Divison 3 - RESERVE GRADE - MATCH REPORT

Lane Cove West 2 - 0 Lane Cove

Like all of the world's elite clubs the mighty Lane Cove West has it's sights set firmly on the future and lucrative replica shirt sales
in Japan. (I presume that's where the other strip has gone). In order to reach our merchandising targets for the 2004/5 season it was 
decided that we required a larger home ground with increased spectator capacity and without a cricket pitch running through the center 
of the field, (that has for so many years been used as an excuse for appalling first touches and bad passes going no where near there 
intended targets.)

So on another sublime Sydney autumn day the reserves left fond memories of that really muddy patch at the bottom left of Mowbray and 
strolled out onto our new home pitch at Blackman Lower, which as it happens is actually in Lane Cove West.

I understand the LCW committee sold Mowbray to Westfield for some ridiculous ugly development, (the primary school kids won't miss 
their one and only outdoor area, and will be allowed to play in the car park).  In return I believe the club struck a deal for some 
new bibs and on the proviso that they include at least one shop that sells red shorts.

Back at Blackman, warming to the task of being in the 3rd division and with an enthusiastic 5 on the bench everyone was sucking up to 
new coach Mulv and trying to look super keen.  The excellent turn out at training by the reserves started to pay off immediately as we 
put some great passing football together.  The 4 across the back were holding rock steady and we were running rings round them up front.  

To be honest Lane Cove were worse than many of the teams we faced last year in the 4th, but after numerous chances we frustratingly 
went into half time still 0 - 0.

By early in the 2nd half just about everyone of us had had a crack at goal, but it looked like it was going to be one of those days.  
At one point in a spectacular lapse by their defense, we had 3 straight onto the keeper, but Mulv's shot was saved.

Finally we got a penalty and Chris having just come on stepped up in what seemed like slow motion to slot it home.  10 minutes later 
Donny popped in a second and we coasted to the final whistle for 3 points and racked up a 100% unbeaten record at home.

Author: HANK