South Rushden Jaguars vs. South Rushden Panthers
Saturday 23rd January 2010
 
After an extended Christmas break due to the snowy weather, the Jaguars finally started 2010 with a return derby against the Panthers. The first match resulted in a Panther’s victory.
 
Match day 14 was dull with the ground fairly heavy underfoot. The coaches had an enlarged squad to choose from following the addition of Diarra and Keown after their Christmas registrations. Having said that Diarra was unavailable for this encounter.
 
So the team started the first half like this:
 
GK: Tom
Def: Josh L.; Josh Y.
Mid: Carter; Nathan (Capt)
Att: Dan
 
The Panthers kicked off, but it was the Jaguars with the match barely 30 seconds old who drew first blood. A flowing move saw Nathan pick the ball up in midfield. His pass found Dan, who squared the ball to Carter who coolly finished. The Panthers were taken aback by the rapid start and the Jaguars continued press in search of a second goal.
 
Gradually the Panthers clawed their way back only good work by Josh L and Tom maintained the lead after a throw in. The game moved into a more even phase with chances being created at both ends but no addition to score. One particular move saw Josh Y play an excellent through ball to Dan whose shot brought an excellent save from Tyler the Panthers goalie. The Jaguars forced a series of corner after good work by Carter but again they could not be converted. Whilst at the other end Josh L made a good clearance as the defence stood strong. The midfield continued to create chances with Dan going close on a number of occasions.
 
As the half wore on the Panthers gained the upper hand. A corner from the left caused chaos in the Jaguars defence, rolling agonisingly along the goal line until Josh L hacked the ball away. Henry Way was becoming an increasing factor in the game with Carter only denying him a shooting opportunity after Carter ran the length of pitch after a Jaguars corner was quickly cleared. Tom too was forced into action by Henry in tense final few minutes of the half.
 
The coaches took half time the opportunity to introduce some fresh legs:
 
GK: Tom
Def: Nathan (Capt); Finlay
Mid: Oliver; Keown
Att: Dan
 
Jaguars started the second half, but it was the Panthers who again pressed forcing an early corner. Good defensive work saw it cleared and Nathan quickly set up a chance for Dan, who again saw his shot go narrowly wide. Further Panthers pressure saw Finlay make some good clearances, whilst Dan and Oliver were working well in attack. The good interplay continued and finally paid dividends when Dan and Keown set up Oliver, who finished well doubling the Jaguars advantage (2-0) half way through the second half.
 
The Jaguars continued to create good opportunities through good passing, with Keown making a great contribution in his first match. Only the woodwork and some last ditch defending and good goal keeping kept Oliver from extending lead. However, the Jaguars were almost made to rue these opportunities as in the Panthers set up a tense final few minutes when Will coolly chip a consolation goal from the edge of the box.
 
Overall, it was a great performance from the boys against tough opposition with everyone, making excellent contributions to the team effort.
 
The coaches were spoilt for choice on the selection of Man of the Match, but in the end they selected Josh Y. for his strong defensive performance in the first half.