It was a cold and wet Saturday at South Bristol Sports Centre, but the Panthers braved the elements and a fierce attacking opposition to grind out a 2-2 draw and a solil point at home against Leicester Wildecats.
The game started with some strong end-to-end play as both teams tried to push the ball forward. It was Wildecats who had the best of the early chances and their attacking style paid off as they overwhelmed the Panthers' left flank and converted the opportunity to take the early lead. The Panthers dug in, however, and a sublime lob from man of the match Charlie brought the hosts level going in to half time.
The second half saw the Panthers switch up the shape, bringing on some more pace in the wing and shaking up the defence. It appeared to pay dividends in the early stages, as the Panthers got in some good attacks on goal. But a foul on the edge of the area gave the Wildecats a free kick, which they slotted in to take the score to 2-1. The Panthers continued to dig in, however, and it fell to Chris Miles to power down the wing and put the ball over the keeper to put the equaliser away.
10 minutes of further grit from the Panthers, and some brilliant clearances from right wing-back Tom Marlow, and the Panthers hung on for their well-deserved draw.
It was another spirited match for the Panthers against a tough opposition, but the game was played in really good spirits. And afterwards, the teams headed out for a Hallowe'en night on the tiles!
