FIRST GRADE MATCH REPORT

FIRST GRADE MATCH REPORT

Lane Cove West  2 v 2 Hornsby Heights

Date: 3rd April
Location: Home – Blackman Lower
Conditions: Scorchio

Scorers: Whattam, Ivanusic,

Cards: none

Team                                                                    Subs

1              Stefan Laux                                            12            Anthony Krithinakis

2              Ronnie Thompson                                   13            Lawrence Goldstone

3              Scott Girdlestone                                    14            Mark Sidall

4              Lee Alfrey                                               15           

5              Clive Cachia                                           16           

6              Ian Wallis

7              Kieron White

8              Alan Jenkins

9              Charles Whattam

10            Jason Ivanusic

11            Dave Fuller

First Half

With a strong first team squad coming off an indifferent pre-season, it was with apprehension that battle was commenced with ‘Heights’ – a team that came 4th last season and subsequently won the GF.  LCW knew this would test their aspirations in this division.  After an inspiring team talk with the appropriate references the now infamous tactical graphs that were circulated earlier in the week – the boys set off on their div 2 adventure.

 

As per the norm – LCW started like a bunch of doped up wombats – 2nd to every ball and intent on letting Heights dictate matters.  Heights were causing problems with alleged elbows and actual late tackles that caused some of the LCW’s younger fraternity to question the validity of said tackles.

 

The game settled into a pattern of the Heights creating space through their movement off the ball – which resulted in one of the strikers having to track back.  LCW were finding it hard to get the ball under – and were closed down instantly in what was sweltering heat.

 

As the half wore on, LCW started to create a couple of openings with the No.10 setting up No.9 for a first sight of goal – but his effort went tamely wide.  The LCW defence was holding firm with all four players putting in quality performances under more pressure than they have had to face for countless games.

 

AJ was running his socks off in tandem with Ian but both were been squeezed out by sheer numbers by Heights.  As the half drew to a close AJ nearly opened the LCW account with a run through a gap that only Moses has experienced before – his powerful left foot shot (there’s a surprise) beat the keeper all ends up but came off the inside of the post and out of the reach of No.9’s despairing lunge.

 

HT and the boys were exhausted and dehydrated – but on level terms with Stef having not been tested too much.

 

Coach Mulvihill had positive words for the team as he made a single change bringing Andonis on for Fuller, switching Ian to the unfamiliar left side.

 

Second Half

 

The half started as the previous one finished with both teams jostling for that clear cut chance.  Heights poured on the pressure and had a string of corners that were taken care of by a blanket LCW defence. 

 

LCW’s first clear chance came midway through the half as a long punt from Stef was touched on by No.10 to No.9 who’s first touch took him on to his left foot which, he reluctantly pulled the trigger but saw his weak shot tipped round the post by the advancing keeper. 

 

LCW were starting to put some pressure on and the influx of fresh legs in Mark and Lol started to exploit some big spaces on the pitch.  No.10 was brought into the play by Lol for a screamer that flew past the left post after looking in for good money.  Was this to be a day of missed opportunities?

 

The back 5 remained solid and in control, but as discussed in pre-season it was an error that created the opening goal – with half the LCW team looking for a free kick – Heights slipped the ball forward to their striker who beat Stef with a clinical finish bottom left.  The Heights celebrated as if the game was won.

 

Little did they know that this LCW team is built of strong stuff this season and refuses to give up.

 

After a number of fruitless yet positive probes down the right with Lol and Ronnie, LCW were gifted a free kick 30 yards out.  Alfrey put it on the keeper who had No.10 for company, the ball bounced up and No.9 got over the ball and despatched a volley past the man on the line 1-1. With 15 to go.

 

LCW, with Lol causing headaches down the right and Andonis and AJ finally getting the upper hand started to think about a win.  But with 7 or so to go LCW fail to clear their decks and a quick through ball sees a statuesque back line exposed and a clinical dispatch of the ball into the bottom left is the result.

 

Wimbledon tactics were now required with most players legs gone – and running on pure ticker.  The ball is fed through to No.9 who took it right of the goal 20 yards out and turned his defender  and on to his left foot (controversial), trigger is pulled and the shot is parried by the keeper – No.10 is on hand to clinically divert the rebound into the net – 2-2.

 

The game draws to a close with LCW spent after showing more character and ticker than ever before.  Contributions by a quality 14 players is going to be essential all season if we are to hold our own in this very competitive league.

 

Decent refereeing by Al “I’ve got cards in my pocket but I’m scared to use them” Cooke and thanks to Milcey for not lifting his flag too much.

 

A great start for Mulv and Nigel and a great foundation as the Reds go marching on!