The Panthers today proved what was already suspected - that division 4 isn't where they belong, after a comprehensive display against a division 1 outfit.
The league cup is a great opportunity for clubs to show what they are made of against teams of a higher calibre, however this game was just as much lost by a poor Anatolia as it was won by Cressall Panthers. If this really is a true indication of what standard is played by those who ply their trade in the lofty division 1, the Panthers are surely premiership standard. However, before the boys in black get carried away dreaming of the promotions they may have coming, the referee commented "they're not div one standard lads", we believe he was implying that they may not be division one standard at all.
Even if Anatolia don't play like the team that their position suggests, Welshy quite astutely commented after the game "You can only play what's infront of you", and play the Panthers did.
The game once again started explosively, with long range efforts from Gange and Rowe along with a duo of left foot efforts from Salmon - one hitting the post. The fans thought they would, once again, have to endure a half time stalemate until Salmon broke down the right taking the ball past two defenders before chipping to the far post where Gab headed the ball in for a rare first half Panthers goal.
The momentum didn't stop after half time either, with more Panthers domination and beautiful passing moves. But as the second half picked up pace, with Anatolia packing the midfield with three central players, the game started to turn. A change was made to bring on Ed for Shaw which allowed more of a 5 man midfield for the Panthers. This had an immediate effect with Ed getting past his man on the left before crossing low for Trevor to score a powerful effort. 2-0 and cruising. All that was missing was a Paul Falmoa goal which came moments later after a challenge from Gange spun the ball into Salmon's path. He ran at the defence and, with no one closing him down, took the shot and slotted it past the 'keeper into the bottom corner.
More chances were created but luckily the Panthers were never going to require the extra goals as Anatolia were never a threat for the ever solid back 5.
Another great game for the team. The passing was excellent and there seemed to be more movement and space created today. With so many outstanding performances it was hard to pick a MOM, however, due to the consistency shown over the season so far and another solid performance in the middle which often goes unnoticed, the award goes to A. Gange today.
A real test next week as Piper United are welcomed to El Stadio Dog Shite. Despite losing 2-23 in the Cup they will still be fearsome opposition and the Panthers musn't be complacent.
The clearly delighted foreign owner Seb Sroka said after the game: "We shouldn't rape each other". It was either rape or rate.
