HOLDERS Knowle are through to the final of the President’s Cup once again thanks to a narrow 1-0 victory at home to Leicester Road.
Leicester Road are currently second in the Midland Football League Second Division so Knowle knew they were in for a difficult match.
And it was the visitors who were brimming with confidence early on but Knowle skipper Paul Farnell, who has played over 400 games for the club, was able top steady the ship
Farnell was ably supported by Grant Harrison, Liam Ashmore and the outstanding Ollie Wragg in goal as they kept out any danger
And after weathering this early storm, Mike Lys and Roz Cane turned the screw in midfield. They provided two guilt edged chances for Matt Botley and Tom Craine but both failed to beat the visiting goalkeeper.
The visitors battled hard but Knowle were always the more threatening. Botley twice went close in the opening stages of the second half but the goalkeeper was proving equal to everything he could hit at him.
But he could do nothing about the breakthrough which came from a cross from Botley towards the penalty spot and defender Craine came hurtling into the box and produced a stunning diving header which sailed into the back of the net.
Knowle’s obvious experience in situations like this made a huge difference as they knew far too many tricks for the young Hinckley side to see out the remaining time and Dean Donaghy’s side now face Coventry United in the final.
