TOWN EDGE OUT ROBINS

Ronald Crane Reports from The Draintech

This was a tense affair, played on a difficult pitch that did not encourage passing football. Consequently there was a great deal of effort expended by both sides, but little real quality. In the end the difference between the two sides was Umit Eminoglu. He scored the only goal of the match, an unchallenged header at the back post. Later on, he was also shown the yellow card when he incurred the wrath of Referee Gordon.

Having said that there was little difference, there is no doubt that Town deserved their three points. The home side were without a few regulars and although their replacements did not let the side down, it was clear in the first half that Town had the edge. With Sam Delaney a rock at the centre of the home defence, including a goal line clearance, and Town squandering a few chances plus hitting the post twice, the opening forty-five minutes were goalless. 

Young Sam Woolaston, making his debut in goal for Knowle, had a nervy start in that first half. He came for a few crosses, but did not really get to the ball and Knowle had to scramble it away fortunately. However, as the first half wore on, he became more confident and by the end looked a very good prospect making important saves and clearances. The fact that the men in front of him allowed Eminoglu a free header at the far post was no fault of his.

Knowle had begun the brighter of the two sides, but the majority of the game was played in the Knowle half of the pitch. Eminoglu and Elwell were caught off-side nine times during the match.

For Knowle, Callum Regan and Christian McArdle were having good games, but both sides found it difficult to make progress through mid-field. The woodwork came to the rescue of both teams more than once, yet attempts on target were at a premium – only six registered in the whole game.

The goal came in the sixty seventh minute, and it prompted Knowle to up their game. Entering the final ten minutes. George Seeley dropped into defence, with Sam Delaney going up front. There were one or two moments when Town were panicking. One when the ball was flying around their six-yard area like a pinball, but it fell to a defender to clear.

Attention at Hampton Road now turns to Saturday’s trip to Bolehall Swifts who are going rather well this term.

Knowle FC: Woolaston; Ormstom (Morgan); Payne; Fox; Delaney ©; McArdle; Regan (Andrews); Corry (Perrins); Seeley; Galloway. Subs not used: Williams & Paterson.

Next Match: Saturday 4th September 2021: Bolehall Swifts FC v Knowle FC KO 1500 at 62 RENE ROAD, TAMWORTH, Staffordshire B77 3NW.

Next Knowle Home Match: Knowle FC v Inkberrow FC KO 1500 on Saturday 11th September 2021

(Header photo from Gary Spooner - more photos from the game can be found at https://www.flickr.com/photos/131878596@N04/albums/72157719758526971)