Western Premier League: Panorama FC open its new campaign with 3-0 win over Lithgow Workmen's

But on Saturday afternoon, it took Panorama FC just 90 minutes to destroy Workies run at home, as the Goats claimed a comfortable 3-0 victory to start its new 2021 Western Premier League (WPL) season in the best possible way.

Jacob Soetens and Thomas Dale both scored early for the Goats in the first half before Soetens score his second in the second half, while Workies - who suffered a 5-0 loss to Kissing Point FC in FFA Cup just over a week ago - rarely threatened the Panorama goal throughout the match.

Panorama coach Brent Osborne said his team played really well.

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"We played really well. I think we were in control for most of the match," he said.

"Jacob played really well and Thomas Dale had a great game, causing Lithgow plenty of dramas. Lithgow didn't really look like scoring and we were pretty solid at the back, particularly for our first hit out.

"There were a few moments of panic but we were pretty well in control. It probably could've been more but 3-0 was a fair result."

The win for the Goats has thrown the Bathurst-based club to the top of the WPL ladder after just one round, ahead of Parkes Cobras and Macquarie United on goal difference, who both had wins against Mudgee Wolves and Dubbo Bulls on Saturday respectively.

In the opening match of the season on Friday night, Barnstoneworth United and Orange Waratahs played out a 1-all draw in feisty local derby at Waratahs Sports Ground.

Out of all the seven WPL teams last season, Workies was the only team to remain undefeated through all of its six games, so understandably Osborne was pleased to see the Goats bring an end to Lithgow's run at home.

"We were confident going into it because we know we have some good quality this year," he said.

"It was really good. I'm really proud of the boys. We've worked really hard in pre-season. It wasn't the perfect pre-season but they're all pretty motivated.

"It's actually been a while since we won at Marjorie Jackson, so it was really good to go down there and get three points.

"Lithgow are always a good outfit. It was the best kind of start we could've asked for."

The match also marked the first game for Ricky Guihot in almost two years, who suffered a nasty leg injury at the same venue.

"He was awesome," Osborne said on Guihot.

"He got through the 90. He's still getting his match fitness back but he played really well.

"We named him captained before the match, which was nice. He steered the boys around beautifully, so he's a big asset for us this year.

"He defended well and was good on the ball. Always talking and organising as well. For him, it was a bit of a monkey of the back, to get the first game out of the way."

Guihot now takes over the captain role from Ryan Peacock, with the latter leading the team on the pitch throughout 2020, while the former coached the Goats from the sideline.

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