Leopards Edge Nine Goal Thriller

The Leopards finally welcomed Bredhurst, at the third attempt, for their final home game of the season.

The hosts burst out of the blocks, taking the lead within 90 seconds with a great team move. Tommy bowled it out to Josh at right back, he played it into Phillip who spun his man and was away down the right. He crossed and found Paul at the far post who took a touch before firing home.

The visitors then grew into the game and grabbed a deserved equaliser. A long free kick into was taken by Tommy and it looked like the ball was knocked out of his grasp and into the net.

Connor and Paul were then on the receiving end of some heavy challenges, Connor having to come off injured. And Ted dealt with the situation after Paul’s tackle.

Then just before the interval, much like the reverse fixture, the Leopards took the lead. Firstly, Luke did superbly to hold up the ball, before finding Mitch on the right. He clipped in a delicious in to Benni’s run, and he extended his GO GO GADGET legs and nudged it past the stranded keeper and into the net.

Then less than a minute later, the Leopards extended their advantage, Zach did superbly to retain possession and spread it to Phillip on halfway. He cut inside one, outside another then knocked it past the centre half before calmly slotting past the keeper.

Into the Second Half and the boys were told to control their emotions, control the football and control the game. And they did that, keeping possession well in midfield and the back 3 of Mitch, Josh, Peter & Brick were keeping their dangerous forwards in check.

The hosts extended their lead as Phillip was clipped in the box. Ben stepped up and calmly slotted the ball to the keepers left.

But the visitors soon pulled a goal back, from another monstrous throw into the box, the ball was bundled home from close range.

With 20 minutes to go, the Leopards restored their 3 goal advantage as Mitch’s ball forward fell to Jack on the edge of the box, and he rifled into the far corner.

Six minutes later and the visitors were back within one goal, as firstly they scored directly from a corner, then another scrambled goal from a long throw.

Joe then went close to another wonder strike, as he cut in from the right and his powerful effort beat the keeper but crashed back of the crossbar.

Bredhurst piled on the pressure in the final minutes with numerous corners and long throws, but the Leopards put their bodies on the line to secure the 3 points.

Parents Player: Phillip;
Coaches Player: Mitch.

Coaches Thoughts
Really pleased with that performance today, we played some really good football, scored some good goals and showed real determination to hold on at the end.