Robins Struggle With Conditions in Loss at Coventrians
16th December 2023: Coventrians 2-1 Knowle FC
A strong wind blowing diagonally from corner Flag, to corner flag, a difficult pitch and determined opposition were the challenges of this match.
Despite those challenges, from the first whistle The Robins’ took the game to their hosts. Yet with the high wind causing trouble, not helped by a difficult pitch, playing football was always going to be at a premium. But it only took thirteen minutes for Knowle to take the lead. Callum Burston-Keeley’s Corner from the left, was caught by the wind and sailed into the net passed the hapless Connolly in Goal.
The Robins were unable to capitalize on their advantage, and seven minutes later Graham brought the scores level. Many in the crowd thought he had fouled a defender in the process, but Referee Collin was satisfied all was fair.
Whatever the rights and wrongs, the goal rejuvenated the Coventrians. They followed the well tested tactic of crowding their opponents, and allowing them very little space. The pitch was taking its toll as passes went astray. The Robins were finding it difficult, and could not get their passing game going. A defensive mix up then allowed Brown to put the home side ahead.
The Robins tried to respond, but were thwarted. Tom Craine, and Jay Rendell both squandered gilt-edged chances. As time ticked by, the Robins began to panic. The harder they tried, the worse things were. At the end the Robins had recorded their first away defeat of the season, and conceded their first away goals to Coventrians.
It is clear that there is much work for Clive and Matthew Seeley to do for the second half of the season, a fact acknowledged by Clive Seeley when we spoke after the game.
Knowle FC: Johnson; Taylor (Riddiford); Staley; Lewis Clarke (c); Rainey (Bourn); Bennett (Palmer); Burston-Keeley [13] (Corry); Shaw; Rendell; Scott; Craine. Sub not used: O’Donnell.
