The Panthers were pumped and ready for action after the Easter break, meeting the Kempston Rovers Leopards for their penultimate match of the season – and what a wonderful game it was.
The first quarter was energetic and fast-paced with some fantastic defensive play from Crouchy, Ivy and Scarlett, getting and keeping possession and making some intelligent and accurate passes. Early threats on the Kempston goal came from Illana, Rosie and Scarlett.
A great goal kick from the Kempston goalie sailed down the pitch but Ava anticipated quickly and grabbed it.
Scarlett kept on pushing for that elusive first goal and the pressure was on, with Crouchy supporting and battling hard against a determined opposition.
The second quarter started well, but Kempston broke away and scored a perfectly timed goal that sailed over Ava’s head to give them the lead.
Floss and Ivy worked together to close in on the Kempston box – a lovely curved ball in from Ivy almost got to Floss for an equalizer, but it wasn’t to be. Until that is, Quinn popped up a few minutes later with an absolute smasher of a goal that is most definitely a contender for ‘Goal Of The Season’ – nice one, Quinn!
Evie put in some great defensive play today, intercepting and blocking the ball whenever it came near and running hard to keep up with the pacy opposition – four weeks of feeling under the weather doesn’t seem to have dampened her spirits and she was very happy to be back on the pitch. The Rovers were determined to get another goal, but Ava’s experience and instinct saved a looping shot that would have foxed many a keeper.
Maddie used her speed and determination to get the ball at every opportunity and made a great pass to Quinn to try and score another one, but it just went wide.
Another Kempston threat from the right wing was saved by Ava, who really had to stretch to tip the ball out. Ivy was there quick as a flash to make sure the ball got well away, reading the game perfectly.
With a very even score line at half time, the pressure was on for both teams to come back fighting.
Crouchy seemed to be everywhere you looked today, not letting anything get past and battling hard. A Kempston fumble gave Scarlett the opportunity she’d been patiently waiting for, scoring a brilliant goal that sailed over the keeper’s head.
Now the Panthers were purring – Scarlett in particular – and she went for another goal which was brilliantly saved by the keeper. However, ably supported by Ilana, Scarlett scores again to bring the score up to three for the Panthers – she almost cracked a smile this time! Great work Scarlett!
The last quarter saw Maddie playing in defence and much like Crouchy, she was everywhere all at once, marking up and intercepting every pass that came her way.
Floss also put the mileage in and kept trying to get another goal in, but it wasn’t her day – very nearly, Floss! So close! Same for Rosie – incredible fast footwork and speed to keep possession, but no change to the score sheet today. Credit where it’s due – the Kempston goalie made some brilliant saves today, winning her POM from the Panthers.
So many stand-out performances today – the girls all played brilliantly and we can’t wait for the end of season showdown on home turf, when we take on Luton Whites. Coach Jethro and Coach Gab’s journey with these amazing girls will also come to an end next Saturday, so there might even be some cake. Maybe Panther-themed too!
Come on you Panthers!
