Robins Do Enough

Ronald Crane reports from the Draintech Community Ground

This, the Robins’ final home League match of the season, drew a large crowd, knowing that nothing but a win would do.

They began in this vein, and set about their business with gusto. Early chances went begging, but then the impressive Barnes passed to Parsons, who scored with ease with eleven minutes on the clock.

There were more chances, and the goal posts and cross bar were hit too many times. It was the old story of missed chances. Nevertheless, Alvis had more possession perhaps, yet in the first half never got near the Robins’ goal, Nathan Taylor, making his debut in the home side's goal, had little to trouble him.

Although Knowle were comfortable and in control, it was not until then second minute of added time at the close of the first-half that they were able to extend the lead. Clutterbuck, the Alvis ‘Keeper brought down Odane Barnes in the Area, it was a clear penalty, and Zak Parsons duly dispatched it into the back of the net.

The second-half followed a similar pattern until after the hour mark when Alvis made a series of substitutions. They certainly made an improvement, and the visitors had their best spell, creating good chances that required Taylor to be on his mettle.

In the end, The Robins’ were worthy of their victory, and set up a mouth-watering match at Northfield Town on 5^th April. Assuming Northfield win their matches before that date, that encounter will be simple. Knowle need to win to take the championship by a point. A draw or a defeat hand the top spot to Northfield, providing they then take the required points from their final two games.

Knowle FC: N Taylor; Rainey (O Taylor); Powell; Record; Dudley; Bennett; Mullen (Burston-Keeley); Drake-Cervantes; Rendell (Corry); Parsons [11 & 45+2p] (Stone); Barnes.  

Subs not used: Oscar Slater