U10 Panthers wilt in the heat - Beaten at last but Panthers go down fighting

1 October 2011

After a winning run of 7 games the Panthers entertained fellow division 2 high Flyers Fletcher Moss on Saturday . the Panthers knew this was going to be their hardest test for some time as the two sides had fought out a 2-2 draw earlier in the year. The pitch was strewn with leaves and the baking conditions were going to make it uncomfortable for both sides.

The Panthers started with Max between the posts, a back two of Ollie and Martin, a central 3 of Marcus, Sam and Hayden and Dillan alone up front. In the shade and consuming lots of liquid ahead of their introduction were Gabriel Ben Davy and Jack.

1st Period

The Panthers started brightly and created the first chance with Dillan just missing the target after a good run and cross from the left by Marcus. It was soon clear that Fletcher Moss were going to cause the Panthers problems as they closed down play quickly and got the ball forward early. Max was forced into a couple of early saves and the Panthers could have gone behind after a goalmouth scramble.

Marcus and Sam both went close for the Panthers and Fletcher Moss hit the bar just before the interval , The period ended goal less with all the players looking forward to a much needed interval drink.

2nd Period

The second period saw the introduction of the four substitutes, Fletcher Moss immediatly went on the attack and took the lead in bizarre circumstances. Gabriel made a great save from a powerful shot from the edge of the area pushing the ball up onto the bar, before he could pounce on it though marcus attempting a clearence under pressure unfortunately poked it over the goal line to give the visitors the lead. The Panthers now came under greater pressure and Gabriel was forced into more action.

Fletcher Moss were strong in the tackle and did not allow the Panthers any time to dwell on the ball. The Panthers showing great determination though clawed their way back into the match and equalised after great work by Sam. His strong run ended with a good lay off to Ben on the edge of the box, he took his time and picked out the bottom corner with a firm drive to level the scores.

Fletcher Moss hit back immediatly and powered through the middle Gabriel got a hand to a powerful strike but could only turn it into the corner of the net making it 2-1 to Fletcher Moss.

The Panthers dug in again and levelled for a second time when a Fletcher Moss defender attempting to clear could only manage to turn a dangerous long throw from Davy into his own net.

3rd Period

it was now a question of which team could finish the stronger in the baking conditions. Fletcher Moss again moved forward menacingly and Max made a terrific save pushing around a goal bound shot for a corner. From this though Fletcher Moss gained the lead for a third time with an attacker finding the top corner from the edge of the area.

Again the Panthers dragged themselves up and went oabout trying to come back for a third time. Chances came and went with Dillan Hayden Ben and Marcus all going agonisingly close. as the time ticked away.

Despite the teams great effort it was not to be on this occassion and Fletcher Moss held on for a 3-2 victory thus inflicting on the Panthers their first defeat of the season.

Summary

A really good showing in defeat with all the boys exhausted at the end. Fletcher Moss just about deserved the victory though as they closed the Panthers down well and looked powerful going forward. The Panthers will feel unlucky not to have taken something from the match however and they certainly had enough chances to do so.

The Panthers will quickly pick themselves up though and look to go on another winning run ahead of the return match in the new year.

Source: bill kennedy

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