Northfield Thwart Robins

Ronald Crane reports from the Draintech Community Ground

This top of the table clash turned out to be an absorbing match, rather than an exciting one. It started well enough for The Robins, right from kick-off Barnes raced down the right wing and produced a cross for Zak Parsons, at the back post and unmarked, to head home. Unfortunately, he headed the ball into the side netting.



As things turned out, this was to be the measure of the whole game. These two well matched sides just cancelled each other out in the first forty-five minutes. If Town had the best of possession, they were only occasionally allowed to get anywhere near Craig Johnson’s goal. The Robins, on the other hand, had four really good opportunities to hit the net. All were either squandered or thwarted by Town’s Goalie and Man of the Match, Tom Walker.

The Town custodian had a wonderful match. It was thanks to him, that the scores remained level. He pulled off a series of top-notch saves. However, he was aided and abetted in this by some poor finishing by the home side.

Although the scores were still nil-all at half-time, with The Robins restricting Town to just one shot on target the home supporters felt that with patience, a goal would come.

As the second-half progressed, gradually The Robins edged their way to control the game. The home mid-field became dominant, and the game was played in the Town half of the park. Knowle ought to have scored, but Walker – again – helped by poor finishing, kept the scores level.

With twelve minutes to go, the home side were handed a life-line by Northfield and the referee when Brooks clearly handled in the area. A penalty was awarded. Toby Scott stepped up to the twelve-yard spot. His attempt was weak, and Walker had no trouble in saving.

Nevertheless, The Robins kept going, and had more chances to score, but they all passed without product.

Right at the death, Town mounted a series of attacks, and at one, Craig Johnson produced the save of the match to ensure the result was to be nil-all.

Is this a point gained, or two points post? When I spoke with Clive Seeley after the match, he felt it was two points lost. However, the league table situation remains the same as it was on Friday, so as far as The Robins are concerned, nothing is lost.

___________________________________________________________________

Knowle FC: Johnson; C Scott (Stone); Powell; Clarke; Dudley; Drake-Cervantes; Parsons (Purves); T Scott; Barnes; G Seeley; Craine (Hague). Subs unused: Corry & Riddiford.