Jones the goals lifts cup hopes (From Tewkesbury Admag)

Jones the goals lifts cup hopes

Knowle 0, Littleton 2

LITTLETON edged ahead in the two-legged League Cup semi-final by winning the first leg at high-flying Knowle.

Littleton thought they had taken the lead in the first minute when a volley from Steve Brown was parried by the keeper and appeared to go over the line but was not given. Knowle responded immediately and Martin Bishop headed straight at Ady Pritchard from point blank range.

Littleton were facing the wind in the first session and were having difficulty clearing their lines, and this was compounded by a torrential storm after 20 minutes which turned the pitch into a gluepot.

The hosts had a golden opportunity on 27, minutes Paul Farnell heading wide again from close.

The visitors took the lead on 40 minutes, a quick one-two between Paul Jones and Matty Edwards saw Jones through the defence and he coolly slotted the ball past the keeper.

In the second half Littleton used the wind and played the ball around well specially down the flanks, where the going was easier. They doubled their advantage on 75 minutes with Jones beating the keeper from 18 yards.

Knowle then were forced to push forward but resolute defending by Malins, Cotton, Edwards and Beddoes kept their efforts down to a minimum and Littleton created further chances to increase their lead, but were happy with the final score.

Littleton are at home to Heather on Saturday (2.45) as they embark on the second half of their league season, having 17 games to play.