FOOTBALL: LOCAL bragging rights went to Hampton on Saturday after a Gareth Parfitt goal earned them a narrow 1-0 win over rivals Knowle in the Midland League Division One.
In what was a typical derby clash, the home side took an early lead with just six minutes gone as Knowle failed to clear a corner and Parfitt headed home the loose ball.
Knowle responded well and in the 12th minute the home keeper made two excellent saves at close quarters to deny Kyle Jaynes and Ben Ellicott.
Five minutes later Callum Ingram fired over from 12 yards out after controlling the ball on his chest from a corner and the home keeper pulled off another fine save to keep out Jack Moss’ 25-yard free kick.
Knowle had their own goalkeeper to thank after Conal Dowling pulled off two fine saves to keep his side in the match.
The visitors should have got back on level terms within just three minutes of the re-start as Dowling’s long clearance bounced over the home keeper and Kyle Jaynes should have tapped home from close range, but his effort went over the bar.
Nathan Corry then pushed a shot wide of the right hand post after cutting in off the left flank before Torryn Connolly found space in the box in the 70th minute but could only hit his shot straight at the home keeper.
Connolly also cut into the area from the right but his shot went wide of the left hand upright.
Having used all three subs in search of an equaliser Knowle were reduced to ten men when left back Jordan Mellon pulled up injured and then substitute Troy Smith also got injured in the latter stages and the nine men of Knowle were unable to find an elusive equaliser.
The win moves Hampton off the foot of the table but dents Knowle’s promotion ambitions who next face Fairfield Villa at Hampton Road this Saturday (2pm).
