Panthers got back to winning ways following last week’s defeat to league leaders Chasetown FC Colts, with a gutsy performance in testing conditions against an improving Cannock Town Blues team.
The first half saw Panthers playing against a strong head wind which, if the truth be known, helped Panthers game as they were forced to play the ball on the ground. Ben Malpass opened the scoring after some neat passing between Sam Hadwen and Tommy Bannister, who released Thomas Williamson down the left flank before delivering a pin point cross for Ben Malpass to head past the helpless keeper (1-0).
Williamson notched his 8th goal of the season just ten minutes later after Kaine Garratt won the ball in midfield before passing to Thomas Williamson who beat two players in the box before calmly slotting in at the near post (2-0). Panthers could have extended their lead before the break with Jack Miller-Flynn, Sam Steptoe and Elliot Kelsey all going close with efforts. (HT 2-0).
The second half saw Panthers step up a gear and when a great defensive clearance from Captain Harry Richards landed in the Cannock box Thomas Williamson was there to pounce on the loose ball and smash in his second of the game and his 9th of the season. (3-0).
Panthers looked solid in defence with Ace Bateman, Jamie Wilson and George Bailey never really being troubled by the Cannock attack. It was only a matter of time before Panthers extended their lead and on 45 minutes Ben Malpass drilled a low cross from the right for the unmarked Tommy Bannister to tap in for his 4th goal of the season. (4-0). Thomas Williamson then followed up Panthers 4th goal by adding his 10th goal of the season and his second hat-trick of the season with a precise drilled effort past the helpless keeper just four minutes later. (5-0).
With the game over as a contest Panthers took their foot off the gas and were punished when Cannock pulled one back a short while later. This gave Panthers the required wake up call and saw Ben Malpass beat two defenders before smashing home his second of the game and his 8th of the season. (6-1).
With just three minutes remaining Tommy Bannister hit a left footed cross which broke nicely to Sam Steptoe who took a touch before slotting home for his third goal in four games. (FT 7-1)
MOTM Thomas Williamson
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