Pallet-Track sponsored Panthers suffered a first round defeat in the Knock-Out cup against a well organised and accomplished Shiptonthorpe team who signified their intentions from the outset, taking control of the midfield area and forcing Driffield to defend deep in their own half.
This early pressure soon paid dividends for the visitors when a superbly flighted corner winged its way directly into the back of the net, that achilles heel in Panthers play rearing its ugly head again.
Captain Nellis attempted to rally the troops assisted by the ever willing H. Denness who worked liked a trojan in the middle of the park to get Panthers a foothold in the game. However on 20 minutes Shiptonthorpe doubled their advantage with a quality finish from the edge of the area.
Panthers regrouped and began to play with more purpose, Robb and Woodmansey becoming greater threats as Driffield started to use the width of the pitch to cause problems down the flanks for Harriers. Panthers should have reduced the deficit when Martin delivered a delectable free-kick into the visitors penalty area where H. Denness scooped the ball over the bar when the goal was at his mercy.
Only four minutes into the second period and some lackadaisical defending allowed the visitors to score their third goal of the game, Driffield could have fallen further behind after conceding a penalty, a rather generous decision looking from the press-box, but keeper Sharpe made an excellent save. This appeared to be the stimulus Panthers required as they then started to create opportunities, a sublime pass from Nellis finding Thompson whose well struck attempt made the keeper work. The back four consisting of Hall, Joinson, Pallant and C. Denness also began to work as a unit to deny Shiptonthorpe any clear-cut shooting opportunities.
With the strong midday sun beginning to take its toll on the players, fresh legs were brought on Deighton, Rounding, Lupton and Milner all making a good impression when introduced.
However it was Shiptonthorpe who progressed into the next round of the Knock-Out Cup with Panthers yet again taking the Plate Cup route – a competition which has been kind to them in the previous two seasons, a Final and Semi-Final appearance the result of notable campaigns.
Man of the match: H. Denness who gave an esteemed performance in the middle of the park.
Action picture from the game by Mike Hopps.
