Epworth Forest Panthers Vs Ambleside Lionesses
It was a complete rumble in the Jungle as the Panthers faced up to round 2, of this double header against the fearsome Ambleside Lionesses. With the Panthers fresh from their victory last week and Ambleside wanting revenge, today was always going to be another belter!
As soon as the whistle blew the Lionesses roared into action and hit the ground running. It didn’t take long for the first blow to land with the Lionesses catching the Panthers napping.
Despite some resolute defending the Panthers found themselves trailing 2-0 within the first 15 minutes. The girls were certainly a little shell shocked and after a few strong challenges from the Ambleside girls it left the Panthers all at sea. Half time was well timed in the end and gave the girls a chance to re-group.
After a swift motivational pick me up, re-energised and reorganised, the Panthers came out fighting and ready to compete in the 2nd half.
And compete they did! It was a really impressive change of pace with driving runs down the wings from Bella and Iyla, creating some great chances for Rivah and Sienna.
It was great to see Eva K holding the team very steady in defence again, and really understanding her role now. Keira too was working hard in a new position and Grace was charging around, giving everything she could.
All the Panthers upped their game, from Flo and Eva T, ever dependable, and Fhallon now commanding her box impressively, with some great distribution too. As the Panthers threw everything they had at the impressive defensive wall of Ambleside, it was Rivah that again got the goal and got the girls back in the game.
With some tricky feet, turning the Ambleside defender inside out, it was a strong punt that lobbed up and over the retreating Ambleside keeper.
With all the girls fighting hard from front to back, our well deserved star of the week was Victoria. Positionally smart, in the right place at the right time, time and time again. Impressively, her the fight and drive for the whole match even saw her dribble from the defence, all the way to the other end of the pitch. She gave it everything today! A super performance and a well deserved star of the week award, Vic!
Still trailing 2-1, in the dying embers of this titanic battle, Millie, in her metronomic fashion, picks up the ball and starts driving towards the Ambleside goal. Carrying the ball and team forward, attracting the Ambleside defenders towards her, it took a scything challenge from a flailing and desperate defender to get her off the ball and send her tumbling. Leg virtually hanging off, the ref telling her to run it off, Millie steadies herself with deep breathe, a slight wobble but ready for the final push!
With the resulting free kick, up steps the deminutive pocket rocket, Bella. Steely glint in her eyes, a laser like focus on top bins… And whack… Like a bullet from a gun, it’s heading straight for the top corner… The parents behind the shot start to celebrate… This will give the girls the final reward for a much improved second half performance… But out of nowhere, leaping like a salmon, the Ambleside keeper claws the ball away to safety! What a strike, but what a save that ultimately gave Ambleside the win. A glorious end to a glorious couple of games with honours equal. The Panthers can certainly leave with their heads held high today despite the eventual loss. Final score… Epworth Forest Panthers – 1 Ambleside Lionesses – 2
A very tough opposition, but in the end a virtually matched performance from the Panthers. Best of 3 Ambleside?! Finally a shout out to the ref, Adam… Thank you Sir. Well done girls, we go again next week… Another tough clash against Narborough Foxes… A team fighting for the Platinum title.
