U10 Panthers just lose out in 5 goal thriller - Panthers come back twice but just lose out

19 November 2011

After a battling draw against division high flyers Wythenshawe the Panthers travelled to Timperley on Saturday to take on old rivals Timperley Villa Pythons. They knew this was going to be a tough test for them as the two teams had played out a hard fought draw last season.

The team lined up with Max in goal a defensive pairing of Martin and Ollie 3 in midfield with Hayden and Ben wide and birthday boy Sam who was captain for the day in the centre alone up front was Dillan. only 3 subs this week as Jack was still feeling the exertions of the previous game but Gabriel Davy and Marcus were raring to go.

1st Period

The Panthers tried to start on the front foot taking the game to the Pythons. Ben and Sam linked well and forced the first corner. The Pythons wer looking dangerous though and Max had to be at his best getting down well to push long shots away for corners. The Pythons did take the lead though with a header from a corner. The Panthers seem to concede from corners quite a lot despite getting lots of players back to cover.

Ollie and Martin were tackling firmly at the back and after winning a tackle Martin knocked the ball forward into space. Dillan was quickest to react and taking the ball forward into the area slipped it past the advancing keeper to level the scores. This was no more than the Panthers deserved as Sam, Ben and Hayden were fighting to gain control of midfield.

The period ended with end to end action and the scores even.

2nd Period

All the subs were introduced with Sam and Ben now forming the defence and Martin and Ollie moving into midfield with Davy and Marcus forming the attack. Martin and Ollie were linking well and Ollie showed that he can do more than just defend with a great run down the left that nearly resulted in a goal. Marcus also came close before Gabriel was called into action maaking a couple of smart saves. Martin just headed over from a corner before the Pythons took the lead again after a break down the left.

Gabriel made another fine save just clawing the ball back before it crossed the line. The Panthers continued to press and got a deserved equalizer after a great interchange of passes between Davy and Marcus that ended with Marcus firing home from the edge of the area.

The Panthers delighted to have drawn level for the second time finished the period the stronger.

3rd Period

Dillan and Hayden returned for the final period as both teams set about going for all three points. Davy had a good run and Martin a couple of long shots that were well blocked. Ben also went on a run but was clattered by a couple of Timperley defenders and could only continue after being down for a couple of minutes. Martin played Sam in but again Timperley who were defending in numbers blocked his effort on goal.

Despite looking the more likely to score the Panthers were undone by a ball through the middle which a forward dispatched with glee to give the Pythons that all important 5th goal. Try as they might the Panthers could not find a way through the packed Pythons defence with Martin,Sam and Dillan all coming close to getting the Panthers level for a third time.

The final whistle sounded with the Panthers cruelly losing out by the odd goal in 5

Summary

The boys were desperately disappointed to lose out after a run of good results and were naturally upset at losing a game where they had more possession and attempts on goal. The defeat drops them to sixth in the league but with the top teams also failing to pick up points it is still tight at the top and if the Panthers can go on another winning streak they will still be in contention for promotion. Max was awarded the man of the match award just ahead of Sam and Gabriel after some fantastic stops and great distribution of the ball.

Source: bill kennedy

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