FOOTBALL: KNOWLE made a winning start at their new temporary home at Solihull Moors after beating Sutton United 3-1 in the Midland League Division Two.
Following the destruction of their clubhouse during ‘Storm Doris’ last month, the Moors allowed Knowle to use the Automated Technology Group Stadium to host matches.
And it was the hosts who took well to their new surroundings by enjoying the better of the early stages.
Yahiya Todd went close with a drive from the edge of the area in the 13th minute and then the same player was not quite able to turn in Christian McArdle’s cross a few minutes later.
Torryn Connelly’s shot from 25 yards was then tipped over by the visiting keeper before Luke Fox headed over from the resultant corner. However, Sutton took the lead against the run of play when Nick Oakley got caught in possession and Sutton crossed for Alex Robinson to score unopposed at the back post.
Knowle responded and drew level in the 34th minute when Spencer Dixon blocked a clearance by the visitors and ran into the area to score the equaliser.
Three minutes later Dixon was upended when on a surging run into the area and Nathan Corry converted the spot kick to complete the turnaround at half-time.
Knowle started the second half on the front foot and nearly extended their lead when Dixon headed against the bar from a corner.
They did not have to wait too long though as Dixon chased down a loose ball in the corner and played into Connelly whose turn sold the visiting defence and he played across for McArdle to make no mistake from close range at the back post.
With Sutton struggling to pose a threat to the home goal Knowle should have added a fourth when Todd won the ball in the corner and found Alex Litwinko at the far post but somehow he hit the ball wide of the upright.
Late in the game Connelly again turned his man on the edge of the area but his shot went just over, however Knowle held on for a win on their first trip to the Automated Technology Group Stadium.
Knowle who have so far raised over £7,000 towards their target of £30,000 to demolish and replace their clubhouse. For more information or to make a donation visit www.crowdfunder.co.uk/knowle-fc-repairs-to-clubhouse.
Knowle are next in action away to Continental Star on April 1.
