Monaro Panthers' coach Njegosh Popovich. Photo: Andrew Johnston
THE MONARO Panthers walked off a soggy Seiffert Oval pitch at the weekend, holding the Mayor's Cup high.
The side reclaimed the trophy from Queanbeyan City after a 3-1 win Sunday afternoon.
Mayor Tim Overall said the game was a "spirited challenge".
"The match is referred to as a friendly but [in] my experience ... when they call a match a friendly, it is very serious," Cr Overall said.
Panthers' coach Njegosh Popovich said his side was fortunate enough to take out the title.
"It doesn't matter what position a team is in or which competition, being a home derby, it's always a challenge."
Rain fell throughout the afternoon and Popovich said conditions weren't ideal for playing football.
"It didn't take anything away from the spectacle," Popovich said.
Queanbeyan City coach Jeremy Butler said his side went into the match at full strength after a few practice games already this year.
"We're really trying to bring a different style of football to Queanbeyan this year," Butler said.
"The surface was pretty greasy. It made playing nice, good looking football difficult."
Popovic said Monaro dominated for most of the first half, with Peppi Varga and Paul Ivanic slotting goals.
Queanbeyan City had a couple of chances but couldn't slot anything past the keeper before half-time.
"We walked into the sheds two-nil up," Popovich said. He was confident the Panthers could hold onto the lead.
However, City got back into the game in the second half, with a goal from a penalty.
A tussle followed but the referee was able to take control and play continued.
Monaro held City out in the back end of the second half. Panthers' Tommy McLachlan took advantage and scored, after good work from Nick Levanat, to seal the match for the Panthers.
"I think it was definitely a game that we controlled for the most part," Popovich said.
He said selecting the player of the match was a battle but in the end Josh Calabria was his pick.
Although his side went down 3-1, the Queanbeyan City coach was happy with the performance and how City is shaping up for the year.
"The season's still five weeks away," Butler said, noting each week the side starting to come together.
"I'm pretty sure we'll be a pretty dominant force in the state league this year," Butler said.
Zac Knight was Butler's pick of the game, "he was always busy, he was causing the opposition a lot of trouble".
Queanbeyan City defeated Monaro 4-2 in the masters match at the weekend.
While Monaro beat the ACT Academy of Sport 1-0 in the Mayoress' Trophy, although the game was cut short due to an injury.