Monaro Panthers lose 3-0 against Canberra Olympic

After bouncing out of the FFA Cup at the hands of Tuggeranong United on Thursday, the Panthers copped a 3-0 thumping from NPL Capital Football table-toppers Canberra Olympic.

Monaro enjoyed the bulk of possession in a high-tempo opening 30 minutes but fell behind after a brain snap defensive set up.

Olympic striker Robbie Cattanach hit the back of the net from a free kick with the Panthers defenders standing on the goal line next to shot-stopper Ryan Moxon.

The bizarre manoeuvre left Monaro coach Lloyd Hewitt stunned, with the mentor admitting he'd never seen the move practiced at training.

"We committed football suicide with a ridiculous decision putting people on the line from a free kick," Hewitt said.

"It was crazy. I was on the sideline screaming at them to get off the line and I let them know it was a crazy decision at half-time."

The Panthers' heads dropped when Cattanach secured his brace just before the break then Michael John finished the job for Olympic with an 82nd minute goal.

Hewitt said it was a frustrating performance with his side only showing their promise in patches.

"They were definitely the favourites but I think in the first 30 mins we were competing very well and we created the better of the chances," Hewitt said.

"The frustrating thing is we're competing against teams of quality for large parts of the game and we've just got to maintain our defensive concentration because when we switch off it costs us.

"In the second half we were having to press to try and get a goal but they were keeping the ball well and didn't give us a huge amount of chances."

Hewitt admitted his men were disheartened after crashing out of the cup on Thursday, but remained proud of his men for two tough clashes in as many days.

"The boys were certainly deflated on Thursday night but they were pretty good and up for it today [Saturday]," Hewitt said.

"We talked about the targets we've got for the second half of the season and they responded to that, especially in that first 30 minutes, so I'd say it was a good response.

"Sebastian Summersby-Mitchell played really well in both games and is coming into his own after an ACL injury last season. "I'll give the boys the night off on Monday then it's back into it working on our defensive shape and how we transition into attack."

After the Panthers lost on Thursday, Tuggeranong face Canberra Olympic in the Federation Cup final at Deakin Stadium on Saturday.