A new season and something to look forward to

Panthers had a few new recruits and had a mixed pre season, trying out a few formations and personnel

Covid had struck and ruled out Devon as a precaution, whilst new midfield recruit Ryan H was also missing due to pulled groin in our last friendly match

Panthers lined up in a 3-1-4-1-1 formation

————- George ————
--- Billy - Joshua - Jake -----
William --- Josh ---- Tate
------- Will ----- Finn ---------
------------ Arthur ------------
————- Ethan ————

Subs: Lewis, Ryan B, James

From the first whistle, Panthers struggled to deal with the bumpy, dry grass pitch, and it was quite erratic.

Then in the 25th minute disaster struck with George feeling his knee pop as he took a goal kick. Unfortunately he was unable to carry on, so Tate took over duties between the sticks, with James coming on and playing on the right.

The first half played out pretty evenly with Panthers defending well and Tate looking comfortable in goal.

Half Time: Ashtead 0-0 Panthers

For the start of the second half Will took a rest and Panthers switched to a 4-4-2 formation

————- Tate ————
Lewis - Billy - Joshua - Jake
James Josh Finn William
---- Ryan B --- Ethan ----

Subs: Will, Arthur

Obviously playing defensively, Panthers still made some opportunities for themselves, and were keeping Ashtead at bay, with Tate also pulling off a few fine saves.

However on 52 minutes, Ashtead took the lead when a ball between Joshua and Jake allowed the striker to beat Tate at the near post ... 1-0

Arthur replaced William, but the substitution had literally just happened when Ashtead doubled their lead. A swerving long range effort deceived Tate and despite his best efforts found the back of the net ... 2-0

After 65 minutes Will replaced Ethan.

Again, much like the last substitution, Ashtead scored within seconds of it. A ball over the top allowed their striker to score one on one ... 3-0

Will moved into defence to allow Joshua to move into midfield

Almost immediately it paid dividend with Arthur cracking in a long range effort ... 3-1

For the last 15 minutes of the game Panthers looked like a different team and created a number of good chances but could not take them.

Jake was withdrawn after 72 minutes, and was it later discovered that he had fractured his wrist to add to the list of injuries for the Panthers

Full Time: Ashtead 3-1 Panthers

Not a great start to the season.

Panthers really struggle when not playing on a lovely flat 3G pitch.

More importantly injuries to George and Jake will impact the team for the next few weeks, which will be hard to deal with.

The boys will need to really knuckle down and play for each other. .