A GUTSY Western NSW Panthers FC have narrowly gone down in the final of the Mitchell Shield on Sunday after a tight 1-0 defeat at the hands of women's Premier League reserve grade outfit APIA-Leichardt Tigers at Proctor Park.

The eventual winners were unable to field a side in the top grade Mitchell Cup competition and as a result, entered an almost overly strong side in the shield, a competition for second XIs. Still, Panthers FC were able to push them all the way in the decider played out in drenching rain.

Western were able to repel a number of attacking raids in the opening exchanges and it was a tribute to their defence that they were able to keep the Tigers scoreless in the opening half. They were even able mount a few forward sorties of their own through the likes of Maddie Gallegos.

The defining moment came early in the second half though as the Tigers finally broke the deadlock with what would prove the match-winning play.

In a skillful individual exhibition, Tigers forward Natalie Spirovski showed poise, composure and quick footwork to dribble past three defenders before launching a shot into the bottom right-hand corner from just inside the 18-yard box to make it 1-0.

Despite the best efforts of the home side, that's where the score remained.

"I was happy with the girl's performance today," Panthers FC coach Andrea Miekle said.

"However it was clear they were all very tired and it made it tough that we had five girls who were just 16."

To get to the final, Western had defeated Henwood Park, Mulgoa Valley, the Blacktown Spartans, the Young Lions and Rooty Hill RSL, while they also drew with the East NSW Lions.

Bathurst District Football secretary Robin Hall was pleased with the level of competition on display throughout the weekend.

"Saturday was great, the weather was fine and the rain didn't really come until mid-way through Sunday, but the finals were played in constant rain," he said.

"The way Panthers FC were able to field two good sides was a credit to them � the difference between the sides in the finals wasn't much and it was a great performance, in particular by the reserves team.

"I think the whole thing was received pretty well by the visiting sides, you only tend to hear from them when there are complaints rather than when they are pleased with things."