Ladies Lose Out in the Last Minute

Knowle started this match in fine fashion, seemingly catching their opponents off guard with their energy and effort. Within thirty seconds, Natalie Gibson’s ball forward put Demi Rolph in behind, but the keeper blocked well. Last season’s golden boot winner wasn’t going to be denied much longer though; she picked up where she had left off in 22/23 with a goal after just two minutes. Nadia Bacciochi and Jess Barlow combined well to play Rolph in, and this time she beat the keeper easily.

Shrewsbury continued with their possession based game plan, but much of their play was in front of the Knowle back line and not threatening Katy Smirthwaite in goal. Knowle were close to doubling their lead when Gibson played in Bacciochi, but the home side’s keeper was quick off her line to smother the 1v1. Shrewsbury also had an opportunity 1v1 soon after, and this time it was Smirthwaite with the block for her team. Shrews then struck the bar with a free kick, and it felt like an equaliser was coming as they tested the Knowle defence with a number of searching crosses. Knowle’s main threat was on the counter, and Morgan Betteridge was inches away from tapping in Rolph’s cross on the back post after a lightning attack.

The sweltering heat was taking its toll, and the referee allowed a drinks break on 25 minutes as the thermometer at pitch side hit thirty degrees. Knowle took the opportunity to send on Sarai McDonald for her senior team debut, replacing Bacciochi. The sixteen year old was straight in the action, stealing the ball from a defender and charging through into the box, but the full back covered well. It was then Shrewsbury’s turn to put together a period of pressure, but the team in red defended their penalty area well, restricting their opponents to long range attempts. The centre forward crashed one such attempt off the bar with Smirthwaite no chance of making a save. 

It was actually Knowle who extended their lead with another counter attack two minutes before half time. Bacciochi held the ball up well before setting the ball back to Kate Fleming. Her first time ball over the top was collected with a superb touch from McDonald, who skipped away from the chasing defenders and slotted her finish under the keeper – cuing exuberant celebrations from her teammates who were thrilled for the youngster.

Shrewsbury had clearly received a rocket at half time and came out a different side. They changed formation and in truth, seized control of the game. They had pulled one back within seven minutes, when the left winger outpaced the Knowle defenders and squared for her striker to tap home.

Knowle were under the cosh now, and the home side hit the woodwork twice more in quick succession, once from a looping cross and then from a far more purposeful shot from just outside the box. Knowle rotated their subs in an attempt to give players some relief from the energy sapping heat, but tired legs began to show as Shrewsbury made the Robins chase the ball.

The equaliser came on eighty minutes; Knowle lost the ball in a dangerous position in midfield and the long ball was collected well by the striker who shot through the legs of Smith and past Smirthwaite from the edge of the penalty area. Smirthwaite then pulled off a fine save to deny the team in blue. Knowle just about had the energy to create one more chance, but the Shrewsbury keeper was equal to it, punching a dangerous Gibson cross from under her crossbar.

Ninety three minute on the clock and it was heartbreak for Knowle; the Shrewsbury right winger still with the energy to race past two Knowle players and then bury a shot across Smirthwaite to give her side a late 3-2 lead. The final whistle came soon after, leaving Knowle empty handed in their first game at this level.

Tired legs paid the price in the end, but the Robins can be pleased with their performance, particularly in the first half where they got on top of their more well-established opponents and proved they have the quality to compete at this level. Next week’s home game against Crusaders presents a chance to convert effort and performance into three points.

Knowle: Smirthwaite, Shaw, Smallwood (Morris, 65), Smith, Fleming, Betteridge, Holland (Phelps, 30), Gibson, Barlow, Rolph, Bacciochi (McDonald, 25).