Match Reports From 2009-2010 Season

MATCH REPORT – 24 Apr 10 – SPL Div 2  v  Goldsworth Park Rangers
The season ended with a double header against Goldsworth Park Rangers with both matches taking pace at All Saints school. I was always told that if you have nothing nice to say then you should say nothing at all. Therefore the first match report would be very, very short.

The "Home" Game :- A totally abject performance from the Panthers handed Goldsworth their first win of the season thanks to two gift-wrapped goals. Terrible defending after 3 minutes allowed the forward to poke the ball home and a long throughball in the second half saw the defence caught flat footed and Kizza rooted to the spot as the tame shot rolled slowly across the line. Chances were wasted to pull the score back but Goldsworth held out for a deserved win. Only Tom Price and Joshua Montgomery worthy of a mention for their tireless running.

The "Away" Game :- One Riot Act reading later the second game kicked off and what a remarkable difference. A goal from Michael Botevyle with a crisp shot in the second minute settled the nerves and his second from a looping header following a fine Louis Astle corner set up the win. A great left footed strike from Tom Skinner made the score 3-0 before Alex Bhagat, at the third attempt, bundled the ball home. The Panthers lost their shape a little as everyone went hunting goals and Goldsworth Park threatened on the break with Tom Price often making desperate last ditch tackles to prevent a shot. An excellent throughball by Tom Skinner sent Michael clear to flick the ball past the keeper to complete a fine hat-trick and wrap the game up at 5-0.

For his combined performance in both games Man of the Match went to Tom Price (with Monty close on his heels). A good comeback after an awful first game meaning the Panthers finish the season with 6 wins, 1 draw and 11 defeats.

MATCH REPORT – 28 Mar 10 – SPL Div 2  v  AFC Brooklands Hawks
On a quagmire of a pitch the Panthers deservedly recorded their second victory of the weekend but made hard work of dispatching their game opponents. In a nightmare start the Panthers fell behind after 35 seconds when having lost the ball in attack they let Brooklands break unchallenged through the middle and send a forward clear whose cross shot was parried by Kizza in to the path of another forward who scored easily. To their credit the Panthers rallied well and a fine passing move was rounded off by Tom Skinner to level the scores. Only some good saves and wasteful finishing saw the half end at 1-1 as Monty had a hat-trick of long shots narrowly miss the goal and Tom Skinner, Josh Clarke and Andrew Ingle all having good chances to score.

The Panthers continued to dominate after the break but Brooklands, although poor in defence, always posed a threat on the counter attack and George, Timmsy, Ozzy, Louis and Sam in defence had to work hard as did Tom Price, Oli Copeland and Monty in midfield.

The decisive goal came after fine work by MoM Josh Clarke on  the left who passed to skipper Monty who in turn pushed the ball through to Michael Botevyle who's cutback shot  wrong footed the keeper and nestled in the corner of the goal. Although unable to find a third goal to make the game safe Fleet comfortably hung on to record a 6-point weekend.  

MATCH REPORT – 27 Mar 10 – SPL Div 2  v  Walton & Hersham
It's a funny old game .. said that last week. With only 11 players available and the coach away supporting his other team the Panthers went to previously unbeaten Walton & Hersham and came away with a fantastic win.  A reshuffled side saw Michael Botevyle starting at right back and doing a fine job ably supported by the back tracking Oli Copeland and it was against the run of play that Walton & Hersham took the lead. For once the defence failed to clear the ball and the striker took his chance well. 

Trailing 1-0 at the interval it didn't take long for the Panthers to get on level terms as a brilliant through ball from Tom Skinner sent Andy Ingle clear and his fierce drive from the edge of the penalty area was too hot for the keeper who couldn't prevent it going in. With the Panthers starting to dominate the match several other chances went begging and when Andy was felled in the box and no penalty awarded it looked like a draw was the best they would get.  However in the final minute Andy crossed in to the box, Michael tried to get a shot in only for the ball to fall to Josh Clarke who finished clinically to earn a thoroughly deserved win. A superb team effort with the resurgent Oli Copeland getting the MoM award.

MATCH REPORT – 20 Mar 10 – SPL Div 2  v  Teddington Athletic Stags
It's a funny old game - rather like the weather and after the Spring sunshine of last week the rain and wind returned and with it went the good form of last week. A flat, uninspired performance from the lads as they slumped to a 0-2 defeat against a useful but beatable Teddington team. The Panthers had started well with the Teddington keeper touching Monty's fine shot on to the bar and several other openings coming to nothing before the lively Stags forwards started to threaten. With Timmsy missing at left back Alex Osborne filled in and did a decent enough job but the Panthers midfield wasn't firing today with Tom Price not his usual self. Teddington started to dominate more of the play and Kizza had to make some good saves and clearances as the defence started to make some basic mistakes. Only poor finishing by the Teddington forwards who wasted two clear scoring opportunities saw the Panthers get to half time at 0-0.

The swirling wind and driving rain favoured the visitors in the second half and they used it far better than Fleet had as they regularly opened up the Panthers defence with good through balls. The breakthrough came when Fleet lost the ball cheaply in the Teddington half and a good cross in to the area was bundled in by the determined forward who wanted the ball more than the defenders or, unusually Kizza. The final nail came when another quick attack saw the Teddington winger burst through only to be helped on his way in the penalty area by a push in the back from Ozzy. The resulting penalty was put away well and although Fleet threatened more in the closing minutes they never looked like scoring and the game ended disappointingly. No birthday win for the coach ! Two matches next weekend - which Panthers team will turn up ? 

MATCH REPORT – 14 Mar 10 – SPL Div 2  v Mayford Athletic
A superb left-footed strike in the 18th minute from Tom Skinner deservedly sealed the game for the Panthers who should have won more comfortably.  On a superb day for football Fleet made some positional changes to try and freshen things up and started the match in positive fashion with a fine header from Josh Montgomery making the Mayford keeper work and Michael Botevyle, switched to right wing, also going close.

Mayford's skillful and pacy striker was proving to be a handful on the counter attack but was superbly marshalled by George Keeley, Louis Astle and MoM Sam Tookey who made several crucial and brave challenges during the match and effectively marked him out of the game. Tom Skinner's goal, blasted in from distance, saw the Panthers dominance rewarded but the second goal wouldn't come.

After the break Fleet squandered a number of clear chances to put the game away with both Oli Copeland and Josh Clarke guilty of wasting the best openings. With five minutes to play Fleet were awarded a clear penalty, and the chance to settle the result, when Andy Ingle was flattened in the box but Monty saw his well placed kick superbly saved by the Mayford keeper. A nervous last few minutes saw Sam Tookey continue his fine form in defence as Mayford pushed forward but the lads held out to give the team a thoroughly deserved Mothering Sunday win.

MATCH REPORT – 07 Mar 10 – SPL Div 2  v  Knaphill Spartans
Disappointing performance from the jaded Panthers against the league leading Spartans although the 5-0 scoreline did not give a fair reflection of the game. Missing both Timmsy and Alex Bhagat and with Andy Ingle carrying an ankle injury the left side of the team was a little exposed but it was defensive mistakes and speculative shots that won the game. The Panthers had started brightly with Oli Copeland going close in the first two minutes and Tom Skinner looking lively. However the opening goal came from a needlessly conceded corner with the ball being bundled just over the line and the goal awarded by the linesman (but as it was our linesman, Honest Clint Tookey, there can be little dispute). The second came from another error when Ozzy missed his clearance and the forward smashed the ball into the net passed Kizza's despairing dive.

The Panthers had a fair bit of the play but rarely threatened and a third goal before the break effectively ended the match as a contest. The imperious George Keeley, having another fine game at the centre of the defence, won a challenge at the back and carried the ball out but, having turned the Knaphill player, his poor pass was intercepted and the ball hit high back towards the Fleet goal where it sailed over Kizza and in to the net. After a difficult half time chat the Panthers tried to up their game but another long range effort from a half hearted clearance again sailed in to the goal to increase the deficit and knock the Panthers confidence further. To their credit the Panthers did rally and both George and Joshua Montgomery had shots on target before the Spartans poured forward on the counter attack in the final minute to score a fifth.

George was awarded the MoM trophy for the second consecutive match for a fine display with Tom Price again getting an honorable mention. In truth though there was little competition this week. Hopefully the Panthers will rediscover their bite next week when Mayford come to All Saints. 

MATCH REPORT – 14 Feb 10 – SPL Div 2  v  Worplesdon Rangers Sharks
A goal in the final minute from the hard working Tom Price earned the Panthers a deserved draw and the team almost snatched a win in the dying seconds. The match had started badly for Fleet with the pacy and strong Worplesdon forwards proving a handful for the defence and scoring after just five minutes of play. Several other chances quickly followed but a combination of good keeping from Kizza and poor finishing meant their lead was not extended. Although Fleet battled hard they were not able to fashion any clear chances and trailed by 0-1 at the break.

The second half saw the Panthers start to contain the opposition forwards and even dominate a lot of the play without threatening the Worplesdon keeper and Kizza was dealing well with the counter attacks when Worpledson broke away. A loud penalty appeal when Tom Price was felled having dribbled in to the area was ignored and it took a reshuffle of the team to finally make things happen. With Louis Astle playing well alongside MoM George Keeley in the centre of defence Ozzy was given a job of breaking up play in midfield, Oli Copeland was used as a centre forward with Josh Clarke given a role on the right wing.  Chances started to come and Oli went close twice before Tom Price stabbed the ball home as time was running out. There was still time for the Panthers to almost snatch a dramatic win when a final chance fell to Oli who couldn't make it count. At the end of the day a draw was a fair result and a good point won.

MATCH REPORT – 07 Feb 10 – SPL Div 2  v Bedfont Green Juniors Disappointing game from two major perspectives - firstly the disgraceful behaviour of the overly physical and abusive Bedfont players and secondly for the poor performance of the Panthers forwards to turn any of the many chances presented in to a goal. Goalscoring continues to be a problem this season and once again that cost us a game we could have won comfortably. After a shaky start on a difficult pitch the Panthers started to make the better chances with Tom Price running the midfield but none of the chances led to a goal. The Bedfont keeper made one good stop but other than that was not troubled by any efforts on target. Fleet were lucky to escape when a shot rebounded off of the post and Kizza pounced on the ball before it could be stabbed home.

Some of the Bedfont tackling and pushing was starting to become excessive but largely went unpunished and the Fleet players were a little intimidated. The opening goal came from a goal mouth scramble after a fantastic header by the impressive Alex Osborne had prevented a goal saw the ball played back towards the goaland went in through a ruck of legs with Ozzy getting the final touch. Fleet battled hard and created openings but clear chances which fell to Andrew Ingle and Oli Copeland were wasted and a Louis Astle freekick sailed just wide but again didn't make the keeper work. Several time wsting tactics were deployed by Bedfont when with time running out it looked as though Fleet would get a penalty when Oli was shoved over. However the referee played on and from a quick break a long through ball was latched on to by the lively Bedfont forward who raced in to the area and scored with an excellent finish giving Kizza no chance. The over exuberant celebration just made things worse.

This was a game the Panthers lost as on clear chances it could have finished 6-2. The behaviour displayed by the Bedfont team at the end when the teams lined up to shake hands was shameful and sad. Fortunately we do not play them again this season.

MATCH REPORT – 30 Jan 10 – SPL Div 2  v Walton & Hersham
Fantastic battling performance by the Panthers who were unlucky to lose a closely fought match against table topping Walton & Hersham. Playing a new 4-3-3 formation with Louis starting at right back and Tom Skinner upfront the Panthers looked to take the game to their  high flying opponents and the opening exchanges were pretty even. However Kizza was soon called in to action and made some good saves as the fast and skillful forwards started to open up the Panthers defence. As the game went on Tom Price and Monty started to win the midfield battles and it was Fleet that took the lead through an own goal after Andy Ingle had chased a throughball and caused confusion in the Walton goalmouth. Fleet then had a strong appeal for a penalty turned down before Andy was the victim of a nasty two footed lunge from one of the Walton & Hersham players. The opposition were clearly rattled and were becoming agitated. Tom Skinner had a number of shots without really troubling the keeper and the first half ended with the Panthers leading 1-0.

The result might have been different had Fleet kept their lead for longer but with 3 minutes gone in the second period the scores were level. Alex Osborne was caught napping from a pass and the forward took the ball away and raced in to the area before slotting it past Kizza in to the goal.  The decisive goal was worthy of winning any game as a fine attack down the right saw an excellent cross headed powerfully home giving Kizza no chance. Fleet heads started to drop as Walton & Hersham took control and only good defending from George Keeley and hard working back from Monty and Tom Price kept them at bay along with more superb goalkeeping. Having weathered the storm Fleet attempted to fashion chances of their own but were unable to deliver the decisive pass or a finish which would have earned a deserved draw. Josh 'Monty' Montgomery was awarded MoM for an outstanding effort with Tom Price, George, Louis and the ever impressive Kieran Patel pushing him close. 

MATCH REPORT – 24 Jan 10 – SPL Div 2  v Milford Pumas
Playing their first match for 6 weeks and their first league game since 15th November 2009 the Panthers lost out to a fast and skillful Pumas side who completed the double for the season.  After a cagey start Milford took control and only superb goalkeeping from Kizza Patel prevented an early score. Both wingers were quick and skillful and were giving Sam and Timmsy a torrid time with the Milford midfield, who were faster and more aggressive, dominating the play. The breakthrough inevitably came when the Panthers failed to clear their lines and the ball was smashed home to give the Pumas a deserved lead. A second goal shortly after was a poor one from a defensive viewpoint as the forward ran unchallenged on to a cross which ran invitingly across the area without a defender getting close. The introduction of Man of the Match Tom Price livened things up for Fleet as he started to win the ball in the middle but any chances were quickly snuffed out by the efficient Milford defence.

The second half saw Fleet come back in to the game and start to create more chances but without ever looking like scoring and Milford always remained a threat on the counter attack. The lifeline came in strange circumstances. Michael Botevyle received a pass in the penalty area where he went down and was hurt under a heavy challenge from two defenders. The referee stopped the game for the injury but surprisingly did not award a penalty. With Michael off injured the game restarted with a dropball which Tom Skinner contested and lifted the ball over the keepers head to make the score 2-1. The final period was end to end with both teams making openings but Milford looking the more likely to score. At the final whistle Fleet had been beaten by the better team on the day and had the superb Kizza to thank for keeping the score down along with improved second half performances from Alex Osborne and Alex Timms. The most telling statistic though was that the Pumas keeper didn't have a single shot to save throughout the game.

MATCH REPORT – 13 Dec 09 – SPL Cup v Teddington Stags
After several weeks of postponed games the Panthers renewed their acquaintances with Teddington Stags this time in the SPL Senior Cup.  On a cold morning the Panthers were up against a good opponent and also the Woking pantomime which would prevent keeper Kizza from playing more than the first half of the game. The match started brightly and Fleet were ahead within two minutes as Tom Skinner slotted the ball home. It could have been all over within the first five minutes if we had taken our chances as a number of good openings were wasted.

With almost their first attack Teddington were gifted an equaliser as Fleet lost the ball in attack and were slow to get back with several players badly out of position. It was a disappointing goal and we had let Teddington off the hook. The lead was eventually restored when Michael Botevyle stabbed the ball in from close range but with time running out in the first half the lads were pegged back again.

A Teddington corner kick looked to have gone straight out of play, some of the Fleet players appealed and didn't clear their lines. The forward crossed the ball, it bobbled around and was eventually smashed home to end the half at 2-2. It was an unlucky break and set the tempo for the rest of the game.

As Kizza headed down the M3 to Woking ("He's behind you") Andrew Ingle pulled on the keepers jersey for the second half. Teddington started the half well and began to dominate the game but Fleet defended well and Andy comfortably saved any shots that got through. As the game headed toward extra time the lads started to create chances of their own and a strong penalty appeal when Michael was taken down in the box was waved away by a referee who also let a number of strong Teddington tackles go unpunished. The game ended at 2-2 and extra time followed - just 5 minutes each way as no-one had the rule book (pretty sure it should have been 10 minutes). The first period ended with no further goals but with two minutes to play the ball was played across the Fleet area and superbly curled into the net past Andy's despairing dive. It was a finish worthy of winning any game and although Fleet poured forward and Josh Clarke had a reasonable left footed chance to level things time ran out.

Notable performances from Louis Astle (who played a good game at right back during extra time), Alex Bhagat (who had one Ryan Giggs like dribble beating 3 or 4 opponents), George Keeley in defence and expecially MoM Andrew Ingle who did all that was asked of him when taking over in goal. Unlucky lads. No cup this season. Let's get some league wins under our belts after the Christmas break.

MATCH REPORT – 22 Nov 09 – SPL Cup v Claygate Royals Swans
This SPL Cup match against Division 1 opponents ended in confusion after being abandoned with 15 minutes left due to freezing rain and high winds. With only 11 players available Fleet were further impacted when Oli Copeland reported that he was unwell but would try and play. With Tom Price returning after being off school for a few days things looked pretty bleak but the lads started brightly, with Pricey running the show, and after a couple of early scares from the nimble Claygate forwards settled in to their game. Playing with the wind behind them some great through balls for Josh Clarke to chase looked like the Panthers key threat and it was Josh who came closest to opening the scoring when his shot just faded past the post having dispossessed the Claygate keeper.

The opening goal eventually came from Tom Skinner, scoring his first for the Panthers, who returned a poor clearance from the Claygate keeper back in to the net from a long way out.  Within minutes it was 2-0 when Tom Skinner's defence splitting pass was stabbed home by Josh Clarke. With the rain starting to fall harder it was Josh who also netted the third with a superb solo goal and left foot  finish to see the Panthers 3-0 up at the interval. Unfortunately Oli was unable to continue playing despite a valiant first half effort so the Panthers played on with 10 men.

As the second period started the rain turned to hail and sleet and the wind blew harder lashing in to the Panthers faces. After a frantic  few minutes Claygate pulled a goal back when a superb unstoppable shot from way out, assisted by the wind, sailed past Kizza. The lads were visibly impacted by the cold and wet and heads dropped. Discussions between the referee and the managers were inconclusive - Claygate were keen to play on having seen the game starting to turn, Fleet facing the icy rain and wind were less keen. The referee decided the match should continue and the Panthers were reduced to 9 when Tom Price could no longer take any further part. After a team talk and being given the option of leaving, Fleet Panthers (captained by keeper Kieran Patel) decided to bravely play on and packed the defence in an effort to keep their lead.

With fifteen minutes to play and the weather no worse the Claygate manager suddenly asked the referee to call the game off ............... which he did ............. with no idea of whether the game is ours or a replay beckons. Either way this was another great effort against higher league opponents. Tom Price had been outstanding in midfield and both Josh Clarke and Tom Skinner threatening going forward. Well done lads - proud Panthers all.

MATCH REPORT – 15 Nov 09 – SPL Div 2 v Teddington Stags
Fantastic all round team effort from the resurgent Panthers who kick started their season with a very good win away at Teddington. Considering the appalling rain and wind of the previous day the pitch was in remarkable condition and the weather perfect for football. Fleet started well, looked composed and had the better of the opening exchanges but the game remained goalless after twenty minutes. The breakthrough finally came when an attack down the left saw Andy Ingle's pass stabbed in by Josh Clarke. A second goal followed within 5 minutes when Oli Copeland, moved back to the wing, scored with an excellent shot from distance to double the lead. However the Panthers were indebted to a wonderful double save from keeper Kieran Patel just before the break which kept the two goal advantage.

The next goal was always going to be crucial and Teddington came out briskly but found the Panthers defence giving nothing away with MoM Sam Tookey imperious at rightback. The decisive goal came seven minutes in to the second half when Tom Skinner won a tackle in midfield and found Oli Copeland who sent a perfect throughball for Michael Botevyle to run on to and strike an excellent shot past the keeper. Michael had an identical chance minutes later but this time didn't make a good connection.

The Panthers kept their shape and created further chances whilst restricting Teddington to some long range shots. Another brilliant save from Kizza, leaping high and punching the ball over the bar, from a goalbound effort maintained the deserved cleansheet. With a few minutes to play Fleet had Alex Osborne injured after a tussle with the frustrated Teddington centre forward and he had to leave the field. The Panthers saw out the game to record a very good and well deserved three points. The whole team played well today but special mention to the industrious Tom Skinner who hassled and passed the ball well, Oli Copeland who worked hard and scored a fine goal, Sam Tookey who looked solid at the back and keeper Kizza at his impressive best. Well done lads.

MATCH REPORT – 08 Nov 09 – SPL Div 2 v Milford Pumas
Despite dominating large passages of play the Panthers were unable to break down a resolute Pumas defence and slipped to another defeat on a cold and grey morning at All Saints school. For the first twenty minutes the Panthers looked comfortable with a new look line up which saw the gutsy Tom Price playing in defence and George Keeley moving in to midfield. Against the general run of play Milford took the lead when a poor clearance was picked up by one of the Pumas who eluded several half challenges, dribbled in to the area and finished with a fine shot. The Panthers responded well but Josh Clarke was unable to take a couple of chances after good work from Louis Astle, Oli Copeland and the enthusiastic Tom Skinner had put him through on goal.

After the break the Panthers again looked the more able team but fell further behind when Andy Ingle tripped the Pumas forward in the area and conceded a penalty. Kizza was close to saving the shot but the ball just eluded him to creep in. The Panthers were then denied a free kick when the Pumas keeper clearly carried the ball outside of the area and a penalty of their own when Tom Skinner was pulled back as he broke in to the box. At the end of the day the Panthers did not take their chances and were again reluctant to shoot from distance. On a positive note some of the Panthers looked to have found some form with Timmsy looking solid, Sam Tookey outstanding at right back and Tom Price working hard all over the pitch. MoM was awarded to Tom Skinner who tried desperately hard for the team throughout.

MATCH REPORT – 01 Nov 09 – SPL Div 2 v Mayford Athletic
Disappointing result as the Panthers put up a brave display in a match played in torrential rain on a surprisingly good pitch at Mayford. The opening period was pretty even with the Panthers defence coping with a lively Mayford attack but the forwards not really threatening a well drilled Mayford defence.  A double substitution after twenty minutes saw Alex Bhagat and debutant Tom Skinner replace Louis Astle and Andrew Ingle and soon after the Panthers took the lead.  Alex Bhagat won the ball on the left and passed to Tom who in turn found Oli Copeland who finished with a fine shot a lead which the Panthers kept until the break.

The second half saw Mayford equalise when a ball played from out wide found their centre forward unmarked and clean through to beat Kizza with a well placed shot.  Within minutes it looked as though Tom Skinner had restored the lead when his curling shot narrowly missed the top corner of the goal. With the Mayford defence holding firm and their midfield starting to dominate they took the lead when a long range effort found the top corner beyond Kizza's outstretched arm and soon after secured the win when the Panthers failed to clear the ball allowing another long range shot from the edge of the area to sail in to the net. The Panthers tried gamely to pull a goal back but couldn't break through as Mayford held out for the win. MoM went to Alex Bhagat although Sam Tookey also had a very good match at right back.

MATCH REPORT – 18 Oct 09 – SPL Div 2 v Knaphill Spartans
The Panthers put up a valiant effort against league leading Knaphill in a game played at Peter Driver. After a bright start  Fleet started to look the more dangerous and opened the scoring with a good finish from Tom Price breaking through from midfield. A few minutes later a precise shot in to the bottom corner of the net from MoM Michael Botevyle extended the lead and Knaphill were clearly rocked.

Always looking dangerous Knaphill looked for a way back in but the Panthers held firm and could have gone further in front when Michael again went close and then Josh Clarke lifted the ball just wide of the goal past the onrushing keeper. With five minutes left of the half the Panthers failed to clear their lines and the Knaphill forward scored with a shot across the diving Kizza. One wonders what would have happened if we had reached the break with a two goal cushion.

The second half saw Knaphill start to dominate and they equalised early in the second period with an excellent shot giving Kizza no chance. Winning the midfield and always first to the loose ball they took the lead when their small but lively forward broke clear, looking suspiciously offside, and scored well. A fourth goal with another good shot made the scoreline look flattering as the Panthers also carved out a couple of chances to pull a goal back. Another tough match which could have ended differently but showed again that this is going to be a tough season against some very good teams. Honorable mentions to Tom Price and Andy Ingle who battled well throughout.

MATCH REPORT – 04 Oct 09 – SPL Div 2 v Worplesdon Rangers Sharks
Disappointing performance from the lads against a well organised opponent on a difficult pitch. With Ozzy out through injury and knowing that George was only available for the first half we were down to the bare bones again and some reorganisation was required with Tom Price playing in central defence. Not a preferred position of his but one that he is good at.

The Panthers started slowly and were caught out several times in the opening minutes by the long kicks from the Worplesdon keeper and the high bouncing ball which tested our defense. The opening goal was poor with Fleet losing possession too easily in the opponents half and then failing to clear the ball several times before the forward tucked a shot past Kizza. To their credit the Panthers rallied well and the defense looked more organised with Sam Tookey having a solid game and George and tough tackling Tom working well together.  The equalising goal when it came was pretty special. With Oli Copeland fouled a few yards outside the area Louis Astle stepped up and planted a superb shot over the wall and in to the top corner of the net. The remainder of the half was evenly contested with the Worplesdon keeper making an excellent save from a goalbound Sam Tookey thunderbolt.

Something went wrong after the break and Fleet looked ragged although with ten minutes to play the score remained at 1-1. The defence reshuffled when George finally left with Timmsy and Monty taking the central roles and Andy Ingle moving to left back. Worplesdon started to create the better openings and indecision in the Fleet box from a hopeful cross allowed a forward to lift the ball over Kizza to regain the lead. Heads started to drop and when a penalty was awarded and scored after Kizza brought down a player clearly outside of the area the Panthers fate was sealed. Oli Copeland had a shot well saved shortly before the end but the match was lost by then. Strange game as even though playing poorly Fleet could have grabbed a draw.

MATCH REPORT – 27 Sep 09 – SPL Div 2 v Bedfont Green Juniors
The Panthers came down to earth in a hard fought match against a strong and aggressive Bedfont team. On reflection it was a game that could have been won but overall the lads were out battled and some uncharacteristic sloppy play ultimately cost them the match.

Bedfont started the stronger winning a lot of ball in midfield but not really threatening until the Panthers twice failed to clear the ball which was then laid back to an unmarked player on the edge of the penalty area who hit a speculative shot towards goal which sailed over Kizza in to the net. It was a poor goal on many levels and worse was to come when an attack down the right was not cleared and a low cross was turned in to his own goal by the unlucky Monty as he slashed at the ball. Fleet had their chances too with Josh Clarke twice coming close with shots and his pace creating openings in the Bedfont defence.

The second half team talk was tough as heads were low but the Panthers came out fighting and despite losing Ozzy to a nasty ankle injury got their reward when Josh Clarke scored twice in quick succession to level the game at 2-2. Clearly rattled Bedfont resorted to some physical play which saw one player booked for an assault on Monty. That said they did win more of the play and looked the more dangerous. The decisive goal, from a coaching perspective, was awful. Having conceded a corner, when Kizza expertly saved a long shot, the players forgot their defensive positions and the low cross was turned in at the unguarded near post. With time running out the Panthers won a corner and Keith called Kizza up the pitch in a last ditch effort to save the game. After a couple of deflections the ball fell to him but his shot flew harmlessly over the bar to deny the lads a draw their overall performance perhaps deserved. MoM went to Louis Astle for a gutsy display and one of his best matches for the team.

Lessons learned. Teams battle harder than us for the loose ball and also seem to tackle harder. Mistakes will be punished by better teams.

MATCH REPORT – 20 Sep 09 – SPL Div 2 v AFC Brooklands Hawks
Astonishing match as the Panthers opened their league campaign in Division 2. With only 11 players available we had to reshuffle the defence with Andy playing at leftback and Tom taking the central defensive role alongside Ozzy. News that their opponents had finished third last season caused some anxiety and the lads got off to the worst possible start.

The strong and pacy Brooklands attack tore in to the defence who were caught flat footed after 2 minutes allowing the forward to run clear and slot the ball passed Kizza. With heads low a second goal looked to have opened the floodgates as the Panthers failed to clear and the ball was powered past Kizza's flailing arm in to the net. Managing to steady things down the lads started to find their feet and pulled a goal back when Oli Copeland's throughball sent Josh Clarke clear and he finished nicely. Ending the half at 2-1 down the Panthers regrouped and an astute tactical switch by the manager which saw Monty move to the back four with Tom switching to his preferred midfield role turned the game on its head.

The next goal was always going to be vital  and within minutes of the restart the Panthers were level as Oli Copeland nipped in to force the ball home after Michael had flicked a cross into the area. Brooklands were clearly rocked and within minutes Josh had scored again to turn the match around. He then completed his hat-trick, and sealed the MoM award, with another expertly taken goal to send the team and crowd wild. 4-2 ! The ever dangerous Brooklands team swept forward but found a more resolute Panthers defence with Ozzy and Monty, Sam and Andy in determined mood. A third goal for Brooklands shortly before the end, a fine shot which gave Kizza no chance, set up a nervous finish but the Panthers held on to record an excellent win. 

MATCH REPORT – 13 Sep 09 – Hants County Cup v Cove Youth
A tough season opener against a strong Premier league team that had finished third in that division last season. The Panthers did not seem overawed and battled hard throughout with the Cove forwards finding MoM keeper Kizza in outstanding form - quick off of his line, great handling and fine kicking. Although they didn't create many clear cut chances for themselves the Panthers looked comfortable until 10 minutes from time when a debatable corner was swung in and evaded the defence with a Cove forward seeing his header loop in to the goal over the leaping Tom Price on the line. A second goal in the final minutes, when Kizza was dispossessed dribbling the ball from the area after collecting a throughball, flattered Cove who progress to the next round. A very encouraging effort which showed that the Panthers can compete at a higher level.

MATCH REPORT – 6 Sep 09 – Friendly Matches
Having just 11 players with Oli and George unavailable we played three 20 minute matches against teams from Guildford Saints and Onslow. The first game agains the better Guildford side ended goalless as the lads settled back in to things with few alarms at the back and a few chances being created.

The second match against the second string Guildford team saw a comfortable win as Alex Bhagat scored a fine debut goal before Josh Clarke also netted his first for the team. A second from Alex with almost the final kick of the game settled a good win. Again the defence looked compfortable and the score could have been more.

The third game against Onslow was over in the first 3 minutes as goals from Michael Botevyle and Andrew Ingle gave the Panthers a 3-0 lead. Both players completed their hat-tricks in the 6-0 win but an awful lot of chances were missed. Perhaps this was a good thing on the day else it would have looked like a rugby score although in league games the lads will need to be more clinical. Chances won't come as often. As at the end of last season Louis Astle's corners were a dangerous weapon and something we must try and capitalise on again. However the team must learn to keep concentrating and keep their shape even when the games appear easy. Who was it that said it only takes a second to score a goal ?

Great start. Three games, nine goals scored and none conceded. I think Keith would settle for that in our first three league games !

 

Fixtures & Results

Date	Type	Opponent	Venue	Result	Scorers / Info
06-09-09	Friendly	Guildford Saints A	Away	D 0-0
	Friendly	Guildford Saints B	Away	W 3-0	Alex Bhagat(2), Josh Clarke
	Friendly	Onslow Boys	Away	W 6-0	Michael Botevyle(3), Andrew Ingle(3)
13-09-09	County  Cup	Cove Youth	Home	L 0-2
20-09-09	SPL	AFC Brooklands Hawks	Away	W 4-3	Josh Clarke(3), Oli Copeland
27-09-09	SPL	Bedfont Green Juniors	Home	L 2-3	Josh Clarke(2)
04-10-09	SPL	Worplesdon Rangers Sharks	Away	L 1-3	Louis Astle
18-10-09	SPL	Knaphill Spartans	Home	L 2-4	Tom Price,  Michael Botevyle
25-10-09		Free week
01-11-09	SPL	Mayford Athletic	Away	L 1-3	Oli Copeland
08-11-09	SPL	Milford Pumas	Home	L 0-2
15-11-09	SPL	Teddington Stags	Away	W 3-0	Josh Clarke, Oli Copeland,  Michael Botevyle
22-11-09	SPL  Cup	Claygate Royal Swans	Home	W 3-1	Tom Skinner, Josh Clarke (2)
13-12-09	SPL  Cup	Teddington Stags	Away	L 2-3 (aet)	Tom Skinner, Michael Botevyle
24-01-10	SPL	Milford Pumas	Away	L 1-2	Tom Skinner
30-01-10	SPL	Walton & Hersham	Home	L 1-2	Own Goal
07-02-10	SPL	Bedfont Green Juniors	Away	L 0-2
14-02-10	SPL	Worplesdon Rangers Sharks	Home	D 1-1	Tom Price
07-03-10	SPL	Knaphill Spartans	Away	L 0-5
14-03-10	SPL	Mayford Athletic	Home	W 1-0	Tom Skinner
20-03-10	SPL	Teddington Stags	Home	L 0-2
27-03-10	SPL	Walton & Hersham	Away	W 2-1	Andrew Ingle, Josh Clarke
28-03-10	SPL	AFC Brooklands Hawks	Home	W 2-1	Tom Skinner, Michael Botevyle
24-04-10	SPL	Goldsworth Park Rangers	Home	L 0-2
24-04-10	SPL	Goldsworth Park Rangers	Away	W 5-0	Michael Botevyle(3), Tom Skinner,  Alex Bhagat