Superb Knowle Sink United

Ronald Crane reports from the Draintech.

For the second week running, The Robins were involved in a first v second clash at Hampton Road. The Draintech Community Stadium welcomed a large crowd of 148 for the occasion. This match had been eagerly awaited, as both sides have the reputation of playing attractive football. As it turned out, the game did not live up to its billing as a potential end to end feast. From start to finish Knowle were in total control, and United could not manage one single shot on target, and only two off-target.

The writing was on the wall when Referee Moreby awarded the home side a penalty in the sixth minute. This produced nerves in the home crowd as The Robins have been guilty of squandering the kick from twelve yards a number of times this season. However, up stepped Zak Parsons, the coolest man in the ground, and scored with ease.

With pressure from the Robins relentless, United ‘keeper Rushe made an awful hash, allowing Ricardo Dudley (what was he doing in the opposition area?) to make it two. Three minutes later it was three. Zak Parsons pouncing on a loose ball in the area to poke it home.

The only question on then lips of supporters during the break was, “Would Knowle settle for three, or would they press home their advantage to the full?”

Within three minutes of the re-start we knew the answer. Hayden Purves producing an unstoppable effort from twelve yards.

If United’s hearts had sunk with the early penalty, now they were defeated, and they knew it. The second-half seemed though it had petered out rather, with both sides content with the way things were.

Nevertheless, with strikes in the eighty sixth minute and the eighty ninth minute, Ricardo Dudley and the irrepressible Odane Barnes grabbed a goal each to make the final tally six.

Deep into stoppage time, United’s Ellis Vaux was sent to the ‘sin bin’ by referee Mr Moreby. However, before leaving the field the player let out a volume of invective and foul language, that turned the card into a straight red.

This was a comprehensive victory for The Robins. They were just better in every department than their opponents.

Next Saturday, 9th November, The Robins travel to Fairfield Villa for a MFL D2 fixture, KO 1400.