Wyrley Panthers v Shire Oaks Magpies Friendly Match
The Panthers started out after the Christmas break like they had never been away.
The boys were at it from the off and played some breath-taking football switching play from one side of the pitch to the other and opening their opponents up at will.
The goals flowed at regular intervals with lovely approach play from either wing by Rio Parkes-Mahoney and Joshua “Smasher” Mason. Instrumental in the convincing win was Ben “Tank” Maginness whose dynamism from central midfield was outstanding and it was his surging runs from midfield that kept the Panthers on the front foot throughout.
The Panthers were solid at the back thanks to the steel of George Whitehouse and Lewis Rochelle who both sprayed the ball about from the back majestically.
Special mention must go to man of the match Smasher who looked a constant menace on the right-hand side of midfield and completed his hat-trick with a lovely one-on-one finish under the keeper. The deserved hat-trick was the first of his career, with the improvement he has shown of late let’s hope it is the first of many.
The other goal scorers were Tank, George, Rio and Ben “Whizza” Herrington.
Wyrley Panthers v Perton Friendly Match
The Panther’s second game was, as they say, a game of two halves.
The boggy, muddy pitch was not conducive to the Panther’s passing and moving philosophy with the ball constantly sticking in the mud when played on the floor. Perton adapted to the conditions more readily by playing a more direct style suitable to the weather.
The Panthers took a two-goal lead in to the last minutes of the game. The first goal being scored by George from the penalty spot after his initial shot had been handled by the Perton defender. The second goal was a great side-footed finish from Tank following a great run and cross from Whizza.
However, Perton battled to the end and put the Panthers under pressure late on to grab a draw. The Panthers, without the solid Sam “Scotty” Scott at the back through illness looked susceptible to the break and continued to push forward for more goals leaving themselves open to two well finished counter-attacks.
Good performances by both teams meant both teams held out for a draw.
Man of the match for the second game was awarded to Tank who has been exceptional all weekend.
Well done boys for the lovely football played!
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