Premier League Hockey: Panthers winning streak put to an end by Orange United

Coach Mick Miller says he was a little disappointed in the 2-0 defeat but not deterred.

"Overall I'm still very optimistic on the future and direction of the 2021 squad," he said.

He said in Saturday's game his squad could have been more patient especially in defence.

"The girls at times panicked resulting in some less desirable pass selections."

"I knew the game was always going to be a tough encounter and we had several players out due to commitments and injury," he said.

Millar said the match was balanced throughout the first half with no team taking a stranglehold.

"The more the game progressed our team grew with confidence and belief, with the score locked at nil-all at half time we knew we were pushing the opposition," he said.

"Some good play resulted in a United goal in the third quarter. Going into the last quarter we were hopeful of pulling back the deficit, however a scramble in play late in the quarter led to a contentious goal and by then the task was beyond our reach with the time remaining."

Millar said Clare Bosman was a stand out on Saturday, playing a captains knock, guiding players in and around the turf along with Rylee Millar and Mackenzie Stewart in their leading roles.

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"Brenna Croker played well in the net restricting United's chances and a special mention to Kellsey Charlton for her efforts at being Miss Versatile, playing a solid game at outside half with support from Elissa Marshall," he said.

He also commended his younger squad members Alysha Conner, Maree Loane, Bella Luka, Maddy McLean and Keely Millar, who worked hard throughout the match.

"We are lucky that we have a strong squad and some of the younger and less experienced members got their chance to perform," he said.

Millar said his squad would continue to work on their controllable errors that have been causing some minor grief throughout the season.

"We will also work on refining some of our set plays as we get closer to the end of the second round and finals," he said.

The Panthers are away this Saturday in Orange for the first double header weekend where they will take on Parkes and Bathurst St Pat's.

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