Panthers Fall To Narrow Defeat At Fawcetts Field

Christchurch FC Panthers travelled to Fawcetts Field Sports Ground on 19 October 2025 to face Highcliffe Hawks Youth U16 in a league away fixture kicking off at 2:00pm. The Panthers ultimately suffered a 2-1 defeat in an 80-minute contest, with the Hawks edging the encounter by scoring twice either side of the interval.

The match began with Highcliffe Hawks Youth U16 taking an early lead in the 15th minute. The opening goal came from outside the box following a defensive error by the Panthers, which allowed the Hawks to capitalise and break the deadlock. This early setback put Christchurch on the back foot as they sought to regain control.

As the game progressed, the Panthers struggled to find rhythm and cohesion in the face of the Hawks’ pressure.

The second half saw an immediate impact from the Panthers’ substitutions. Just seven minutes after the restart, Jamie Moore found the net to level the score at 1-1, providing a much-needed boost for Christchurch and reigniting their hopes of salvaging a positive result. The goal was a testament to the tactical adjustments made during the break.

However, the Hawks responded with resilience and quality. In the 78th minute, they restored their lead through a well-worked team move that broke down the Panthers’ defence. This second goal proved decisive as Christchurch were unable to find an equaliser in the remaining minutes of the match.

Throughout the contest, Finley Everett stood out with a commanding defensive display, earning him the player of the match accolade. His efforts in central defence were crucial in limiting the Hawks’ attacking threats, despite the eventual defeat.

In summary, Christchurch FC Panthers showed determination and tactical flexibility but were undone by an early defensive lapse and a late Hawks strike. The 2-1 loss at Fawcetts Field leaves the Panthers reflecting on missed opportunities as they prepare for their next league challenge.