After a couple of disappointing results Panthers hoped to kickstart their season.

Injuries were really mounting now and Arthur had joined James in deciding to leave Panthers so Panthers were struggling to field a team

Other players missing today were Finn, Jake, Ollie and Zeno. Thankfully George had recovered, and Tate was 50/50 so started on the bench

Panthers lined up in a 3-2-4-1 formation

————- George ————
--- Billy - Joshua - Devon ---
-------- Will --- Josh ------
William --------------- Lewis
------ Ryan H -- Zeno -------
————- Ryan B ————

Subs: Ethan, Tate

Much like the Ashtead game 2 weeks ago, Panthers really struggled to cope with a bumpy grass pitch, but over the first 15 minutes looked the more accomplished team but didn't make their superiority count.

Then in a 5 minute spell on from the 21st minute Sutton took control of the game with 2 quickly scored goals ... 2-0

This certainly rattled the team and on 30 minutes Tate and Ethan replaced William and Will (who had picked up a nasty cut from a rash challenge). Lewis moved to the right

Sutton scored a third through very dubious means when George was blocked ... 3-0

Tate only lasted 7 minutes before having to be withdrawn with William returning

Half Time: Sutton Youth 3-0 Panthers

Ethan had also picked up an injury in his short time on the pitch so both players that started the game on the subs bench only lasted 10 minutes. Will had to therefore play on despite being injured. Panthers reverted to a back 4

————- George ————
Lewis Billy Joshua Devon
-------- Josh ---- Will --------
- William - Ryan H - Zeno -
------------ Ryan B ----------

Subs: Tate, Ethan

Sutton extended their lead further when a cross from the left was not dealt with ... 4-0

Will moved into defence with Joshua moving further forward. The intensity levels from the Panthers was now at a level that it should have been at the start.

Zeno scored a goal after following in well ... 4-1 , and then William scored a penalty ... 4-2

In the last 10 minutes Panthers had a number of chances to salvage at least a point

Full Time: Sutton Youth 4-2 Panthers

So 3 games in and injuries have cost us dearly. After this match it was discovered that now Ethan has suffered a broken wrist!

The intensity that Panthers have been playing has been so slow, and have only come alive in the closing minutes of matches which in fact could well have seen us grab results in all 3 matches.