KNOWLE failed to extend their winning streak to four matches in the Midland Football League Division Two after falling to a 3-1 defeat at Leicester Road.
The visitors went into Saturday’s match at the former home of Hinckley United with a very much under strength side due to a former players’ wedding, but they were able to welcome back Grant Harrison after a lengthy absence due to injury.
Knowle made a bright start and were unlucky not to take an early lead when Tom Cranie picked out Alex Knight who in turn fed Torry Connelly in the box but his header narrowly missed the target.
And soon after Knight showed great skill and tenacity to create a chance for himself that ended just the wrong side of the post.
Having weathered the storm in the first ten minutes Leicester Road began to settle and they took the lead on 22 minutes thanks to Nathan McGarrity who reacted quickest to stab home from close range after his first attempt came back off the post.
The second half saw the hosts take control of the match and it was no surprise to see them double their advantage on 57 minutes from the penalty spot.
Amarvir Sandhu was brought down inside the box and James Hicks made no mistake in striking the ball into the bottom right-hand corner of the net.
The Robins responded well with Alex Knight sending a free kick over the bar but when a third goal was conceded with ten minutes remaining the writing was very much on the wall.
Hicks collected the ball from deep and despite being surrounded by Knowle defenders he managed to find a way to the touchline before delivering a cross which was met by McGarrity for his second of the match.
To their credit Knowle never gave up and there was still time for substitute Matt Botley to score a consolation three minutes with a superbly taken goal but by then the result was already in the bag for the home side.
The defeat leaves Knowle on seven points from seven matches sitting them 13th in Division Two and this weekend they are on the road again at Earlswood Town.
Also in Division Two, Earlswood Town played out a 0-0 stalemate at Paget Rangers in a game where both defences were in complete control.
