Les James Cup Winners!

Ronald Crane reports from The Bescot Stadium

The Bescot Stadium was resplendent in the springtime evening sunshine for this cup final between two teams, close rivals, but also good friends. The game was played in a wonderful spirit throughout and was, in the time-honoured phrase, a game of two halves.

Right from kick-off, The Robins took the match to their opponents. Patient build up, not wasting possession, yet always seeking that opening, they controlled the game. Hampton were content to allow The Robins to play their passing game until it reached the final third, then they attempted to thwart. It worked to a point, but was never going to earn them a victory.

On the half-hour mark, one of many Rainey crosses from the right found Jack Mullen, whose trap, turn and shot opened the scoring to tremendous cheers from the – mainly young – Knowle supporters.

The goal woke up Hampton and they immediately swarmed forward and pressed The Robins much higher up the park. In six minutes they were level after The Robins had escaped a few hairy moments in their own area. An uncharacteristic mix-up in The Robins’ backline left Knowle scrambling and resulted in Matt Garbett scoring a simple tap-in to level the scores.

The match was far more even after these goals, and The Robins’ back four had to produce some last-ditch tackles. But for most of the game those four supreme defenders at Midland League level reigned.  Three minutes prior to the break, Nathan Corry latched on to a through ball to re-take the lead with ease.

The second half was almost a mirror image of the first, with Hampton controlling things without really creating much in front of Craig Johnson. As we neared the end, the match became really frenetic and players snatched at chances instead of keeping calm. Deep into time added on a wonderful through pass by Jack Mullen was pounded on by Charlie Morris who made it three for The Robins. The re-start only lead to the final whistle, and The Robins had triumphed to joyous scenes of celebration.

To their eternal credit, the Hampton players and bench were generous in their applause for the winners.   It is the first trophy for The Robins since winning the Presidents Cup in 2014, so it was a very happy coach journey back to Hampton Road, and celebrations went on well into the early hours!

Their next game is Saturday 20th May 2023: Saturday Vase Final at Ray Hall Lane, home of Birmingham FA, Kick off is at 1400

Knowle: Johnson, Seymour, McArdle, L. Clarke, Rainey, Bennett, Seeley, O'Neil-Martin, Ricketts, Mullen, Corry.  Subs: Morris, Jones, Staley, G Clark.

Photos courtesy Button Oak Photography