Knowle lose out in local derby

Report below of Knowle's MFL Division 2 game against Hampton on Saturday:

Knowle lose out in local derby

In an electric start to their local derby against Hampton, Knowle took an early lead with Toby Checketts heading home Steven Ruck's free kick in the 2nd minute. Hampton responded straight away with a cross from the right which required Checketts to block an effort in the 6 yard box. But from the resulting corner Hampton equalised after Callum Ingram had blocked an initial effort. Two minutes later Knowle had to rely on Conal Dowling in the home goal to keep out a free kick from 25 yards. Then Yahiya Todd won the ball on the halfway line and drove into the Hampton half before threading through a delightful ball for Ruck to run onto to but his shot from the edge of the box was well saved. In the 18th minute a speculative cross by Hampton from their right evaded Dowling and hit the far post and then a minute later Dowling had to react well to save at close range to keep the scores level. In the 27th minute Knowle had an excellent shout for a penalty turned down as Jamie Corrigan was hauled down in the area. Then Ruck ran in on goal but he opted to try to square the ball rather than shoot and the ball was cleared for a corner. However, with 10 minutes of the half remaining Knowle did retake the lead when Ruck's cross to the far post was headed home by Ingram.

The early stages of the second half were quite tight with neither side creating a clear opening then Knowle created a couple of good chances with Ben McKinley putting through an excellent through ball to Ruck but he got crowded out after not shooting early. Then in the 70th minute Corrigan went close with a free kick from 25 yards that drifted just past the post. With Knowle seemingly in control disaster struck with 10 minutes to go as Dowling ran from goal to clear but sliced the ball into the path of a Hampton striker who walked the ball into the empty net. Then 5 minutes later things got worse as Knowle were caught on the break and Hampton took the lead for the first time and all three points as their striker passed the ball square of the oncoming Dowling to his unmarked strike partner to slot home from 12 yards.

The win takes Hampton to top of the league and leaves Knowle 7 points behind in fourth.

Next Knowle entertain Feckenham at Hampton Road with an earlier 2pm kick off on Saturday 4th November.

Updated 13:30 - 1 Sep 2019 by Grant Harrison