KNOWLE began their defence of the Les James Challenge Cup with a thrilling 4-3 victory against AFC Coventry Rangers.
The Robins took the lead on four separate occasions as Jay Rendell scored twice while George Seeley and Jack Duggan also found the net in a seven-goal classic at the Draintech Community Ground.
Knowle have won the last two editions of the Les James Challenge Cup but faced a stern test against a strong Coventry side in the first round of this year’s competition.
The home side took the lead after just six minutes when Lewis Clarke picked out Rendell and the latter applied the finish.
Knowle looked to double their lead as Duggan headed wide from a corner while Seeley and Odane Barnes both saw efforts saved.
However, Rangers punished Knowle for those missed chances as Keelan Reilly turned the ball home unmarked at the back post just before the half-hour mark.
The Robins reclaimed the lead almost straight from kick-off as Rendell scored his second of the game.
Coventry drew level for a second time three minutes before the break when Charlie Hynam scored from the penalty spot past Knowle goalkeeper Oscar Slater.
The hosts took the lead for the third time straight after the interval as Seeley pounced to turn home a rebound.
Knowle remained on top only to concede a third equaliser on 65 minutes when Alpha Wurie curled a free-kick around the wall and into the net.
Both sides searched for a winner in frenetic finish before Duggan headed home a corner two minutes into injury time to send the Robins into the next round.
Knowle begin their league campaign against Hampton on Wednesday, August 7 with kick-off at 6.30pm at the Draintech Community Ground.
