A freezing Sunday morning didn't deter our Panthers from smashing their first home match in 2023. Taking on Aylesbury U9 who they previously played against in September last year in a pre season tournament hosted by their opponents.

To start the 8v8 match the line up found Lauren in goal, Crouchy and Liv in defence, Flo, Gracie and Georgia playing midfield and Amber and Illana upfront.

The girls started strong with a cracking set up for Amber to score in the first five minutes! With another attempt at goal shortly after prevented by a diving save from the opposition's goalie.

Panthers kept the pressure on and Liv utilised the wing to pass to the upfront players.

Great communication from Flo, never afraid to be heard - not sure where she gets it from.

A quick substitution found Evie and Ella on the pitch and there was no holding back, straight in with a brave tackle from Evie!

A goal kick to Aylesbury found us winning possession with plenty of options for the girls to pass, Georgia took back control of the ball who working with Ella took it back up the pitch with great tackles along the way.

Another goal kick awarded to Panthers saw MK take possession, Georgia fought back and made an attempt at goal which was unfortunately too wide!

A quick reset found Amber wisely taking advantage of the empty space down the wing using the length to keep possession. Aylesbury took over with control and after a number of persistent tackles from Liv there was a close attempt at goal from the opposition!

Aylesbury started the second quarter of the match with determination, taking initial possession, Georgia took control passing to Gracie who took the opportunity to strike at the goal. Another goal to the Panthers!

Amber's impressive footwork meant she could work her way past three defenders while Liv and Crouchy maintained position moving down the pitch depending on play and marking potential strikers, their pressure gave their opponents less options.

Communication dwindled between the girls, more direction was needed from coach Robin at this point however Ella and Georgia kept the pressure on Aylesbury.

After a substitution there was a nail-biting few minutes with play close to goal, Liv relentlessly tackled with their strikers, Georgia and Gracie kept the pressure on supporting our defenders.

Substitution brought Evie on, Aylesbury took control once again but Evie had her game face on and tackled out of the danger zone. Aylesbury throw in and made another strike at goal, the surge of energy shifted and the Panthers regained control and took the ball down the pitch as a team, Flo in particular playing wide, with her head up always looking for options.

A goal kick awarded to the Panthers lead to another attempt at the oppositions goal but a brilliant save from their Aylesbury goalie stopped it in it's tracks.

The marking was superb throughout, couldn't be prouder of these feisty girls. The cold may have defeated the shivering parents but never our Panthers!

Half time saw a reshuffle to positions with Liv and Scarlet upfront. Georgia and Gracie gained control control, Gracie set up to Georgia for a blazing back of the net GOAL!

The pressure from the opposition ramped up in the second half, Amber wisely playing wide while taking on three opponents. Attempts at goal by Amber and Georgia but saturated by defenders they weren't able to find a clear path.

Throw in from Crouchy straight to Amber who showed control, but unfortunately lost possession which Gracie fought back for going in for a tackle. Aylesbury regained control and attempted at goal which Lauren effortlessly scooped up.

With the pressure continuing from Aylesbury ,Georgia attempted another goal, unluckily with three defenders against her lost her chance.

Amber took on several defenders with impressive footwork and a throw in, Illana to Scarlet who attempted a shot at goal which was frustratingly just shy of the post.

Gracie took play down for another attempt at goal which impressively rebounded straight off the cross bar, following on from a four pass flowing move.

Goals by Liv, Amber, Gracie and Georgia. Resulting in a 6-0 win to the Panthers. Panthers player of the match was awarded to Evie, for determined tackling and great positional play. Amber was awarded player of the match from our opposition. Both well deserved. A huge thank you to our wonderful coaches as always, even when struggling with their own ailments they still turn up week after week!