Chanute, KS - In a clash between two top-15 NJCAA teams, #5 Neosho County edged out #15 Central Community College 2-1 in front of their home crowd in Chanute on Tuesday evening.
Neosho wasted no time getting on the scoreboard, as Luke Butcher found the back of the net in just the 4th minute. The goal came directly from an early corner, giving the Panthers a dream start against a tough Central CC side.
The visitors responded with increasing pressure throughout the half and were rewarded just before the halftime whistle, leveling the score to make it 1-1 at the break.
With the match finely balanced and chances at a premium in the second half, it was Callum Niven who stepped up in the 85th minute to convert from the penalty spot—his fifth goal of the season—securing a hard-fought 2-1 victory for Neosho.
The win improves Neosho's record to 3-0-2, a strong start considering all five of their opponents so far are currently ranked in the NJCAA top 20.
The Panthers now look ahead to their second conference matchup as they host Pratt on Saturday at 3:30 PM in Chanute
