saturday, November 7.