Good afternoon Panthers fans! Another feast of competitive sport witnessed today by this sports reporter at the Shelfield Academy, where Panthers battled with Shire Oak Colliers and Brownhills Colts White. To quote my childhood hero, Winnie T Pooh, “what a blustery day”and credit goes to all of the Panthers for coping with very testing conditions in these two matches.
Shire Oak
Panthers were caught hopping, as straight from the kick off, the Colliers forward skipped past two challenges to finish past Lukas Purcell to make it one nil. Joshua Lester then responded with some great right wing play, riding three tackles and crossing for Wilson Cooper and Ryan Jones to both miss narrowly. Frazer Simms held a good high back line and repelled a few Shire Oak attacks as Wyrley began to control the midfield through great endeavour from Jones, Cooper and Lester. Joshua won a throw in and took it quickly, throwing it into some space, Wilson then came onto the ball crossed beautifully for Ryan to finish, equalising for Wyrley. As the first half closed it was all Wyrley. At half time, Wilson who had played superbly, was bought off for all action midfielder Ritchie. Role reversal was then seen within seconds of the second half kick off, as Joshua rode two tackles through the Shire Oak back line to shoot and claim the second goal. Then, Lucas Purcell made two great stops one narrowing an angle against two
Shire Oak attackers, to superbly maintain Wyrley’s lead, great goalkeeping! Frazer again helped to repel Shire Oak for a small period in the second half. Ritchie came close to scoring too, then Joshua showed some great wing play again, wriggling past several challenges, cutting in from the right to be fouled by the Shire Oak player to win a free kick. Ryan Jones then struck the free kick well for it to bounce past the keepers near post, to extend Wyrley’s lead. Ritchie and Joshua had further attacks with Lukas in outstanding form, to ensure the match ended 3-1 in Wyrley’s favour.
Shire Oak 1 Wyrley Panthers 3
Goals Ryan Jones 2 Joshua Lester 1
MOM Joshua Lester
Brownhills Colts White
The windy conditions presented extra difficulties for all teams on show, especially for goalkeepers and Panthers goalkeeper Lukas put in an outstanding display of brave committed goalkeeping in this match to build on a great performance in the first match. Like the match last week Wyrley conceded a free kick early on, which Brownhills capitalised on (assisted by conditions) through a fantastic strike to the top right hand corner, 1-0. Lukas then pulled off a string of fine and brave saves, quickly coming off his line throughout the first half. Buoyed on by this strong backline with Joshua, Ritchie and Wilson all defending well Wyrley ended the first half well on top with some good direct runs from Ryan. After an energetic first half, Ryan made way for Frazer, and Joshua pushed forward into midfield. Wyrley then gained further control of the ball, and Wilson Cooper put in two great through balls to Ritchie who was unlucky twice to see Wyrley not equalise. Lukas demonstrated great concentration for the rest of a windy second half and saved low down twice. Joshua pushed further forward, supported by Ritchie and Wilson, with Frazer defending superbly, leading Wyrley to finish the match on top and unlucky not to get the equaliser.
Brownhills Colts 1 Wyrley Panthers 0
MoM Lukas Purcell outstanding and brave goalkeeping
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