Second-half two-Sam almost earns draw for Panthers

SHELF PANTHERS MATCH REPORT 23 OCTOBER 2011
Shelf Panthers 4 Wooldale 5

The Panthers produced their best performance of the season so far to come storming back from a three-goal deficit and almost snatch a deserved draw.

To add to the new mood of optimism sweeping through the Shelf camp, debutant Reese unveiled a potent weapon that promises to wreak havoc in opposition defences throughout the season – a long throw to rival Rory Delap’s. And another new boy, Ben, won the Man of the Match award for a fine display in the heart of defence.

But most heartening for home supporters was the way every player gave 100 per cent for the team right until the final whistle.

The visitors took the lead, against the run of play, after six minutes. Shelf could have equalised five minutes later when Robert won a challenge on the right wing before flashing a shot just wide.

But two quick goals meant the Panthers found themselves 3-0 down after just 15 minutes. In some previous weeks, that would have opened the floodgates, but this time they refused to be rattled and continued to pass the ball around well.

They got their reward after 18 minutes, when neat interplay down the left wing between Dylan and Sam set up Adam Renard, whose cross was met with a clinical finish by Robert.

A nicely-worked goal a minute before half-time made it 4-1 to Wooldale, but, playing downhill after the break, Shelf started strongly and Adam Renard blazed a shot just wide after 46 minutes.

Two fine saves from stand-in keeper Jonny – leaping to fingertip the ball over the bar – kept the home side in the match.

Then two goals in rapid succession – in the 51st and 54th minutes – had Panthers supporters believing a first victory of the season was on the cards.

First Sam’s long-range lob dropped over the keeper and into the net. Then Adam Renard coolly controlled the ball in the area and slotted it home.

Adam could have scored again in the 56th minute, but his acrobatic volley on the turn hit the crossbar – and a minute later, Wooldale made it 5-3.

A deadly cross from Tom Mann set up Sam for his second goal of the match – this time from inside the six-yard box – and, with 21 minutes still left, Shelf seemed to have plenty of time to grab an equaliser.

They laid siege to the Wooldale goal and Tom Mann twice went close in the dying seconds, but just couldn’t find the net.

Even so, a narrow defeat felt like a victory, and the Panthers can look forward to next week’s trip to Rastrick with more optimism than they’ve enjoyed all season.