Despite being without regular goalkeeper Lewis Rochelle the Panthers managed to make it 6 games unbeaten and 6 clean sheets without either of their stand-in goalkeepers having to make a save in either game with another two victories.
The Panthers started the day in spectacular form putting Walsall Phoenix to the sword 5-0 and it could have been many more with the Panthers creating chances at will. The Panthers went in at half-time 2-0 up with goals from Ashton Cooper and Louis Beasley (another one for the dubious goals panel) despite missing a penalty. There was no let up in the second half either and further goals from Josh Reynolds, a second for Ashton Cooper and a deserved fifth from George Whitehouse. The boys played some flowing football and could easily have got in to double figures in this game. Ashton Cooper was awarded man-of-the match for his clinical display in attack.
The second match of the day proved somewhat more difficult. The Panthers went into the half-time break 1-0 up against an extremely resilient and organised Wyrley Tigers team thanks to a fantastic goal from Sam Scott. The second-half was marred by what can only be described as shocking refereeing. The Panthers scored a second goal through Ben Herrington despite the ball having appeared to have gone out for a goal kick earlier in the move. A further referreeing gaffe meant that the Panthers were only awarded a free-kick on the edge of the box when the foul appeared to be committed some way inside the box. Despite the match being a closely fought contest, stand-in keeper Louis Beasley did not have a save to make thanks to another superb defensive display from George Whitehouse and Lucas Tibbs, with the latter being awarded man-of-the-match.
Well done to all the lads who took part especially the stand-in goalkeepers. Today’s squad consisted of Louis Beasley, Sam Scott, Lucas Tibbs, George Whitehouse, Josh Reynolds, Riordan Parkes-Mahoney, Ben Herrington and Ashton Cooper.