Robins into Another Final on Penalties

Ronald Crane reports from The Draintech Community Ground

For the third cup tie running, and the second semi-final, The Robins go through via penalties. This time they secured their spot in the Les James Challenge Cup Final which will be held at Bescot Stadium, Walsall on Tuesday 9th May against Hampton FC.

That this semi final match could go ahead at all is down to the hard work of the backroom staff at Knowle FC. Many thought that the rain would have taken its toll of the game, but not so. The pitch was soft, but perfectly playable.

Before a large crowd (211), Knowle set the standard from the first whistle. For thirty minutes they controlled the game without ever troubling Oliver between the Athletic sticks. When the visitors did manage to get forward they met the wall that is the Robins’ defence with Craig Johnson making a couple of top notch saves. In contrast, Knowle could not manage a single attempt on goal despite their dominance.

As we approached the half-time break, Athletic came into the game and provided the Knowle defence with some searching questions. Yet at the break the score remained nil-all. 

The second-half was a totally different matter. Both sides upped their tempo and Knowle were far better, at last looking as if they could score. Ten minutes into the second-half it happened. A peach of a pass through the middle by Jack Ricketts was timed to fall right into Kartel O’Neil-Martin’s path. He beat the off-side trap with aplomb, and raced into the Area to score with ease.

Now Athletic showed their mettle, forcing a series of corners. Despite this, the home side seemed that they could see out the game. Seven minutes from the end of normal time a cross from their right was bundled home by Kedeiah Warren-Paul. There was a crowd of players in the six-yard box all trying to connect with the ball, somehow it ended in the net.

The set back did not deter Knowle who went about trying to restore their lead. Corners and attacks all proved fruitless, and in the gloom of the evening approaching eight o’clock, we went to Penalties. Held at the Training Ground End, Sinton, Jones Corry and Walton (who had come on to the field as a sub about twenty seconds before the Referee blew for time!) all found the net. For Athletic, Hands and McGinn scored, but Dinanga and Cooper had their efforts saved by Craig Johnson. It was all over, and Knowle are on their way to the Bescot Stadium. In three penalty shoot-outs Johnson has distinguished himself with timely saves.

Knowle FC: Johnson; Rainey; Jennings (Jones); Byrne; MaCardle; Bennett (Sinton); O;Neil-Martin; Ricketts; Mullen (Walton); G Seeley (Morris); Corry. Sub not used: Burston-Kelley.

Forthcoming Fixtures:

Sat 8th April; Fairfield Villa – AWAY – MFL D2 – KO 1500

Mon 10th April; Boldmere S & S F – AWAY – MFL D2 – KO 1500

Sat 15th April; Alcester Town – AWAY – MFL D2 – KO 1500

Tue 18th April; Bolehall Swifts – AWAY – MFL D2 KO 1820

Sat 22nd April; Kenilworth Sporting – HOME – MFL D2 – KO 1500