With the current season coming to a close, the U10 Panthers have embarked on a few 9 aside friendlies over the past month, in preparation for next season. With bigger pitches, bigger goals, bigger balls & the offside rule to overcome, the Panthers have taken it all in their stride.

An early start on a Sunday morning seemed like a good test & preparation for the upcoming 24/25 season in the Hanham Minor League, with the Panthers embarking on a new challenge switching from the comfort of Saturday morning football in the BSYL league, to the more competitive Sunday mornings in the Hanham Minor League.

The latest friendly was set to be our toughest test of the recent friendlies so far, playing a team from the current Hanham Minor League Division 4 setup.

The game started with some great end to end football, with both teams enjoying the newfound space they had on the bigger pitches. Some smart build up play and a quick look down the offside line, saw Reuben score the first goal of the game, a great start. The Panthers settled well after the early goal, but James Lee needed to be on top form to deny the opposition, not 1 but 2 chances with a fantastic double save keeping the score 1-0. Towards the end of the first half our opponents made a great counter attack, beating the offside trap to equalise just before half time.

Half time was a welcome chance to tweak the formation and personnel, going to a back 3 which seemed to work well, shoring us up and shutting out the opponents. This solid base formed the basis of some great attacking football which saw not 1 but 6 second half goals for the Panthers, with no reply. A smart hatrick for Charlie Mountjoy, a brace for Reuben and a goal a piece for Taka & Rocco concluded the scoring and the Panthers finished up 7-1 victors.

A great display from the Panthers today, we couldn't be prouder of their efforts and thanks once again for the fantastic support from the parents as usual.

Up the Shire!!