Premier League Hockey: Souths go down 2-1 to unbeaten competition leaders Lithgow Panthers

Souths took an early lead in the game before Panthers struck back with two goals in quick succession during the second quarter, and that's how the scoreboard would stay until the end.

Saturday's result continued Souths' trend of finding themselves in close games - they've been a part of three draws in six rounds - but coach Ange Johnson said the team are handling the pressure situations well.

The 2-1 result is the second time this season the two blues have gone down by that score (Orange United, round one).

Johnson was also full of praise for the way her side thwarted every chance the defending champions threw at them across an evenly matched second half.

"We were really positive about the result. We had a stop start moment during our warm-up when the start time was delayed. We were ready to go before it got delayed ... but we were still able to get on the board in the first quarter," she said.

"We played really solid hockey. It was just in the second quarter where Lithgow had a run of short corners and they were able to score off two of those within five minutes.

"We were definitely in it over those last two quarters. It's a loss, but we've got to take it and appreciate the growth we've shown so far."

Souths got on the board first through a Sarah Watterson goal from the field.

The visitors didn't lose the intensity over the second quarter but were put under the pump by an improved and clinical Panthers attack in the second quarter.

The barrage of offence proved hard for Souths to contain and eventually Panthers pair Annie Buckley and Caitlin Burns put away quick-fire penalty corners.

"I think they just had some really solid passages of play coming through the middle leading up to their goals. They were pushing one of their fullbacks higher into the centre mids and were stringing together some good passes," Johnson said.

"Our goal was off a lovely passage of play that started around our defensive 25m and came about through some playmaking that we'd worked on at training.

"I thought our keeper Steph had a great game, as did Ali Stanford. Our attack was excellent as well. It was great hockey from both teams and both teams at the end, when they were congratulating each other, made mention of that."

Souths will look to get their second win of the season when they face Bathurst City after next weekend's general bye.

Lithgow (24 points) extended their margin at the top of the ladder to 10 points on Saturday evening and remain unbeaten through 2021.

Souths find themselves in a share of fifth place (on 10 points) with St Pat's and Orange Ex-Services.

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