FOOTBALL: ALVIS Sporting produced a five-star performance to thump Knowle 5-1 and book their place in the semi-final of the Midland League Presidents Cup.
Having won the previous five meetings between the two sides, which had all been decided by just a single goal, Saturday’s clash was not to be the close affair that many had predicted.
Despite having not kicked a ball in three weeks, Alvis began the match in scintillating style by scoring three goals in the opening 20 minutes.
The opening goal came with just two minutes gone when a David Tonks cross was deflected into the net by a Knowle defender.
Nine minutes later Daniel Pidgeon intercepted a bad back pass to score in an unguarded goal and after 18 minutes Kiam Galdins and Pidgeon combined with Pidgeon hitting the bar, but from the rebound Dildale Linton netted from close range.
Ten minutes before the break Corey Blackwood headed a kick from the Knowle goalkeeper into the path of Pidgeon who neatly netted from ten yards to give the hosts a comfortable four-goal lead at the break.
After the break Alvis scored their fifth goal on 56 minutes when a cross from Pidgeon was side-footed home by Linton, and although Knowle scored a consolation goal through a Callum Ingram header, Alvis deservedly marched on into the last four where they have been drawn away to Barnt Green Spartak.
“First of all I would like to congratulate Knowle for their sterling efforts to ensure the game was played,” said Alvis boss Damian Cassidy.
“We began both strong and fast to establish our command of the game. On this occasion Daniel Pidgeon not only scored a brace of goals, but he also created well, and generally was a thorn in the side to the opposition.”
This Saturday Alvis travel to Northfield Town for more Cup football when they will be aiming for another semi-final place in the Birmingham County FA Saturday Vase competition.
