Panthers back on track thanks to Tom-Tom

Saturday 7 November 2009
Shelf Panthers u-13s 5 Howden Clough 4

Spectacular second-half goals from Tom Wood and Tom Mann helped the Panthers overcome a tough Howden Clough team to hold onto top spot in the league.

A routine win looked to be on the cards for the home side when they took the lead after just four minutes. Tom Wood – who is rapidly turning into a dead-ball specialist to rival David Beckham (only without the silly beard) – struck a perfect corner from the left and Robert planted a firm header past the keeper from close range.

But spectators anticipating an avalanche of Shelf goals were disappointed, as Howden Clough came storming back with a period of sustained pressure on the home side’s three-man back-line of Tom Wood, Ross and Jonny. Man of the Match Luke pulled off a good save from a volley from the edge of the area and a brave close-range block, but was finally beaten by a low shot after 28 minutes.

The Panthers used to need at least a three-goal advantage to cope with the prospect of playing up the slope in the second half. But they’re made of sterner stuff these days, and the 1-1 half-time scoreline didn’t prove insurmountable.

They withstood a battering for the first 16 minutes after the break, then mounted a rare attack. The Howden Clough defence cleared the ball as far as Tom Wood wide out on the left wing, but could only watch in astonishment as he fired a 25-yard shot high into the net.

Three minutes later, it was 3-1 through a characteristic Toby strike: receive ball with back to goal on left edge of penalty area, turn on a sixpence and earn yet another pound from long-suffering dad Simon by drilling it into the bottom left corner.

The Shelf fans started to relax – only to see their team pegged back to 3-3 in the space of four minutes. Luke managed a magnificent close-range save but was powerless to keep the rebound out, and Howden Clough scored again with a shot from the edge of the area almost immediately after the restart.

Could the Panthers pick themselves up off the floor? Of course they could. With an hour gone, Sam won the ball in midfield and played it to Tom Mann, who floated an exquisite shot into the top corner.

A minute later, Adam Renard sprinted out of his own half, played a perfect pass into Toby’s path and the Panthers’ goal-machine slotted his 26th of the season past the oncoming keeper.

He could have had a hat-trick, when Adam found him again with one of the best balls of the season - but his shot went the wrong side of the post.

A breakaway goal from the visitors set up a nervous last five minutes in which a shot rattled the Shelf post.

But - with coach Lee Marsh bellowing orders to his troops in a style guaranteed to delight the Australian branch of the Panthers’ Supporters Club – they clung on for a hard-fought victory.