OLTON - VASTLY IMPROVED !

Subs

• P.Barber for Mcloughlin
• Askey for Barnes

The headline above is the comment written by the Knowle Manager on the match report form.

Another toughie to write as we have done so well but come away with nothing.  I can safely say this team is heading in the right direction for sure.  The past 2 weeks has seen us play against 3 of the teams who are fighting out 2nd place.  Robins, Halesowen and today’s Eagles.  We have had a 0-0, a 2-1 and a 1-2.  Not bad at all.  Defensively we have found a good shape and the midfield is full of goals (although we haven’t seen any yet).

Unfortunately we had to play at Barn Lane where there is an obvious slope and always a wind to go with it.  The lads decided they would go against it in the 1st half and have a good crack at Knowle in the 2nd.  We defended soundly with Henners and Mikey particularly impressive.

Our midfield grafted but struggled to find their feet but we still managed to look a threat when we went forward.  Henners and Dylan were combining well up the right and Alex was holding the ball well whilst the midfield joined the attacks.  Knowle are a very good team. In my opinion they are better than then Robins and Halesowen, and other than Hanbury and the Heathway, they are the best we have played.

We conceded two goals, which was no travesty in those conditions, although had we kept it to one we would have had a great chance.  The 1st goal was YET AGAIN from a set piece.  This is a massive weakness that we need to eradicate before next season.  Scotty bought the winger down and the resulting free kick was well volleyed into the net.  Once again we marked all the players but didn’t react to the movement.

The 2nd was excellent and I cannot fault us here.  A high ball blowing in the wind went over Scott.  Mikey had to come out from sweeper and the resulting through ball was superbly placed into the top corner. (I don’t mind conceding goals like that one).

We had a great chance just before the break when Mike Halloran went through on goal only to see his shot blocked.  Half time 0-2.

The 2nd half was one way traffic, and all Ravens.  We dominated the game and battered Knowle into defending for their lives.  Matt Barber and Mark peppered the goal with long shots.  Graham headed just wide.  Mike Halloran was causing problems and Alex was a constant threat.

Our goal cam when Jim’s free kick was fumbled by the keeper.  Dylan followed up and Alex tapped the ball in from a yard.  Dylan assures me that Alex stole his goal but I really don’t care how they go in.

We just didn’t have it in us to grab a draw but the performance offered much promise for the future.  Next weeks game against Headless will yet again be against a contender for 2nd place.  Then after that we have the teams around us in the Dragons and Coldlands.  I am greedy and see no reason why we can’t take 9 points from those games.

Goals are the only thing stopping us. 

Steve