THE mighty New Norfolk Panthers have again proven themselves to be the best side in the league after a thrilling 4-0 win over the Kingborough Lions, who until today (Sunday) were the only other undefeated team in the competition besides New Norfolk.
Throughout the season, much emphasis has been placed on the flawless attacking play of the Derwent Valley’s side with the most goals scored in the league at an astonishing 34, but the team’s defence has lived up to its title as “the wall” with only nine goals scored against it.
Debutant keeper Luke Richmond revelled in his first clean sheet of the season against Kingborough on Sunday with some amazing saves and control of an experienced backline in front of him – as reflected in the scoreline, Kingborough had no answer to New Norfolk’s Sam Coetzee, Tom Sheppard, James Tassell, Andy Healey and Jake Maw in defence, who shut down numerous attacking plays and used their vision to complement the Panthers’ aggressive attacking style with some stylish passes up the wing and through the centre.
Of course, no game is won without goals, and as per usual New Norfolk’s attack was both precise and intense, leading to two fantastic goals by Paul Cairns and one each to Martin Cairns and Chris Driver, who were constant thorns in the side of Kingborough thanks to some quality passes from the consistently performing midfield who got through the bulk of Kingborough’s defending attempts with ease.
New Norfolk are still undefeated at the top of the ladder and look to continue their impeccable form with an away game on Friday, September 11, at Wentworth Park, at 7 pm against the Clarence Zebras.
NIC MOLTOW
