Seeley Brace Enough for Robins
2nd September 2023: Knowle 2-1 Hampton FC
It took the Robins ten minutes to get going on this hot Saturday afternoon against near neighbours Hampton. When they did, there was only ever going to be one winner. In an admittedly average first half, George Seeley scored two goals that would prove to be enough to secure all three points.
As the first-half wore on, one sensed a deal of frustration creeping into both sides. They both felt decisions were becoming increasingly incorrect. To concentrate on the positive, Captain Seeley’s two goals were of high quality. First the impressive Dylon Bennett fed his Captain who made no mistake at all. Secondly a perfect cross from the right by Tom Craine was headed home to double the score.
At half time, thoughts turned to the chances the Robins had squandered. Would they prove costly? Yet the visitors had only managed to trouble Craig Johnson between Knowle’s sticks on one occasion, and that a long-range effort.
As it turned out, when the second half began, we had already seen all the football. The second period was devoid of attractive action. Knowle were content to allow their visitors to have the ball and defend deep and in numbers. Hampton’s goal was uncharacteristic as far as Knowle were concerned. A cross from the left allowed Sievwright to tap home at the far post. The cross should have been cut out, and the far post defended. However, Hampton were unable to capitalise on the goal, for it was to be their only shot on target in the second forty-five minutes.
Frustration on the pitch was mounting, Hampton’s Alex Conndine was shown a straight red, presumably for something he said. They clock showed 89 minutes. With the Assistant flagging for off-side, the Referee awarded a free kick to Hampton on the edge of Knowle’s Area. We had the unedifying scene of players pushing and jostling with each other as the frustration that had been rising all match, boiled over. Yellows and another red (for Hampton) followed.
Thankfully the final whistle went soon after. As the players left the field Conndine, who had been shown a straight red, appeared run on to the pitch and strike Craig Johnson on the back of his head as he made for the dressing room. More pushing and jostling followed.
It was an embarrassing end to a not very stimulating match. The end result was a 2-1 win for the Robins. The card count was – Knowle: Clarke, G Seeley, and Johnson and for Hampton four or five yellows, and two reds I think!
The large crowd donated £224 toward Hampton’s fund to re-build their destroyed club house and dressing rooms. At least some good came of the afternoon.
Knowle: Johnson; Jones; Riddiford (Staley); L Clarke; Shaw; Bennett (Scott); Craine; O’Donnell; Rendell; G Seeley [23 & 28]; Mullen (Taylor). Subs not used: Manning & Robinson.
