Rinse & Repeat for Men's First Team
16th September 2023: Knowle 4-0 Central Ajax
Newly promoted Central Ajax arrived at Hampton Road with high hopes. As it turned out, they were second best in every respect as Knowle cranked out their second 4-0 win in a row. In fitness, in tactics, in skill and in desire Knowle were superior. With the home defence as solid as a rock, and forwards who chased everything and harried the visiting defenders, it was only in mid-field that the visitors had any joy, and that for just a brief period in the first half. Even this came to an abrupt end, when Adam Bourn opened the scoring with a beautifully judged effort from the edge of the area.
From the resultant re-start, Jay Rendell almost doubled the score when he pounced on a defensive error. The bar and goal posts were friends for Central Ajax, with Knowle hitting them a number of times during this match. With sharper shooting, and fewer heroics from custodian Sean Wilson, The Robins could have, indeed, should have, been further ahead at half time. As it was, they had to be satisfied with the single goal advantage.
The second half was little different, with Knowle in total control, even when without the ball. As we neared the end, Knowle stretched their lead, first courtesy of Jay Rendell, who benefited from good work by George Seeley. Then Nathan Corry helped himself to number three. Finally, a deliriously happy Liam O’Donnell made it four.
To their credit, Central Ajax at no time, gave up. Even when just playing for pride, they gave their all. But the result was never really in doubt.
This was a comprehensive victory for The Robins. Afterwards Joint Manager Matthew Seeley was purring. He made the point that even single player representing Knowle Football Club had done their job extremely well. He was so proud of every one of them. Making the point that Knowle go with a larger squad this term, he said he was looking forward to the cup competitions.
Knowle : Johnson; Staley; Riddiford; L Clarke (Manning); Shaw; Bennett (Sinton); Bourn [30] (Corry [79]); O’Donnell [83]; Rendell [64] (Burston Keeley); G Seeley (Mullen); Craine. Sin Bin: 33 O’Donnell: Yellow Card 51 G Seeley.
