Wyrley Panthers v Shire Oak Magpies Friendly Match

Another crushing display by the Panthers resulted in another one-sided victory. There was another great performance by the Magpies keeper who looks like he has real shot-stopping potential.

The Panthers were down to the bare bones of their squad again due to Remembrance Day parades and illness and were grateful to Ashton ‘Goals’ Cooper, who attended despite having an injured ankle, played the majority of the two matches in goal.

The Panthers took the lead through a coolly taken penalty from Rio Parkes-Mahoney who had himself been upended in the box. Rio deserved his goal after another creative display on the left wing.

A further goal soon followed from Sam ‘Scotty’ Scott who hit the net via a deflection. Scotty was majestic in defence, calm under pressure, strong in the tackle and played the ball out from the back like Rio Ferdinand in his prime. This superb performance also deservedly won him the match of the match award.

The Panthers created plenty of chances in the game and their quick corner routine continued to pose problems for the opposition. Some great passing moves created the openings, only to find the Magpies keeper again in splendid form.

Wyrley Panthers v Great Barr Harriers Friendly Match

The Panthers showed their ruthless streak in this match which has been missing of late. They really turned on the style and put away their opportunities.

The first goal was scored by Ben ‘Whizza’ Herrington, who himself was suffering from illness, and did brilliantly in this game considering he was not at 100%.

The second goal was a strange one, with both Louis Beasley and Whizza appearing to kick the ball at the same time following a goalmouth scramble. Unusually, neither player wanted to deprive the other of the goal and both were content for the goal to be shared between them.

The next goal was well created by Whizza who played a through ball to Louis Beasley despite being sitting down at the time and Louis finished with aplomb.

A further neat finish followed from Louis Beasley after a characteristic driving run from Ben ‘Tank’ Maginness. Louis’ 2.5 goals in this match won him the man of the match award.

Following another strong run, George Whitehouse was brought down just outside the box. He dusted himself down, gave the keeper the eyes, and put the ball in the bottom left hand corner from the resulting free kick.

Finally, the match was finished with a somewhat debateable penalty awarded for a foul on Scotty. Scotty picked himself up and forcefully despatched the penalty past the keeper.

The Panthers played attractive passing football throughout this match, even in tight situations they wanted to play football the right way which is always encouraging to see.

The Panthers now remain unbeaten in 18 matches! Well done lads!

Man of the matches today were Scotty and Louis Beasley. Well done!

Squad today consisted of: Sam Scott, George Whitehouse, Ben Herrington, Ashton Cooper, Louis Beasley, Rio Parkes-Mahoney and Ben Maginness.