FOOTBALL: For much of the match Monaro looked to be competitive with the second-placed Canberra FC, but the ejection of Panthers defender Michael Mensah saw the scoreline blow out to a 4-1 loss at Riverside Oval on Sunday.
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Despite an incredible 14 points separating the two sides the Panthers were creating and taking just as many changes as Canberra, but a solid defensive effort from both teams kept the score at nil-all for a good portion of the first half.
A brilliant strike from Canberra FC saw the visitors mark the first scratch on the scoreboard and a 1-0 lead at halftime.
The Panthers started to come unstuck in the second half, with a clumsy challenge from former Canberra FC player and Monaro import Michael Mensah earning him his first yellow card.
Another wayward tackle inside the box from the Panthers gifted Canberra a penalty and their second score, despite efforts from goalkeeper Ashley Collins.
But there was no time to stop and think about the 2-0 score as Monaro moved the ball perfectly from kick-off to goal less than a minute later and the Panthers were back in it thanks to the boot of Matthew Menser.
Opportunities came and went from both sides, toing and froing, rushed passing meant turnovers were rife and neither side could make much of an impact despite great efforts from Panthers Menser, Tyson Cottam and Mark Shields in the midfield.
Canberra finally found a gap in Monaro's defence and snuck the ball into the back of the net, increasing the lead to 3-1.
Monaro's Mensah was given his marching orders late in the second half with another sloppy challenge and his second yellow card- Canberra managed another goal in the dying minutes for the 4-1 win.
"We matched them in the first half, I thought we were better than them at times, we created chances, but we just didn't take them," Panthers assistant coach Pepe Lopera said.
"When you play against solid opposition they tear you apart when you're down to 10 men.
"We have to stay focused and disciplined- it was only in the last 10 to 15 minutes that they came over the top of us."
Lopera said Mensah was the third Monaro player sent off in the season, a culture that the club is attempting to change.
"With all 11 players we probably could've come away with the points, if not the draw," he said.
"We're playing good footy, we just need to change our discipline.
"But we're a young team, our future is bright."
Monaro tackle Cooma on Sunday at Nijong Oval and Lopera said he is hopeful the squad can put up a better fight than the 6-1 blowout in round two.
"It's definitely not going to be like [round two], I'm confident we can match them," he said.
"We'll be focusing on finishing drills at training and hopefully composure in front of goal can get us the win."