The win puts the Panthers on fifth place on 19 points just behind City on percentages.

It also shows what Monaro is capable of with a full strength side.

Stars Justin Selkirk, Geoff Howarth, Luke McGrath and Stephen Bowman were all unavailable in their last match, a 4-0 hammering at the hands of Goulburn Strikers.

But on Sunday with their squad almost back to 100 per cent, the visitors achieved arguably their best win of the season thanks to two goals to classy midfielder Howarth in the 59th and 85th minutes.

Howarth missed the match against the Strikers because of a trip to Spain with the Coerver ACT under 14 and under 16 teams.

Both his goals were scored in strange circumstances from crosses.

His first was from a looping ball that was spilled by City goalkeeper James Ward before his second resulted from a curling cross that also deceived the City custodian.

This came just three minutes after striker Goran Veljanovski scored his sixth goal of the season and all but ensured the Panthers would walk away with three competition points.

City’s response through Misko Naumoski in the 91st minute was a case of too little, too late for the home side.

Panthers’ coach John Bull thought his side’s latest win reminded him of their 3-0 victory over Canberra Olympic in round eight at Riverside Stadium.

There, Monaro scored an early goal but had to wait until a Veljanovski goal in the 77th minute before the win was sealed.

“It was looking like a case of ‘same old story’,” he said.

“We created a lot of chances but again it was just a final pass that let us down.

“Our game against Olympic was similar.

“But we deserved this win – I thought my boys dominated.”

Bull now believes his side is a chance of giving undefeated Canberra FC a few headaches when they meet on Sunday at 3pm at Deakin Stadium.

The Panthers lost 4-0 to the powerful club in round five.

“Their squad’s depleted this week with a few players who are trialing for clubs overseas,” Bull said.

“I thought we went well and the score flattered them last time we played them.

“This time around we’ve got a few extra things up our sleeve which I won’t reveal.”