Panthers pounce on a win over Town Men’s 3rd XI

PANTHERS (LEICESTER) MEN’S 1ST XI 6 LOUGHBOROUGH TOWN MEN’S 3RD XI 3 TOWN 3rd XI started off the day in 10th place in the league and three points ahead of the home side Panthers in 11th.

With two more games left after this game, Town knew that this was a game they needed to win.

Even though Town had endured a ten game losing streak they went into the game feeling confident. From the off Panthers pressed the Town defence early with some good D penetrations but had nothing to show for it. Town then took the early 1-0 lead after a flowing move which resulted in the team’s top goal scorer Griffiths adding to his tally.

Within minutes Panthers were level when some poor marking from Town allowed an easy tap. The second wasn’t long after as the home side took the 2-1 lead after dominating possession. Town on the back foot managed some good attacks but couldn’t add the finishing touch.

Panthers continued to put Town under pressure as the away side held firm. Eventually the breakthrough came as Panthers took a commanding 3-1 lead. This woke Town up and they started to play some good passing hockey, utilising the aerial threat to relieve and then attacking down the wings. This resulted in Town getting some good D penetrations which they were able to capitalise on and get back into the game at 3-2 and Griffiths getting his second. Other chances were there but Town couldn’t put them away.

At half-time, down 3-2, but Town were in complete control of the game. The early goal Town needed to start the second half came with the first five minutes as Crocker fired home to level the scoreline.

All to play for Town should have gone on to get at least a point out of the game but that wasn’t to be. Panthers also knowing what was at stake upped their game, scoring three unanswered goals and eased out the game as 6-3 winners.

A very disappointing loss, which moved Town into 11th place on goal difference. Two games left to play, and it will be hard going as next week’s home game is against third place University of Nottingham 4th XI. Town have a chance to avoid the bottom two but now it will now hinge on both other results as well as their own.