Lisvane Panthers Under 15 2006/2007 season
Lisvane Panthers have two Under 15 teams. Both teams play in the S.A. Brain & Co. Cardiff and District Association Football League. |
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Managers
| Under 15 A - Dave Mortimer | The U15 A side are last season's Runners Up in the U14 District Cup. |
| Under 15 B - Simon Hurford | The U15 B side are promoted to the A Division. |
Annual Reports 2006/07
Under 15 A
Managers: Dave Mortimer & Roy Liddle
Declan Evans: The keeper has had an excellent season. He continues to improve in all skills associated with goalkeeping. A good source of goals has been his 'route one' kick to the front players. Declan has kept the team in many a game with eye catching saves. Chris Cardinali: Strong in the tackle and extremely quick. Opposing strikers always know they've been in a game! Has captained the team superbly leading by example. Nigel Gumbleton: Another very solid defender with the ability to outpace the fastest forward. Heavily involved in the cup final. Superb header of the ball. Scored with a powerful header in the semi final. Nick Liddle: A nippy midfielder with the ability to perform well at wing back. Put in an excellent display in the cup final playing out of position.Dead ball specialist in the Beckham mould. Calum Williams: Another very skillful player. Calum's intelligent defence was a major factor in winning the cup. Able to operate effectively in all areas of the pitch. Adam Meades: Adam joined in mid-season. He gave the midfield an extra bite and immediately provided the team with an extra attacking option. Also an excellent ball winner. Grabbed a great goal in the cup final. A class act. Tom Ryall: Tom's arrival at the start of the season gave the midfield real presence. Strong in the tackle and powerful going forward. Possesses a very strong right foot which he used to thunder in the first goal in the cup final. Tom Riseborough: Tom has had an excellent season and his shooting has become a feature of the side. He has a useful knack of always hitting the target. No surprise that he scored twice from long range in the cup final. Rhys Jones-Mathias: A good passer of the ball going forward, he possesses strength and speed. Rhys also supports the defence to great effect. A selfless team player with an eye for goal. Ioan Mortimer: Breathtaking pace, particularly in the first ten yards, coupled with powerful shooting has made Ioan one of the most feared attacking players in the league. Ran the opposition ragged in the cup final and scored twice. Steve Mallinson: A highly regarded acquisition in mid-season, Steve has fitted in superbly well. Is able to put himself into dangerous positions and is a very good finisher. Always a threat to opposition defenses. Simon Hurley: An excellent reader of a game and possess very good ball control. Simon is able to put himself in the right position time and time again.Simon's versatility means he can play in a variety of positions to a high standard. John Leehy: An attacking midfield player who is very strong on the ball. John is always in position to receive a pass and is always looking for an attacking option. Scored the winner with a neat finish in the cup semi final. Gareth Bevins: Gareth possesses wonderful ball control, and is one of the team's longest serving players.A very unselfish player with good vision. Dave Moore: A very hard tackling defender whose surges forward adds a real goal threat. The latter part of the season was blighted by a back injury but he made a welcome re-appearance at the cup final. Sean James: A reliable presence on the left hand side of defence. An excellent header of the ball with a very strong left foot. Missed a lot of the season through injury. Leigh Jenkins: Always gives his utmost when called on, Leigh has been a committed member of the squad. An excellent passer. Owen Henderson: Owen's season came to a premature end due to injury. Owen had an excellent start to the season with some stirling displays at right back.
Under 15 B
Managers: Simon Hurford & Colin McKenzie
Congratulations to all the players for what was a very tough season. The team was unexpectedly promoted to the 'A' league and then we lost several key players to other sports and activities. From then on it became a struggle each week but I have nothing but praise and admiration for this set of boys who battled and played every week and never let their heads go down. A special thanks to our sponsors from the Cats Claws Hairdressers for our fancy new kit this season. We welcomed back Phil Andriola to the team this season and what a contribution Phil made in goal. Phil even played out field for a few weeks recovering from a broken wrist. Great effort Phil! Another player returning after a season in the wilderness was hard man Solos Avraam. Playing mostly at right back Solos has great speed, tackling ability and confidence to run with the ball. The mobile phone never stops ringing for Solos. It was a difficult season but even more so for our big man Jon Powell - one of the youngest in the team and yet taller than the coach! Half way through the year Jon suffered knee ligament damage and this shortened his season. Another 'veteran' of this team, Will Falleyn showed us once again he could play either at full back and in the middle. Will was still as vocal as ever encouraging his team mates at every opportunity. Will has improved his tackling and general reading of the game. Also in defence was another hard man Dan Price, another Panthers veteran. Dan is always there for team, always at training and has showed how he can play on either side of defence. Dan is never afraid to get forward and join in the attack. Well done Dan! A new signing this year, Darren Gibbs or 'Gibbsy' has also made a great contribution in defence. One the biggest kickers of the football there is and rapidly improving every game. Rhys 'the flyer' Phillips had another consistent season at left midfield. His dribbling skills get better every year and he has tormented many defenders with his running. Rhys has also scored some great goals. Midfield has seen some very tough battles this year and big Jac Humphreys is always in the centre ready to take on all comers. Jac shows great potential as an attacking midfield player and always leads by example. You also need a good engine in midfield and Josh Hurford has that with plenty of running ability. Josh has greatly improved his tackling and passing skills this year and adapted well in what was a new position for him in the centre. Cam Nazimi (Frank?) has had another consistent season at the right side of midfield. Cam is never afraid to take on defenders down the right, cut in and have shot. Mike David is another new player this year signed from Danescourt and is an out and out striker. Mike has a great turn of speed and is deadly in front of goal. George 'Tiger Woods' Buckley played up front with Mike and showed some good link play in the final third. It was not an easy season for our strikers but George was always prepared to have a strike at goal. Last but not least is the excellent Mike McKenzie - our genuine all rounder. Mike has played in goal (where he also plays for the FAW Academy and Cardiff Schools). Mike was also able to play for us in midfield and defence when Darren was in goal. As a goal keeper Mike has kept the score line respectfully low by some fantastic keeping skills. Out field he lead by example and motivated the team during some difficult times.
Match Reports
2007
2006
U15 A Division
Lisvane Panthers: 0 - Rumney: 7
Venue: Gliderfield
HT: 0-5
Taking the field without several players on Cardiff Schools Rugby duty, the lads struggled to get to grips with a fine Rumney side who took the first half by storm. The half time score was 0-5 and things looked grim. The Panthers competed much better in the second half but still let two further goals in. Despite losing by such a heavy score there were some hopeful signs for the coming fixtures.
(Douglas Evans)
U15 A Division
Llanishen Dons: 1 - Lisvane Panthers: 2
Venue: Caedelyn
HT: 0-1
With the second tough game in the space of four days the lads were going to have to show a lot of character to bounce back. The return of several players missing from the first fixture looked to give the side a much better balance. This proved to be the case and a very competitive game ensued with the Panthers shading the first half thanks to Ross's finish of Ioan's excellent cross after some excellent interplay down the right flank.
Early in the second half an excellent Dons strike put them on equal terms and this saw the character of the game change. It looked as if the Dons would be taking control but some excellent defending by Chris and Nigel together with some important saves by Declan meant the Panthers weathered the storm. Re-taking the initiative with Dave Moore making incisive runs from the right of defence and greater authority being shown in midfield and attack, the Panthers struck again with Ross again being on hand to apply the finish.
An exciting last quarter ensued but more excellent defending and goalkeeping saw the Panthers home.
(Douglas Evans)
U15 A Division
Ely Rangers Colts A: 1 - Lisvane Panther A: 0
Venue: Trelai
HT: 1-0
Ely took the game to the Panthers in the first half and were rewarded with a headed goal from a corner mid way through.
The Panthers made several changes at half time and looked much better going forward early in the half. However, after this, the majority of the attacking game was from Ely Rangers who might have felt they deserved more than their one goal advantage.
With ten minutes to go the Panthers thought they were about to equalise but the ball frustratingly struck the bar from a header resulting from a well placed free kick. Kept at bay with a combination of inspired goalkeeping and exceptional defending in front of goal Ely's first half goal proved decisive.
(Douglas Evans)
U15 A Division
Lisvane Panthers A: 1 - Ely Rangers Colts B: 6
Venue: Gliderfield
HT: 0-3
With key players missing due to Rugby and other commitments the Panthers squad looked like it was going to be fully stretched. This proved to be the case and the lads found it hard to compete against a competent Ely side. The half time score was 0-3 and the Lisvane supporters couldn't really complain about the margin. At the break three changes were made but the flow of the game looked to have been set and despite a few decent attacks the visiting keeper had a relatively easy time of it. The Panthers managed to get on the score sheet with a penalty towards the end to reduce the deficit to 1-5 but the Rangers restored a five goal margin just before the end.
(Douglas Evans)
U15 A Division
Lisvane Panthers A: 6 - Danescourt: 4
Venue: Gliderfield
HT: 4-0
Playing with much more assurance than the previous week the lads shot into
a 4 goal lead in the first half with goals from Ross 2, Ioan and Rhys. The game
was very one sided at this point with Declan not having to make a save at all
in the first half.
The second half looked to be going the same way buy some lack of concentration
saw Danescourt reduce the deficit by one. Fortunately, Ioan was on hand to make
it 5-1. The last quarter saw a flurry of goals and before we knew it Danescourt
had somehow increased their total to 4 with Tom Riseborough adding a sixth for
the Panthers.
(Douglas Evans)
U15 Division Cup - Round 1
Glycoed Corries: 0 - Lisvane Panthers A: 2
Venue: Roath Rec
HT: 0-1
Despite the season being only a month old today's pitch looked very badly worn. A passing game was going to be difficult and so it proved! Despite having control of most of the game the ball was difficult to control and the single Tom Riseborough goal was all the lads had to show for a dominant first half. The second half continued in the same vein but a second goal wouldn't come and the possibility of a Glyncoed equalizer to send the game into extra time was a real danger. Finally with only 3 minutes remaining Ross put away a chance to put the game safe!
The management can be proud of a very disciplined performance on a difficult pitch. Let's hope this is the start of another excellent cup run!
Video of today's match on YouTube. Click here
(Douglas Evans)
U15 A Division
Lisvane Panthers B: 1 - Lisvane Panthers A: 3
Venue: Pontcanna
HT 1 - 2
The game started at a furious pace, which surprised no-one! The A lads took the lead when an unfortunate defensive header from a difficult-to-deal-with corner found the net in the first five minutes.
Ten minutes later the A's advantage was doubled when Callum followed up a shot that the B's keeper parried. However, the B's rallied well and Declan was called to make a string of saves before being beaten after a defensive mix up let a striker through on goal. For the rest of the half the A's pressed but could not add to the tally.
The second half proceeded in the same vein with the B's defending well but failing to put any cohesive attacking moves together. Eventually, the hard working Ioan found his way through the B defence and beat the keeper with a neat shot to make the game safe with five minutes to go.
Video of today's match on YouTube. Click here
(Douglas Evans)
U15 A Division
Lisvane Panthers A: 4 - Splott Albion: 3
Venue: Gliderfield
(H-T 2-1)
A well taken corner from Nick was met superbly by Nigel to give the Panthers an early advantage. This was doubled when Ross ran on to Declan’s long kick out of hand to put away a second! 2-0 was a decent reward for a first quarter which was dominated my the Panthers.
On 25 minutes the defense allowed a little too much space for the first time and good through ball was put away to bring the score back to 2-1. For the remaining minutes of the half Splott pressed and pressed but at the break the score remained 2-1.
Early in the second period Nigel was very unlucky to have been judged to have committed a foul in the area and a well struck penalty saw Splott equalise. Almost immediately the best move of the match saw Tom, John, and Ioan combine to engineer a chance for Ross to put the Panthers in front and he took it with aplomb striking a low hard cross from Ioan into the net.
However Splott were not finished and with 15 minutes to go a chip gave the advancing Declan little chance as it rebounded in from a post. It looked like things were going against the lads when Tom Ryall’s shot struck the cross bar with five minutes left but Tom was on hand to finish an excellent move with barely 30 seconds remaining to inflict Splott’s first league defeat of the season.
(Douglas Evans)
U15 A Division
AFC Rumney: 7 - Lisvane Panthers A: 1
HT 3 - 0
The game was evenly contested for the first half hour and it looked it was going to be a 0-0 scoreline at half time. However, a few lapses in concentration saw Rumney score 3 goals in the minutes before the break and the score didn't reflect the play at all.
The second half started badly with a fourth going in very quickly. The middle 30 minutes of the second hald also saw even play but in the few minutes after this 2 more Rumney goals found the net before the hard battling Tom Ryall scored an excellent goal from the left hand side of the edge of the penalty box.A seventh Rumney effort went in before the end.
Well done to the hard working lads turning up for the game. Those present showed a lot of guts in what was a very difficult fixture for several reasons. Only the bare 11 lads were available today after Rugby commitments and 'no-shows' decimated the squad.
Video of today's match on YouTube. Click here
(Douglas Evans)
U15 A Division
Splott Albion: 1 - Lisvane Panthers A: 2
Venue: Splott Park
HT 0 - 2
The lads started well and stout defending matched by an excellent midfield further topped by a wonderful finish saw the Panthers take an early one nil lead. A well contested first half was finished off in fine style when the advantage was doubled by an excellent Tom Riseborough strike.
Although Splott pulled one back half way through the second half the bulk of chances were being created by the Panthers and a little more luck may have seen further goals. The result of 1-2 in the Panther's favour saw us register the first double of the season. Well done to all.Video of today's match on YouTube. Click here
(Douglas Evans)
U15 A Division
Ely Rangers B: 1 - Lisvane Panthers A: 1
Venue: Trelai
HT 1 - 1
Ely Rangers B have had a fine season and have reached 2nd in the division on merit. The first half saw Ely have much of the play but a good shot from Ross saw the Panthers take a 1 goal lead which was retained until well into the half. Despite much pressure the Panthers defence held out. However, eventually this pressure told and Ely Rangers equalised with ten minutes left in the half.
The second half had a completely different complexion with the Panthers well on top and Ross, Tom, Steve and Ioan were very unlucky not to score.. The second half performance was probably the best the Panthers have played all season with all players comfortable on the ball and showing full commitment in the tackle. Despite their superiority, Ely had a few chances to win it right at the end with a free kick scrambled away by Declan who also pushed away a shot which hit the bar in the dying minutes.
Two notable performances today, from the two recent signings from the now defunct Dons. Both Adam Meades and Steve Mallinson put in top quality performances and have certainly strengthened the Panthers squad.
Video of today's match on YouTube. Click here
(Douglas Evans)
U15 A Division
Lisvane Panthers A: 3 - Urdd: 1
(HT 0-0)
The first game for six weeks saw the Panthers come up against the Urdd who rejoined the A division after two years out. Even though there were a large number of players missing due to commitments elsewhere the new depth of the Panthers squad meant that a strong team was able to be fielded with Simon Hurley taking the captain’s armband.
The first half saw chances being created at both ends and although Lisvane had the better of the play the sides remained level at the break. The second half saw much pressure from the Panthers and this resulted in a fine goal from Tom Ryall after 15 minutes.
Urdd might have equalised a few minutes later but Declan produced a good save to tip the ball over from a free kick taken 25 yards out.
Ten minutes later a good through ball to Ross saw him lift the ball over the advancing keeper to make the score 2-0.
Urdd came back into game after a defensive mix-up in the Panthers ranks saw the ball find the net to reduce the deficit to 2-1.
With ten minutes left some persistence from Steve Mallinson saw him take the ball almost out of the keeper’s hands to place the ball neatly into the net to make the game safe.
(Douglas Evans)
U15 A Division
Danescourt YC: 2 - Lisvane Panthers A: 2
(HT 0-1)
All available Panthers were called on to appear at Pontcanna this morning as once more commitments outside football meant little time had to be spent picking today’s team!
In the event there were 12 squad members who appeared ready for action against an improving Danescourt. The lads took a deserved lead after fine play through the middle saw Tom Ryall produce a trademark neat finish. This lead was deservedly held until the start of the second half when slack marking allowed Danescourt a free header which found the net.
More good play down the middle saw Tom Riseborough score yet another important goal to give the Panthers back the lead. Unfortunately, ten minutes from the end a fortunate header from a corner once again pegged the Panthers back.
Despite more chances the ball at the Danescourt end the ball would not find its way into the net and the score finished 2-2 leaving the lads a little downcast as this was definitely one result that got away. However, the general play was very good and there will be other Saturdays when the lads play less well and win!
Next week sees the lads hoping to progress further in the cup as they meet Birchgrove Wolves at Caedelyn.
(Douglas Evans)
U15 A Division
Lisvane Panthers A: 4 - Pentwyn Dynamos: 4
(HT 3-1)
After falling behind to a very early penalty, the Panthers took control of the first half with three excellent strikes from Ioan, Steve and Adam. Excellent defensive work meant that Pentwyn were finding a shot on goal difficult and Declan was called on to make only one good save when a Pentwyn striker found himself with only the keeper to beat.
At half time the lads were deservedly in front by three goals to one and things were looking rosy! The second half saw the Panthers strike again with Ioan forcing the ball over the line after some excellent running by Steve.
At four to one the game seemed comfortably in the pocket but the Pentwyn substitutions saw them able to attack with a little more vigour and somehow they had managed to bring the score back to 4-4 with only ten minutes remaining.
These last ten minutes were frantic and there were chances at both ends to have taken the game. However both keepers were working well and despite the chances no further goals went in and honours were even at 4-4.
Video of today's match on YouTube. Click here
(Douglas Evans)
U15 Division Cup - Round 2
Birchgrove Wolves: 0 - Lisvane Panthers A: 1
Venue: Caedelyn
(HT 0-0)
Despite very heavy rain the night before and an additional deluge just before the kick off this 2nd round cup match went ahead at Caedelyn. Both sides were having to deal with very tricky underfoot conditions and what on paper looked like a cosy tie for the Panthers turned out to be anything but as the conditions proved to be a great leveller. A very strong wind in the first half meant than the lads had to be very careful at the back as the many Birchgrove clearances were reaching well into their half. Despite having almost all of the chances in the half the score remained goalless at half time.
The second half saw all of the attacking play come from the Panthers and the wind now in our favour meant that the defence had a much easier time of it. Despite close efforts by Tom Ryall and Steve the game looked to be heading for extra time. However, the excellent Tom Riseborough popped up once again to score another timely goal from the edge of the box with a well struck shot with just ten minutes left. Just after this Dave and Steve were unlucky not to make the game safe with efforts which on a better day may well have gone in. With one minute to go Declan almost found the net when his long kick out of hand confused the opposing keeper who saw the ball bounce over his head and then get stuck in the mud on its way to the net! 1-0 proved to be enough and the Panthers march on to the next round.
Video of today's match on YouTube. Click here
(Douglas Evans)
U15 A Division
Urdd: 1 - Lisvane Panthers A: 0
Venue:Pontcanna
(HT 0-0)
Just a bare eleven were available today and given the heavy conditions the lads were going to find the morning difficult. Despite having much of the play the lads were finding things tough in the opposition penalty area and the battling Steve Mallinson found himself on the end of a number of questionable challenges. Unfortunately, the referee must have been unsighted a large number of times and awarded just the one penalty which was missed. Some slack marking at the far post saw Urdd take the lead in the second half which they held until full time to record their first victory of the season.
(Douglas Evans)
U15 A Division
Lisvane Panthers U15A: 0 - Ely Rangers A: 2
Venue: Gliderfield
(HT 0-1)
(Douglas Evans)
Under 15 A Division
Lisvane Panthers u15 A: 4 - Lisvane Panther U15 B: 2
Venue: Gliderfield
(HT 3-1)
On a fine morning at Gliderfield the Panthers A took a 3-0 lead inside the first 20 minutes with two excellent strikes by Steve and one terrific lob by Adam following a superb pass from Leigh! However the B lads rallied well and struck back late in the half to reduce the deficit to 3-1 late in the half.
The poor state of the pitch made ball control difficult for both sides but both teams should be commended for producing an exciting game. Steve duly rapped up his hat-trick with 15 minutes to go having previously been denied by the woodwork twice.
At 4-1 it looked like all the scoring was over but Dave Moore managed to find the net with a few minutes left! Unfortunately, that made the score 4-2, he gave Declan no chance!
Video of today's match on YouTube. Click here
(Douglas Evans)
Under 15 A Division
Lisvane Panthers U15 A: 3 - Grangetown B.C.: 6
Venue: Gliderfield
With many of the squad unavailable only ten players turned up for duty today. Unfortunately goalkeeper Declan was ill so a little re-organisation had to be done for the visit of the in-form Grangetown.
Despite a good show the lads found the game difficult but did manage to put three excellent shots into the Grangetown net courtesy of Dave Moore (2) and Tom Ryall. Well done to Nigel who stood between the sticks for the first time in over a year and made a good show! Fortunately, there’s no fixture next Saturday so by the time the lads reconvene to face Grangetown away we should have a full team.
(Douglas Evans)
Under 15 A Division
Grangetown BC: 1 - Lisvane Panthers U15 A: 2
(HT 1-0)
Venue: Marl
Before tonight’s match Grangetown had put a string of impressive wins together over the last month so the lads were up against it at the Marl.
Grangetown took an early lead with a very well taken goal resulting from an excellent shot from outside the area. Despite much pressing from the Panthers the Grangetown keeper wasn’t tested until Adam was brought down in the area on 25 minutes. Unfortunately, yet another Panthers penalty failed to find the net and the score remained 1-0 to Grangetown. The half finished with Grangetown holding the narrow advantage.
With 15 minutes left Callum found himself bearing down on goal after taking control of a neat through ball. He neatly put the ball past the keeper to put the Panthers level. This seemed to fire up Grangetown and the Panthers were required to do a lot of defending in the remaining minutes. The defence showed it was up to the job with important challenges going in from Chris, Dave, Simon and Nigel . Even so, Declan was required to make a string of saves to keep Grangetown at bay.
The game looked to be heading for a draw when with the final kick of the game Ioan produced another of his trademark finishes to snatch it in dramatic fashion! The lads displayed an amazing spirit to produce such a wonderful win and each and every player on show deserves heaps of credit!
Video of today's match on YouTube. Click here
(Douglas Evans)
Under 15 Cup Quarter Final
Lisvane Panthers U15 A: 5 - AFC Rumney: 3
(HT 2-1)
Venue: Gliderfield
After the epic victory at the Marl on Thursday the lads entertained top of the league Rumney in a cup quarter final at Gliderfield.
A full squad apart from Adam was available unlike the two previous league meetings which saw the Panthers scraping around for a side.
The lads got stuck in early and despite facing some highly dangerous tackles took a one nil lead after ten minutes with an excellent first time strike by Dave Moore. Rhys looked like he was going to double the Panthers lead but a blatant push behind in the area meant he was unable to get his shot off, unfortunately no whistle went and the game continued.
Against the run of play Rumney hit back mid-way through the half to give a 1-1 scoreline. Ioan was making headway upfront and the defenders were finding his pace difficult to cope with and he unsurprisingly grabbed a goal on 25 minutes following an excellent ball by Tom Ryall. 2-1 at the break was scant reward for the Panthers dominance.
Early in the second half Ioan grabbed his second with yet another powerful strike to make the score 3-1. The following five minutes saw Rumney score twice and disappointingly the score was now 3-3. Ioan continued to run the Rumney defence ragged however and duly completed his hat-trick with 20 minutes to go with the Panthers 4-3 in front.
After frantic play at both ends Steve was fouled in the box with bearly any time left. The penalty was given and after Steve was treated for the resulting injury Tom Ryall thundered the ball past the keeper’s left hand to put Lisvane into the Semi-Final.
Video of today's match on YouTube. Click here
(Douglas Evans)
Under 15 A Division
Pentwyn Dynamo u15 A: 5 - Lisvane Panthers u15 A: 1
(HT 1-0)
At 1-0 down at half time the lads might have felt a little aggrieved at being behind but there was everything to play for. Unfortunately a bad five minutes in the first third of the second half put the game beyond the Panthers as they shipped three quick goals to put them 0-4 down. A Pentwyn defender was adjudged to have handled in the box ten minutes from the end and Tom Ryall hit his second thunderous penalty in two weeks to give a glimmer of hope. However, Pentwyn recorded one more score near the end which meant the league season finished with a 5-1 defeat.
The lads have important matters to deal with Monday when they play the delayed semi-final against Ty Celyn at Taffs Well FC.
(Douglas Evans)
Under 15 Cup Division Semi Final
Lisvane Panthers u15: 3 - Ty Celyn u15: 2
(HT 3-1)
Venue: Taffs Well
The first ten minutes of the game was very tight with few openings at either end. After fifteen minutes a good cross was met with a superb volley by Ioan to give the Panthers the advantage. Ten minutes later a wonderful piece of skill on the left wing by Tom Riseborough made an opportunity for John which he converted off the post to double the advantage. Ty Celyn came back into the game on the half hour when a cross found an unmarked Ty Celyn forward on the back post who produced good finish to find the back of the net. The two goal advantage was restored before the end of the half when Nigel met a corner superbly to head in a third for the Panthers.
The second half saw very few further opportunities at either end and the lads looked like they were coasting into the final. However, with ten minutes to go some confusion near the edge of the box allowed a Ty Celyn forward to skip through to an open net. This meant a nervous finish for the Panther supporters but the lads held out to move on to the final.
The final will be held at the same venue on Thursday 10th May with a 7.45 kick off when the lads meet League Runners-up Ely Rangers B.
(Douglas Evans)
Under 15 Division Cup Final
Lisvane Panthers U15A: 6– Ely Rangers U15B: 4
(HT 3-0) Venue: Taffs Well
Panthers Win the Cup!
The lads were under no illusions over the difficulty of the game as Ely Rangers B just failed to take the league championship title to a play off on the last day of the season.
The weather was indescribably bad but the football played by the lads was breathtakingly good!
An early two goal lead was established through Tom Ryall and Adam and the evening couldn’t have started better. The Panthers were in complete control of all parts of the field. Tom Riseborough’s shooting is becoming a feature of the team and he increased the lead to 3-0 before half time.
The second half continued in the same vein and Ioan and Tom Riseborough were on target to give the lads an unassailable 5 -0 lead before Ely struck back with a very good effort in the last ten minutes. Almost immediately, Ioan scored again and the game looked dead at 6-1 with 9 minutes left.
To give credit to the opposition, they did not lie down even then and managed 3 consolation goals in almost as many minutes right at the death as the Panthers started to think about the celebrations! All credit to all players appearing in the most atrocious of conditions.
Full credit also should go to the three match officials who braved the elements
without complaint. The referee mentioned at half time that he had concerns on
completing the match at half time but fine control by himself, his two assistants
and good sense by all players meant that safety did not become an issue.
An amazing end to the season!
Congratulations and thank you to Dave and Roy who have worked tirelessly all season!
Video of today's match on YouTube. Click here
(Douglas Evans)