Panthers Fall To Narrow Defeat Against Blackheath Rhinos

The Hayden Panthers U15 hosted Blackheath Rhinos Black at Kemnal Technology College on the morning of 9 November 2025, with kick-off at 9:15am in a crucial cup tie. The match ended 2-1 in favour of the visitors after a fiercely contested 80 minutes plus injury time. Despite a spirited performance, the Panthers were unable to overturn the early deficit handed to them by the Rhinos.

Hayden Panthers lined up in a 4-5-1 formation, aiming to control midfield and provide support to lone striker Riley Webb. Sid Hale took his place between the sticks as goalkeeper, with a back four comprising Josh Quinn at right back, Darcey Illing and Ollie Challis as central defenders, and Reuben Cherry on the left. The midfield five featured Ryan Cracknell on the right flank, Sid Reed, Archie Bristo, and Josh Jolly occupying central midfield roles, while Reilly Weeks operated on the left wing. Up front, Webb was tasked with leading the line and converting chances created by the midfield.

The substitutes bench included Alfie Severn’s and Tyler Cracknell, both poised to make an impact if called upon during the match.

The game’s tempo was set early on, but it was Blackheath Rhinos who struck first, scoring in the 22nd minute shortly after the Panthers made a double substitution at the 21-minute mark. Alfie Severn’s replaced Ryan Cracknell on the right midfield, while Tyler Cracknell came on for striker Riley Webb, signalling a tactical tweak from Hayden’s manager. However, this change did not stem the flow as the Rhinos capitalised swiftly to open the scoring.

The first half closed with the visitors holding a slender lead, and the Panthers made an immediate substitution at half-time, bringing Ryan Cracknell back on for Alfie Severn’s. Yet, barely a minute into the second half, Blackheath Rhinos doubled their advantage in the 42nd minute, putting Hayden Panthers on the back foot and forcing them to chase the game.

Hayden Panthers responded with determination, and further changes were made in the 61st minute when Alfie Severn’s returned to the pitch, replacing left back Reuben Cherry. This adjustment appeared to bolster the Panthers’ attacking impetus, and just two minutes later, defender Darcey Illing rose to the occasion by scoring a vital goal in the 63rd minute, reducing the deficit and reigniting hope for a comeback.

Despite their efforts, the Panthers were unable to find an equaliser in the remaining minutes. The defence, marshalled by Darcey Illing and Ollie Challis, alongside goalkeeper Sid Hale, worked tirelessly to keep the Rhinos at bay, but the visitors held firm to secure the win.

Josh Quinn, operating as right defender, was named player of the match for his consistent defensive displays and tireless work rate down the flank, providing both solidity at the back and support going forward.

In summary, the Hayden Panthers U15 showed resilience and tactical flexibility throughout the cup encounter but ultimately fell short against a clinical Blackheath Rhinos Black side at Kemnal Technology College. The early goals conceded proved decisive, but the Panthers’ response, highlighted by Illing’s goal and Quinn’s defensive heroics, offered plenty of positives to build on for future fixtures.