%20new.jpg)
Under 8 Panthers
LGE 23/09/07 10.00 GOSFORTH PONTELAND JUNIORS 0 12 - " 30/09/07 - " WHITLEY BAY JUNIORS SPARTA 1 3 DORR " 07/10/07 - " WHITLEY BAY WHITES 0 3 - " 14/10/07 - " BEDLINGTON BLADES 0 7 - " 21/10/07 - " CRAMLINGTON JUN BARCA 0 15 - " 28/10/07 - " CRAMLINGTON COBRAS JUVE 0 7 - " 04/11/07 - " NEWCASTLE CELTIC 0 17 - " 11/11/07 - " NORTH SHIELDS JUN LEOPARDS 1 6 DORR " 02/12/07 - " BLYTH VALENCIA 1 3 GEDDES " 09/12/07 - " ELLINGTON JUNIORS 0 4 - " 16/12/07 - " BLYTH TOWN GREENS 0 0 - " 29/12/07 - " WALLSEND BC YELLOWS A A - " 06/01/08 - " LONGBENTON JUN 0 4 - " 13/01/08 - " CRAMLINGTON JUN SANTOS 0 15 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - WINTER LEAGUE 2008 LGE 20/01/08 - GOSFORTH NEWCASTLE CITY TOTS 3 4 " 27/01/08 - " ASHINGTON AFC 1 3 KELLY " 03/02/08 - " TYNEMOUTH UNITED 1 1 MYERS " 10/02/08 - " CRAMLINGTON JUN 1 1 KELLY " 17/02/08 - " WHITLEY BAY JUNIORS 2 1 MYERS & DORR Match Reports
09/03/08 - North Shields Panthers 1 - 8 Ashington
The Ides of March
It wasn't quite the fifteenth of March yet but it was close enough. The day started strange, no warm up facilities available to get the kids in the right frame of mind. There was the music and the DJ (who was in love with his own voice) deafening everybody around.
Compounded by the fact our keeper had a touch of travel sickness and was throwing up all the way to the game, we were in for a game which will need to be forgotten quickly and quietly.
Missing the first quarter just to gain composure we let Kieran rest. In stepped Joe Dorr who performed admirably in his place. Ashington however won a penalty and the fireworks started. Their player hit the bar with his kick, the ball bounced behind the line and out. Ashington then followed up trying to knock it in but it went high and wide. After a quick discussion between the coaches it was put to the ref that the ball had gone in and a goal was given.
This confused our team and unsettled them somewhat; to the extent that Joe Dorr was visibly upset as he came off the pitch at the end of the quarter.
A goal down Kieran returned into goal for the rest of the game. Having calmed down in the break we then saw Joe Dorr in the thick of it again colliding with one of the Ashington players, he was down clutching his nose. We took him off to allow him to get the much needed TLC off Julie his mother.
The goals began to role for Ashington, our game plan up in the air the whole match in turmoil. All I can do is put it down to the planets, Jupiter must have entered Mars with Venus getting jealous or something like that. More collisions more disruption more goals conceded.
I will quickly move to the final quarter where we got our consolation goal which saw Joe Dorr create a delightful flick past there keeper and into the back of the net.
The game had started with Kieran being sick and ended with Will feeling sick. With all the parents calming the jagged nerves and frayed spirits of the boys it was a case of quick lets get out of here before there is any more disasters.
This weekend will go down as one of craziest footballing weekends there has been for a while. Three Premiere League teams dumped out of the FA Cup and the Panthers defeated by Ashington. Did our kid's sense there were storms a brewing or were the Ides reeking havoc once again. Et Tu Brutus!
Man of the Match - Joseph Myers
02/03/08 - Newcastle City Porto 2 North Shields Panthers 3
A Tale of Two Ties
What do you call a team that plays in red and is on a 5 game unbeaten run?
Let me tell you NORTH SHIELDS PANTHERS !The first time we played Newcastle City Porto we were beaten 4-3, a defeat I might add which wasn't deserved. Now when you look at the return game it has to be noted that we beat the team who are currently top of this league and we did it with flare, skill, finesse and plenty of battling spirit.
The first quarter I'm sure we made the opposition think, hello we have a game here. Like the rumble in jungle these were two heavyweights, fighting for control, fighting for every blade of grass. They threw a passing game at us and we responded in kind, none more so than David Mclean. He is a boy on the up, quiet in manner, but when he puts on the red shirt of the panthers he is one of the lads. His touch on the ball is quite delightful trapping it with ease, and when he has it he has grasped the concept of looking up and trying to find the pass. This is something we have been working on for some time with the boys and it is starting to be seen in their play.
The lads strutted off the pitch after the first quarter with applause ringing out all around. Could they keep this up?
Second quarter was much of the same keeping shape and playing with a confidence that every good team has. This was epitomised by our very own Michael Caine AKA Joe Dorr. This little fiery haired demon is like a mad dog running wild in a sheep pen chasing every cause whether winnable or not. It was one of these runs which caused the opposition to chop him down and left the ref with no option but to award a penalty. Smarting from the last time he took a penalty Joseph Myers had a point to prove. He took the ball and smashed it home. He turned away running with his arms down like one of the players he has seen on telly.
Our captain for the day was Kieran Mooney and here is another example of a player on the up. When he first turned out for the Panthers his goal kicks were a hit and miss affair, sometimes he'd kick the ball sometimes he missed. Well to see his kicking now is a joy to behold. He is now sending the ball beyond the half way line, fully stamped and addressed with a post code for the opposition goal. Another player who had a fine game was little James Geddes who got the ball in the net only for the ref to disallow it. Trouble was he was off celebrating half way down the pitch before anybody could get a hold of him and tell him it didn't count.
In the third quarter we let the game slip. They attacked from kick off and one of their players cut inside our defence and shot from outside the box. This slid under Kieran and the game was tied. At sixes and sevens we were shaken and after another delightful piece of play by Newcastle our boys were 2-1 down.
With the game looking to turn against us and our boys about to break into song with Men of Harlech our very own Michael Caine, shouting who threw that bl**dy spear!, took the game by the scruff of the neck. Dispossessing the opposition he closed on goal. Their Keeper came out to meet him, neither yielding. The ball ricocheted under the keeper and was goal ward bound. Joseph Myers followed up just in case and put it in the back of the net. After consulting the sky cameras and taking a view from the grassy knoll it was decided the ball had crossed the line. This didn't come without pain. Laid on the ground clutching his knee lay Joe, unable to carry on he came off the pitch but he had done all he could. The fun wasn't over yet.
The final quarter had the hearts pounding. Once again we attacked and once more one of our players was felled. Penalty! Joseph Myers took control and shot the ball once again into the back of the net. We were now 3-2 up and fighting to keep it that way. One of the most astounding attacks came from the opposition with ball pinging around our box, feet, blood and snot flying the ball headed for goal, Kieran saved and either headed the post or was Kicked I'm not quite sure but this intervention saw the ball travel along the line of the goal and Cool Hand Luke cleared from the box. Our keeper injured was up on his feet determined to carry on. The final whistle came and we were victorious again. Every Panther had done their duty and made me once again an honoured man to be associated with them.Man of the Match - David Mclean
24/02/08 - Whitley Bay Juniors 0 North Shields Panthers 1
Choices
In life we have choices, and when I chose to take on the job of managing the Panthers I wasn’t quite sure what I would be letting myself in for.
Seven games down the line I know this choice was a good one. To be involved with a group of kids like we have here and watch them go through the trials and tribulations for this game we love called football it’s a privilege to say I’m part of it.
This game was a continuation of the last and in a strange way I was a little bit relaxed. This wasn’t the case earlier in the week, faced with having some players missing I knew we would need to be on our metal. You can imagine my relief when I took a phone call from Luke’s mother on the morning of the game to say they would be there. Our pillar of strength at the back was coming to play. He was returning from a weekend of man building in North Northumberland where all he had for heat at night was a little gas fire.
Then there was Harry who wasn’t quite sure if he could make it back after a weekend in the Lakes, but to see the glint of those yellow boots striding onto the pitch for warm up I knew then that today would be a good day.
The first quarter sealed the game, from the off we were at them, Joe Dorr, his usual terrier self supported in the middle by Will who nearly didn’t make the game as his dad had given us some duff information as to the number of his grans house. The choice to turn the car around, whilst I was banging and ringing the door bell at the wrong house, was a good one. He was spotted waiting anxiously for his lift.
The wind had returned and was blowing in the direction of the opposition’s goal. This gave Joe Dorr our red headed terrier the strength to attack their goal and his reward was finely taken shot which buried itself in the back of the net. The opposition for the time being were held and we looked strong.
The second quarter was a bit of a battle we had Robbie returning from the Piste and I think his head was still in apre ski mode and he was a little unsure of his position but needles to say if the ball needed kicking, he was there doing his duty. WBJ had a couple of chances throughout but determined to give the Panthers a clean sheet we had Kieron. He was commanding his box, taking his time with his kicks and was as solid as that great rock we call Gibraltar.
In the third quarter it was more of the same, our boys have got used to not loosing, they prefer the taste of victory and it was in this quarter that saw a delightful piece of play from David. Their attacker was one on one with him. If he got past him he would be straight on goal with a chance of scoring. As the attacker made his move David must have frozen time because all of a sudden he was standing with the ball at his feet and turning defence into attack with a pass up field. This lad is like the enigma code waiting to be cracked. He is developing such a touch on the ball with his trapping and passing that there is definitely a footballer crying to come out. He’s a lover not a fighter but with loving there is passion and when he makes the choice to bring out the passion hell be like Pepe' le Pew chasing that cat up a drain pipe.
The final quarter was a tense affair with challenges going in hard saves being made and we even saw some of our lads heading the ball. How we have come on! We won this game and the joy on their faces reinforced my opinion that yes In life we do make choices and have certainly made the right choice.Man of the Match - Kieron Mooney
17/02/08 - North Shields Panthers 2 Whitley Bay Juniors 1
Band of Brothers
It is with a glowing pride that I have the honour of writing out this match report.
Never has the story of Robert the Bruce and that spider been so true with our boys in red.
They have endured the pain of losing for too long, they come each week fresh in the hope of victory and have so many times gone home defeated. Not this time, this time we saw our lads stand up for themselves passing and moving their way to victory. Each one of them held their own and from the first kick of the ball to the last we were in control.
Our first quarter saw us settle into the game, creating chances and closing down the opposition. Joe Dorr back up front in his usual position was a joy to behold, supported by Will, James (captain) and David in midfield. In Defence we had Matty and Harry and returning to the fold after missing last week due to sickness our keeper Kieron.
Resting for this quarter was Luke Gribbin and Joseph Myers. A mention goes to Robert who was maintaining the team's reputation for a playboy lifestyle, he decided to go off on the piste for a touch of skiing.
The first quarter came to a close with the Panthers in control.
Second quarter saw us increase our pressure with Joseph Myers moving into the heart of midfield. Midway through this quarter he closed down one of their defenders, some might say he closed him down a little too much as the lad nearly did a frosby flip as he fell to the ground. Confused by these actions and the ball at his feet he stood motionless until the cries from our loyal fans and coaches alike cried out to him PLAY ON PLAY TO THE WHISTLE! Almost shocked into action he was off heading towards goal where he shot and scored.
Third quarter still in control we did everything but score which was a shame as once again we had a lapse in concentration. This saw WBJ gain possession from one of our kicks and run on goal shooting and scoring. One a piece this was no place for the faint hearted.
We sent them off into the final quarter fired up and ready for the task in hand.
We tried to gain the advantage, Harry was assertive with his lucky yellow boots striking the ball with a new found power and Joe Dorr who was under orders to score did just as he was commanded. This goal was met with cries of joy from parents coaches and kids alike, could this be it, could this be our day. I will not go into all the ins and outs of this eventful quarter needles to say when the final whistle went everybody who is associated with this team cheered like never before, we were celebrating our win. This win, this glorious win.
This day I will call Panthers day:
He that outlives this day, and comes safe home,
Will stand a tip-toe when the day is named,
And rouse him at the name of Panthers.
He that shall live this day, and see old age,
Will yearly on the vigil feast his neighbours,
And say 'To-morrow is Panthers day:'
Then will he strip his sleeve and show his scars.
And say 'These wounds I had on Panther's day.'
Old men forget: yet all shall be forgot,
But he'll remember with advantages
What feats he did that day: then shall their names.
Familiar in his mouth as household words
Kieron our Keeper, Matty, Luke, Joe Dorr, Will, James, David, Joseph Myers and Harry
these few, these happy few, these band of brothers;
For they to-day that won this game
Shall be brothers; be he ne'er so vile,
This day shall gentle his condition:
And gentlemen in England now a-bed
Shall think themselves accursed they were not here,
And hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks
That played this game on Panthers day
Man of the Match William Kelly
10/02/08 - Cramlington Jnrs 1 North Shields Panthers 1
Blowing in the wind
We are now becoming hard to beat, with our team teetering on its first win, this game could have seen it happen. I should have realised that this wasn't to be, when we lost our keeper Kieran to illness.
I have to hold my hands up and say the choice of allowing Joe Dorr in goal was mine and keeping him in there was mine too. It was a case of one foot forward for those wishing to volunteer to go in goal. When the rest of the team took five paces back, Joe took six forward pleading for his chance.
This restructuring allowed Will Kelly to take the centre forward role and the hunt was on for goals.
Cramlington looked a little shaky at first, but all credit to them, they were a tidy little team, organised and understood the need to pass and move.
This game was a little fractured with attacks on goal squandered. In their eagerness to chase for the ball the Panthers seemed a bit too anxious.
For three quarters of the game there were chances to be had, shouts of pass, pull back, positions and mark up resonating from the touchline. I started to go grey a long time ago now I think these lads will see me bald.
The final quarter saw it all happen my nerves were shot. First Cramlington take the lead with a cruel own goal which saw Joe desperate to keep the ball out of the net. Absolutely no blame will be attached to the boys for this one it was just one of those things.
In true Panthers spirit they weren't down and the response was to come from Will. He took a pass from the outside corner of the box and having seen him do this with his previous goals he fended off the challenges to once again slide the ball past the keeper. He was swamped by his team the joy on his face a picture. This game wasn't over, Cramlington rattled, the Panthers fought on and to our joy we were awarded a penalty. Could this be the moment we have waited all season for, everybody watched as Joseph Myers stepped up to take the penalty. He measured his kick, and then struck the ball only for the keeper to save and push it wide for a corner.
This first win still waits for us and if there is one team in the whole of this universe which deserves to win then its these boys the Panthers.
We will do it boys we will do it.
If I'm honest, a draw was a fair result although I feel of the two teams Cramlington came away from this game just that little bit happier.
"How many games must the Panthers play before they can win a game,
and how many goals must the Panthers score before its no longer a draw,
the answer my friends is blowing in the wind, the answer is blowing in the wind".
Man of the Match William Kelly
03/02/08 - North Shields Panthers 1 Tynemoth Utd 1
Harry Rednose
I could fill this report with clichés, poorly scripted one liner's and tall tales of heroics, but out of respect for the team, which is the Panthers, I want to tell you honestly and with pride what these lads achieved today.
The weather was not the greatest, the wind returning as it was last week, but this time across the field of play. Tynemouth was unbeaten in two and our boys with no points.
The game was frantic and both teams battled hard, which for the Panthers is no surprise. We had our opportunities in the first quarter they had theirs. There were two main attacks from Tynemouth one which hit the post and the other a sloppy goal which we conceded and we will need to look at improving on.
Our main attack came from an unexpected quarter of the team, Robbie 'chopper' Loughney, he took an opportunist shot from outside the box, which their keeper saved. This boy deserves to be mentioned as he is growing in confidence and wanting more and more to be involved. He is now starting to meet the ball as it comes to him and dealing with it, whether it be clearing, passing or shooting.
Our captain for the day was good Will Kelly, hunting all the time for the ball and what an assured display he gave. He was keenly supported by Joe Dorr and Harry Lord. These lads are the beating heart of the Panthers always running never giving in.
The second quarter saw the manager (me) tinker with the squad, a part of the game which I find hardest of all. It must be said I'd like to play them all and if I think we can get away with it then one day I might chuck all of them on. Will Harry and Robbie were rested and in their places were James 'nipper' Geddes, David Mclean and from his mid winter break where he was getting jiggy with snow white and Cinderella was Joseph Myers. Luckily the news of the world and the Sun were else where and were not able to report on the playboy lifestyle our young lads lead.
This quarter was a hard battle with honours even. Every blade of grass was fought for, and marshalling from the back was our very own Cool Hand Luke. His name is spelt dependable in the dictionary Keegan would do well to take a look at this lad to see what defending is about.
This quarter ended with a major incident, not on the pitch but on the sidelines. Harry calmly sided up to Paul and myself and stated he had a nose bleed. Paul ran to the first aid bag shouting for tissues, Tony got in on the act and at one stage I thought I saw a 'pampers' nappy being produced but I was assured it was a 'Huggies'. My team selection was in disarray we had to continue.
If mid winter breaks produce goals and excellent performances then I will be skint very quickly. Joseph Myers took hold of the ball and ran for goal fending off challenges he shot only for it to hit the post. The opposition couldn't clear, our boys queuing up to try and score and in the mix of it all Joseph saw his chance and the ball was in.
All square final quarter, the gauntlet has been thrown down. Joseph 3 goals Will 2 goals, Joe 2 goals and James 1. The battle for top scorer is on but there would be no change yet. An extremely tense game saw Harry Rednose reappear and the game ended all square. I have to say this was a fair result. Confidence is growing with every game, and I have to say I gave my seat up at St James Park to oversee a game which was every bit as enjoyable and definitely more fulfilling.
Well done boys I'm proud to be associated with you.
Man of the Match: Joseph Myers
27/01/08 - Ashington A 3-1 North Shields Panthers
The Magnificent Seven
On a blustery day the outcome of this game was always going to be a little uncertain.
Handicapped by the wind, one player taking a mid winter break, another falling to illness and the third going AWOL, we were a depleted side and we would be asking a lot of the remaining seven.
The first half saw the Panthers with their backs to the wall. The wind and some neat moves by Ashington had the boys pegged back. Most of the play was not only in our half but in our box, but to their credit they fought off every attack and I'm sure for one moment I saw Davy Crocket in the middle of it all.
Their was a tricky moment where had their been a Russian Linesman we would have gone one down,
The second Quarter saw a different side taking the pitch, William Kelly and Joe Dorr were chasing every ball closing down the opposition. At the back we had Luke Gribbin and Harry Lord who were locking out any attacks the opposition could muster with Keiran 'the cat' Mooney in goal. Supporting these lads were David McLean (captain for the day) and Robert Loughney who was kicking anything above grass height.
It was this quarter which brought about another cracking goal from William, who once again told his dad he thought he would score. He received the ball on the right and ran for goal, fighting off the challenges; he slipped the ball past the keeper. This was unknown territory for the Panthers, we were in the lead!
The third quarter would be critical as we had the wind against us and if we could only see this quarter out without conceding then surely we would be in with a chance. Joe and Will kept the momentum going, Harry was solid and Luke dependable. It wasn't our day, the Ashington boys managed to get a goal back and we went into the last quarter even.
With the wind with us could we try and sneak a win? I have to say it was now we could have done with some fresh legs to keep the opposition at bay. We had asked too much of these brave lads. Visibly tired they couldn't prevent the goals going in which were cruel body blows for this magnificent seven. They left the pitch with grazed knees and broken pride but they will be back.
I'd love it if we could win a game, love it!
This Sunday will be the day and I ask anybody from North Shields who can spare the time to come and see the boys perform to give their support and let them know we are all behind them.
20/01/08 - North Shields Panthers 3 Newcastle City Tots 4
The Vision
Today's match started at 1pm this afternoon but for one of our players he had been thinking about it and playing it in his mind much earlier. It was William Kelly who stated with a conviction that hasn't been seen by his Dad that he was going to score today, would this pan out to be true?
The first quarter saw a slow start for the Panthers and because of this one could argue, it was this quarter which sealed their fate. Going 2 down with some uncharacteristic sloppy defending the Panthers looked a little shell shocked. They were by no means out of this game but it meant they would have to do something which they have never achieved to date, and that was score more than one goal!
This called for our players to rise to the challenge and in the second quarter the fight was on. Joe Dorr (belated birthday boy and captain for the day) led from the front chasing every ball and making sure he was first to it! He was supported by Will, who is showing a maturity on the ball and an awareness of those around him, proving him to be a footballer in the making. We had little cameo roles of brightness in David Mclean who must have had red meat for breakfast as he was squaring up in the challenges and indeed winning some balls he had no right to. His best game yet!
This wasn't enough to prevent a third goal going in. Did our heads drop? Well if you have watched the Panthers, you will know that this is a team who never say die, and it was here we saw Wills vision unfold. Determined and unshaken he received the ball and ran for goal fighting off challenges from the opposition he struck and scored. I have to say I got a nose bleed as I have never been so high jumping and punching the air. Newcastle looked a little startled.
The third quarter saw more determined play by our captain Joe, cruelly brought down by the opposition he won the Panthers a penalty. Up stepped Joseph Myers and with the power of the Gods he thundered the ball towards goal. For a slight moment I thought the keeper had it but his shot was too hot to handle and it settled into the back of the net. 3 – 2 down Newcastle on the rocks could we get the third?
The final quarter, tensions running high the Panthers broke through, the ball fizzed across the goal but not one of players could reach it. They broke, we broke, to and fro this quarter went surely this next goal would come. Against the run of play a cruel looping shot was fired in by Newcastle. Our keeper, Keiran, who had kept us in the game sadly, spilled the ball into the goal. That was it, pack your bags go home another day over, or was it? As I said before we don't die we keep fighting non more so than Joe Dorr and Will who once again showed great spirit and Joe, once again was felled in the box. The ref pointed to the spot and up again stepped Joseph Myers. The goalkeeper looked bigger than before, it might have had something to do with the fact that he was a substitute and I felt sure this kick would be more difficult. Joseph heart beating like a train put the ball in the left hand corner, it had crossed the line then bounced out with the two Joes following up they whacked it back in the goal.
Now I know how Keegan felt after the famous 4-3 game against Liverpool. We knew we had witnessed a game of entertainment and quality. Although defeated every one to a man in the Panthers side were smiling knowing they had moved forward in their quest for victory.
Once again Id like to thank the parents grand parents kids cats dogs and budgies for turning up and a big thanks to Tony and Paul assisting me today.
Man of the Match WILLIAM KELLY
13/01/08 - North Shields Panthers 0 Cramlington Santos 15
The closing day of the league saw our beloved Panthers go down to a heavy defeat. There is a positive however. The first quarter saw a resilient display with sprinkles of tidy interplay. Grasping the captain's armband with pride Harry Lord led from the front harrying and chasing the ball. He was supported by the tenacious battling of Joe Dorr who chased and battled in the centre of the field. For a team which was riding high in the league the Panthers were standing firm. Unfortunately Cramlingtons attacking play and strength on the ball led to the boys closing the first quarter three goals down.The goals kept coming but the Panthers kept fighting reminding me of the blood stained Rocky in the famous movies of old. It was in the final quarter where this fight became strongest closing down and crunching in with tackles, this battle stimulated our die hard support into voice, cheering every move every last gasp challenge. If these lads put in the same kind of effort and commitment in the following weeks to come then I fear for the opposition as they will truly see the Panthers roar.
I would like to take this time to thank the parents for all their vocal support, cheering on the team and applauding quality play from whoever it emanates from. We are definitely top of the league on this one.
A special note must be made for our new coach Anthony Gribbin who kept the boys spirits high and will help me in the development of the raw talent which is the Panthers.
Man of the Match - JOSEPH MYERS
SUNDAY 16TH DECEMBER 2007
NORTH SHIELDS PANTHERS 0 BLYTH TOWN GREENS 0
A real return to form again for the "Panthers" today with a committment and determination that could have seen this game go either way.
A good sporting match from both teams which saw the game switching from end to end with neither team prepared to concede a goal.
A solid game from everyone on the pitch, but the squad still needs to remember to hold their positions, which will see the longed for goals become a reality.
You have shown how much you have improved lads - keep up the excellent work.
SUNDAY 09TH DECEMBER 2007
NORTH SHIELDS PANTHERS 0 ELLINGTON JUNIORS 4
Be it due to the early hour or the frost on the ground, but the team that turned out today was certainly different from last week,as they never really switched on as a team with the final scoreline reflecting the consequences.
There was some good individual play but a sad lack of team effort with no-one keeping their allotted positions and the result was clear to see.
There was little to choose between the two teams stengths, but Ellington merely kept their formation better and took advantage of the gaps left by our squad.
The Panthers proved last week how much they have improved and how they can play as a team, so hopefully today was just a blip in their continuing progress and a return of form will be evident next week.
SUNDAY 02ND DECEMBER 2007
BLYTH VALENCIA 3 NORTH SHIELDS PANTHERS 1
Only 8 players available today, but everyone a star in their own right given the outstanding effort they put into the game, which really should have seen a draw being a good result.
The first quarter saw the Panthers playing at Championship level with Joseph Dorr, William Kelly, Harry Lord and Joseph Myers playing superb attacking play throughout, whilst Luke Gribbin and Matthew Airlie played a fantastic game in defence stopping any attackers in their tracks.
I have often said that Kieran Mooney in Goal, improves week on week, but today he was a star in the making, pulling off saves a professional would be proud of. The first goal against us, in the second quarter, was virtually unstoppable, whilst the remaining two were the result of messy goal mouth scrambles which both saw numerous clearances off the line but the ball unfortunately eventually hitting the back of the net.
The Panthers held Valencia until half way through the second quarter, when an excellent goal put Valencia ahead. Shortly after Harry took a knock to the face, and James Geddes took his place for the rest of the quarter, and after appearing all over the pitch, promptly ran in to score our equaliser.
The last two quarters saw great play by both teams, and we would have been delighted with at least a draw, but the unfortunate goal mouth scrambles saw Valencia take the game.
A good clean well played match by both sides, and a delight to watch.
SUNDAY 11TH.NOVEMBER
NORTH SHIELDS LEOPARDS 6 - NORTH SHIELDS PANTHERS 1
The Panthers first Shields Derby game, and an excellent match played by both teams. Before the game even kicked off, it was a credit to all the players to see them participate in a minutes silence - a touching moment indeed.
The Panthers again playing with only 7 men, saw everyone play the full game, and play they did. Luke Gribbon & Matthew Airlie were solid in defence and moved up the pitch when the play dictated. Joseph Dorr, Joseph Myers and Harry Lord all had tremendous games up front whilst James Geddes appeared all over the pitch, never flinching from a tackle.
It was the third quarter, when Joseph Dorr took off down the pitch and scored a cracking goal, which lifted the Panthers spirits no end. - well done Joe.
It appeared that today's strategy was to play a "heading" game - it was just unfortunate that a number of the squad used their faces as an alternative deflector, some managing it more than once, but noses were straightened out and on they played.
Kieran Mooney as ever solid in goal and even more credit to him for playing on despite a sore tum.
A delight to watch both teams playing a quality match, and good luck to Martin and the Leopards for the rest of the Season.
SUNDAY 04TH.NOVEMBER
NORTH SHIELDS PANTHERS 0 - NEWCASTLE CELTIC 17
Another disappointing result given the committment and energy shown by everyone on the squad again this morning.
Newcastle Celtic went into scoring mode from the off and played a good attacking game, but to the absolute credit of the Panthers, not one of their heads ever went down, and they continued battling to the very last second, and that sometimes is much more credit worthy than actually winning.
This squad will undoubtably continue to improve given the hard work being put in by everyone and the goals will come when the time is right.
Keep up the excellent work lads
SUNDAY 28TH.OCTOBER
COBRAS JUVENTUS 7 NORTH SHIELDS PANTHERS 0
Yet again the scoreline does nothing to emphasise the continuing spirit and hard work undertaken by the Panthers.
This week we were down to the bare minimum of seven players, which meant every player had to participate in the entire match, and they did it with style.
Matthew Airlie playing in defence for the entire game made a particular improvement this week, and his enthusiasm and game play were a joy to behold. Luke Gribbon who has made the other defensive position his own played his usual strong game and rallied the troops throughout the game.
In mid field, Joseph Myers and James Geddes never faltered and seemed to be everywhere the ball was. Minutes from the end, James suffered an injury but bravely played on rather than leave the pitch - a true man of the match indeed
Up front, William Kelly and Harry Lord played magnificent attacking football and kept up tireless pressure despite playing the full 40 minutes.
Kieran Mooney in goal does not deserve to have as many goals passing him, as he continues to improve week on week.
An ever improving squad whose primary aim is to enjoy football with a big dollop of fun thrown in.
SUNDAY 14TH.OCTOBER
NORTH SHIELDS PANTHERS 0 BEDLINGTON BLADES 7
We may not currently be winning games, but we are most certainly improving skills and most importantly having fun in the process, which is nothing less than should be the case at this age group.
The squad I feel are starting to feel comfortable with each other now, but we all know that it is a extensive learning curve for us all, and there will certainly be no pressure to be top achievers in any unrealistic timeframe.
It is a pleasure to watch every individual developing at their own pace, and we cannot fault their committment and excellent attitude in their game play which improves to a man at each match.
This Sunday, the team continued their hard work on the pitch and the scorelines do not do justice to the effort put in by every member.
Keep enjoying the experience lads, and the results will come when the time is right.
I remain extremely proud to be your Manager.
SUNDAY 07TH.OCTOBER
WHITLEY BAY WHITES 3 NORTH SHIELDS PANTHERS 0
I can only say that this team, without doubt, improves week on week, and anyone watching this weeks match would agree that it did not deserve a 3-0 final scoreline.
The squad went out with a committment and energy that was unquestionable, and they kept up the workrate throughout the game without faltering once.
Whitley Bay saw their first goal in the 2nd quarter with good attacking play, and the response from the Shieldsmen gave everyone the opinion that a draw or win was definitely on the cards.
Despite great play from every squad member, Whitley Bay scored two lucky goals in the 4th quarter which took the game away from us, but not one player in the squad can go home disheartened as their standard of play was first class and really deserved of a win.
SUNDAY 30TH SEPTEMBER
NORTH SHIELDS PANTHERS 1 WHITLEY BAY JUNIORS SPARTA 3
Anyone who feared that the teams first game defeat last week may have discouraged them, got a fantastic surprise this week, when the entire squad went out with a committment and battling spirit that made everyone immensely proud of them.
The first quarter which saw them holding off the opposition was a joy to behold and the work rate of the players on the pitch never faltered.
It was only in the second and third quarters that the Bay attackers scored their excellent goals, and it was certainly of no discredit to our keeper that the goals were scored - In fact Keiran Mooney had another incredible game.
Two of the forward line, William Kelly and Joseph Dorr kept up pressure throughout the game, whilst Luke Gribbin never gave up in defense - meanwhile James Geddes tackled anyone who dared to venture too close to our goal !
It was Joseph Dorr's persistance that finally paid off in the fourth quarter, when he broke loose and descended on the Bay keeper before slotting it into the net to bring about the final scoreline.
A fantastic result that does credit to all 10 of the squad - they can certainly stand proud after this effort.
SUNDAY 23RD SEPTEMBER
NORTH SHIELDS PANTHERS 0 PONTELAND JUNIORS 12
Our first match of the Season, and the scoreline does not do justice to the hard work put in by the squad, against a team that played under intense pressure to win. Personally I want to see our squad go out and enjoy their football, developing at their own pace and without pressure from the sideline, and if we achieve a good scoreline, then that is an added bonus.
In the first two quarters our squad found it very hard going against a team that attacked from the first minute, but given the third quarter the Panthers sparked into life and played 10 minutes of "premiership" football to the pleasure of all the Shields supporters.
Our keeper, Kieran Mooney, despite the scoreline, pulled off some magnificent saves, and definitely won his man of the match award when saving a penalty in his first game. Well done Kieran.
Never mind the scoreline - I am immensely proud of every one of the squad, and look forward to seeing them develop in the coming months.
