U14 Panthers EBFA Div 6 of 8 – Won 5-4 at home to Finchampstead Chargers in League Cup knockout match

Report from Manager Roland McGill:

Well I think that was one of our best ever performances today. We had 10 players first half and 9 in the second half, up against a well organized and competitive Finchampstead side (who played with 11). We made some changes due to numbers and Harry McGill leaving his boots at school. But the whole team gelled quickly and from the off we looked like we had a good chance. Senna Anagho scored the first after Callum Neeson-Roberts won the ball in defence and threaded an incisive pass to him. Finchamsptead scored direct from a free kick a minute later but within a couple of minutes Harry James put us back in front with Callum Neeson-Roberts assisting again. Rowan Sellman scored a cracker from long distance with his left foot – it wasn’t a cross!!! Harry McGill made amends for losing his boots by pulling off a one handed diving save from another free kick. 3-1 at half time.

Finchampstead pulled it back to 3-2 at the start of the second half and when Harry James departed it could’ve gone awry. But Senna Anagho go another to give us some breathing space. However Finchampstead scored 2 to level it at 4-4 with 10mins to go. Credit to the boys as their heads did not go down. It was a very nervy time for us watching, never mind the boys playing. Senna Anagho completed his hat-trick after great work by Rowan Sellman – 5-4 up. Last few minutes were nail biting but the boys hung on to win. Not sure I could’ve coped with penalties!!

A real team effort today with really determined performances all over the park. Man of the Match to Callum Neeson-Roberts for really stepping up as centre half – 2 assists, umpteen tackles and interceptions and really led the defence well but really well done to all.