Tara Murray
Newport fell agonisingly short against Albion in the Western Region Football League division 2 competition on Saturday.
A goal in the final minute proved to be the difference between the two sides, with the Cats winning 10.13 (73)-10.11 (71).
The loss leaves the Panthers sitting 0-2 after having a bye in the opening round.
Panthers coach Josh Russo said it was disappointing to lose, especially in that manner.
“It’s a little disappointing and losing is never good,” he said.
“It’s been a couple of tough weeks, with few more to come. We need to be a little bit smarter and make better decisions.
“To lose a game in the last 30 seconds hurts. We have to control the ball a bit better and make the most of opportunities.”
The match was heavily defensive focused, with nothing between the two teams all day.
Scores were locked at the final break. The last 10 minutes, the Cats were able to take control to win the game.
Hussien Kadour was the only multiple goal kicker for the Panthers, kicking two.
Russo said Kamal Badra and Malek El-Hassan stood out in the midfield, while Youssef El Hawll and Belal Abou-Eid were other standouts.
Despite being without a win, Russo said there were plenty of positives and learnings to come out of the season so far. Russo is in his first season as coach, having been an assistant coach last season.
“We’re just not good enough for long enough,” he said. “We have to improve our execution and our decisions.
“It’ll turn around if we keep working hard. It’s disappointing as you would love to be 2-0. We’ll look to improve and keep getting better. Sometimes you’re a better winner, when you lose hard.”
Russo said they would look through the footage and go through the stats this week to see where they can get better.
This week the Panthers face Braybrook. The Brookers have struggled so far since coming up from division 2.
On Saturday, the Brookers lost to Sunshine 18.21 (129)-6.4 (40).
“Braybrook is doing it tough, but you still have to go there and win,” Russo said.
In the other division 2 match, Parkside beat North Footscray 11.17 (83)-4.5 (29).
In division 1, Altona beat Point Cook with a goal after the season, winning 9.6 (60)-8.7 (55).
Yarraville Seddon Eagles lost to Caroline Springs, while Spotswood lost to Hoppers Crossing.
Tara Murray
