The Panthers travelled to Heath and Reach on Saturday morning to face the challenge of the Woburn & Wavendon Clarets in the Group Stage of the u10 Event 3 – Vase competition.
Having recently won the Event 2 Vase competition via a nail-biting penalty shoot-out, the challenge posed by the Clarets was definitely going to be a step-up. However, there’s one thing that our squad of Panthers girls do really well and that put in the effort and commitment needed. For long periods of the game, the Panthers matched the Clarets for pace, determination, skill and commitment. Frequently, the Panthers had the Clarets on the back foot, applying great pressure and resilience when required.
It was expected that the wingers would be kept busy today and would have to work hard throughout. Quinn, Ilana and Floss were strong, holding their positions and making it hard for the Clarets to move freely. Ava was tremendous between the posts. She was commanding and vocal throughout the match. One moment in particular saw her saving low at her near-post, only then having to scramble to the opposite and save dramatically with her knees! Niamh, Ivy and Evie were solid at the back allowing the Clarets attack very little in the way of scoring opportunities. As always, Scarlett could be relied upon to control the midfield, both in defensive and attacking play. Olivia was able to step in and continue with the same effort and commitment to a tough role. Throughout the match, Rosie continued to dazzle the defence with her powerful runs and tricks with the ball. Maddie was a force to be reckoned with and was always hunting for the loose ball and driving the game forward and applying pressure to the Claret’s defence.
The change of ends at the end of the second quarter saw the Clarets score quickly from the whistle. The girls kept battling hard through the third quarter which proved to be decisive in the match. The Panthers were unfortunate to concede a further 2 goals in this stage of the game, but, in true Panthers fashion, the girls were shaken, but refused to be down-hearted. They continued to push hard and challenge for every ball. The ball was played out from the back and Ivy, who was driving forward, received the ball and took a low shot on target from distance. After the keeper made an initial save, the power and speed of the ball saw the shot go in!
The start of the fourth quarter saw Panthers take up their positions filled with renewed enthusiasm and determination. Playing most of the quarter in the Clarets half, the Panthers fought until the final whistle. It was unfortunate that the Panthers conceded a fourth goal which meant that the score at the final whistle did not match the effort and performance that was on display. The Panthers will learn from today’s match and will march forward with passion and determination. Like they always do!
Thanks to Coach Jethro for the match report.
