Wyrley Panthers v Tipton Youth Friendly Match
The Panthers long unbeaten run, spanning nearly 30 games, has come to an end in another bruising encounter with Tipton.
The Panthers had to contend with some ferocious tackling throughout this game. Ashton ‘Goals’ Cooper came in for some particularly rough treatment.
The match started well with the Panthers taking the lead throughout a deflected shot from Louis Beesley. Great build up play from Lucas ‘Tibbsey’ Tibbs and Goals Cooper released the tricky Louis Beesley, who slotted the ball past the keeper via a deflection.
Tipton then struck back with two quick-fire goals of their own. Lewis ‘the Cat’ Rochelle saved the first effort but the ball dropped at the feet of the Tipton striker who forced the ball home from close range. The second goal was controversial, the Tipton player looked to have handled the ball in the process of bundling the ball into the net from close range following a free kick whipped in from the right-hand side.
The coaches were full of admiration for the boys as they came out in the second half and threw the kitchen sink at the Tipton goal without any luck or success. The lads did all they could to prevent losing their unbeaten run but to no avail. However, Ben ‘Whizza’ Herrington came close with a late free kick, which was saved well by the Tipton keeper.
Man of the match in this game was Lucas ‘Tibbsey’ Tibbs.
Wyrley Panthers v Bloxwich Rangers Friendly Match
With a much-changed line up following the first match the lads set about starting a new unbeaten run.
The Panthers took the lead early in the game following good midfield play by Josh Reynolds and Rio Parkes-Mahoney which released Josh ‘Smasher’ Mason who rounded the keeper well and slotted the ball home in order that he could celebrate wildly.
It wasn’t long before Smasher got his second goal of the game. Great work out wide by Louis Beesley created an easy chance for Smasher, which he gobbled up with glee.
There were more goals to come too with Rio Parkes Mahoney scoring another two with two really well struck goals from the edge of the Bloxwich box. His second effort nearly uprooted the goalposts it was struck with such power.
Unfortunately, the boys took their foot off the gas in the second half conceding a soft consolation goal.
Rio Parkes-Mahoney was outstanding in this game and deserves a special mention for his barnstorming runs of late, keep it up Rio!
Man of the Match was Smasher for his brace of goals. Smasher, also nearly bagged himself a hat trick but his turn and shot was saved well by the keeper.
The Panthers were disappointed to lose their unbeaten tag but deserve to be proud of the accomplishment. Well-done lads!
Squad today consisted of: Lewis Rochelle, Sam Scott, George Whitehouse, Ben Herrington, Ashton Cooper, Louis Beasley, Josh Reynolds, Lucas Tibbs, Rio Parkes-Mahoney, Josh Mason.