The last match of the season dawned bright and breezy for the Panthers, who were playing on home turf today against a tough Luton Ladies Whites team. With both teams at the top of the Vase table, neck and neck on equal points, this had all the makings of a great showdown.
The first quarter started hard and fast, and from the first whistle the spectators could tell it was going to be a tough and physical battle. But our Panthers did us proud and showed cool resilience.
Floss and Rosie put in some great teamwork to keep possession and play the ball up the wing to trouble the Luton keeper not once, but twice. Both shots just went wide, but the girls didn’t give up, supported with some strong defensive play in the midfield from Niamh and Illana.
A high ball from Luton gave Scarlett the opportunity to show just how good she is at interceptions, catching it on her chest and controlling the ball perfectly to pass through to Rosie.
Luton managed to get it back, prompting a brilliant clearance from Ivy who worked her socks off today to keep the ball firmly next to a Panther’s boot. Scarlett and Ilana were equally steadfast at shutting Luton down, proving that they are not easily intimidated. Scarlett had a chance on goal, but the Luton keeper made the save.
Just before the first quarter whistle, Ava blasted an epic kick down the pitch to meet Rosie’s boot, but this was saved again by the Whites keeper.
The second quarter started well, but a threatening Luton corner prompted some scrabbling around the goalmouth. Ava quickly clocked and blocked the shot and got it out of harm’s way.
Olivia made a great pass down the wing, but the Whites managed to cut in. Another brilliant interception from Ivy got it back for the Panthers, with Crouchy battling equally hard to keep and play the ball up the pitch.
Luton were fighting all the way, making Ava work hard – she made a great save, followed thirty seconds later by another. The Panthers got the ball back and Rosie made a fabulous run to score the first goal of the match, giving the Panthers a much-needed confidence boost.
Luton battled back harder, using their strength and physicality to keep possession, and making space to score a top corner goal to level the match.
This didn’t deter the Panthers. Rosie almost got a second goal but it went over the top bar. Olivia too managed a stunning shot, taking advantage of a Luton fumble to curl it past the defensive line, but it was saved by the keeper.
Half time came and it was all to play for. Luton put the pressure on and an early threat on goal was hastily cleared away by Ilana. Further swift attacks prompted a number of great saves from Ava who got it back out to the Green & Blacks quickly. Rosie put in another great run up the pitch to try and get her goal tally up, but the keeper deflected the shot.
A great corner from Scarlett didn’t manage to find a Panther to score another goal and the ball was back up the pitch quick-as-a-flash as Luton took possession, prompting another save from Ava, who kicked the ball back over the half way line. After some fierce battling in the midfield, Scarlett got a ball to the face but carried on like a trooper. Another Luton run was thwarted by a great Crouchy tackle.
A powerful corner and cross from Scarlett found its way to Rosie, but the ball hit the post, prompting a collective groan from the supporters and coaches – so close!
But then along came Scarlett – perhaps remembering that ball to the face not so fondly – and struck an absolute thunderbolt of a shot from just inside the halfway line to score the Panthers’ second goal of the match. What a scorcher!
Onto the last quarter, with the Panthers determined to keep Luton out of game and trying their darndest to clinch a comfortable victory. There were some tired legs, but that didn’t stop them from battling hard, with Ilana putting some lovely turns in on the wing to keep possession.
Rosie and Scarlett both tried again to score, but both times went wide. Luton tried to get one past Ava, but it went over the top. Niamh was resolute today, shutting down every Luton opportunity near the goal.
With the Galaxy supporters praying for the final whistle to shrill, the game came to an end with a 2-1 win for the Panthers, who absolutely deserved this victory!
From the bottom of the league to the very top: what an amazing journey they’ve had and it could not have been a more fitting end to their season. As Gab and Jethro pass the coaching mantle onto Chris (who showed what a fair and steady ref he is today – thanks Coach Chris) a summer of tournaments and friendlies beckon and these girls will boss them all – Goooooooo Panthers!!!
