23 Jan 10 - Cove Panthers 5-3 Manor Colts Black
 
MOTM (s): Ryan Pepal & Alex Eyres
Goal Scorers: Alex Eyres 3
                   Tom Pearson 1
                   Harry Harlock 1
 
The Panthers started the new year with a great result against a hard battling Manor side. The first half started with both teams trying to find their feet on a soggy pitch however it was the panthers who looked more dangerous, and not to soon after the start Tom Pearson just managed to beat the Manor goalie at his near post to net the opener. For a few minutes after this the panthers were in the ascendancy, with a few opportunites to double the lead, however it was Manor who scored next after the ball found its way into the back of the net at the end of a goal mouth scramble. The game then became quite even with both teams unable to put the ball into the back of the net, massive credit must be given to goalkeeper Ryan who made a string of unbelieveable saves to keep the scores even. The panthers were rewarded for their pressure just before half time when Jordan made a great run into the box but was brought down by a Manor defender. The Manor goalie made a great save but was unfortunate to drop the ball at the feet of Harry who followed up brilliantly to score his first goal of the season. Half Time 2-1. After a quick shuffle around the panthers came out with a spring in there step and started to dominate, this time Alex proved deadley in front of goal, scoring 3 well earned goals within 15 minutes to earn his first hat-trick for the panthers, after a showing of some brilliant pace. This took the score to 5-1 which put the Panthers in a comfortable position. Manor came back strong towards the end of the game scoring two well taken consolation goals, however the panthers saw the game out to earn a deserved 3 points. Full time 5-3
Well done to all the boys for working hard during the week at training. A special mention goes to Harry who had a brilliant week at training and in the match, his first goal of the season was nothing less than he deserved.
After this win the Panthers Move up to 6th in the league, a massive well done to this boys as it is a superb achievement. Next week we travel to league leaders CSA for what should be a brilliant game of football.

28/11/09 Cove Panthers 2 - 1 Farnborough Youth Eagles 
MOTM - Willem Hamilton 
Goal Scorers - Alex Eyres, Tom Pearson 
 
The Panthers battled exceptionally hard today to earn themselves a victory against a tough Farnborough side. 
In the previous encounter Farnborough had won 4-1 comfortably, but today the Panthers showed how much they had improved over the last month and took all 3 points.  
 
The game started with a lot of early pressure from Farnborough who seemed determined to grab the early goal, the panthers were forced deeper and deeper into there half until Farnborough got what they wanted. This seemed to spur the panthers on though, as they then began to dominate the game from this point, working hard to win the ball in midfield then play it wide to Harry, Luke and Jamie on the wings. The Panthers managed to grab a very important goal just before after a brilliantly crafted move ended up with Alex Eyres cleverly taking the ball round the goalie and slotting into an empty net. Half Time 1-1.  
 
The late goal seemed to give the panthers the confidence to go on to win the game, as they began to start to play some nice football. Dan and Jordan linked up well this week, they had to learn an important lesson about playing as a team in the middle of midfield, which they grasped quickly and looked very solid from that point onwards.  
 
Defensively the Panthers were very difficult to brake through once again, notably Harry did a great job keeping the Farnborough captain quiet and Willem showed great pace and spirit when battling to win the ball back, earning him his first MOTM this season. 
 
By working well defensively the panthers had plenty more opportunity to attack in turn providing Tom with a great opportunity on the edge of the box which he took superbly with the outside of his foot beating the goalie at his front post to put the Panthers ahead with ten minutes to go. Despite a few nail biting moments the panthers recorded a very welcome second win of the season. 
 
All in all todays victory shows that the Panthers are now more than capable of beating the best in Division 3, this can all be credited to their hard work in both training in matches. Hopefully this victory will give the boys the confidence to play some more great football over the coming weeks. What I am sure of though is that the the other teams in the league have looked at our last 2 results and recognised that Cove FC is a very difficult place to come to and take points away. A stunning performance from all the boys and a well deserved result, keep the good work up! 
 
21/11/09 Cove Panthers 1 - 1 Curley Park Aztecs 
MOTM('s) - Luke Clements & Jake S 
Goal Scorer - Tom Pearson 
 
After a string of unfortunate losses the 11 Panthers earnt a well deserved point against 2nd place Curley Park. The game was a good flowing game of football with plenty of opportunities, the Panthers worked very hard when off the ball to earn it back and were also superb on the ball, passing the ball around to keep possession. 
 
With only 11 players the Panthers had to make some changes to their system, Captain Dan Corr moved up to Centre Midfield and had a great game with some brilliant one touch passes, next to Jordan who was dominant in the air and created many openings with his dribbling. Willem slotted in to right back and had a good solid game, the centre back partnership of Alex Stone and Jake were solid throughout the game, communicating well and covering the wing backs, Robbie had a fine game at left back, getting the better of the CPR right winger throughout. The two wingers Luke and Jamie both had good games, both passing successfully on the vast majority of occasions and both beginning to put some good tackles in and the strike partnership of Alex Eyres and Tom P threatened throughout and were unlucky not to bag a few more goals. 
 
The first half was dominated by the Panthers who defended well and then countered quickly, with Tom and Alex causing problems. About 15 minutes in to the game the Panthers took the lead with a beautiful move. Jordan picked up the ball in centre midfield and played it to Robbie at left back who passed it down the line to Luke, Luke then passed it down the line once more to Alex up front who dribbled the ball all the way to the goal line before pulling it back to Tom who had a simple tap in. Definitely a candidate for goal of the season. The half eventually came to a close at 1-1. 
 
During the second half both teams had good opportunities as the game began to open up because of a few tired legs. However the panthers battled hard throughout and were exceptionally unfortunate to concede a goal late on in the game. However the boys can be proud of what they achieved today, a point against second place with 11 players is an outstanding achievement and something we can look to build on next week against Farnborough Youth Eagles. Luke and Jake both played brilliantly, Luke created some goo opportunities with some pin point passing and Jake has a great game at the back winning all his tackles. Well done to all. 
 
07/11/09 Cove Panthers 1 - 2 Hartley Witney Hawks 
MOTM: Jordan Oxford 
Goal Scorer: Jordan Oxford 
 
The panthers battled hard today and pushed high flying Hartley Witney Hawks all the way unfortunately losing 2-1 in the end. The game was a scrappy affair with both teams working hard to earn the ball back, leaving little time for much passing. Both teams had a handful of opportunities and it was Hartley Witney who capitalised on two of theirs in quick succession to put the Panthers two goals behind early in the game. The game remained a tight one though and at half time both teams were relieved to get a chance to rest.  
 
The second half saw the panthers start to begin to find their stride, with some flashes of some nice football. New addition Jordan slotted into the middle of the field working hard to break up play and create opportunities for Tom and Alex Eyres up front who were very unfortunate not to grab a goal. 10 minutes from the end a brilliant looped shot from Jordan brought the panthers right back into the game at 2-1 and for the next 10 minutes the panthers pushed the Hartley Witney defence hard in their search to find a goal. However the Hawks defended well and the game finished 2-1.  
 
Forgetting the result for a moment the Panthers took a big step in the right direction today and are starting to look like a team. Good performances came from Ryan who made some good saves and Alex Stone who looked to receive the ball in a number of good positions in defence however MOTM this week went to Jordan whose commitment and attitude are a brilliant addition to an already great team. 
 
31/10/09 Milford Pumas Tornadoes 3 - 2 Cove Panthers 
Goal Scorer: Alex Eyres (2) 
MOTM: Tom Pearson 
 
Milford worked hard to come back from an early 2 goal deficit to take 3 points away from the stunned panthers.  
 
The Panthers seemed to have the game won after 10 minutes when Alex and Tom linked Majestically to create 2 goals for themselves, both were very similar, Tom received the ball well, using his first touch to take the ball away from the defender and pushing the ball into space and then playing a clever through ball for Alex Eyres to run onto and slot past the Milford goalkeeper which he did twice with ease, once again showing his talent in front of goal. Milford soon responded with a goal of their own though, with the referee blowing his whistle shortly after for half-time. The second half started with the Panthers on the attack though they were unable to convert any opportunities. Even so with 10 minutes to go the Panthers were still leading comfortably, until one unfortunate goal brought Milford back into the game and on level terms at 2-2. Now both teams were both pushing for the winner, until heart brake for the Panthers as soon after Tom P hit the post Milford countered quickly to grab a winner. Full time 3-2 
 
Although the result at the end of the day maybe be disappointing, we need to learn from our mistakes today and rectify them so that we can start to get the results we thoroughly deserve. Tom was awarded man of the match for his selflessness up front and his use of what he had been taught at training. Next week Hartley Witney at home, another great opportunity for the Panthers to show what they are capable of. 

24/10/09 Curley Park Aztecs 4 - 2 Cove Panthers 
MOTM: Alex Eyres 
Goal Scorers: Alex Eyres (2) 
 
A dazzling second half performance from the panthers once again pushes the Aztecs all the way in a close 4-2 defeat. 
 
Todays game was certainly one of two halves, having arrived late due to unforeseen circumstances (Not a fan of road works!) the 11 panthers had very little time to warm up, which showed in their first half performance as it seemed to take them some time to get up to match pace, resulting in the being 3 goals down at the half, however the boys came out strong in the second half and began pushing forward and creating some good opportunities which were taken well by Alex up front who had a great day in front of goal earning himself MOTM. His first goal was a cheeky bicycle kick which looped over the goalies head and into the back of the net, his second was a beautiful strike which went over the goalies head and into the back of the net, making the game 3-2 with 10 minutes to play, however the panthers without subs again began to tire and were unlucky to concede a late goal ending the game 4-2. 
 
Definitely a massive improvement in the second half with the second half result being 2-1 to the Panthers, something to build on in the next few games. Well done boys, next week another away game to a tough Milford side. 

17 Oct 09 - Manor Colts Black 1 Cove Panthers 3
Goal Scorers – Alex Eyres (2), Tom Pearson
MOTM – Ryan Pepal

This week saw Cove Panthers travel to Manor Colts Black, a team who had only played a couple of league games and so were a bit of an unknown quantity.
From the start of the game it seemed that the early morning start had not been good for Cove who seemed to take a bit of time to ‘wake up’ and get into the game and it was Manor Colts who had the early pressure. This pressure eventually led to the first goal, a well taken finish by the Manor Colts forward.
The game continued this way for the whole first half and it was only some fantastic saves by Ryan in goal that ensured Cove went into half time only one goal down.
A ‘strong’ half time team talk followed and this seemed to wake the boys up a bit. Second half started with both Dan Corr and Robbie Sherret dropping back to full backs from midfield and this seemed to give the defence a bit more solidity and the team as a whole a better shape. Cove Started the second half much more positively and our pace up front with Tom Pearson and Alex Eyres supporting really started to give the opposition problems. It wasn’t long before the equalizer came with a good cool finish from Alex when one on one with the Manor Colts Keeper.
Cove kept the pressure up on their opponents however Manor Colts broke away and were denied a second goal only by an awesome save by Ryan in goal, tipping a vicious shot around the post.
Cove continued to dominate the second half and they took the lead with another good finish from Alex Eyres who used his pace to break away from the Manor Colts defence before sliding the ball past the keeper.
As the game went on Manor Colts started to tire and Cove began to control the game. The opposition did manage the odd breakaway however this was dealt with expertly by Alex Stone who now really looks the part at centre back.
It wasn’t long before Cove got their third goal of the game, an instinctive finish by Tom Pearson from a corner whipped in by Harry Harlock.
Final score Manor Colts Black 1 – 3 Cove Panthers.

Nice to get our first 3 points up on the board and a very good second half display from the boys. We do need to ensure that we are all fired up and ready to compete in the game from the very start though and not take our time to wake up as we did today. I still maintain we can beat anybody in the league but we do have to get involved right from the off and get to the ball first. We showed we can do it against Liphook, we need to do it every week otherwise the stronger teams at the top of this division will punish us.

Notable performances this week include Alex Stone who is really looking solid and composed at centre back, Alex Eyres with 2 very good goals, Harry Harlock who again battled very hard in centre midfield. Luke Clements who came on at left wing and caused the opposition a lot of problems, Jake who played a very important role in the second half protecting the centre backs showing great discipline in doing so, and Jamie McNaulty who got much more involved in the game on the right wing in the second half. Man of the match today however went to Ryan in goal who undoubtedly kept Cove in the game during their ‘sleepy’ first half and who’s second half save was nothing short of outstanding.

Well done boys on your first win of the season.

Next week away to Curley Park. This will be a tough game but if we work from the start we can get a result.

10 Oct 09 - Cove Panthers 3 Liphook United 4

3 Oct 09 - Cove Panthers 1 Hook United Blues 4
Goal Scorer – Tom Pearson
MOTM – Jake

Todays game saw Panthers at home to Hook United Blues, a team who had already started strongly in the league.

The game started very evenly with both teams competing strongly when Cove had a good chance to take the lead early on which was well saved by the Hook keeper. Cove were to regret this missed chance when not long after a quick breakaway by Hook gave them the first goal. This had a negative effect on Cove’s performance and it was obvious that their confidence had taken a knock as Hook started to get on top. Hook managed to get 2 more goals, one an unfortunate penalty and for Panthers half time could not come quick enough.

A good positive team talk with our own Mr Motivator (AKA Mick Pearson) and one small tactical change saw Cove come out for the second half a changed team. The desire to win and to battle hard had returned and Cove started to fight and get first to the ball. It was an unfortunate Hook breakaway against the run of play that gave them a 4th goal. What was most pleasing was that this didn’t deter Cove who continued to battle and fight for the ball and got their reward with a nicely taken goal by Tom Pearson towards the end of the game.

Final score Cove 1 – 4 Hook, however for me the most relevant thing here was the second half that was tied 1-1.

Some much better performances today, particularly 2nd half making it difficult to pick out individuals. Harry Harlock looked dangerous on the right wing and linked very well with Dan Corr who himself had an excellent game at right back showing good pace with some fantastic ‘last ditch’ tackles. Brandon looked very safe and much more comfortable at left back and Jake was a revelation moving to Centre Midfield to boss the game earning himself man of the match.

If there is one thing we can take from this game it is that if we work hard, battle hard, stay positive and put in the effort like we did in the second half we are a match for anybody in this division. Well done boys you should all be proud.

Moment to remember – The whole second half, season starts from here boys.

26 Sep 09 - Farnborough Youth Eagles 4 Cove Panthers 1
Goal Scorer – Alex Eyres
MOTM – Brandon

Cove Panthers second league game of the year was away to Farnborough Youth Eagles, a team we had already played in a pre-season friendly. Things started badly for Cove with 2 of our squad of 13 all carrying injuries and one just back from injury resulting in the team selection being compromised somewhat to cover this with several players playing out of position

From the kick off Farnborough proved that they had improved significantly from the team we played pre-season and put Cove under a lot of pressure. Cove however battled hard and got their reward early in the first half when a quick break found Alex Eyres one on one with the Farnborough keeper which he slotted home confidently to give the Panthers a one goal lead.

The game re-started with Farnborough again putting Cove under pressure however Cove then had gilt edged chance to go 2 up but unfortunately the shot went just passed the post. This proved to be a turning point in the game and it wasn’t long before Farnborough got the equalizer.

Cove continued to work hard but the injuries the boys were carrying began to take their toll and Farnborough capitalised with another goal taking the half time score to 2-1.

Second half really belonged to Farnborough, who went on to score 2 more goals against a Cove team who although working very hard were getting very tired and with a few heads beginning to drop.

Final score Farnborough 4 – 1 Cove.

A disappointing result for all given the hard work in difficult circumstances. Special mentions go to Alex Eyres who scored a nice goal and was unlucky not to get a second, Jake and Brandon (MOTM) who both played through injuries and Robbie who worked tirelessly at left back.

A lot of lessons learned again today, not least for the coaching team who are now starting to see the team taking shape and learning everyones best positions. We have a lot of quality in Panthers but unlike a lot of other teams we have practically formed from fresh this season with 9 new players in our squad of 13. It will take patience but we have the makings of a very good team and it will come together.

Moment to remember – Alex Eyres goal

19 Sep 09 - Hartley Witney Hawks 3 Cove Panthers 0
MOTM - Reggie Lamb