Panther’s goal Scorers: Danny Ing (3), Michael Green (1), Daniel Headland (1)

Man of the Match: Danny Ing

Today’s match was a top of the table clash, between Northwood Blue currently top and ourselves currently 2^nd. This was the 2^nd time that we have played Northwood this season, in the 1^st game we were soundly beaten 1-6, but we have improved since then, in fact this game would indicate how far we have progressed this season.

It was a mid day kick off, which was just as well as the clocks went forward the night before. In the early stages of the match it seemed apparent that some of our team could do with that extra hours sleep. Northwood Blue were livelier, they seemed to be that little bit more alert, and quicker to the ball than us. Michael Tomaso in goal however was alert, and had to gather the ball and makes saves to keep Northwood at bay.

Northwood scored the opening goal mid way through the 1^st half, we’d been under some pressure in the box, when the ball bounced up, Danny Ing went to control the ball on his chest, but the ball unfortunately bounced up on to his arm, the ref instantly pointed to the penalty spot, 1 nil.

This set back however kick started us into action, Danny Ing in particular wanted to make amends for the penalty, our game was raised and we deservedly got our equaliser when Danny Ing made a determined run with the ball, he cut through their defence like a knife through hot butter before unleashing a superb shot into the roof of the net, 1 – 1. Northwood now knew they were in a match. For the rest of the 1^st half both teams fought for the ascendency, but neither could make a break through.

Half time 1-1.

It was clear that we had started to believe, that we could win this game, we knew that they were a dangerous team, but mid field was the area that we had to control, and then stifle their supply to their attackers.

The 2^nd half started, we looked determined to claim the 3 points, and went about our business in a very focused way, we were looking very tight in defence, with Callum in particular looking very commanding, Aiden as always was strong, but it was apparent that he was carrying an injury to his rib cage that he’d sustained in the 1^st half, also he was limping, being the player he is he’d had played on, but he needed to be substituted, which he was for Henry Billam. Henry played well in the centre of defence when he was on, as did Alex Campbell  coming on for Sean Heneghan who’d made a good contribution in the 1^st half, Jake Keaney had a very assured game as right then left back, showing some great skill on a couple of instances to dribble out of some very tight corners.

Our mid field began to get a real strangle hold on the match, Danny Pugh was pulling the strings but was being aided greatly by  Danny Ing, Daniel Headland William Dias-Prada and James Wauchope. James was giving Northwood’s right back a torrid time, I’m sure that he couldn’t wait to see the back of James.

Our domination of the game was rewarded with our 2^nd goal which was a deflected shot from Daniel Headland off one of Northwood’s defenders.

Our 3^rd was a neat finish by Danny Ing which was his 2^nd of the match.

We began to run riot, Northwood were visibly shaken and could not muster a reply,

Michael Green scored a well deserved goal to make it 1- 4, we’d made a couple of substitutions with James Kraven and Alex Shine coming on in mid field to continue our good work.

We could have score again when Michael Green hit the bar after a cross ball from our left into the box.

Our 5^th and final goal was scored by Man of the match Danny Ing, to finish of a resounding victory over the division leaders.

All in all, another tremendous game for us.

Well done boys, you’ve done it again.

Mark Hartley

Man of the Match Dan Pugh

Today’s match was a Spring Trophy Group B Match. Our opponents for the 2^nd week running are from the division above us.

It was an afternoon kick off, the facilities and pitch were first rate, but there was a stiff breeze which remained present for most of the Match.

We welcomed back Aiden to the heart of our defence, and he again put in a very strong performance, as did the rest of the defence.

The match was played in a very good spirit, but it was evident that both teams really wanted to win. Borehamwood had the best of the early exchanges, had hit the crossbar in the 1^st half, also Michael Tomaso in goal had to pull off a brilliant diving save to keep the score at nil nil.

As the game went on we started to get more into it, it was as if we gained more self belief, this really started to show in the 2^nd half, where we more than held our own, Daniel Pugh had a very influential game in mid field, and William Dias-Prada being a continual nuisance to the opposition, getting any clear cut chances was proving very difficult, as Borehamwood defence and centre back in particular were very good. We did though make a couple of chances, with a drive from Daniel Headland being comfortably saved.

Although the score was nil nil, this was a very entertaining close fought match.

All the players tried their hardest, which is all that we can ask for.

Well done boys

Mark Hartley

Man of the Match Dan Pugh

Today’s match was a Spring Trophy Group B Match. Our opponents are from the division above us.

We were without a number of players and were left with a squad of 12 available players.

The first half was a very close run thing, London Colney though had the better of things and deserved to go in at half time with a 1 goal lead.

In the 2^nd half we made a marked improvement with our play, there was some very good moves with some crosses that we couldn’t quite finish off.

London Colney realised that they were in a match, but as hard as we tried we just couldn’t make the break through.

London Colney scored a couple of goals that were a soft touch,

On reflection, there was very little to tell between the teams, apart from the fact that London Colney took their chances

There were a number of very good performances, with William Bloomfield running Dan Pugh very close, for the man of the match, William Prada again put in a good display, as did  Jake Keaney particularly in the 2^nd half, with Calum in defence.

Mark Hartley

Panther’s goal scorers, Danny Ing (1), James Wauchope (1) Daniel Headland (1)

Man of the Match Danny Ing

Today’s match pitted 3^rd against 2^nd placed team in the league.

We certainly have improved as a team since the last time we played Borehamwood in the league in September, when they beat us 8 – 4

We were without a number of players and were left with a squad of 12 available players.

The match was delayed due to the fact that the Oakhill manager had informed his team of the wrong address (I hold my hands up)

Anyway as the match began, on the pitch with the slope, we were playing down hill,

With this in mind we had to make the most of this advantage, and this we did, Danny Ing, looked as if he couldn’t be stopped, we played with 5 across midfield to nullify their long ball tactics. All the midfielders worked hard as did the defence, with the welcome return of Aiden in the centre of defence to give us that extra bit of steel.

He was aided by Callum “the brick wall” Berrell as his central defensive partner

With Alex Campbell and Sean Heneghan as right and left back respectively.

This team round the teams were far more evenly matched; we had the better of the 1st half, and were creating chances but couldn’t quite finish off enough of them,

Also there was a couple of occasions when in attack the final choice of ball, wasn’t the correct one, but these things will come with experience. Half time score 2 – 3 to us. One of our goals was given as an own goal.

The second half started, pretty much were the first half left off, although Borehamwood had the slope behind them, we were more than holding our own.

And on the counter attack, we were looking more and more dangerous. A lot was at stake here, and there was some very heavy tackles, and we gave as much as we took, as long as the ref was fair and consistent, then we’d have no complaints. Then right on queue Sean Heneghan was taken out by a barge from slightly behind, no free kick, immediately afterwards the ball went free, Aiden giving 100% as always shoulder barged their attacker, and surprise surprise, they were awarded a free kick. The inconsistencies of some refs were summed up with those decisions.

Anyway the match went to and frow, this was real “end to end stuff” they equalised

Then we went ahead, but we just couldn’t see the game out, they got the final equaliser to make it 4 – 4.

Both Keepers had saves to make, Michael Tomaso, in particular pulling off a magnificent diving save to his left.

On the whole I’d say that it was a fair result, but it shows the level of expectancy from our players as many were disappointed with the final score.

Mark Hartley

Panther’s goal scorers, Danny Ing (1), Michael Green (1) Daniel Pugh (1)

Man of the Match:  Daniel Pugh

This was our 2^nd Match of the year away to the improving Panathinaikos team, we have played them already this season and had won that game 9 – 2, but we were to have no repeat of that comfortable victory today.

 A number of our players were unavailable for the match Aiden, one of our centre backs was missing, so Jake Keaney played in that position, and even though it’s not a position that he likes, he had a very good match there.

Danny Ing had expressed the desire to have a go in attack, so he started up front with Michael Green.

The match kicked off, a little delayed as the previous match had over run. From the start of the game, it was apparent that we had the beating of Panathinaikos, as long as we concentrated and prevented their midfield players from playing the long ball forward and into the path of their very quick attackers. This we did quite well and apart from a couple of close calls with some tremendous final tackles most notably from William Bloomfield, we were in control.

We went in 2 nil up at half time, goals scored by Danny Ing and man of the match Danial Pugh.

As the 2^nd half started you could see that Panathinaikos were determined to get something out of the game, they tried to pressurise us, but our mid field and defence were holding strong, Callum was immense in defence Sean Heneghan slotted into his left back position and seemed to carry on where William Bloomfied had left off with a couple of fine tackles, preventing the opposition to have a shot when they seemed to be clear through. Daniel Headland in midfield contributed well and was always available to support the attack or help out the defence, as was William Prada.

What was also very pleasing was some of the football we played, was pleasing to the eye. Either from the left, through the middle or even on the left we strung some great passes and made progress to their penalty box, but couldn’t quite put the finishing touch, that these great passages of football deserved.

Panathinaikos were getting frustrated with our stubborn resistance to anything that they could come up with, and then we hit them with our third goal, scored by Michael Green.

Later on Panathinaikos got a very dubious consolation goal, which looked off side and was flagged, but the referee decided to overrule the lines man and allowed the goal to stand, a number of our players were justifiably outraged with the decision, but we must remember to keep our heads, and not show descent to the ref, otherwise we could be a player down.

Summing up, these boys gave everything in this match they played with the right attitude as always and thoroughly deserved the victory, all their parents I know,  were proud of each and every one of them.

Well done Panthers

Mark Hartley

Panther’s goal scorers, James Wauchope (1), Henry Billam (1)

Man of the Match William Dias-Prada

This was our first game since the 13^th of December, it was against Pinner JFC who are doing well in the league, but they have a few games in hand, incidentally we will be playing them next week in the league at home.

The pitch was quite heavy under foot and was very cut up in parts, and the pitch appeared to be full size, conditions were not set for a good game of football, but a good match is what happened. As the match progressed, you could see that the teams were quite evenly matched.

We were without Callum, one of our central defenders, Danny Ing, had to slot into his position, for the first half, our midfield quartet of Dan P, James Kraven, William Dias and James Wauchope, looked menacing when moving forward. They were creating opportunities and half chances, but we couldn’t quite convert, Pinners defence seemed to have an answer to all the questions that we posed to them, but on the balance of play we were having the better of it, and so it was a little disappointing, when we conceded the 1^st goal. Danny Ing laid the ball back to our keeper, no one showed a willingness to receive the ball from the goaley,  and so when he cleared the ball Pinner were able to intercept the clearance and score.

Half time score 1 nil to Pinner.

A couple of changes were made for the 2^nd half with James Kraven and Sean Heneghan, making way for Henry Billam and William Bloomfield.

Danny Ing and Danial Pugh swopped positions, and things seemed to have tightened up in mid field, we started where we left off in the first half and were definetly in the ascendency,  and this improvement in our play was rewarded with an equaliser scored by James Wauchope, hitting a good shot from the left of the box that the keeper got a hand to, but was unable to divert around the post.

Pinner though were looking dangerous in attack, they had some fast forwards, and Aiden, Dan and Alex were called on a few occasions to make some critical tackles.

Alex Campbell came on later for the hard working William Dias.

Pinner went ahead again though, from a long ball which we allowed to bounce in our half.

You’d have been forgiven to think that it just wasn’t going to be our match, but credit to the boys, they kept their heads up, and fully earned the equaliser, which came about after Alexs Shine loobed shot was saved by Pinner’s Keeper but fortunetly for us Henry Billam followed up to put the ball away.

Henry, who was one of the 2^nd half subs had a great game, it not easy to come on a game half way through, but he did all that was asked of him, with a very positive attitude.

We hit the post on 2 occasions the first was a terrific shot from Danial Headland, the 2^nd was a low effort from Danny Ing.

Danny Ing came off injured which allowed William Dias to come back on, and continue his battling display in mid field.

Mark Hartley

Panther’s goal scorers, Daniel Pugh (1), Michael Green (1)

Man of the Match  Aiden Farrelley

After last week’s called off match we were eagerly awaiting the game today.

Unfortunately the day didn’t get off to a good start, due to a number of players being unavailable for the match. Michael Tomaso our goal keeper being one of the three absentees.

We had to rearrange the team, Alex Campbell our right back had to go in goal, we had no left back and so Henry Billam stepped in to that position and had a good game there.

The match started just after 11.30, after winning the toss we decided to swap ends

Although the ref was going to overrule our decision, (which would have been the first of a number of strange decisions by him.)

We had the wind behind us, and gradually started to get on top of the opposition.

There was some very good inter play, with some nice give and go in our mid field area, eventually our probing play was rewarded with our first goal, with a nice through ball allowing Daniel Pugh to run through and score.

Later on we got our second goal when James Wauchope put across an inviting ball that Michael Green duly put away.

There were other chances Daniel Pugh was very unlucky when a terrific shot of his hit the post, also a great cross from James Wauchope that Michael Green at full stretch couldn’t quite convert. 

Half time score 2 nil

At half time it was stressed that we would be playing against the wind, and we knew that Enfield Rangers would be coming more and more in to the game, therefore it was imperative that the mid field helped the defence in fact we had to defend right from the front.

Unfortunately our fears were realised, Enfield started to pressurise us straight from the kick off, but to our credit we held out for a large period of the game, until about 15 mins of the second half when their striker was allowed to turn in the box and shoot through a number of players in to the net. 1- 2

I noticed from the side line that the opposition supports and players were arguing about off side decisions that were going against them, in fact this had started in the 1^st half, it almost appeared that the referee bowed under pressure, this seemed evident and when Enfield had a later move, the lines man put the flag up for off side, the referee decided to ignore this, and this led to their equalising goal.

We justifiably felt hard done by, there were other strange decisions such as awarding Enfield a foul that never was. Danny Ing beat their player to the ball and their player fell over Danny’s leg!!!!!

Or not giving us the advantage but awarding us the free kick, when Aiden bravely went in for a tackle and knocked the ball to our left flank, leaving us in a good attacking position.

I know that, that our lines man was starting to believe, why bother if when I flag I’m going to be ignored.

Any way we tried to play on, but the momentum and the decisions were going Enfield’s way.

Almost inevitably Enfield scored the winner when a long ball was missed by our defender allowing them to run through and score their undeserved winner.

And so we most put this loss behind us, we are still in a very good position league wise, a couple of things that we must take on board, is that when we do make the opportunities we most put them away, so that no matter how the opposition play, or refereeing decisions are made we are so far in front that we can’t be caught also if one of our attacks breaks down then we most track back.

Unlucky boys you deserved better today.

Mark Hartley

Panther’s goal scorers, James Wauchope (1), James Kraven

Man of the Match Michael Tomaso

This was our third home match in a row, this time against Enfield Rangers. We were back up to a full squad, with the return of Calum Berrell in the heart of our defence.

It was a very a breezy Sunday morning, as we started the match, the wind was behind us, which was something we had to take advantage of, Enfield Rangers are doing very well in our Division, but had not played many league matches, this was going to be a tough match as we had played them in the league cup a month ago, where they beat us quite comfortably.

Both teams realised the importance of the match, and right from the start both teams battled away hard, Enfield are a strong team but we weren’t going to allow them to overpower us. William Dias-Prada although in attack helped out our mid field, and Alex Shine pressurised their defenders forcing them into mistakes and miss kicks.

Aiden and Calum continued their strong tackling in the middle of defence with good support from our left and right backs, Sean Heneghan and Alex Campbell, but Enfield are a dangerous team with very pacey forwards.

For neutrals the match was a good spectical, with both teams showing attacking flare, but we gradually started to get on top, Daniel Pugh and Danny Ing becoming more and more influential as the match progressed, we played some nice football and are build up play was rewarded when James Wauchope made a very positive run from the left cut inside before lobbing their goal keeper with a superb chip to put us one nil up.

Enfield tried hard to get an equaliser but just couldn’t penetrate our defence. We got our second after some nice build up play, which led to a ball slipped through to James Kraven who ran onto the ball before coolly slipping the ball into the net to make it 2 nil at half time.

We made a couple of substitutions at the break, both our Alex’s came off and were replaced with Jake Keaney at right back, and Michael Green in attack.

The second half started with Enfield on the attack, but try as they may they couldn’t get through, Michael Tomaso in goal pulling off a number of great saves, in fact a supporter of Enfield came over to me and said “ your keepers playing a blinder”

Enfield to their credit continued to attack, but their frustrations were starting to show, with disagreeing with the refs decisions, and some questionable tackles, we on the other had let our football do the talking, and were rewarded with our third goal when James Kraven received the ball in the right had side of the box, ran on and expertly finished by raising the ball over the despairing dive of their keeper, all the finishes of this match were excellent.

The third goal effectively ended the match as a contest, and I must say that our players showed great self control with the provocation that a few of their players showed towards us.

I hope we continue to play the game in the right spirit.

And not do what one of their players did, boot the match ball into some ones back garden, grow up lad!

Well done again Panthers.

Mark Hartley

Panther’s goal scorers, Michael Green (1), Daniel Pugh (1), Daniel Headland (3)

Danny Ing (2), James Kraven (1), William Dias-Prada (1)

Man of the Match Calum Berrel

Today’s match was a 10am kick off, at home against Panathinaikos. It was remembrance Sunday and so we observed a minutes Silence before the kick off.

Panathinaikos are having a difficult season, but if we thought we were in for an easy game then we were in for a surprise. Panathinaikos were playing some good football which belied their league position; they had a number of pacey attackers as well so we had to be on our guard.

In the 1^st half of the match through significant periods of play, Panathinaikos were playing the better football, we weren’t quite on our game, but fortunately for us they didn’t take their chances, were as we did, Daniel Headland continuing from where he left off by scoring a brace of goals in the 1^st half, so at half time we were 2 – nil up.

The score flattered us, we were not doing the basics such as keeping goal side of their players when we were defending, or playing the football that we know we can produce.

Dave Marrett our head coach who watched a large part of the 1^st half gave our players some advice on areas where they need to improve. We also made a number of substitutions.

The 2^nd half started, with both teams trying to be positive, the opposition new that if they scored a goal, then the game could have a completely different outlook, where as we knew that we needed to get some distance between us and them.

Both teams exchanged goals, so that by midway in the 2^nd half we were 5 – 2 up,

Then we really stepped our game and scored 4 more goals un answered.

Daniel Headland getting his second hat trick in a rough. Danny Ing getting a brace,

His 1^st was a powerful shot from the right hand side of their box which flew into the left hand side of the net. William Dias-Prada industrious and skill full play was rewarded with a goal when he followed in a shot to tap in. Michael Green chipped in with his customary well taken goal, and was unfortunate not to have scored a 2^nd from a header. Daniel Pugh also was rewarded with a goal, when he ran in on goal before slipping the ball coolly into the net beyond the despairing dive of their keeper,

Another goal scorer for us was James Kraven, who came on as sub half way through the 2^nd half, he excepted a through ball, was one on one with their keeper, he kept his head and slotted the ball with the outside of his foot across the goal to the left of their keeper, a nice finish.

The second half performance was more in line with what we know we can achieve, and a most pleasing thing was that we had 6 different goal scorers today.

We realise how well we can play, and we must take this form onto our remaining games.

The man of the match goes to Callum Berrel, who has been both consistent and immense in our centre of defence Aiden Farrelley also ran him very close this week.

Mark Hartley

Panther’s goal scorers, Michael Green (2), Jake Keaney (1), Daniel Headland (3) Danny Ing (2)

Man of the Match Daniel Headland

Our match today was an away match against Nascot Wood Rangers.

We were without 2 players, Daniel Pugh and Alex Campbell.

The match started at just after 10am, in driving rain conditions, which wasn’t conducive to good football you would have thought, but those of us who were there, witnessed an excellent game of football.

It was evident right from the start of the game that Nascot were determined to revenge the 3 – 2 loss they suffered against us 3 weeks ago. They played some nice football with good link up play and forced us back towards our penalty area.

Nascot got their 1^st goal when a back pass from our right back bobbled under our keeper hit the post then was tapped in by their striker, an unfortunate goal to concede but one that Nascot fully deserved.

Nascot continued with the pressure, but couldn’t break through, then against the run of play Dannny Ing made a great surging run from the midfield to just outside the right hand side of their penalty box then unleashed a low hard drive which beat their keeper into the left hand side of the goal.

This seemed to wake us up a bit as up till then we were quite lethargic. The match had a more even balanced feel, both teams were going all out for the victory it was only a matter of time before the next goal was scored, and that came via a penalty for a goal line save by one of our outfield players.

We thought back and got our equaliser when a corner from the left was met by a superb header from Jake Keaney which gave their goal keeper no chance.

Nascot got their 3^rd goal when an accidental handball in the box, was deemed to warrant a penalty.

To our credit we refused to be beaten, and as the game went on we continued to grow in confidence, Dan Headland who has been away from football due to injury was anxious make up for lost time, and did so with a superb hat trick, nice celebrations Dan, Danny Ing got his second and there was also a 2 more from Michael Green, some of the football played by ourselves was a joy to see, and we basically over ran the opposition.

We dominated all areas of the pitch, and I’m sure the match couldn’t end quickly enough from their point of view.

And so we are back on winnings ways, you never know, if we can maintain this form we could possibly be challenging for the league.

Congratulations Panthers.

Mark Hartley