Port Panthers5
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Camden Haven 2
FOR the first time this season, the Westpac Port Panthers are on top of the Football Mid-North Coast Premier League table after the side scored what proved to be a comfortable 5-2 win over the third-placed Camden Haven Redbacks at Tuffins Lane on Saturday.
A loss by the Macleay Valley Rangers to Old Bar saw them surrender first place.
The Panthers began with a flourish and took the lead in the sixth minute.
Brant van der Linden flicked a clever ball through to Josh Peir who in turn passed to Stephen Ford who delivered a trademark finish.
The Panthers continued to attack and controlled most of the possession.
At the 26-minute mark, a through ball from Johnny Hassett found van der Linden who slipped the ball under the keeper to double the lead 2-0.
The turning point of the game probably occurred in the 32nd minute.
A Panthers' player was judged by the referee to have brought down a Redbacks' rival in the box.
Camden Haven's Scott Spokes stepped up to take the penalty, only to draw a brilliant save from Aaron Barr.
No doubt Panthers' star Brad Spokes will remind his brother of his miss at every opportunity.
Despite the setback, the Redbacks stuck at the task and were rewarded in the 42nd minute when a speculative shot from 40m that Barr could only reach with his finger tips found the goal.
With half-time looming, the Panthers landed a telling blow when Peir was brought down in the box, and van der Linden duly made no mistake for a 3-1 margin.
The second term saw the Panthers continue to create chances and look dangerous on a number of occasions, but they were denied by poor finishing or desperate defence.
It was an element of luck that brought the fourth goal at the 65-minute mark.
An attacking raid ended with Matt Ramm putting the ball into the 18 yard area, and the Redbacks' defender's attempt to clear the ball saw it skew off the side of his boot, over the keeper's head and into the net for an own goal.
A goal apiece in the last four minutes left the final score at 5-2 in favour of the Panthers.
The home team scored the first after yet another penalty resulted when Ford was brought down, with Jono Toombs converting.
Camden Haven scored a consolation goal two minutes later.
Coach Tony Wilson was most pleased with the defence of the Panthers, despite conceding the two goals.
"I thought it was terrific to see the urgency from the lads in getting into position and shutting down attacking opportunities for Camden Haven," he said.
"It was our defence that set the platform for a pleasing attacking performance."
The Panthers will be wary of this week's opponents, Port United, who'll have the home ground advantage in the round two version of the local derby.
United has struggled at times this season but always lift when they take on their old rivals, while Panthers will strive to maintain their position at the head of the table.
Round 12 results: Great Lakes Vikings d Port United 2-1, Taree Wildcats d Wauchope RSL Axemen 1-0, Westpac Port Panthers d Camden Haven Redbacks 5-2, Old Bar Barbarians d Macleay Valley Rangers 3-1
Competition table
Westpac Port Panthers29
MVR27
Camden Haven Redbacks22
Great Lakes Vikings20
Old Bar Barbarians19
Port United14
Taree Wildcats7
Wauchope0