Lisvane Panthers Under 9
2007/2008 season
Lisvane Panthers have 3 teams at Under 9 level - U9 Red, U9 Blue and U9 Black.
The Under 9's Orange team have commenced the new
season with convincing wins over Rumney, Llanedeyrn,
Bridgend , Thornhill, St Alban's and Pentrych.
This is a picture of the team taken at the Arsenal
International Football Festival in London on 29th July 2007
The Under 9's Black team in their new kit kindly
sponsored by Cardiff Volvo Specialists.
The Under 9's Black team at the Danescourt Tournament
on Saturday 10 May 2008.
| 2007 | 2008 | |
| September | February | |
| October | March | |
| November | April | |
| December | ||
Lisvane Panther’s Under 9 Orange
Venue: Llanedeyrn High School Playing Fields
The Team played its first three games of the new season under a blue sky in the playing fields of Llanedeyrn High School.
Three games, three victories and three wonderful performances by the whole team.
The first of the three games was also the most challenging encounter for the Panthers.
Rumney.
Last season the Panthers won their first two games against Rumney with commanding three goal margins.
Today's game remained unsettled until three minutes from the final whistle when John Clarke scored an incredible goal from a corner kick.
The ball lifted high in the air beyond the reach of the Rumney goal keeper and bounced into the top right hand corner of the goal.
It was incredible to watch.
Before the winning goal there was some sturdy defensive play from the team and the defensive wall of James, Matthew, Tom and Harry Gough deserve alot of credit.
A great team start to the new season.
The second games of the morning was against Llanedeyrn Bull Dogs.
This was a very fast paced game.
The Panthers forward line of Harry Procter, Dylan Taylor, Matthew Shepperd and Georgi Hall attacked from the first minute to the last minute of the game and the ball was seldom out of the Llanedeyrn half.
In the first ten minutes, Harry and Georgi both scored twice.
Four excellent goals all of which followed some great passing and link up play by the team.
In the second half, Harry Procter scored two more great goals having been aided on both occasions from some wonderful midfield passes from Harry Gough.
Llanedeyrn put up a strong fight and deserved more out of the game than the final score of 6 nil to the Panthers suggested.
The final game of the morning was against Bridgend a newly formed side.
Despite the warm weather the Panthers never flagged.
They are a beautifully balanced team to watch and some of the inter-play was breathtaking.
The first goal came after a sequence of seven passes involving Tom, Matthew, Georgi, Harry, Dylan, Georgi again and then John who rocketed the ball past the Bridend goalkeeper.
The second goal was scored a minute later by Harry Procter - his fifth goal of the morning.
John then hit the bar twice with two free kicks and at the half time whistle the Panthers were leading two goals to nil.
In the second half, John scored two futher goal and Harry, one more.
Tom had a goal chance which was narrowly saved and in the final minute of the game Bridgend scored their only goal of the game.
During the course of the morning, the Panthers scored a total of 12 goals (Harry Procter - 6, John Clarke - 4, Georgi Hall - 2) and conceeded just one goal.
What a great start to the new season-Congratulations to everyone!
Lisvane Panthers Orange Under 9's: 1 - Rumney Blues: 0
Lisvane Panthers Orange Under 9's: 6 - Llanedeyrn Bull Dogs: 0
Lisvane Panther Orange Under 9's: 5 - Bridgend: 1
(Jodie Clarke)
Lisvane Panther’s Under 9 Orange
Venue: Moorland Park, Splott
A beautiful morning saw the Panther's continue their unbeaten run of games in the heartlands of sunny Splott.
The first game against a very determined Pentyrch side was also the most competitive game of the day.
Pentyrch have made some great strides since last season and at half time there was no score.
The Panther's lined up with Dylan in goals, Matthew, Tom and James in defence, Harry Gough, Harry Procter, John in midfield and Matthew and latterly James Lewis in attack.
Both sides had plenty of chances and it was only the excellent goal keepers that kept the game score less for so long.
However, about three minutes before the final whistle the Panther's won a corner.
For the second week, John curled the corner around all of the Pentryrch players and goalkeeper into the top right hand corner of the goal.
One nil to the Panthers.
The pace of the game was incredible to the very end and both sides deserved alot of praise.
The second game of the morning was against Thornhill Blues.
Last season the Panthers drew three games against the Blues so the team were really looking forward to this game and the chance to secure a victory.
Once again it was a very competitive game.
By half time there was no goals although the game was cantered firmly in the Thornhill half of the pitch.
The deadlock was broken by a great strike by James Lewis after some good link up play between the two Harry's.
Thornhill seemed to loose their way after the first goal and John scored a second to seal a two nil victory with five minutes to go.
The final game of the morning was against the host team, St Albans.
For this game, James Chubb replaced Dylan in goals, Matthew managed the defence of George Gough and Tom, Harry Gough played in mid field and Dylan, James Lewis and Matthew Shepperd played in attack.
St Albans have improved a lot since last season and a second goal of the morning from James Lewis was all that separated the sides at half time.
In the second half, Harry Procter and John Clarke replaced George and Matthew.
John scored three goals, the last being the best, an individual run which saw him pass seven St Alban's players before sending the goal keeper the wrong way and passing the ball into the the right hand corner of the goal.
It was as beautiful as the morning sky.
St Albans scored once in the second half but the game ended in a 4-1 victory for Lisvane.
During the course of the morning the Panther's scored seven goals (James Lewis - 2, John Clarke - 5) and conceded just one goal.
Three more great results from the Princes of the City!
Congratulations everyone and have a great week!
Lisvane Panthers Orange under 9's: 1 - Pentyrch FC: 0
Lisvane Panthers Orange Under 9's: 2 - Thornhill Blues: 0
Lisvane Panther Orange Under 9's: 4 - St Albans: 1
(Jodie Clarke)
Lisvane Panther’s Under 9 Orange
Venue:Moorland Park, Splott
What an exciting week it’s been in the world of football.
Arsenal are back where they belong, at the top of the Premiership.Chelsea have waved goodbye to Jose Mourinho.Manchester United’s leading goal scorer after seven games is central defender, Vidic who has scored just three goals.
Robbie Fowler scored his first two goals for Cardiff City against Preston North End and the Panthers scored a total of seventeen goals against this week’s opposition, Maindy Corries Whites, Thornhill Blues and St Albans.
Week three of the 2007/2008 season saw the Orange Panther’s Under 9’s return for the second week to Moorland Park in Splott.
After securing six victories in six games so far this season, expectations in the Team this Saturday were very high.
The full Panthers team was available to play with the exception of Tom Rye.
The first game of the morning was against Maindy Corries. One of the top teams in the SA Brains Mini League.
A very professional and well coached team with a lot of very talented young players.
The Panthers had been looking forward to playing Maindy for months.
They saw this game as a bit of a test. A game in which they could measure how far they have improved or fallen behind as a team since we last played one another in Blackweir last season.
In terms of formation, Dylan Taylor played in goals, behind a defensive line made up of James Chubb and Matthew McMullen, Harry Procter and Harry Gough played in midfield positions on the left and right and James Lewis, Georgi Hall and John Clarke were our front line attackers.
From the start, the Panthers dominated the play. The pace at which the team played the game was fast and furious. Only the quickest players in terms of skill and ability were able to shape and influence events.
The first goal of the morning came from Georgi Hall. A beautiful ball hit low into the bottom left hand corner of the goal after a goal mouth scramble.
As Maindy pushed back, the Panthers counter-attacked and John Clarke was brought down just outside the Maindy penalty area.
For the free kick, James Lewis passed a well weighted slow ball to John who smashed the ball high into the top right hand corner of goal.
Minute later after some stunning midfield play and passing from Harry Gough and Harry Procter, the ball was passed forward again to James Lewis who scored with his left foot. His second goal of the morning came a minute before half time.
At the break, it was Lisvane 4, Maindy 0.
The first half of the game was without doubt the best football which the team has played so far this season.
There was a lot of passing and sharing of the ball between the players - it was a real Team performance.
Harry Gough in particular was noticeable for his passing and link up play with the forwards.
The second half of the game followed largely the same one-sided pattern as the first half.
Maindy appeared stunned by the Panthers and were not quick or decisive enough to clear their lines.
The pressure on their defence and goalkeeper was remorseless
John, James and Georgi were able to pass through the Maindy midfield and defence players like trains on a track and before the final whistle, John had scored two more goals and James one more goal thereby completed their first hat-tricks of the new season in the same game.
The final score was Lisvane 7, Maindy 0.
Credit should also go to the Maindy team who played a fair and well spirited game throughout. They never let their heads drop and worked hard for one another throughout.
Sometimes history chooses not to repeat itself.
In last week’s encounter against home side St Albans, the Panthers had won by four goals to one.
For the game against St Albans this morning, there were big changes to the formation of the team.
Dylan came out of goals to be replaced by James Chubb.
John and Harry Procter dropped back to defence.
Georgi dropped back to midfield with George Gough.
The new attacking line was made up of Harry Gough, Dylan Taylor and Matthew.
All three attackers were hungry for goals but they proved elusive.
There was some lovely fancy footwork from Dylan and some near misses from Harry Gough and Matthew but the first goal of the game came from the foot of Georgi Hall.
Moments later the Panthers seemed to lose all shape and St Albans burst forward to exploit the confusion.
It was only the courageous goal keepering of James Chubb that kept the Panthers in the game for much of the first half.
He alone fought off two St Albans attacks with incredible saves and bravery while the rest of the team watched open mouthed.
As the dust settled, Harry Procter and John came from the back and played a nest one two which resulted in John scoring with his right foot just before half time.
In the second half of the game, James Lewis replaced John and Mathew McMullen replaced Harry Procter.
Georgi scored a second goal and James his first of the game providing a final score line of 4-0 to the Panthers.
When all was said and done this was a flattering score line and St Albans deserved more from the game. The real hero of the moment was James Chubb who had played a fantastic game for the Team in goals.
The final game of the morning was against Thornhill Blues.
Time was of the essence as John and Matthew had to leave the game at half time so that they could get to Ninian Park for Cardiff City’s 12.45pm kick off against Preston.
For this game, Dylan returned as goalkeeper.
Matthew McMullen and George Gough played in defence.
Harry Procter and Harry Gough played in midfield.
James, John and Matthew played in attack.
By the half time whistle, John had scored four more goals and Harry Gough had narrowly missed scoring a fifth. George Gough had an excellent game in defence with the ever reliable Matthew McMullen.
In the second half, Harry Procter who had a magnificent morning scored the team’s final goal of the day.
In terms of total goals scored this morning - Georgi scored 3, James scored 4, John scored 8 and Harry -1 making a total of 17 with no goals conceded. The best run of games so far this season.
Lisvane Panthers Orange Under 9’s: 7 - Maindy Corries: 0
Lisvane Panthers Orange Under 9’s: 4 - St Albans: 0
Lisvane Panther Orange Under 9’s: 5 - Thornhill Blues: 0
Next week the Team will be playing in Morganstown-watch this space.
(Jodie Clarke)
Lisvane Panther’s Under 9 Orange
Venue: Morganstown
This morning was our first visit to the Radyr home ground since their 'summer' tournament as under-8s.We then played for 3 hours in non-stop downpour; but were cheered to win the fairplay trophy.
Now, able to see the pitches in clear weather, we could see that this was going to be a good morning of matches. Large mini-pitches to spread out (and wear out!) the players with a great playing surface.
We were disappointed to hear that StarFC had recently disbanded, and to discover that Fairwater were also not turning up this morning. This left us to take on a formidable looking Radyr team on their home ground.
For just the two teams, we ended up playing four 10 minute quarters and calling it a day just before the rains came in.
And what a four quarters it was: Radyr were a force to be reckoned with, half of them the size of our own Harry Proctor, and the other half fast and capable with their feet.
But our own Panthers team carries a lot of experience, enthusiasm, hard work and no small amount of talent.
Almost immediately on starting the ball was brought dangeroursly close to the panthers' goal. Solid defence from Tom Rye, Matthew McMullen and George Gough worked hard to limit the shots that James Chubb had to deal with. Within a few minutes we'd started to get the measure of our opponents and burst out with Georgi Hall, Tom Rye and Harry Proctore taking the ball up the field and Dylan Taylor following through and sinking the first goal of the match.
In the second quarter, James Lewis and Harry Gough replaced Matthew Shepherd and Matthew McMullen.
It was ten minutes of hard work on both sides, with some excellent midfield work fro Harry Gough and Harry Proctor, and a lot of close shots, especially from James Lewis and Matthew Shepherd, but to no avail.
In the third quarter, with Tom Rye and George Gough resting from their defence work, the effort was showing. Our passing was losing shape and the defence getting distracted and we finally conceded a goal - the first of the season. Dylan, in goals, and Harry Gough and Matthew McMullen in defence and James Chubb sweeping, regrouped and kept Radyr from doing further damage. But it was still a stunned team that trooped off for their well-earned drink, knowing there was another quarter to go.
They geared up, positioned themselves in the opposite end and set to work. Radyr shot into life with an excellent kick-off, passing combination and sank their second goal almost before we started moving. Seconds later in another scramble at the panther's goal mouth, brave defending resulted in an injury. The silver lining was Georgi Hall coming off the bench, fresh and hungry. He took the ball, ran it though the defence and sank an equaliser before Radyr knew what was happening.
The last five minutes, both teams knew they could do it, and had everything to play for.
But the score went no further and the teams retired with mutual respect, both knowing they'd earned a good result - until next time....
Final score: Lisvane Panthers u9 Orange 2 - Raydr u9 2
(Richard Shepherd)
Lisvane Panther’s Under 9 Orange
Venue: Llanedeyrn High School
The Team’s unbeaten run continues with two more victories in Llanedeyrn this morning.
For those of you who take an interest in the Team’s statistics, we are now in week five of the 2007/2008 season and the Lisvane Panthers Orange Under 9’s Team have played a total of 13 games(all away from home), won 11 games and drawn 2.
The Team has scored a total of 50 goals and conceded just seven.
These figures would have looked even better today if Dylan and James Lewis had arrived in time for the kick off against Llanedeyrn Bulldogs at Llanedeyrn High School at 10.30am today.
As a result of Dylan’s late arrival James Chubb was required to take over as goalkeeper.
The defence was made up of Mathew McMullen, George and Harry Gough.
Harry Procter, Georgi Hall and John Clarke played in mid field and Mathew Shepherd (our very own Robbie Fowler) played as lone striker.
There was little evidence in the first half of the game of the hard work, dedication and sense of purpose which we have come to expect from the Panthers this season.It was scrappy, bitty performance.
Some of the players in the Team seemed to try too hard while other’s didn’t seem to want to try at all.It was a mixed up Team with everyone except James Chubb playing out of position.Player’s seemed to bump into one another with alarming regularity under a sky which was as grey and cheerless as the concrete surroundings.
It wasn’t long before Llanedeyrn capitalised on the Panther’s mistakes and by half time, the Team was trailing 2 goals to nil. It was a bit like the League Cup.A chance for the obscure to upset and unsettle the natural order of events.
But for some brave goal-keeping from James it could have been a lot worse.James saved one particular shot with his nose and cheek bone.From the others players there were just too many huffs and puffs and fall over’s.
In the second half, Dylan took over in goals, Matthew, James Chubb and Harry Gough played in defence, Harry Procter held the midfield, John, Georgi and James Lewis played in attack.
From the start, the Panther’s dominated the play. The pace of the game changed in an instant and Llanedeyrn were suddenly forced back into their own half.The Panther’s were on the attack.
Despite numerous player substitutions which disrupted the natural flow of the game, Llanedeyrn were unable to get the ball out of their own half and John Clarke smashed in two incredible goals in the space of five minutes.When the Team put in the effort and played as a unit the rewards were evident.
It was clear to everyone watching that it was only a matter of time before the Panther’s scored the winning goal and when it came, you couldn’t help but feel some sympathy for the Llanedeyrn Team.
After a wonderful pass from Harry Procter to James Lewis, John broke with the ball on the left side of the pitch and took a long shoot which flew into the top right hand corner of the Llanedeyrn goal high above the hands of the goalkeeper.It looked like this was going to be the Panther’s tenth victory of the season.
To win a football match you simply have to score more goals than your opponents and the Panther’s had just scored what looked to the world like the final and winning goal of the match.
But no.It was not to be.Not in Llanedeyrn.
A second or possibly a mili-second before the ball hit the back of the net, the referee blew the whistle for full time much to the relief of his Team and the Llanedeyrn faithful who hooted with approval from the lines.
Llanedeyrn were saved by the whistle and final official score was 2-2.
It was a heroic performance from the whole Team in the second half.You could feel nothing but pride for the player’s who (but for the whistle)had worked hard together to secure a victory from the jaws of defeat.
You will have seen something similar this evening in the way that England secured a place in the final of the Rugby World Cup with their victory over France at the Stade de France in Paris.
Alex Ferguson has defined bravery on a football field as not so much as putting your head in where others fear to put their feet, but rather in wanting the ball when things are going wrong all around you.
There was a lot of bravery in the Team’s second half performance against Llanedeyrn this morning and a lot of bravery in England’s performance against France this evening.It’s moments like these that remind us all of the value of sport.It is moments like this that define truly great Teams.
It was a up-lifting start to the morning.
The Team’s second game was against Danescourt YC.
This was another Team performance to make the heart sing!
A revitalised Harry Gough played some stunning football on the left wing.Brother George led from the back.There was run after run on goal by Georgi Hall and James Lewis.James Chubb was seen in the unfamiliar territory of the Danescourt goal area and Harry Procter played some wonderful link up play while Mathew baffled the defence.
John scored twice in the first half - two left hand shots on goal, both from outside the box.In the second half, Harry Procter scored two sensational goals - one a header from a corner kick from John, the second a shoot into the right hand corner of the goal.
I think Harry’s header will be in the running for goal of the season.As the ball flew into the box, Harry rose into the heavens like a surface to air missile heading the ball high into the top end netting of the goal.
It was a goal which brought a smile to everyone’s face-fans and foes alike.
The final game of the morning was played against our local rivals, Thornhill Athletic Red.We had played the Thornill Blues a few weeks ago and this was the Team’s chance to test their red colleagues.
James Chubb returned to goals.Dylan played in attack with Mathew Shepherd and Harry Gough.John Clarke and Georgi Hall dropped back into midfield.James Lewis played on the left wing and Mathew was alone in defence.
Things got off to a good start with John scoring the first goal against Thornhill in the first minute of the game.Georgi Hall then scored a spectacular second goal after making a penetrating run from midfield supported by Harry Gough and Harry Procter.
Next up to score was Harry Gough whose play illuminated the pitch this morning.
It was a great goal which was hit hard and sure into the bottom left hand corner of the goal.Harry certainly deserved a goal this morning after his tireless hard work.
In the second half, John scored another goal from a free kick which was laid on by James, Harry Procter scored a goal following a goal mouth scramble and Dylan scored two more to make his first hat-trick of the 2007/2008 season.
Well done Dylan! (But I still think you are the best goal keeper in Wales, and possibly Western Europe, despite scoring all those goals today)
The Team scored a total of seven goals.In reply, Thornhill Red’s scored a solitary goal against a sleeping Mathew as a drizzle fell on the damp but triumphant Team.
Before I sign off this week I will offer one final observation.
There are certain players in our Team who’s eye light up and whose play becomes more assured and more imaginative whenever their Father’s are watching them play.I am not sure why this is, but the Fathers seem to have a magical effect on their son’s ability to play the beautiful game.
The unbeaten run continues as we make our way to theWest of Cardiff.
Lisvane Panthers Orange Under 9’s: 2 - Llanedeyrn Bulldogs:
2
Lisvane Panthers Orange Under 9’s: 4 - Danescourt YC: 0
Lisvane Panthers Orange Under 9’s: 7 - Thornhill Reds: 1
(Jodie Clarke)
Lisvane Panther’s Under 9 Orange
Venue: Cantonian High School
The Team had to dig deep to secure three more wins on the playing fields of Cantonian High School in Fairwater, Cardiff this morning to extend their unbeaten run to sixteen games.
The opposition - Maindy Corries Reds, Fairwater Juniors and Ely Rangers are all strong and well organised teams who are capable of beating any of the teams in the SA Brain Cardiff and District Football Mini League including the Lisvane Panthers on a good day.
Maindy Reds for example had not lost a single game this season before playing the Panthers today.
These were three matches which the Panthers wanted to win because they were back to back games against three of the very best sides in Cardiff.The type of encounters that give you great self-belief if yourself playing on the winning side.
The first game of the morning was against Maindy Corries Reds.
When the Panthers kicked off at 10.30am the temperature outside had plummeted, the sky was pale blue and cloudless, the ground surface was wet and slippery and the grass was at least three inches too long which slowed down the pace of the ball.
These were the type of playing conditions where good teams hold their nerve and poor teams lose the plot.
Today, both Maindy and the Panthers held their nerves in check and played a great game of football.
For the Panthers, Dylan Taylor played in goals, Mathew McMullen and Tom Rye played in defence, Georgi Hall, Harry Procter and Harry Gough played in midfield and James Lewis and John Clarke played in attack.
This was a strong, confident side and the Panthers dominated the early play with Harry Procter scoring the first goal after four minutes - a great shot hit low, fast and hard into the bottom right hand corner of the Maindy goal.
Maindy hit back with some impressive passing football but their shots on goal were all saved by the best goalkeeper in city, Dylan Taylor.
There was a lot of hard work in the midfield with Georgi Hall playing exceptionally well this morning along side Harry Gough and Harry Procter.
Tom and Mathew kept things secure at the back in the absence of James Chubb.
It was a pass from Georgi Hall which was taken forward by John Clarke who hit the ball on the volley with his left foot into the top corner of the Maindy goal to score Lisvane’s second goal of the morning.
It was a great movement from Lisvane.
From that moment on the pressure on Maindy continued to build and the ball seldom left the Maindy half.
There were plenty more chances for the team and James Lewis narrowly missed making it 3-0 on at least three occasions before the whistle was finally blown for half time.
It was a very accomplished performance by the team in the first half of the game which gave the Maindy players and managers lots to think about.
The team-work and determination were spot-on and everyone had worked hard together to secure the Panthers two goal advantage.
At half time Tom and Harry were replaced by Matthew Shepherd and George Gough.
The Panthers started brightly in the second half and Matthew and James had some good chances to score a third goal.But it was one of those days when the ball just didn’t fall kindly for either of them and so Maindy were never completely out of contention.
The critical moment of the match occurred mid-way through the second half when Dylan Taylor bravely saved a ball which was almost certainly bound for the goals and in doing so badly bruised his right knee.
It was clearly a very painful injury and Dylan had to leave the field of play for the remainder of the game to be replaced by Andrew Williams who was making his very first appearance for the Panthers.
Andrew has been described as “a great goalkeeper - one of the best in the Lysfaen Primary playground at lunchtime” and we were all relieved that he was brave enough to take Dylan’s place in goal.
Maindy had other ideas and within three minutes of Andrew’s arrival they had quickly snatched back two great goals despite his valiant efforts.The team seemed distracted by Dylan’s absence and the arrival of a new goal keeper.
However, the Panthers showed great resolve in the face of the two goal set-back.
No one in the Team pressed the panic button in the way in which England did so spectacularly in Russia on Wednesday night and with moments to go before the final whistle James Lewis scored a well deserved winner.
It was a great end to a great game-well done James!.You saved the Team from a draw.
The Panthers have now scored wins over the Maindy Corries Red and White teams this season.
The second game of the morning was played against Fairwater.
The game got off to an explosive start with a superb goal in the second minute of play from Georgi Hall.
Whenever his Dad Mike makes an appearance Georgi always scores a spectacular goal or two.
After the opening goal the game developed into a bit of a slog with both teams losing their shape.
In the 8th minute of the first half Fairwater equalised and their goal seemed to galvanise the Panthers.
In the second half, the Panthers improved considerably and John and Georgi scored the Team’s second and third goals to secure a convincing 3-1 victory over Fairwater.
All the players noticed just how much Fairwater have improved since we played them last season.A great team with a great future.
I am sure that both teams hope that next time we play here the City’s Parks Department have managed to cut the grass to an acceptable level.
For the last game of the morning against Ely Rangers, Dylan was replaced in goals by Mathew McMullen, the defence was made up of Mathew Shepherd, George and Harry Gough.
In midfield Georgi played alongside John and the strikers were James and Dylan.
Dylan scored the first goal, a great right foot shot which left the Ely goalkeeper stranded.
John scored the second - another left foot shot blasted high into the Ely goals.
Ely then responded by scoring two fantastic goals and Georgi Hall scored the winner.
There was some very impressive goalkeeping by Mathew McMullen and some nice touches from Mathew Shepperd and George Gough who saved the Team in defence.Harry Procter and Harry Gough worked hard in the midfield.
It was great way to end a very successful morning in Fairwater and each of the boys who played deserve great credit for their individual efforts.
It was worrying, however, that the Panthers had conceded a total of 5 goals in three games this morning having only scored 9 goals in response.
To put these figures in context, up to today the Panthers had let in 7 goals in 13 matches having scored a total of 50 goals in response.
The current goals tally is currently 59 goals in 16 matches with 14 wins and 2 draws.
So what happened this morning that could possibly explain the Teams sudden vulnerability to other teams' strikers and the number of goals which we conceded.
Two words “James Chubb”.
And where was James Chubb?.
Holidaying in the luxury only afforded to Kings and Queens at the westerly point of the Welsh peninsula within the medieval walls of the town of Tenby.
The Panthers without James Chubb playing in central defence resemble England or Chelsea without John Terry.
Today, the boys missed his reassuring presence in the heart of their defence and they are all looking forward to his return next Saturday for the games against the Urdd, Ty Celyn and Thornhill Athletic.
Tenby can wait till next summer although it must have looked beautiful this weekend under the clear blue skies which we have been blessed with.
Thank you all for your tremendous support again so far this season.We will need you in full voice again at Llandaff Fields next week for three more exciting games.
The team’s collective sympathies go out to the members of England Rugby Team and Lewis Hamilton all of whom came so close to achieving global supremacy this weekend in the cities of Paris and San Paulo.
Lisvane Panthers Under 9’s Orange: 3 - Maindy Corries
Red: 2
Lisvane Panthers Under 9’s Orange: 3 - Fairwater Juniors: 1
Lisvane Panthers Under 9’s Orange: 3 - Ely Rangers: 2
(Jodie Clarke)
Lisvane Panther’s Under 9 Orange
Venue: Llandaff Fields
It was our first return to Llandaff Fields this season and we had
high hopes.
These had sunk somewhat when, having delayed kick off for 10 minutes,
we had to concede that only 6 players were turning up.
Those 6: James Chubb, John Clarke, Harry Gough, George Gough, Matthew
McMullen and Matthew Shepherd, were going to be in for a long day.
For our first match against the Urdd, we played 6 a-side.The Urdd are a strong team on the best of days, and today, with a lot of our players out of their normal positions, was not the best.
The ball travelled up and down the length of the field time and time again, and by the end of the first half, John Clarke had put one away for the panthers but we'd also conceded a goal.Still, it looked like we were holding them.
In the second half, the Urdd's substitute
came on and his freshness made the difference.George and Matthew
couldn't move the defence around fast enough to keep up with all
the Urdd attacking and despite John storming the length of the field
to help plug holes in the defence, the Urdd put 2 more away past
James.
Our first loss this season.
Panthers vs Urdd: 1-3
The second match was against the new Ty Celyn team who kindly lent us two of their squad.Though their team was inexperienced they were very gutsy and kept our team working non-stop for both halves. It was a close game, which one of our guest players won for us!
Panthers vs Ty Celyn: 1-0
The third match was the toughest - against Thornhill.Again we played 6 a-side and Thornhill had a large squad for frequent substitutions and our boys were already flagging.
Still, they were bouyed by their success in the last match and threw everything into it.
Matthew McMullen took over the goal with George and Matthew defending, Harry in the midfield and John and James taking for striking positions. The team worked hard to maintain their structure and that was what kept them going.They had to pass rather than run the ball to get it up the field and to keep it clear of our goal.
After a concerted effort from John and James taking the ball up the field, they crossed and Harry Gough put the ball home with an excellent shot.
It couldn't save us from their relentless attacks and by the end of the first half, we were down: 1-2.
In the second half another goal slipped in against us, despite frantic defence from George, Matthew S and Matthew M.
But then, man-of-the-match Harry Gough, pulled another one out of the bag and scored again - restoring some of our pride.
Panthers vs Thornhill: 2-3
Hard won experience for the galant 6 that battled through the three matches.
(Richard Shepherd)
Lisvane Panther’s Under 9 Orange
Venue: Llanedeyrn High School
“I play a different kind of game”
Dennis Bergkamp
The Panthers secured three more convincing back to back wins this morning on the playing fields of Llanedyrn High School.
After making a bit of a late start after two or three of our players and their parents lost their way amidst the byways and avenues of Llanedyrn, the Panthers first game of the morning was against our hosts, the Llanedeyrn Bulldogs.
Dylan played in goals, Matthew, James Chubb and George Gough played at the back, Georgi Hall, Harry Procter in midfield and John Clarke and James Lewis in attack.
The home side set out their stall very early in the game and it was evident that their plan was to defend in large numbers and to close in to prevent the Panthers from playing their normal fluent passing game.For the first four minutes or so the Bulldogs tactics seemed to be paying off as the Panthers struggled to get into their stride.
The first turning point of the game came as a result of a confusion in numbers in the Bulldogs goal area and a failure to clear the ball following a corner.John turned the ball quickly into the left hand corner of the goal and after that the Bulldogs appeared to lose confidence in their original game plan.
By half time the Panthers were leading 4 nil with further goals from Georgi and Harry and two more from John, both long range shoots that were put well beyond the reach of the Bulldogs goalkeeper.
In the second half John scored again with a beautifully weighted free kick and Georgi and Harry scored one further goal each.
There was some super passing from all players in the team and Dylan was his usual confident self in goals.The substitutes Harry Gough and Matthew Shepperd worked hard to maintain the tempo in the second half of the match and the Bulldogs scored a late goal so the final score was 1 goal for the home team and 8 goals from the visiting Panthers.
It was a great start to another grey day in Llanedyrn.The game was played in a good spirit and the Bulldogs deserved more from the match than the final scoreline suggested.
The second game of the morning was played against Ty Celyn.
Our last encounter against this team occurred at Llandaff fields two weeks ago when six of our players secured in one nil victory while the remainder of the Team was out of town for half term holidays.
For the second game of the morning James Chubb played in goals, Matthew and George Gough played in the defence, Harry Procter and Harry Gough played in midfield, Dylan Taylor, James Lewis and Matthew Shepperd played in attack.
The Panthers dominated the early play and James scored a wonderful first goal after taking the ball forward on his own from the half way line.
Harry Gough scored the second goal of the game taking his total to three goals in two weeks - well done Harry your hard work is paying off!
Before the half time whistle, Dylan had scored the teams third goal of the first half.
In the second half, our substitutes John and Georgi came on and together they started to open up the Ty Celyn defence.
Within minutes John had scored two more goals and Georgi one goal so the game ended 6-nil to the Panthers.
The Panthers final game of the morning was played against the determined and well organised Thornhill Athletic Green who confusingly play in blue strip.
The first half was generally frustrating for the Panthers.The ball seldom left the Thornhill half but there were no clear cut chances of goals.The Panthers didn’t make many chances but the overall pressure which they applied secured an own goal from Thornhill so that at the break the Panther’s led one nil.
As the Panthers made their way to the drinks area at half time the Thornhill coaches offered encouragement to their players by saying “We are better than them and we are going to win”.
The Panthers had other ideas and came out for the second half with fresh determination and spirit.
The second half was better and the Panthers started to make chances. A good run from Georgi gave James the chance to score the second goal of the match.
Towards the end of the game James scored a third to secure the Panthers a three nil victory.
It was a good mornings work - well done to all the players who took part and we look forward to seeing you next Saturday.
Our best wishes go out to Tom Rye who was not well enough to play this Saturday - get well soon Tom!.
Llanedeyrn Bulldogs: 1 - Lisvane Panthers Orange:
8
Thornhill Athletic: 0 - Lisvane Panthers Orange: 3
Ty Celyn: 0 - Lisvane Panthers Orange: 6
(Jodie Clarke)
Lisvane Panther’s Under 9 Orange
Venue: Rumney
“The more I practice the luckier I get”
Cesc Fabregas
A last minute change of venue and the challenge of a pitch which ran on a downward slope to an industrial wasteland and the Bristol Channel, presented two new and unexpected hurdles for the Panthers to overcome this week.
The games which began and ended the morning were hard fought battles and the game in the middle was the best by a long margin with the Panthers playing some great passing football against the very determined and very able Marlboro Sports Black team.
We started with a full team against St Albans with only Harry Procter missing when the first game in kicked off at 11am.
It was good to see Tom Rye back in the side after a three week absence and Dylan Taylor playing in the outfield instead of in goals.
The Panthers usually win their games against St Albans with significant goal margins and the team knocked the ball round with their usual confidence during the first two or three minutes of the game this morning.
However, St Albans didn’t give any ground this week and they were very well organised in their defence.
The first good opportunity for a goal came to John Clarke who appeared to over complicate the play by trying to beat three defenders.It was an important moment which defined the first half.
If the Panthers had scored the game would have been over.
But St Albans battled on and the game remained goal less at half time.
This gave St Albans confidence which they built upon in the second half.
St Albans game plan rested on a very able goal keeper, a well organised three and occasionally four man defence and two other players who were quick and able to closely mark the Panther players that posed the greatest threat on goals.
It was more Bolton than the beautiful game but the tactics were effective in frustrating the Panthers.
It was hard work for all concerned running up and down the slope of the pitch and by the end of the game everyone looked very tired.
The final score was a draw, nil - nil.
The best game of the morning by far was that against the exciting Malboro Sports Black team.
Malboro always come to play football instead of simply swamping their goal area with defenders.
This made for a fantastic football match with the ball moving at considerable speed between the two halves of the pitch.
James Lewis scored the first goal for the Panthers, a beautiful volley into the top corner of the goals and Harry Procter knocked in the Panthers second goal just before half time.
Malboro returned with three or four good opportunities all of which were saved by Dylan Taylor.
In the second half, John hit a low hard shoot for the third goal which the Malboro goal keeper was unlucky not to save and James scored the fourth and final goal of the match.
This was a great victory because Malboro are a fantastic side who like the Panthers can play fast attacking football.
The score line was flattering to the Panthers and Malboro deserved more from the game than the score line suggested.
When the game ended the Marlboro’s coach said it was one of the best games he has seen at this level and it was a complement which was well made and a credit to both teams of players.
As a match it was was as exciting as watching Arsenal play Manchester United at the Emirates.
The last game of the morning was played against Pentyrch Rangers.
In the first half the Panthers gained a two goal lead with goals from James Lewis and Harry Procter.
In the second half, the Panthers conceded two goals.After all of the excitement of the Panthers v Malboro encounter it was a rather dull game to end the morning.
The game ended 2-2.
St Albans Black: 0 - Lisvane Panthers Orange:
0
Malboro Sports Black: 0 - Lisvane Panthers Orange: 4
Pentyrch Rangers: 2 - Lisvane Panthers Orange: 2
(Jodie Clarke)
Lisvane Panther’s Under 9 Orange
Venue: Blackweir
“We can win everything”
Arsene Wenger
It was a pleasure to be back watching some real football on the fields of Blackweir this morning after the distraction of England’s mid-week defeat by Croatia in the qualifying stages of the European Championship.
I don’t think any of the England team would have deserved a place in any of the teams which we played today.We saw some breathtaking football which was a world away from the comedy which we witnessed at Wembley on Wednesday night.
The football lit up a day which was otherwise as bleak and grey as 1970’s Britain.
The Panther’s first game of the morning was against the much improved Ty-Celyn and what a game it was.
James Chubb played in goal, George and Harry Gough played in defence, John Clarke and Harry Procter held the mid field and Georgi Hall, James Lewis and Dylan Taylor played in attack.
The entire team worked hard from the opening moments of the game.
The movement and passing was wonderful to watch with every player contributing a 100% in terms of effort and commitment.
A series of passes which was started by George Gough found the ball moving to Harry Procter, Georgi Hall and then Dylan Taylor and finally James Lewis who passed to John Clarke who tapped in the first goal of the morning.
The second goal came from a pass from Georgi Hall onto John’s left foot-moments later the ball flew over the out stretched hands of the Ty Celyn goalkeeper into the top right hand corner of the goal.
At half time, the Panthers held a commanding two goal lead over Ty Celyn.
The second half saw some more good football from both sides.
The Panthers had a number of good chances and their third goal of the morning was a great right footed shot from Harry Procter.
The excitement continued until the Ty Celyn scored a solitary but well deserved goal moments before the final whistle.
Overall it was a great game to start the morning and a good warm up for the next match against the great Malboro Sports Red team.
Just like last week’s middle game against Malboro Sports Black - this was the most exciting football match of the day.
Malboro are a fine club made up of great players and coaches who are committed like the Panthers to playing fast and exciting attacking football.
It’s amazing that these two Teams come from the same City that can produce a professional side (Cardiff City FC) whose only footballing idea is to volley long balls to two forwards who move slower than two cars with no wheels.I have seen trees that move faster than Jimmy Floyd Hasselbank and Robbie Fowler.
The first half was fast and furious with both sides playing some great attacking football.
The Panthers scored first, a beautifully weighted cross from John and a fantastic header from the great Harry Procter.
The Panthers second goal started from a back heel kick from James Lewis to John who crossed the ball to Dylan who walked the ball around the Malboro keeper.
The two goal lead didn’t last long and just before the half time break, Malboro scored after a period of sustained pressure.
It could have easily been 2-2 at half time but for some brave goal keeping from James Chubb and some committed defending from Matthew McMullen and George and Harry Gough.
In the second half a pass from John released Harry Procter who scored the Panther’s third goal of the game.
By this stage the team looked a bit tired and decided to take their feet of the peddle.One of the Panthers team shouted “Let’s defend our lead”.
Famous last words…….
The inevitable happened-Malboro bounced back with two well executed goals and all of sudden it was level at 3-3.
The two teams were very close to each other as John Clarke took the final corner of the game from the right hand side of the pitch.
The ball lifted up and turned in the air and bounced out of the goalkeepers hands and into the Malboro goal - the Panthers went crazy.
The final score was 4-3 to the Panthers.
It was a smashing game, and in the end the luckiest team won.
Next time these two Teams meet we should sell tickets and take over the Millennium stadium for the morning - it was that good!.
The final game of the morning was played on the worse of the two pitches, a muddy bog which slowed down the ball and the pace of the game against AFC Rumney Blue.
This was a close match which was won by a solitary goal scored by James Lewis.
It was a fantastic shot and a well deserved goal for James who worked tirelessly for the team throughout the morning.
Rumney had some good very chances but Dylan played his usual confident game in goals and saved each of the shoots that were aimed towards the Panther’s goals.
The Panthers have played AFC Rumney twice this season and on both occasions have secured wins by just one goal.
Having won all three games in a row this morning - it was a great start to the weekend from the Panthers - but more important than the wins was the fact that each player gave the very best of himself for the collective good of the team.
There was a lot of passing and sharing of the ball and a lot of shouts of encouragement from all the players.
And what a fine referee Robin Chubb made.
As the players collected their belongings George Gough said “I really tried my best this morning” and it really showed-well done George!-you were great today and well done to all the Team-fantastic!.
Since the 2007/2008 season began in September, the Orange Panthers Team have played a total of 28 matches.
They have won 22 matches, drawn 4 matches and lost on just two occasions.
(The losses occurred when only five of the team players were available due to the half term holidays.)
On the other hand, Cardiff City FC (who have had a full squad all season) have played 16 matches and won just 4 times.
The Panthers have scored a total of 94 goals so far this season and conceded just 27 goals.
Cardiff City FC have scored 20 goals and conceded 23 goals.
Which Team do you think really deserves the new stadium?.
I am looking forward to seeing the 100th goal of the season scored by the Panthers next Saturday!
Have a great week everyone!
Lisvane Panthers Orange: 3 - Ty Celyn: 1
Lisvane Panthers Orange: 4 - Malboro Sports Red: 3
Lisvane Panthers Orange: 1 - AFC Rumney Blue: 0
(Jodie Clarke)
Lisvane Panther’s Under 9 Orange
Venue: Whitchurch Hospital
“Court and Spark”
The Team played three games in the cold this morning under a bleak grey December sky on a ground as hard as granite.
The outcome for the Team was two wins and a draw. Nine goals scored and one conceded.
This is the short story of how the Lisvane Panthers Orange Under 9’s Team ended their last footballing Saturday of 2007.
There had been no games for the past two weekends because of persistent rain and its consequence, water logged pitches.
No rain fell today but it was bitterly cold.
It was also the first time that the Team had ever played at Whitchurch Hospital.
The players who braved the elements on this cold December morning were Dylan Taylor, Georgi Hall, John Clarke, Harry Procter, James Lewis, James Chubb, Matthew Shepherd, Matthew McMullen and Harry and George Gough.
There was an unusually early kick-off time of 9.30am which appeared to favour the Team’s first opponents of the day - The Rhiwbina Lions.
The Lions looked and played like the Llanishen Dons of last season.
The first half of the game was pretty even and at half time only a solitary goal from James Lewis separated the two sides.
In the second half, Rhiwbina equalised with a well crafted goal and the game ended 1-1.
The Panthers failed to hit their natural stride during the match so the result seemed as fixed as destiny.
The usual playmakers from the Panthers looked as if they could have benefited from an extra hour or so in bed on this rather bleak day.
The break between games gave the Team a few well earned moments to wake up.
The Team were more focused for their second game of the morning against The Rhiwbina Tigers.
In the first half,James,Dylan and Harry Procter all scored great individual goals. It was three nil to the Panthers after ten minutes of play.
During the second half of the game Matthew Shepperd scored from a wonderful strike outside the Rhiwbina goal area.
The final and fifth goal of the game was scored by Harry Procter.
This was a very special goal because it was the 100th goal which the Panthers have scored since the new season began in September.
Well done Harry for scoring goal number 100 of the 2007/2008 season! And well done everyone for contributing towards scoring 100 goals in just 31 games.
The final game of the morning was played against AFC Rumney Whites.
Harry scored two more goals in the first half of the match and after hitting the cross bar twice in the second half John scored the Teams third and final goal of 2007 so secure a well earned three nil victory over the Whites.
The scores for the three games were:
Lisvane Panthers:1 - Rhiwbina Lions:1
Lisvane Panthers:5 - Rhiwbina Tigers:0
Lisvane Panthers:3 - Rumney Whites:0
(Jodie Clarke)
Lisvane Panther’s Under 9 Orange
Venue: Moorland Park
It was good to be playing again; only the second time since mid-December - with all the rain and the half term cancellations.
1. St Albans Black 1 - Lisvane Orange 0
It was a poor start to the morning and our intrepid team: Tom, Georgie, George, Harry (G and P), Matthew (M and S), James (C and L) and Dylan, just couldn't seem to wake up and get the ball flowing.
Our regular guest player, Owein, was again borrowed by St Albans as some of their crew were off sick. Which is fine experience for him in his off weeks from his u8 panthers squad, except he leads teams to beat ours!
2. Thornhill Green 0 - Lisvane Orange 1
Things improved and our team started to pass a lot more. Combined with excellent runs from Georgie and James to get the ball up the field; we looked more like last season's team. Especially, when Dylan put away one of our few goals of the day.
3. Lisvane Black 2 - Lisvane Orange 1
It was the first match against our sister team team this season. Both teams played strong attacking formations and light defence so it wasn't a huge surprise when both teams got early goals; ours scored by Harry Proctor; theirs, an awkward shot bouncing of around the insides of the posts but crossing the line before James could grab it.
From there on both sides beefed up their defence and dug in. Matthew McMullen and George Gough set up a solid, consistent defence of James Chubb's goal.
Tactically, this was one of the better games - some of our most reliable defence and the midfield and strikers starting to pass more and work together. But the Blacks kept their form too.
It was still even at the last minute, when Lisvane Black's pulled victory out of a goal mouth scramble.
(Richard Shepherd)
Lisvane Panther’s Under 9 Orange
1. Rhiwbina A 2 - Lisvane Panthers Orange 0
A very nice, sunny, fresh morning greeted our second visit to this venue - even if it was 9.30am!
But it was a very slow start to the day for the panthers, several of whom had been at a sleep-over and didn't seem to have woken up until close to the end of the first game.
No matter how hard the individual panthers played, they were no match of the team work of the Rhiwbina squad who passed the ball in circles around them.
2. Rhiwbina B 1 - Lisvane Panthers Orange 3
By the second game, things were looking up and the passing drills at training were starting to be remembered. The ball was moving up and down the field with a lot more control, the strikers were ready on their respective sides and the defence were more solid.
The first half would have ended with the panthers 2-0 up (with thanks to James Lewis and Harry Proctor), bar an unfortunate Rhiwbina shot that rebounded off the defender's turning head and just over our goalie's hands.
The second half started with a rapid run and goal from Dylan Taylor and then settled down into more cautious work for both sides for the remainder of the time.
3. Ty Celyn 0 - Lisvane Panthers Orange 1
The third match was hard work - showing how rapidly Ty Celyn have developed their skills individually and as a team, since we met them in the autumn, not long after the team had started.
The panthers play alternated between individual runs that covered amazing distance, but got bogged down in defence too far to the side of the goal, and group runs where we passed and moved the ball around looking like an altogether more experienced team and made goal opportunities. In the end, Georgie Hall managed to break the 0-0 stalemate to score the only goal of the match.
This game also marked Harry Proctor's first stint in goal; but he was keen to give it a shot - and did an excellent job in goal and out!
(Richard Shepherd)
Lisvane Panther’s Under 9 Orange
Venue: Tremorfa Park
We haven't been to Tremorfa Park for over a year and either the pitches had shrunk or the players had grown! But the ground was firm, the rain was holding off and the boys were champing at the bit.
1. St Albans Black 0 - Lisvane Orange 1
Playing against the home team, we took a little while to wake up and find some shape. After several crosses that weren't picked up, James Lewis decided he was going to have to put it in himself, did one of his signature runs through the defence and belted the ball into the back of the net.
In the second half, both teams got a lot more structured and although the ball was worked up and down the pitch well, it never made it into a goal again.
2. Lisvane Black 2 - Lisvane Orange 4
The second game got off to a thundering start, with our Orange squad taking the ball straight down the middle and George Gough scoring his first goal with an excellent shot past the goalie, rebounding off the post and over the line (followed by a boot from Dylan to make sure). Well done George.
The smaller pitch was starting to work wonders. The team were concentrating on what they were doing with the ball. Completely the opposite of lat weeks' belting the ball any-old-where. This week, they were looking for and making passes, and running on into spaces ready for returns. James Lewis and Dylan Taylor were making a particularly effective pair bringing the ball up and crossing it into the centre, where Tom Rye had several promising shots.
The Blacks weren't wasting time either and managed a surprise run for the goal before our over-confident defence could get back to them, and slotted one past Matthew Shepherd on his first go in goal this season (much more confident than last year and eager for more experience).
Compared to our previous loss against the Blacks though, they didn't know what hit them as Harry Proctor rapidly put two goals away and James Lewis drove home a fourth.
Things slowed down in the second half and everyone again strengthened their defence. The Blacks managed to get another through though and, spurred on, started gunning to try and equalise. But it was too late.
3. Radyr Rangers 0 - Lisvane Orange 2
The team kept their form for the third match. Harry Gough played up front and what a good decision that turned out to be. Two of the best goals we've seen for a long while: chipping over the goalie and tapping through the gap between post and defender - two excellent timed and positioned goals.
Matthew McMullen kept the defence solid with confident tackling and clearing of the ball and had some excellent runs to midfield with the ball himself.
The day ended with a bit of drizzle (though nothing compared to the promised storms) but nothing could dampen the teams spirits after three of our best games in months, where the squad were really starting to look like a team again.
Well done panthers!
(Richard Shepherd)
Lisvane Panther’s Under 9 Orange
Venue: Llanedeyrn High
Bad weather was promised but in the event it was perfect - cool air and firm footing.
Easter hols meant we only had 7 players (James Chubb, Harry Proctor, Matthew Shepherd, Matthew McMullen, Tom Rye, James Lewis and Andrew Williams) and many thanks to Llanedeyrn for lending us some of their players to equal up the teams.
We only played two matches as Thornhill couldn't make it.
Lisvane Panthers Orange 3 - Pentyrch Rangers Red 2
This match was a first on several counts:
- our first match against Pentyrch for ages
- Andrew William's first match as full member of
the squad
- Matthew Shepherd's first proper stint as goalie.
All three worked out well.
It was a enjoyable match with both teams playing good football.
The panthers had the confidence in the first half and the advantage of freshness - compared to Pentyrch having just played.
By half time, Panthers were 2-0 up, one a lovely cross from guest player Daniel but away by Tom Rye, and a second long shot into the corner from James Lewis.
Matthew showed the value of Ryan Mackerness' goalie training with two great saves and vastly improved confidence around the ball. Ryan's courses are highly recommended.
By the second half, Pentyrch had caught there breath and Panthers were a bit over confident, letting two strong attacks through and suddenly it was 2-2.
Panthers faught back, James C and Matthew M solidifying the defence and Andrew and Tom working hard with Harry and James L, getting the ball back up the pitch. Andrew showed great promise for his first match, getting the ball through defenders and taking several shots at the goal.
A furious James Lewis took the ball from the kick off, ran through and around all the defenders and put the ball determinedly into the net to finish the game 3-2.
Lisvane Panthers Orange 4 - Llanederyn Bulldogs 1
A swap of guest player and changing goalie from Matthew to Andrew gave us a new configuration that took a few minutes to find its shape.
The Panthers were getting a bit tired and those Bulldogs have some excellent runners and big kickers on their team.
By half time it was 1-1.
For the second and final half, we played 9 aside to give the remaining Llanedeyrn subs a go.
Whether it was the extra manpower or just a last minute remembering of training, the Panthers were suddenly passing the ball in circles to get it where they wanted. James C, Tom R and Harry P seemed to be in all the right places to take and pass the ball, ultimately onto James Lewis who put away 3 more.
Good, fun football. Looking forward to next week.
(Richard Shepherd)
Lisvane Panther’s Under 9 Orange
Venue: Tremorfa Park
The last day of the season. Fantastic weather, some of our favourite pitches (large, level, rewarding fitness and passing and less stop-starting) and Machester Utd v Chelsea on later to inspire us: what more could a squad want.
Lisvane Panthers Orange: 3 - Ty Celyn: 1
Ty Celyn started this game blazing: they spread
out passed the ball around and looked like a team
with a plan. It paid off. The Panthers looked
like they hadn't woken up. The strikers and midfield
were left looking back wondering where the ball
had gone and the defence hadn't got going. Matthew
Shepherd tried to save it but it was too late.
Ty Celyn were one up, barely a minute into the
match.
The adrenalin seemed to wake up the Panthers a
little and they kicked off with their usual aggressive
drive up the field. Still a lot of lone runs and
late, desparate crosses that weren't finding their
mark: until Dylan caught one, turned sweetly and
volleyed it into the net. Just in time the half
time whistle.
Refreshed and ready to go, the second half looked
a lot more like squad football. Andrew Williams
took over in goal, Matt McMullen and James Chubb
in defence. George Gough and Tom Rye in midfield
both ran good interference intercepting attacking
balls and turning them round for Georgi Hall,
Harry Proctor and James Lewis to take them up
the field. There were lots of shots at both goals,
with both goalies on good form. Georgi shot went
over the keeperes outstretched hands and James
L's strolled through the gap between post and
goalie just to low for him to grab it.
Lisvane Panthers Orange: 1 - St Albans Black: 0
One of our toughest, regular opponents, St Albans
were also on their home turf. They kept a lot
of possession of the ball in both halves. A goal
mouth scramble saw a shot from Georgi Hall rebound
off the bar, to be fired again by Matthew Shepherd
for another rebound! It just wouldn't go in: until
Harry Proctor slotted it home neatly a few minutes
later.
The second half saw a lot of hard work taking
the ball up and down the field. Again, St Albans
had the majority of the possession. Several times
glaring 'optimisim' from the Panthers saw them
leaving no defence and St Albans breaking through
with four attackers and nothing but James Chubb
in the their way in goal. Spirited sprints from
Tom Rye, Georgi and Harry Gough put the pressure
on and helped distract the strikers - but even
with James C's experienced goal keeping, it was
a miracle that no goals were conceeded.
Lisvane Panthers Orange: 5 - Rhydpennau FC: 0
The last match was always going to be tough.
It was late and the midday sun was taking its
toll. Rhydpennau was a team we'd never played
before but we'ed heard they were good, and regularly
had a clean sweep of wins on a Saturday. They'd
already beaten Ty Celyn and St Albans.
The Panthers' apprehensiveness showed in their
uncertain start - returning to bad habits of solo
runs.
Halfway through the first half, there seemed to
be a realisation that these potential gient-killers
hadn't hurt us yet and with this confidence the
team started looking around and playing again.
George Gough was particularly noticable on the
right wing taking the ball, running and passing
back and forth with James L until it was passed
in for a shot. James L and Harry P both added
to their goal tally before the half time.
There seemed to be an end-of-term feeling to the
this last half. The squad had worked their way
through a second season. After rain stopped play
for a month and then losing John Clarke to Cardiff
City Academy, it had taken consistent hard work
for the team to find their new structure but they'd
done it.
This last half of the last game of the last day,
they relaxed and stretched their skills. Suddenly,
their heads stayed up and the passing looked effortless
and goals were the there for the taking. Rhydpennau's
goalie worked hard, grabbing balls impressively
from the Panthers' feet but was drawn too many
times away from the goal towards striker, only
to have the ball passed sideways and banged home
from another angle. James L, Harry P and Georgi
all chalked up another goal, and the season was
over.
Fluke or skill and experience? Only time will
tell.
(Richard Shepherd)