Within the first minute of the game Powerhouse got off to the ideal start netting a goal shocking the Panthers. Without Captain James Knee who missed the game through injury the older brigade in Corey Joseph and Tim Wischusen stepped up and provided much needed leadership to refocus the Panthers.
The Panthers settled into the game with possession shared between the teams. Goal Keeper Tom Scott was a brick wall in goals repelling any ball that the skilful Powerhouse strikers sent his way. Nick Steffens and David Jensen were causing headaches for the Powerhouse defence upfront with their relentless pressure. This pressure was rewarded with a penalty corner to the Panters late in the first half. Through a scramble in the circle the ball found the stick of Joel Tansey who slotted his first Premier League allowing the Panthers to go into half time 1 all.
With renewed confidence the Panthers took the pitch for the second half knowing it was going to be a tough 35 minutes. The half started evenly with both teams having chances but unable to convert. A lapse of concentration allowed a Powerhouse striker to skilfully run the ball along the baseline off loading the ball to a teammate who pushed it passed an out stretched Scott.
Waverley gifted Powerhouse their third goal turning the ball over directly infront of goal where the Powerhouse forward pounced on the opportunity putting the ball in the back of the net. Acting captain Lachlan Steinfort started to make an impact into the game with some surging runs down the right side of the pitch.
Sam Poppenbeck converted a penalty corner with 15 mins to play taking the score to 3 – 2. As the Panther kept pushing for the equaliser a turn over in the middle of the pitch allowed Powerhouse to earn a penalty corner. The well executed penalty corner gave Powerhouse some breathing room scoring their fourth goal. The experienced Powerhouse side was able to hold out and take the game 4 – 2. The Panthers take a lot of confidence from this game again matching it with one of the best in the league. Another tough assignment against Greensborough away awaits the Panthers next weekend.
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