Panthers hit perfect form in cup debut

IT was their first match in Australia’s biggest football tournament, but the pressure of the FFA Cup didn’t faze Burdekin.

Taking on Wulguru at Brolga Park, the Panthers pounced on their opportunity to make it through to the second round with a 3-1 win on Saturday.

Jeremy Dal Santo, Elliott Dal Santo and Jesse Thomasson found the back of the net for the Panthers in the victory.

Coach Chris Wicks said it was the perfect debut for Burdekin in the competition.

“I was very impressed by the way the boys played and how they approached the game,” Wicks said. “It was a great effort from a young group of guys and a great way to start the year. It’s good for morale.”

Having not completed a 90minute match this year, Wicks said he was impressed the side renewed sense of purpose on the training pitch.

He hoped it would set the tone for the rest of the season.

“We weren’t just going through the motions like we might have been if it was a normal trial,” he said.

“We were really focused during the week and worked on how we wanted to play, which is attacking footy.”

Burdekin will now host Brothers in round two this weekend after the Townsvillebased outfit beat cross-town rivals Rebels 2-0.

The two sides played each other in a trial a couple of weeks ago, which was called off midway through the game due to rain.

In the other FFA Cup round one match on Saturday, Saints Eagles South defeated Warriors 3-2.

They will meet MA Olympic in the next round.