Panthers started with some good passages of football, without creating chances. However, we were soon undone by an attack down the right wing, that could have been cleared numerous times, but somehow managed to find its way into the goal...We switched from our usual 3-3-1-1 formation to the 3-4-1, encouraging our wide players to provide width... Panthers continued to press, RD forcing an excellent save from the keeper with GW just off with the rebound.. Eventually a goal came, a longish ball that caused a mix up between defender and goalkeeper led to GW following up and tapping in from five yards....Other half chances came along but generally we were not anticipating well enough in the final third. Just before half time Panthers went 2-1 up after another exceptional freekick on the edge of the box by JCthat went into the top right corner of the goal.... Second half, some of out passing was excellent, composed looking for a give and go. EHE put in a couple excellent crosses from the left side but no-one got on the end. Whilst pushing for a third we were undone by a strong Mytchett attack, number 7 attacking down the right side, getting to the byeline and finishing from an acute angle... At this stage, Panthers have been known (once or twice) to throw it away. Fortunately not today. They withstood an initial surge from Mytchett after the equaliser, but we then got on the front foot again. Loved some the interplay between the players, it looked very natural. Eventually the ball got to wide right, JC managed to hit the wing and put in a dangerous ball, where ON timed his run to glance the ball into the goal. That was an impressive yet simple goal, er more of those please... Two well matched teams providing a really enjoyable game of football....Good side Mytchett, but also a really nice vibe within the team and spectators. RE - Slightly subdued in the first half, but did well in the second half, particularly saving/smothering long shots from distance. OK - Stepped in a few times for vital interceptions, but got caught flat footed more than once.... JR - Hard challenge against a good right winger in the first half, but captains performance in second. Intelligently shuffled across to pair up and mark the lone striker JF - Good first half and is throwing was oh so effective, just needs to be mindful of playing the other team onside.. EH - Pivotal performance today from ED, working alongside RD, just needs to stay on his feet a bit more... RD - Positioning and tackling as ever very strong to cover danger and initiate attacks. Little laboured today. GW - Going forward looked really lively, with great feet and he attracted defenders to the ball. Just needs to remember to release the ball a little earlier in that situation. EHE - Excellent at tackling back against the player on the ball and looked good trying to get crosses in from wide left. ON - Nice goal, pressured defenders on the ball. JW - Didn't get enough of the ball, as player was mostly on the left side towards end of game. Very lively wide right causing Mytchett problems.. JC - one goal and an assist, that's not too bad.. Looked very effective as a wide player... Thank to referee Adam for another well refereed game. Congrats to William (Walker) and Guy (Nicklinson) on passing their referee exams. Both ran the lines today and were naturals....
