Robins Too Strong for Town
23rd September 2023 - Earlswood Town 0-3 Knowle
From the first whistle to the last, The Robins were in control of this match both when in possession, and when out of possession. As early as the tenth minute, although no goal had been scored, one felt the result was foregone conclusion. Town’s body language gave the impression of a side who knew they were up against it.
The Robins were magnificent. In charge at the back, in midfield and up front. The 3-5-2 formation employed by Town, never wrested control of mid-field from the men from the Draintech Community Stadium.
It was twenty minutes into the game before Town managed to get into the Robins’ area, and not a single shot on – or off – target in the first forty-five minutes. Strangely enough it was immediately after The Robins had scored, that Town made any progress forward. The goal was a good one; George Seeley benefited from good work by Rendell and Mullen to hit the net from twelve yards.
Town were poor in this first half, and could only improve in the second period. They did, but without any conviction or end product. The second half was just a minute old, when George Seeley hit a free kick from thirty-five yards into the top of the net. It sealed the game and the points. Town tried to rally, but the game had, in truth, already gone. Such was The Robins’ superiority.
Ten minutes into the second half, Town did have a good spell and forced Craig Johnson to make two quick saves, and a follow up was headed from the goal-line. It was Town’s only real attack.
Just after the hour mark, Tom Craine made it three when an unforced error in Town’s defence allowed him to pounce and bemuse Pheasey between Town’s sticks to get the ball over the line. It was a goal born of persistence and the desire to score.
For the rest it was Robins in control and Town often chasing shadows. Clarke and Shaw at the back, Bennett and Scott in mid-field were excellent. The harsh truth is that the 3-0 scoreline flattered the home side. The Robins ought to have scored more.
Knowle FC: Johnson; Taylor; Staley (Jones); Clarke; Shaw; Bennett; Mullen; Scott (Manning); Rendell; G Seeley [20&46]; Craine [62](Bourn). Sub not used Riddiford.
