After some intensive pre-season training, focused 1:1 time in the final weeks building up to Sunday's first league match against Three Bridges, finally the time came for the team to stand up and be counted as serious contenders for the 2013/14 season..
After Saturday's shortened training session, primarily for social reasons.., the coaching team made their final positional tweaks, fine tuning the team ready to get this season underway.. and boy did the team rise to the occasion!!
After a slightly nervous kick-off the kids started to settle into their positions and roles. A third of the way through the first half, after growing pressure from the Panthers secured several corner attempts and on the third time of asking Issy launched a cross into the box from the left, Three Bridges cleared the ball but only as far out as Toby who stayed back to collect any loose balls. Lurking on the edge of the semi-circle he let fly a shot on goal, hitting the back of the net after a small deflection from a Bridges defender. 1v0 Panthers!
After the retake Bridges mounted a stronger response, pressing up the field and testing the Panther defensive line until they broke through minutes later and slide a solo attempt passed Lewis. 1v1..
Unperturbed, the Panther's resorted their base principles, passing and moving into space, after several further attacks on goal a clearance by the Bridges defence allowed Thomas to muscle his opponent off the ball and using his head to win a 1:1 challenge with the keeper lobbing the ball into the back of the net. 2v1 Panthers!
Again Bridges, responded quickly mounting the third attack on the Panther's defence. Bridges shot from just inside the box which saw Lewis make an excellent instinctive save only for the ball to drop in-front a different Bridges striker. Bravely Lewis sort to make another save only to have the ball kicked accidently into his throat, stunning him and allowing the ball to scramble over the line. 2v2..
Immediately the resolute Panther's returned fire. A great solo effort from Thomas, bolstering through the centre of the pitch secured the moral boosting winning first half goal. 3v2 Panthers. 5 goals in 15mins! A great start to the game, season and Panther's went in at half time on top!
After some further motivational speeches from now much more confident coaching team, a half time substitution saw Charlie move into the middle of midfield, Matt bolstering the defensive line and Owen taking a well earned breather. Whistle blows for Panthers kick off..
Within seconds Issy laid the ball through to Charlie who ran through the centre of the pitch, collecting the perfectly weighted pass and taking on, one, two then three Bridges players to slot a lovely individual effort. 4v2 Panthers
Bridges centre and Panthers quickly won back possession from some sterling challenges from Matt. Panthers pressed up the field again and with the play drifting over to the RHS, a long cross came begging for Alex to unleash a cracking full volley effort - Side netting, but he was just getting his eye in for a later effort.
After the goal kick (which sees the attacking team retreat to the half way line - new FA rules!) Panthers once again showed their tenacity and heart in winning the 50:50 balls, Charlie fresh from his first league goal won possession and sprinted for the goal. Right foot strike! 5v2 Panthers..
Bridges managed to venture into Panther's half before the efforts of Toby, Matt and Issy saw another pass to Charlie. Charlie beating a Bridges midfielder, looked up spying Thomas mounting a searching off the ball run. A great through ball to his feet, controlled, onto his right foot - the shot! Goal! 6v2.
Again Bridges retake the ball at the half way line. A few minutes of good play from both teams and once again the Panther's midfield tracking back, support the defence protect their goal, win the ball. Some good interplay from Matt, Owen (now back on after some quick rolling subs) and Charlie. A quick head up and excellent through ball from Charlie finds Alex on the left win in space and unmarked.. It has to be his time..? Unfortunately the ball, finding an imperfection in the hallowed Crawley pitch, bounces unfavourably and Alex miskicks - Shame..
A few minutes later and with Alex not wanting to go home empty handed.. Further play on the left from Panther's working the side lines/throws towards the Bridges goal, results in the ball landing at Alex's feet. A quick look up, opens his shoulders and lets rip with his right foot into the top right-hand corner of the Bridges goal! 7v2..
A Panther's master class, some great football from all the kids and a great start to the season.
Roll on next weekend.. ;0)
