Men's Team - York Premier League
Match Reoprts will appear hear
Wed 15/08/2007 Senior Cup
Thorpe Utd (H)
PANTHERS 4 V 3 THORPE
Panthers started like they finished off last season playing at a high tempo with good attacking football causing the visitors numerous problems. Liam Stilgo and Adam Love were running their respective fullbacks ragged creating two good chances in the opening minutes. The home side didn’t have to wait long for their early pressure to pay off , Andersons fine through ball found debutant Adam Fishwick who went down under a clumsy challenge and Stillgo rifled the penalty into the bottom right hand corner. With Thorpe being pulled all over the place chances were at a premium. Jon Beech missed a sitter but made amends moments later running on to Fishwicks lay off and curling a delightful shot into the top corner. Adam Love nearly repeated Jon,s feat but saw the keeper make a fine save. Thorpe reminded Panthers that they too could be a threat when a quick break released Gavin Clamp who had Maxwell and Gulliver scampering to clear the danger. Adam Love continued to cause problems and his cross found Beech who bagged his second and Panthers third goal of a very entertaining thirty minutes. With half time approaching Panthers handed Thorpe a life line .Gulliver came for a cross he was never going to reach with the ball ending in the net. The visitors changed things round at the interval and saw far more of the ball in the second half but with Willoughby and Moore standing firm the home goal was rarely troubled. Billy Jackson who replaced Fishwick at the interval ran clear of the defence but his effort cannoned off the post. Then came a pivotal ten minutes in the game, referee Hartley missed a clear foul on Maxwell and Clamp scored a fortuitous goal to bring Thorpe back into the game. Panther’s response was swift, Stillgo,s free kick was headed across goal for Jackson to tap in. Moments later Thorpe were reduced to ten men for foul language aimed at the referee. The pace of the game began to take its toll on players with chances at both ends, Panthers should have made the game safe when Beech squandered a great chance. Clamp scored his second goal to set up a nervous last five, Panthers held on for a deserved win.
TEAM RATINGS
G, GULLIVER 6 . C. MAXWELL 7. J. MOORE 7 M. WILLOUGHBY 8 J. ANDERSON 7 A. LOVE 8 P. KING 7 J. CLAYTON 6 L. STILLGO 9 J. BEECH 8 A. FISHWICK. 6.SUBS. L. JACKSON 7 Z. LOVERLY 6 L. CRAWFORD.6.
Match Report by Gary Farthing
18-Aug
Wigginton Grasshoppers (H)
PANTHERS 0 V 1 Wigginton Grasshoppers
A large crowd saw history made on the Little Knavesmire when Panthers made their bow in the York Leeper Hare Premier division.
Panthers made a nervous start unable to retain the ball for any period of time. The visitors however, couldn’t capitalise on this and Panthers eventually settled down, but never carried a threat to the visitors goal.
First chance of the game fell to Wiggintons Ben Coates, who screwed his shot wide. Panthers started the second half playing at a faster pace but still couldn’t create clear cut chances against the well drilled Wigginton defense. The only goal of the game came in the seventieth minute when the visitors left winger fired across Gulliver and into the bottom corner to score the only goal of the game.
Panthers came close to equalising in the last ten minutes when Clamp had a shot pushed onto the post and a defender headed Moores effort off the line.
A disappointing start to the new campaign with an indifferent display with too many players having an off day.
TEAM RATINGS
Gulliver 6, Maxwell 6, Dawson 7, Moore 7, Anderson 6, Love 5, King 6, Stillgoe 6, Clayton 8, Jackson 5, Fishwick 6,
Subs; Crawford 6, Barron 6, Clamp 7
Match Report by Gary Farthing
Mon 20/8/07
T&L Selby (H) Senior Cup
PANTHERS 2 V 3 T&L Selby
This second round Senior Cup Tie was played at a cracking pace throughout with Panthers putting up a much improved performance against a very strong side.
Panthers created the first chance when Stillgoe’s cross was met by Jackson who volleyed wide. The Selby sides height advantage paid dividends when at a set piece Craig Forrest headed them in front. Five minutes later the visiting centre forward rode Dawson’s weak tackle and fired beyond Gulliver’s desperate dive.
Panthers then had a golden fifteen minutes playing fine attacking football. Adam Love who earlier missed an easy header fired against the upright, minutes later Jackson blazed over an open goal as Panthers fought to get back into the game. Their pressure finally told when Dawson scored from a corner. With half time approaching Liam Stillgoe levelled the game direct from a corner. The second half saw Panthers on top for long periods, Mark Willoughby was causing problems with his surging runs. It was his break which set up Fishwick who snatched at the chance. Panthers were awarded a free kick which saw Stillgoe’s effort strike a defenders arm with Panthers appealing the visitors broke up field forcing a corner which was taken quickly. Panthers were still trying to get into position as the cross came over resulting in the winning goal.
Panthers tried desperately for the equaliser with Willoughby hitting the upright in the dying minutes.
TEAM RATINGS
Gulliver 6, Maxwell 7, Dawson 7, Willoughby 8, Anderson 7, Stillgoe 8, Love 7, King 7, Clayton 8, Jackson 7, Fishwick 7,
Subs; Crawford 6
Match Report by Gary Farthing
25-Aug
St Johns College (H)
PANTHERS 2 V 1 St Johns College
In a dour game dominated by defences chances were few and far between. The visitors worked hard and never allowed the home side to get into any sort of rhythm. The best chance of the first half fell to Paul King who’s weak header was pushed round the post by the keeper. The second half continued in the same vein although Panthers were enjoying far more of the possession. In the seventieth minute the breakthrough finally came. Paul King’s pacey corner was met by Phil O’ Reilly’s head putting Panthers one up. It was fitting that a ex Panthers junior became the first goal scorer in the senior division for the club. The lead lasted just five minutes after Barron and Dawson allowed the centre forward to run past them and fire home. Panthers got the points in the last ten minutes with Jack Clayton finishing at the near post.
TEAM RATINGS. G. Gulliver 6 C. Maxwell. 6 D. Dawson 7 J. Moore 7 J. Anderson 6 P. King 6 J. Clayton 8 J. Clamp 7 L. Stilgoe 6 B. Jackson 6 P. O’,Reilly 7 A. Fishwick 6 P. Barron 6.
Match Report by Gary Farthing
Wed 29/8/07
T&L Selby (H)
PANTHERS 5 V 1 T&L Selby
Panthers inflicted Selby’s first defeat of the season and avenged the previous week’s cup defeat to the same opponents with a superb team display described by manager Gary Farthing as the best he’s seen in his time at the club. Playing a 4-5-1 formation the home side ripped into their opponent’s from the start and within five minutes Phil O’Reilly rounded the keeper to put them one up. Paul Barron missed a good chance and Paul King saw his lob shot hit the bar. Panthers should have been out of sight but found themselves pegged back when Selby equalised. Undeterred, and with Jimmy Clamp at his best Panthers hit back with a Mark Willoughby double either side of a stunning strike from Clamp giving them a comfortable lead at the interval. Although Panthers never reached the height’s of the first half they were still too good for their opponents. O’Reilly scored his second and Panthers fifth of the game, then missed out on a hat trick loosing his footing with the goal at his mercy. Jon Beech missed a good chance and Willoughby headed over as the home side pressed for more goals. This was a very impressive performance against a good side and if the lads keep to these standards then a good season can be attained.
TEAM RATINGS. G. Gulliver 7 J. Moore 8 D. Dawson 8 M. Willoughby 9 J. Anderson 8 P. Barron 7 P. King 8 J. Clayton 8 J. Clamp 10 L. Stilgoe 8 P. O’Reilly 9 A. Fishwick 7 J. Beech 7 A. Love 6
Match Report by Gary Farthing
01-Sep
Copmanthorpe (H)
PANTHERS 4 V 2 Copmanthorpe
Panthers started lethargically against a poor Copmanthorpe side and soon found themselves 2 – 0 down through inept passing and poor defending. The first goal resulted in Greg Gulliver spilling the ball and Copmanthorpe centre forward had an easy tap in. With Panthers arguing amongst themselves, Copmanthorpe cashed in when a central midfielder timed his run to perfection, beat the offside trap, to fire home. Half time couldn’t come quick enough for the Panthers and after re-gathering approached the second half with far more determination and team spirit. A Liam Stilgoe free kick dragged Panthers back in to the game and with the visitors happy to sit on their lead invited the home side on to them. The equaliser was not long in coming when Anderson’s corner was headed in by Phil O’Reilly. With the initiative now with the home side Panthers continued to create chances and dominate their opponents. It was no surprise in the 70th minute when Stilgoe got his second goal to put Panthers in front. Adam Love consolidated a remarkable comeback by rounding the goal keeper and put Panthers two goals in front. Copmanthorpe tried to get back in to the game but by this time Panthers had the upper hand and never relaxed their grip on the game. This was Panthers third win on the trot and, although not playing well, came through a difficult first half and secured three valuable points.
Team Ratings:
Greg Gulliver 6, Paul Barron 6, Jamie Moore 7, Dean Dawson 6, James Anderson 7, Paul King 7, Jack Clayton 6, Liam Stilgoe 8, Adam Fishwick 7, Phil O’Reilly 7, Adam Love 6, Jon Beech 6
Match Report by Gary Farthing
08-Sep
Dringhouses (H)
Panthers 1 v 3 Dringhouses
A large crowd gathered on a sunny afternoon to witness the first local derby between the two sides.
As in previous matches, Panthers started tentatively giving their opponents far too much time and space on the ball. It took the visitors five minutes to open the scoring after a mistake by Dean Dawson who lost possession at the edge of the box allowing ex-Panthers junior Lee Atkinson to score.
Panther’s response was swift after good work from Stilgoe and O’Reilly gave Adam Fishwick the chance to put Panthers on level terms, making no mistake burying the ball in the corner of the net.
Dringhouses then took control scoring two goals both converted by Lee Bond.
Panthers reorganised at half time and were far more committed in the second half forcing Dringhouses to defend desperately at times. Lliam Stilgoe’s surging runs were causing the visiting defense problems and after one such run his searching cross was narrowly missed by O’Reilly and Fishwick with the goal gaping. The introduction of Lee Jackson injected pace into the Panthers front line and after running clear of the defense lost his footing when about to shoot. The same player then clipped the outside of the post but the second goal failed to materialise. Dringhouses were always a threat on the break but Panthers rear guard superbly marshalled by Dean Dawson stood firm. Panthers can take heart from a fine second half performance against a good side but must start games as they finish them at a higher tempo.
G. Gulliver 7, P Barron 6, J Moore 7, D Dawson 9,J Anderson 6, L Stilgoe 8, J Clayton 7, P King 7, A Love 6, A Fishwick 7, P O’Reilly 7, J Beech 6, L Jackson 6, Z Lovely 6
Match Report by Gary Farthing
15-Sep
Dunnington (A)
Dunnington 0 v 1 Panthers
A Lee Jackson goal after twenty minutes proved enough to take Panthers back into second place on a day when they rode their luck in a backs to the wall job throughout the second half. The narrow pitch did not help Panthers cause finding it difficult to get their wingers into the game. Panthers made two enforced changes to the side with Andy Johnson and Danny Midgley both making impressive premier league debuts. The home forwards soon had keeper Gulliver in action saving well with his feet before tipping a shot round the post. Johnson then made two goal line clearances inside five minutes as the visitors struggled to get going. It was Panthers however who scored what proved to be the winning goal when Jackson picked up Anderson’s pass cutting inside a defender rounding the keeper and scoring from the tightest of angles. Dunnington should have levelled after the break, Adams and Burgess squandering good chances. Although Dunnington continued to press they found a resolute Panthers side with Dean Dawson outstanding in no mood to surrender their lead. Panthers nearly got a second after King was brought down but Stilgoe’s free kick was well saved. The team spirit within the side is great as Panthers continue to impress in new and loftier surroundings.
Team Ratings. G. Gulliver 8, A. Johnson 9, D. Dawson 9,
D. Midgley 7, J. Anderson 6, P. King 7, J. Clayton 7, J. Clamp 7,
L. Stilgoe 7, L. Jackson 7, A. Fishwick 7, A. Love 6, Z. Lovely 6,
J. Beech 6.
Match Report by Gary Farthing
Hamilton Panthers 0 – 2 York St John’s
York FA Senior Cup 1st Round
29-Sep
Panthers were looking to repeat their earlier victory over a well organised and hard working St John’s College side. The home side had the better of the early exchanges putting their opponents under pressure without creating any clear cut chances. St Johns were determined and got players behind the ball looking to hit the centre forward with long balls over the top.
Panthers thought they had broken the deadlock when Jackson’s cross was headed past the keeper only for a visiting defender to scissor kick the ball off the line The second half saw St John’s come more into the game with their influential skipper starting to pull the strings at the centre of mid field. The same player forced a fine save from Greg Gulliver to keep the scores level. Panthers then had a good shout for a penalty turned down when Liam Stilgoe was bundled off the ball in the area.
Paul King had two strikes well saved by the visiting keeper then Panthers had a lucky escape when Gulliver and Dawson combined to keep two attempts out in the last minute. The game entered extra time and it was St Johns superior fitness that finally broke the deadlock in the hundredth minute. Gulliver making a good save but the rebound fell kindly to the visiting centre forward who made no mistake.
Panthers went three at the back in an attempt to get back into the game but went two down in the last five minutes to out of the competition at it’s earliest stage.
G Gulliver 8, A Johnson 7, C Maxwell 8, D Dawson 7, J Anderson 6, J Clayton 6, A Love 6, L Jackson 6, P King 7, J Moore 7, L Stilgoe 7, A Fishwick 7, P Barron 7
Match Report by Gary Farthing
St. John 1 - 1 Hamilton Panthers
6 October
Haxby Town 2 - 5 Hamilton Panthers
13 October
Hamilton Panthers 0 – 3 Haxby Town
20 October
These two sides met for the second time in a week and once again Panthers were on the receiving end of a three goal beating. Despite having the lions share of possession and chances it was the visitors who went home with the spoils. Haxby took just three minutes to breech the home defence when poor marking from a corner allowed the prolific Kev Butler to head home. Panthers to there credit then dominated the game for long periods playing good football and at times ran the visitors ragged. Liam Stilgoe created the first of two gilt edged chances for Adam Fishwick but both were squandered. Jon Beech then ran clear but missed the target. Panthers continued to take the game to Haxby and the best move of the game ended with the impressive Jimmy Clamp hitting the upright. With ten minutes to go Haxby made the game safe with a breakaway goal. To rub salt into the home sides wounds they added a third with a great freekick in injury time to put a in just look on the scoreline. Panthers have got to learn that chances must be taken at this level as mistakes are usually punished .
TEAM RATINGS.
G. Gulliver 6. J. Clayton 8. J. Anderson 6. J. Moore 6. D. Dawson 8. J. Clamp 8. P. King 7. L. Silgoe. 7 P. Barron 6. A. Fishwick 6. J. Beech 6. Z. Lovely 6.
Match Report by Gary Farthing
HAMILTON PANTHERS V HUNTINGTON ROVERS
3-1
3 November
The league champions and current league leaders Huntington were on the receiving end of a fine Panthers team performance that will have set tongues wagging within York’s footballing fraternity. The home side tore into their opponents from the off never giving them time to settle into any sort of rhythm . After a frantic start it was the visitors who created the first chance but Gulliver saved well from Newton. Panthers replied with a chance created by Stilgoe but Hewitson could’nt get the ball out from under his feet and the chance was lost. Panthers did;nt have to wait long to open the scoring Fishwick was fouled at the edge of the box and Liam Stilgoe curled the free kick over the wall and into the corner of the net. Five minutes later Dez Hewitson made it two latching on to Clamp,s through ball his thunderous shot brought the best out of Chris Maud but the ball fell kindly for Hewitson who made no mistake.
Huntington came out fighting after a half time roasting and put Panthers under long periods of pressure but they found the home side rock solid and Gulliver in fine form when they did breach the defence . With time running out Gary Newton pulled one back his shot deflecting off the superb Willoughby and over Gullivers head. Adam Fishwick then had a great strike disallowed by a terrible off side decision . Jimmy Clamp made the game safe with a nutmeg on the left and clipping a shot over the hapless Maud..A tremendous result by a fine team performance in front of a good crowd..
TEAM RATINGS.= G.Gulliver 9. J. Anderson 8. J. Clayton 7. J. Moore 7. M. Willoughby 9. L. Stilgoe 8. P. King 7. J. Clamp 8. P. Barron 8. A. Fishwick 7. J. Hewitson 8. L. Jackson 6.
Match Report by Gary Farthing
KARTIERS V HAMILTON PANTHERS
0-2
10 November
Panthers followed up last weeks impressive performance with another good win over one of the divisions top teams and inflict Kartiers first league defeat of the season. Captain Dean Dawson returned to the side and was soon in the thick of the action breaking up two early attacks from the hosts. Panthers rode their luck at times with indecision between defenders causing panic within the ranks but Kartiers failed to take the chances. Greg Gulliver did well to push a shot round the post and then made a good block with his legs moments later. Hewitson then stung the home keepers hands with a rasping drive and Clamp fired over as the visitors started to take control. Panthers had a good shout for a penalty turned down when Hewitson seemed to be dragged down when through on goal. Adam Fishwick was a halftime casualty with a sore ankle Lee Jackson replaced him. The second half saw Panthers take control with King and Clamp stretching the home defence with their passing. The turning point in the game came from the bench with Jon Beech replacing Jack Clayton who had endured a torried time at fullback Paul Barron dropping into the slot. This gave Panthers a better balance. Barron was soon in action with a great tackle to keep the scores level and then releasing Hewitson who spurned a great chance. Last seasons top scorer did,nt have to wait long to make amends to get on the end of a sweeping move and put Panthers in front. The impressive Liam Stilgoe made the game safe with a thunderous shot into the top corner giving the keeper no chance. The last ten minutes saw Kartiers squander a good chance with a free header that Gulliver claimed at his near post. Another three points against a side boasting a thirteen month unbeaten home record.
TEAM RATINGS. = G. Gulliver 7. J. Clayton 6. J. Moore 7. D. Dawson 8. J. Anderson 7. J. Clamp 7. P. King 7. L. Stilgoe 8. J. Hewitson 9. A. Fishwick 6. L.Jackson 6. P. Barron 8. J. Beech 6.
Match Report by Gary Farthing
MALTON&NORTON. V HAMILTON PANTHERS.
3 - 3
17 November
A inept display by Panthers who were far from their best from start to finish against a poor home side who worked hard but had little to offer in terms of skill. Panthers made the worst possible start finding themselves two down after three minutes. Jamie Moore was harshly judged to have fouled his opponent and from the free kick Simon Collins thumped a free header passed Gulliver. Malton doubled their advantage two minutes later when the hapless Moore lost possession on the edge of his area and gifted Malton a second goal. In recent seasons Panthers would have capitulated but the team has matured and set about their task determined to put things right. Jon Beech scored a great individual goal chipping the keeper from twenty yards and moments later Liam Stilgoe missed a great chance with the keeper turning his effort onto the bar. Stilly didn’t have to wait long converting the next chance to bring his team level. Panthers were caught on the stroke of halftime when Dawson deflected a shot passed Gulliver. The second half started as the first had ended with a goal from Paul King who found the bottom corner from the edge of the box. Panthers dominated the rest of the half but couldn’t force a winner . Both sides could have won it at the death with Maltons forward heading over and Anderson blazing a great chance wide. Panthers can reflect on two points lost or a point gained but given the disastrous start to the game a point is perhaps all they deserved.
TEAM RATINGS.= G. Gulliver 7. C.Maxwell. 6 D. Dawson 6. J. Moore 5. J. Anderson 7. P. King 6. J. Camp 7. L. Stilgoe 7. J. Beech 7. A. Fishwick 6. J. Hewitson 6. L Jackson. 5 A. Johnson 6. J. Clayton 6.
Match Report by Gary Farthing
ROWNTREES V HAMILTON PANTHERS
2 - 4
24 November
On a lush playing surface Panthers recorded their first ever win over Rowntrees who belied their league position to play their part in an entertaining game. It was the hosts who started the brighter forcing Panthers on the back foot. The Rowntrees midfield were dominant and after a couple of early scares they took a deserved lead when Anderson and Johnson failed to deal with a through ball giving Wayne Scaife the chance and he made no mistake shooting past Gulliver. Panthers gradually got back into the game with King bringing the best out of Hammond who pushed his shot onto a post. Rowntrees then lost Eddie Phillips who cracked two ribs in a collision. Moments later Panthers were level with Dean Dawson volleying home from a corner. Rowntrees then lost another player with a ankle injury before seeing John Mac Garry dismissed for receiving two yellow cards. Panthers started the second half at a higher tempo determined to make the extra man count. Hewitson missed a great chance to put them in front but moments later Jimmy Clamp did just that shooting low into the net from a half cleared corner. Matty Wain then hit the Panthers crossbar with a great effort before being thwarted by a good save from Gulliver as Rowntrees tried to rally. Liam Stilgoe then finished off a fine move to give Panthers some breathing space which they needed when Stuart Lee scored the goal of the game from thirty yards giving Gulliver no chance. Any thoughts Rowntrees had of salvaging a point were quickly dashed with a Phil O’Reilly header securing the win to make it four games unbeaten and securing ten points from a possible twelve.
TEAM RATINGS. = G. Gulliver 7. A. Johnson 8. T. Reid 7. D. Dawson 7. J. Anderson 7. P. King 7. J. Clamp 7. J. Beech 6. L. Stilgoe 7. J. Hewitson 6. P. O’Reilly 7. A. Love 6. J. Clayton 6.
Match Report by Gary Farthing
HAMILTON PANTHERS v OLD MALTON ST. MARY.
1-3
1 December
As in recent games the home side started slowly allowing the visitors early opportunities and had Gulliver to thank for keeping them in touch in a torrid opening twenty minutes which saw Malton race into a two goal lead through Cooper and Bell and although the first goal looked offside the home side had no reason for complaint as Gulliver made three great saves from Maltons eager forwards. Both sides struggled on a heavy pitch which the ref didn’t seem to take into consideration brandishing early yellow cards at both teams . Panthers finally got into the game and pressurised the Malton defence during the closing stages of the half. Hewitson missed a golden chance to half the arrears but lost his footing when about to shoot. The referee continued on his one man crusade early in the second half dismissing Liam Stilgoe with a second yellow card, Stilly having never being booked before was understandably upset. Panthers continued to take the game to Malton with Paul King instrumental in all the good things they tried but found Malton in no mood to relinquish the lead. Malton then had Cooper sent off for his second yellow card before Anderson gave them numerical advantage again with the only bad tackle of the game receiving a straight red and little sympathy for a late tackle. The remaining nine players battled manfully but Cham made the game safe converting a penalty after being brought down. Lloyd Crawford scored a late consolation for the home side in the closing minutes.
TEAM RATINGS= G. Gulliver 8. A. Johnson 6. D. Dawson 6. D. Midgley 6. J. Anderson 6. L. Stilgoe 6. P. King 9. J. Clamp 6. J. Moore 6. A. Fishwick 6. J. Hewitson 6. J. Beech 6. L. Crawford 7. J. Clayton 7.
Match Report by Gary Farthing
T & L SELBY v HAMILTON PANTHERS.
1 – 3
8 December
Panthers travelled to Selby with a depleted squad but were far too good for the home side and completed a league double in horrendous conditions. Missing from side was captain Dean Dawson along with Hewitson, Midgley, Johnson,Love and Stilgoe in came Zac Lovely, Craig Maxwell, Paul Barron.James Brown and Mark Willoughby. The Panthers management decided to move Jimmy Clamp up front with Willoughby and it paid dividends as he went on to score a hat trick . Gulliver was soon in the action clawing the ball out from under his crossbar from a wind assisted cross. Panthers were first to strike when a corner found Clamp unmarked who made no mistake. Willoughby then tried his luck lobbing the keeper only to see his effort clip the upright. Selby equalised through Chris Harkin after a goal mouth scramble. With the half drawing to a close it was Jimmy Clamp who sent his side into half time the happier giving the keeper no chance with a low hard drive into the bottom right hand corner. The second period was dominated from start to finish by a Panthers side who seemed to revel in the conditions playing attractive football and but for some fine goalkeeping and the wood work could have won by more. The goal of the game was again scored by Clamp who broke away and thundered a shot into the top right hand corner. Clamp also struck both uprights and was at the receiving end of some fine goalkeeping as he ran the home defence ragged. Another three points, just reward for a good team performance played in appalling weather.
TEAM RATINGS = G. Gulliver 7. P. Barron 7. C. Maxwell 7. J. Moore 7. J. Anderson 7. P. King 7. J. Brown 8. J. Beech 7. Z. Lovely 7. M. Willoughby 7. J. Clamp 8. L. Crawford 7.
Match Report by Gary Farthing
HUNTINGTON ROVERS v HAMILTON PANTHERS
4-2
29 December
On a cold wet and blustery day a depleted Panthers side ended the year with a defeat at defending champions Huntington. Panthers had Dawson, O, Reilly and Fishwick back from the win against Selby but had Anderson; Moore, Beech, Jackson, King, Hewitson, Love and Brown all out. Huntington was first to threaten but Gulliver was alert to the danger and the chance was gone. Stilgoe fired over and Clamp tested the home keeper at his near post. Huntington took the lead on twenty minutes when Dyson fed Newton and he made no mistake. Five minutes later Panthers fell two behind to a weak shot from Dyson that Gulliver should have saved. As the half progressed Panthers came more into the game and after great play from Clamp, Stilgoe and Fishwick carved open the defence and Jon Love had the easiest of finishes. Panthers then gifted Huntington the third goal when at a good free kick situation Maxwell’s poor delivery was cut out and in a flash Jack Wilson found the net via the crossbar giving Gulliver no chance. Phil O, Reilly failed to come out for the second half being replaced by Andrew Johnson. Panthers started the half better than the hosts and were rewarded on the hour mark, Dawson heading in Barron’s cross. Paul Barron who had enjoyed a great match then fizzed a shot over as both sides tired under the testing conditions. The match was settled in the last ten minutes by Gary Newton who got his second of the game heading across Gulliver to complete
The scoring.
TEAM RATINGS.
G. Gulliver 6. C. Maxwell 7. D. Dawson 7. P. O, Reilly 6. Z. Loverly 6. L. Stilgoe 6. J. Clayton 6. J. Clamp 6. P. Barron 8. A. Fishwick 6. J. Love 7. A. Johnson 6. T. Robinson 6. J. Condron 6
Match Report by Gary Farthing
TOCKWITH V HAMILTON PANTHERS
1-0
5 January
On a cold and blustery day these two mid table sides played out a dour match which did little to warm a large crowd up. Panthers found Tockwith strong well organised and durable and hard to break down. Although shading the first half the visitors fell behind on the stroke of half time when a weak shot was cleared off the line by Craig Maxwell but the linesman’s flag indicated the ball had crossed the line.
This was a bitter pill for Panthers to swallow as moments earlier Jon Beech had rounded the keeper but delayed his shot giving the home centre back time to get back and block his effort.
Panthers improved during the second half and Adam Fishwick was unlucky to see his effort come back off an upright. Paul King’s surging runs caused Tockwith moments of panic but in the end they held on repelling Panthers late pressure to clinch the points.
TEAM RATINGS
G. Gulliver 6, C. Maxwell 7,A Reed 7, Z. Lovely 5, J. Clayton 5, P. King 8, J. Brown 7, P. Barron 5, J. Clamp 5, J. Beech 6, A. Fishwick 6, A Johnson 6, A Love 6, B. Jackson 5
Match Report by Gary Farthing
HAMILTON PANTHERS V TOCKWITH
1 – 2
12 January
These two sides met for the second successive week and once again Tockwith went home with the points but had to work a lot harder than the previous week to secure them.
Panthers dominated 80% of the game playing some attractive football. Arron Reed struck the crossbar in the first five minutes Tockwith responded when one of their shots hit the Panthers post then captain Dean Dawson cleared off his own line to repel another Tockwith raid.
Paul King then saw a great effort clip the top of Tockwith’s crossbar before Jimmy Clamp gave Panthers a deserved half time lead firing across the keeper into the left hand corner of the net.
Panthers started the second half looking for the second goal with Stilgo ,King and Beech all prominent. It was Tockwith who produced an equaliser springing the offside trap with Gulliver committed Dickinson coolly shot past him . The referee then played a big part in Tockwith’s winning goal, with Tockwith caught offside he waved ‘play on’ but Panthers had no advantage, Tockwith won a corner and Dickinson duly headed the winner. Although Panthers huffed and puffed for the last fifteen minutes they couldn’t force an equaliser that their display deserved.
TEAM RATINGS
G. Gulliver 6, C. Maxwell 6, A Reed 7, A Johnson 7, D. Dawson 6, J. Moore 7, P. King 8, J. Brown 6, L. Stilgo 7, P. Barron 6, J. Beech 7, A Fishwick 6, A. Love 6, J. Clamp 6
Match Report by Gary Farthing
DRINGHOUSES V HAMILTON PANTHERS
1-1
27 January
Local bragging rights were shared by these sides as Panthers made their first ever visit to Dringhouses in a league encounter. Panthers were depleted with numerous players missing through various reasons so Aaron Fishwick made his debut in the first team giving Panthers a youthful look with five teenagers in the side. With Dringhouses being at full strength it was a daunting task that Panthers faced but they set about it playing with pace, passion and skill to completely dominate the first half. With Paul King and Jimmy Clamp running the show Dringhouses were soon on the back foot. Sykes made two good saves to deny Clamp but was unlucky when he was beaten getting a hand to Adam Fishwicks header only to see the ball cross the line before he scooped it out. The lead was no more than Panthers deserved and after a great move involving several players Fishwick missed from six yards with the goal at his mercy. Dringhouses started the better in the second half and Lee Bond saw his effort hit the Panthers crossbar with Gulliver beaten. Gulliver did well to keep out Thompsons header as the home side turned the screw. Aaron Fishwick then came off with a groin strain being replaced by Neil Hartley who was also making his Premier league debut. As Dringhouses pressed Panthers always looked dangerous on the counter and it was Hartley who nearly doubled their lead beating the advancing Sykes but Jimmy McMurry cleared off the line. Woodward then saw his looping header strike the Panthers bar for the second time before Marc Thompsons great through ball set up the equaliser that Dringhouses second half performance deserved. Panthers overall performance against a strong established side with so many regulars missing was a treat to watch with all the team giving their all . Well done lads.
TEAM RATINGS.
G. Gulliver 8 A. Johnson 9 C. Maxwell 8 J. Moore 8 Z. Loverly 8 P. King 8 L. Stilgoe 8 J. Clamp 8 A. Fishwick 7 B. Jackson 7 A. Fishwick 7 N. Hartley 7
Match Report by Gary Farthing
COPMANTHORPE V HAMILTON PANTHERS
6-3
2 February
Panthers played their worst game of the season on a mud bath of a pitch which can’t be blamed for the defensive frailties displayed from set pieces. Regular keeper Greg Gulliver was missing so in stepped Aaron Reed. Panthers started brightly pushing the home side back with Jimmy Clamp prompting the early play. Paul King gave Panthers the lead bemusing the home keeper with a shot he should have saved. Copmanthorpe were soon level when a long throw caused chaos in the Panthers defence and Bedford stabbed the ball home. Jamie Moore then needlessly handled and Bedford despatched the penalty. Bedford then completed his hat trick with a brilliant volley following a corner that Panthers should have cleared. The half ended with Panthers ruing defensive lapses and missed chances with Willoughby twice guilty pulling shots wide from good positions. Maxwell should have scored with a clear header but saw his effort come back off an upright. The second half started like the first and Stilgoe brought Panthers back into the game heading over the keeper. Adam Fishwick should have levelled but headed weakly into the keepers arms. Copmanthorpe again scored from a long throw but Panthers response was swift with Fishwick firing low past Butler. With the game into the last ten minutes Panthers went three at the back but were caught twice to send them to their heaviest defeat of the season.
TEAM RATINGS
A. Reed 5. A. Johnson 6. C. Maxwell 5. J. Moore 5. Z. Loverly 5. P. King 6. J.Clamp 6. L. Stilgoe 8. B.Jackson 6. A. Fishwick 7. M. Willoughby 6. P. Barron 7. A. Love 6.
Match Report by Gary Farthing
HAMILTON PANTHERS V DUNNINGTON
3-3
9 February
For the second week running defensive frailties cost the home side points against a very entertaining in form Dunnington side who thoroughly deserved their point. Panthers were without Willoughby, Maxwell, Stilgoe and Jackson from the previous week so in came Adam Love Paul Barron Mike McKenzie and Tim Breen. Panthers started brighty on a glorious afternoon with McKenzie prominent on his return to the side after a lengthy absence. Panthers were rewarded for their early pressure and from Fishwicks flick on Adam Love scissor kicked into the net. Ten minutes later Dunnington were level. Paul Barron lost out on the left and Rose crossed for Chris Burgess to head home. Dunnington then grabbed the lead following Panthers failure to deal with a corner the ball being worked to the edge of the area and a thunderous shot gave Gulliver no chance. The second period saw both sides playing good football and it was Panthers who nearly levelled, King picked out Fishwick who blazed over when under pressure. The visitors then went further ahead when Burgess who looked offside ran through to score. With twenty minutes remaining Panthers at last exerted sustained pressure on Dunnington with the excellent Paul Barron giving Jimmy Clamp plenty of opportunities to run at the defence. It was from one of these runs that created James Browns goal to give Panthers hope. Minutes later the home side were level, Paul King converting Andy Johnson’s cross with a rare headed goal. Both sides had chances to win the game but a draw was probably the right result.
TEAM RATINGS.
G. Gulliver 6, A. Johnson 6, P. Barron 8, J.Moore 7, A. Reed 5, A. Love 6, P. King 6, M. McKenzie 7, J. Brown 6, J. Clamp 6, A. Fishwick 6, T. Breen 5.
Match Report by Gary Farthing
HAMILTON PANTHERS V THORPE UNITED
2-0
16 February
Panthers recorded their first victory of the year to almost banish any lingering fears of being dragged into a relegation fight and at the same time left their opponents looking up at the rest of the division. Thorpe under new management brought a strong side to the Knavesmire but found Panthers in fine form playing the kind of football that swept them to the top of the league in the early part of the season. Panthers were without Paul Barron and Jamie Moore from the previous weeks draw against Dunnington so in came sixteen year old Lloyd Crawford and the returning Craig Maxwell. It was Panthers who dominated the early exchanges; Jimmy Clamp went close before Thorpe’s keeper made a great save to deny Fishwick. Mike McKenzie playing only his second game of the season put Panthers in front with a superb strike giving the keeper no chance from twenty yards. Lloyd Crawford then limped off with ligament damage to be replaced by Lee Jackson. Thorpe found themselves constantly on the back foot as they struggled to contain the home side’s slick passing and movement. With half time looming Jimmy Clamp got a deserved second goal latching onto Paul Kings pass to slip the ball past the advancing keeper. The second half was a more even affair with Thorpe coming more into the game. Gulliver made his first real save blocking well at his near post. Thorpe continued to press and probe but found the Panthers back line in uncompromising mood with Brown and Reed both having rock solid games. This was a welcome return to form from the home side who’s last two performances have being enhanced by the return of Mike McKenzie s range of passing skills which have been sorely missed this season.
TEAM RATINGS.
G. Gulliver 7. C. Maxwell 7. A. Johnson 8. J. Brown 7. A. Reed 8. McKenzie 8. P. King 7. L. Crawford 6. A. Love 7. A. Fishwick 7. J. Clamp 7. L. Jackson 7.
Match Report by Gary Farthing
THORPE UNITED V HAMILTON PANTHERS
3 – 3
1st March
Panthers travelled to Thorpe with no less than seven players missing through injury or work commitments add to that a howling gale and a fortuitous equaliser coupled with a blinding last minute save from Greg Gulliver then a point was all the more welcoming. Thorpe had the wind at their backs in the first half but it was Panthers who carved out the first chance Jon Beech shooting wide after a fine passage of play put him through. Gavin Clamp gave the home side the lead with a wind assisted free kick which found the bottom corner. Panthers reply was swift when Johnson’s cross was handled and Mike McKenzie despatched the penalty. Despite playing against the wind Panthers continued to press and grabbed the lead after Jon Beech surged past the last defender to slot the ball past the onrushing keeper. The second half saw Thorpe come more into the game but never threatening the Panthers goal. After a scrappy period of play Thorpe equalised, there seemed no danger when Josh Carter got the ball on the left but his cross come shot left Gulliver red faced as it found it’s way into his net. Thorpe then took the lead when Dean Woods scored. Panthers tried to get back into the game but were finding the conditions difficult. When the goal came it was from a defensive howler from a home player who headed the ball from his keepers grasp to the alert Anderson to head over both players into an empty net. Thorpe thought they had nicked it at the death with a point blank bullet header that Gulliver somehow saved.
TEAM RATINGS.
G. Gulliver 7. A. Johnson 7. Z. Loverly 7. A. Reed 8. C.Maxwell 6. P. King 7. M. McKenzie 6. J. Beech 7. A. Love 6. A. Fishwick 6. J. Anderson 6.
Match Report by Gary Farthing
HAMILTON PANTHERS V KARTIERS
0-3
15th. March
Panthers suffered a heavy home defeat to a Kartiers side that still have a chance of winning the title. The visitors took just twenty seconds to take the lead, Zac Loverly was caught napping with the ball and the resulting cross was hammered back across goal to Jackson who tapped the ball into an empty net. Gulliver and Maxwell then thwarted Woodhall as the visitors looked to press home their early dominance. Panthers then started to play some neat football but never threatened the Kartiers defence. Kartiers then doubled their lead when Gulliver made a terrific save pushing a shot onto the cross bar only for Jackson to react first for another tap in. The second half was a more even affair and Jon Beech nearly brought Panthers back into the game but his header was cleared off the line with Lenard beaten. Mike McKenzie then forced a save out of Lenard low to his right as Panthers looked for a way back into the game. With time running out Jackson completed his hat trick again being in the right place at the right time after Greg Gulliver at full stretch made a great save from Woodhall pushing the shot onto the post only to see Jackson fire the rebound into the opposite corner. In some ways it’s hard to criticise Panthers who were playing one of the leagues top teams with no less than eleven players missing for one reason or another but although the score line may seem harsh with Panthers playing their part in a entertaining game it’s the lack of a goals corer that continues to be their short fall with only four games left and nobody in double figures for the season.
TEAM RATINGS.
G. Gulliver 8. A. Johnson 8. C. Maxwell 6. A. Reed 6. Z. Loverly 6. J. Moore 7. M McKenzie 7. A. Love 6. B. Jackson 5. J. Beech 5. A. Fishwick 5.
Match Report by Gary Farthing
HAMILTON PANTHERS V ROWNTREE
0-2
29th March
Rowntrees playing their penultimate game of the season needed the points to give their premier league survival hopes a boost and had to dig deep in the second half but hung on for three vital points. Panthers were down to the bones in terms of playing personal with half the side missing for various reasons but still provided a stern test for the visitors. Both sides played some attractive football in the opening exchanges but chances were far and few between. Gulliver did well to gather a cross from under his cross bar when under pressure while at the other end Maxwell wasted a free kick blazing over. With the half drawing to a close Rowntree grabbed the lead, Ashley Hill got across the otherwise immaculate Brown to prod the ball past Gulliver at his near post. The introduction of Jimmy Clamp at half time galvanised Panthers who went on to dominate the second half playing some fine attacking football but as in past games for all their fine approach work finishing let them down with Billy Jackson missing the best chance when put clean through by McKenzie he hit the upright but should have scored. Brown then sent a free header over as Panthers continued to dominate. As the game entered the last minute Hammond gathered a corner and released Sutherland with a long throw he alluded Zac Loverly who slipped and clipped the ball past Gulliver who got a hand to it but saw the ball hit the upright and creep over the line. Well done to Rowntrees who worked hard for the points but Panthers must be wondering how they missed out on a point.
TEAM RATINGS.
G. Gulliver 7. C. Maxwell 7. J. Brown 8. Z. Loverly 5. A. Love 5. P. King 6. M. McKenzie 7. B. Jackson 4. A. Fishwick 6. J. Clayton 6. D. Heels 5. J. Clamp 8.
Match Report by Gary Farthing
HAMILTON PANTHERS V MALTON @ NORTON
0-4
5th. April
Panthers ended their home program against the leagues bottom side and crashed to their heaviest defeat of the season. The performance was woeful from start to finish with only a couple of players coming out of the game with some distinction . Full credit to Malton who are fighting for their premier league status and set about their task with a vigour that was so prominent in the home sides play in the early part of the season. Panthers had a look of a side in a comfort zone with nothing to play for and with two games left the end of the season can,t come quick enough. Defending a howling wind Panthers found themselves two down after thirty minutes loosing Greg Gulliver with a shoulder injury resulting in ex York City stopper Aaron Reed replacing him in goal. The first thing Reed had to do was pick the ball out of his net as things went from bad to worse with most of the players blaming anyone but themselves . The second half was,nt much better and Malton were in no mood to surrender the inicitive . Craig Maxwell who was the home sides best player tried to get the players motivated but to no avail and it was Malton who scored again near the end to compound the misery. So poor was the Panthers performance that they failed to muster one shot on target agaist the leagues worst defence.
TEAM RATINGS.
G. Gulliver 6. C. Maxwell 6. A. Johnson 5. J. Moore 5. J. Anderson 4. A. Love 3. J. Brown 5. P. Barron 3. J. Clamp 4. J. Love 3. A. Reed 5. J. Clayton 5.Match Report by Gary Farthing
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