Shot blocker Logan Hunter was the hero for Lithgow Panthers on Saturday afternoon as he kept St Pat’s scoreless in a men’s Premier League Hockey major semi-final penalty shoot-out.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
After scores were locked at 1-all at full-time and 15 minutes of additional time did not produce a winner at Bathurst’s Bob Roach Field, the teams squared off in penalties.
Both Hunter and his St Pat’s opposite Taylor Newton pulled off a string of impressive saves, but Hunter made one more.
Experienced Panther Trent MacDonald found the mark in the tense finish. In the process, Panthers booked-in a home ground grand final.
“It was a nail-biting way to finish a game,” Panthers coach David Marshall said.
“It is great to have the grand final with the Panthers’ women at home. We were in Bathurst both times when the teams won, it would be great to do that again but at home.”
Looking for its first major semi-final win over St Pat’s since 2012, Panthers made a strong start to Saturday’s match.
On the 12 minute mark Panthers had the lead as Dolbel made a penetrating run down the right wing before crossing to Mick Charlton. With time and space inside the circle, he powered home.
St Pat’s Charlie Schofield hit the crossbar, but after 35 minutes Panthers led 1-0.
The second half saw more chances down both ends, the first in the 40th minute as Panther’s Logan Hunter made a one-on-one block against Pat’s Isaac Darlington.
But it took until the hour mark for St Pat’s to hit the back of the net - from a penalty corner. It put the rivals back on level terms.
With 28 seconds left Panthers had one more chance as Dolbel burst into the circle, but Newton got his glove in the way to see the need for extra-time.
Panthers had the best chance in the first 7½ minute period via Dane Guffogg, but Newton once more produced a sharp save.
It meant the match came down to penalties.
Hunter was impressive as five St Pat’s players were all unable to find the mark.
While Guffogg, Matt Writer and Greg Nelson missed for Panthers, MacDonald scored from his attempt to give Lithgow a 1-0 win on penalties.
David Marshall said it was a tough game to play.
“Obviously going into extra time it was really hard fought,” he said.
“I thought our defence was outstanding. The first half we played a more defensive structure against St Pat’s but then changed to our normal structure, which created a few more opportunities.
“I can’t single out players, our whole defensive back line was just outstanding.”
Panthers will play the grand finals against the preliminary final winner on Saturday, August 26.
LITHGOW PANTHERS 1 (Trent Macdonald) defeated ST PAT’S 0 on penalties.