Ladies Make It Three From Three

Towards the end of last season, these two sides played out three tight games in league and cup; this season’s first clash proved no different. Knowle had to battle hard to secure the 1-0 win and there were certainly periods in the game where it looked unlikely they would hold on.

Sedgley & Gornal were quick out the blocks and created the first opportunity of the game with a ball over the top that caught Knowle cold, but Maz Byrne was able to get back and snuff out the danger. Knowle responded well with an attack of their own; Celina Smallwood pushed the ball down the line for Demi Rolph to drive at goal and it took a good block from the defender to divert her attempt. From the resulting corner, Sam Smith’s header went over the bar. Knowle were working the ball well through midfield, switching the attack from side to side. Morgan Betteridge broke forward well from full back to play in some dangerous crosses, but the away side’s defence were able to clear. 

Sedgley were thwarted again by Byrne when she glanced a header away just in front of the attacker with the goal gaping after the winger had wriggled clear down Knowle’s left side. That was followed by a good period of Knowle pressure though. Firstly Jess Holland’s powerful shot was well saved, then Natalie Gibson hit an attempt wide. Bex Clarke was instrumental in midfield throughout the game, winning plenty of possession and mopping up loose balls before sending Knowle on the attack again. It was from that type of play that she created the home side’s goal; her clipped forward pass set Jess Barlow free and she rocketed her finish past the keeper. Sarah Moore was subbed onto the field after 30minutes and it looked as though she may make an immediate impact when she beat her defender to open up a chance, but she was off balance and the keeper smothered her shot. The teams went in with that single goal separating them at halftime, though Knowle had the best of the play and opportunities to score.

The second half was a different affair – Sedgley were undoubtedly the better side. Knowle spent a lot of time clearing their lines and defending their goal. Katy Smirthwaite’s handling was impeccable on the day and she started the half by dealing with two long range attempts. Knowle’s best chance of the half came when Rolph skipped through the defence but the keeper was equal to her effort and the rebound that fell to Moore. The away side should really have equalised when a long free kick found a way through to the unmarked centre half on the back post; her touch was good but the shot was straight at Smirthwaite. Knowle couldn’t quite keep the ball long enough to get up the pitch, and had to rely on an excellent block by Camile Abbotts to stay in front. Sedgley also hit the bar with a great shot after the midfielder had bypassed two challenges to find herself on the edge of the box. As the half wore on, a player from each side went in the book – the Sedgley forward for an unnecessary shove on Smirthwaite and Moore for kicking the ball away after being called offside. Time ran out for Sedgley in the end and Knowle stood firm to hold onto their lead and secure the 1-0 win.

Three wins from three for Knowle then, but this one they really had to work for. Next week they play in the FA Cup, at home to Coundon Court – another tricky game for the Robins, but one they will be motivated for!

Knowle: Smirthwaite, Smallwood (Shaw, 30), Smith, Byrne, Betteridge, Clarke, Abbotts (Moore, 30), Gibson, Rolph, Holland, Barlow.