The Queanbeyan-based side managed to keep their opponents in the struggling City team at bay for most of the round 10 fixture with their defence standing out in blocking any chance City had of scoring.

They managed the bulk of possession throughout the first half as well, which has been rare for the club so far this season as they attempt to make an unlikely late charge to the finals from seventh place.

And they took advantage at a good time, with City ranked eighth and in a lean patch the Panthers pounced on.

The result came after a 10-1 demolition against competition leaders Belconnen United last weekend, and should be the needed confidence-booster heading into next Sunday's clash with number two side Canberra FC.

The score remained unchanged from a half-time Panthers lead of one goal, which came courtesy of a Daniel Linstead boot over his opposite keeper's head in the 20th minute.

City came out firing in the second stanza and their strikers began putting the Monaro defence under the pump, but two brilliant saves by keeper Rory Larkin and mid-fielder Josh Calabria had the small crowd in awe, with their efforts ensuring their side got home.

The contest became fiery and intense as City continued trying for that elusive goal with no avail, as players began cursing at each other and the referee, who was forced to issue a number of warnings.