One Momentary Loss of Concentration Costs Knowle

There was very little between these two sides. As the scoreline would suggest, defences were on top for this much of this game played in dim and damp conditions.

Right from the first whistle, the Robins had the ball in the net only for it to be pulled back for an offside decision. This failed attack was followed by one for the visitors. That by one for the Robins, and so on. It was to be the theme of the afternoon.

Although there were plenty of attacks, attempts on target were at a premium. Only twelve in the whole ninety minutes, with most of these coming in the first half. Both sets of defenders were well on the top of their game. However, the method of attack was different. Villa were able to play the ball through mid-field, whereas the Robins rarely managed this. Jack Tregartha made a couple of top notch saves, but Tom Walker between Villa’s posts had a relatively easy afternoon.

Watching the action, one was beginning to think the match had a goalless draw written all over it. Then we had a moment, just a brief moment, of loss of concentration from the Robins. CONNER PERRY-HOLMES was involved in naughtiness down by the Knowle defensive left for which he received a yellow card. A Villa corner followed and who should be unmarked at the far post to turn the ball into the net? Yes, that is correct Connor Perry-Holmes. It was the one lapse that would cost the Robins the game.

Villa did weather the Robins storm from the goal to the break. They even survived spirited appeals for a Penalty when it seemed Nathan Corry was fouled in the area, the Referee was adamant that it was not a penalty, and even booked Corry for simulation. Robins’ supporters were incandescent, but to no avail.

After the re-start things did get a little heated and the strength of the tackles increased. However, it was never a dirty game, yet at the final whistle Referee Phillip Lindsey had six names in his book.

Dylon Bennett did not appear for the second half and the Robins did miss his presence. Their ability to play through midfield was even more restricted now. They resorted to play long balls over the top, or out to the channels. Villa lapped up both. As the final whistle approached, the Robins became ever more desperate. It did them no good. Villa managed the game out well. Although most neutrals I spoke to, thought a draw would have been a fair result, it was that one lapse of concentration the ultimately cost the Robins the points as they fell to their second defeat this term. 

Knowle FC: Tregatha; McArdle; Arthur; Andrews; Delaney ©; Fox; Morris; Bennett (Regan); Corry; Bailey (Galloway); Cullen (Payne). Sub not used Sinton.