THE New Norfolk Panthers senior division 5 soccer team, currently sitting on top of the ladder, played an evenly matched and exciting game against third-placed Uni Wanderers yesterday, coming away with a 2-1 win.
The Panthers/Uni game was originally slated to be played at Olinda Grove but that ground closure saw the game moved to Tynwald Park. We are very fortunate in having the best non-synthetic ground in the league and one of very few grounds to remain open over the weekend. Kudos to the council works team!
The first half was intense with some great passages of play through the field. Although there were many shots at goal, only one found the back of the net seeing the Panthers a goal up at half-time. The half-time huddle was positive and players went back out on the field full of enthusiasm for the second half.
Uni had also regrouped well during the break and put the ball past our keeper within the first five minutes. Although this shook the Panthers initially, they rallied quickly with the never-say-die attitude this team is well known for, cumlminating in another goal. The final 10 minutes of the game were tiring with one man down on the field due to a red card send-off and the whistle sounded with no further score from either team.
The Panthers next game is at home at Tynwald Park this Sunday, August 23, against the Phoenix Rovers, with the kick-off at noon.
JANINE WHITE
