Knowle breeze into Quarter Final

Report below of Knowle's Les James Challenge Cup game against Barnt Green on Saturday

Knowle breeze into Quarter Final

After a tight opening period Barnt Green had the first real attempt on goal as their midfielder had a long range effort that the returning Perry Cox in the Knowle goal watched over the bar. Yahiya Todd then went on a brilliant marauding run at the home defence which was halted by the home keeper diving at his feet. Todd then turned provider with a cross from the left that Steven Ruck volleyed wide from 12 yards. Knowle then took control of the tie with two quick fire goals in the 21st and 22nd minute. Firstly, Roz Kane's volleyed in a loose ball from a Ruck corner and then Torryn Connolly charged down the keeper's clearance and the ball fell kindly to Nathan Corry who slotted into the empty net. Niall Attenborough blazed over from the edge of the area as Knowle tried to capitalise on their dominance. However, they then came under pressure with Cox saving a long range free kick just under his bar on the 30 minute mark. Barnt Green then split the Knowle defence but their striker hit wide under pressure from Gavin Lamb. Cox also had another shot from the edge of the box to save before he saved at his near post only for the rebound to be squared to the back post for Barnt Green to pull one back.

Knowle came out renewed at the start of the second half and restored their two goal lead from a corner in the 52nd minute when George Seeley nipped in to slot home a flick on by Ashley Weeks from a Ruck corner. Ruck then had two efforts in the 60th minute with a left foot effort drilled just over the bar and then a right foot effort well blocked by the home defence. From the corner that followed the second effort Seeley again slotted home from a Weeks' knock down to make it 4-1. Rather than let their heads go down Barnt Green came back at Knowle with Cox having to save with his feet following a through ball and then gathering well after a mazy run from their winger who went past four Knowle players. Knowle had an effort deflected wide in the 80th minute but had to rely again on Cox to save from a volley from the edge of the box. Then in the 82nd minute when the home forward flicked the ball over him Alex Litwenko was able to get back to clear off the line. Ruck had another effort from a free kick 25 yards out as the game entered added time before the home side got a consolation goal in the dying seconds when they volleyed in a loose ball following a corner.

The 4-2 win sees Knowle move through to the quarter final where they face Fairfield Villa. Next week Knowle return to league action as they visit Redditch Borough.

Updated 10:45 - 1 Sep 2019 by Grant Harrison