Recap

A Class Apart…

Pana FC saw their fixture against early favourites, Reggae Boyz to start their South London League season. Reggae Boyz arrived in confidence after their 7-1 win against young side Carpe Assembled and looked to keep their winning streak and title challenge alive.

The match started unfavourably for Pana FC as they were immediately under pressure by Reggae Boyz slick passing and were able to dominate the midfield game early on. A number of early chances threatened Pana FC’s goal and if it wasn’t for some world class saves from their keeper, they would have conceded much earlier than they did.

A clean crossfield pass was met with an evenly clean finish from outside the box which saw Reggae Boyz take an early lead.

If it wasn’t for the goalkeeper…

This match would have been put to bed early in the first half as they continuously showed their dominance and know-how with a possession styled game that Pep would be proud of. Pana FC at this stage looked disorganised and were unable to use any of their outlets to alleviate pressure.

Soon enough and Reggae Boyz found themselves 2-0 up with some defensive mistakes from Pana FC and found themselves fighting an uphill battle.

Welcome to the South London League

One thing we have noticed early on this season is that every team involved has fight and determination. Pana FC dug deep and rode the earlier wave and were able to create chances of their own. Pana FC’s midfielder threatening with a long range effort only to be denied by the post. Their mid-half pressure prevailed as they were able to capitalise on a half-chance with their forward sliding the ball past their keeper to make the 2-1.

Unable to maintain their momentum, Reggae Boyz regained control and the matchup saw only one winner.

Again, defensive mistakes were Pana FC’s achilles heel as a slide tackle inside the box meant that Reggae Boyz were gifted another opportunity to extend their lead. Expertly dispatched and Reggae Boyz found themselves 3-1 up at halftime.

Reggae Boyz look favourites.

Reggae Boyz showed their depth as their substitutions did not reduce the quality on show and a number of long range efforts only to be denied by Pana FC’s keeper kept the game alive.

Try, try and try again.

With the number of shots Reggae Boyz were able to get off, it was only a matter of time before they were able to extend their lead even further and a long range effort from their defensive midfielder whistled past Pana FC’s keeper to make the game 4-1 and the game was truly put to bed.

Lessons learned, bridges burned?

Pana FC will be happy to know that there are not many teams at the same level of Reggae Boyz but will need to learn quickly ahead of their next fixture vs. Carpe Assembled. 

Reggae Boyz will be up against their most likely contenders, El Rafico which will be a sturdier test and be interesting to see how this unfolds.

See above for match highlights.