Points Shared at Blackman
Written by Andrew
Combes
Firstly, it was
nice to play at home, which actually resembled a football pitch. It was also
good for the lads to have a near full strength reserve outfit going into the
match, with 16 players made available, captained by the indefatigable Al
'Cookie' Cooke.
Wahroonga were
today's opponents, who were also winless after two games. They were our old
adversary from the practice matches, and we lost one-nil in that match, so it
was time to get square.
They got off to the
better start, peppering our goal with some attacking moves. Unfortunately, it
was not long into the fray when we were one-nil down after a deflection off our
valiant stand-in goalie, Josh, was tapped in by their left winger. Worse was to
follow when Neil, struggling with the flu, was substituted off early in the
game.
The goal seemed to
sting the team into action, with Gav and Larry, aka 'Bono', our reliable central midfield combination,
providing greater service to the forwards Mark and Peter. Our one real chance
led to a goal by Mark Shelley, who provided an excellent strike, midway through
the first half to even out the affair.
No sooner had the
scores levelled, when Wahroonga on a dart down the
left side of the field scored to put them 1-2 up. Once again, Lane Cove West
was behind. Once again it seemed that it would be one of those days. Not to be
outdone, Ed provided the much needed spark to the team, with some inspiring
runs forward. The defence, led by Warnie and Peter A,
lifted.
Half time sounded -
the changes were rung - Nigel, the import from the over 35s, was put in goals; Tugby was substituted off after providing good service in
the forward line with Josh switched to the forwards. He repaid the favour with a great goal in the first few minutes of the
second half. It seemed that the two teams had reversed roles - Lane Cove West
had taken the game by the scruff of the neck and were charging into the
Wahroonga defence. No doubt this was inspired by Warnie's
strike from near the half way line which left some of the local birds scurring into the sky. It
was a kick that would no doubt have made Johnny Wilkinson smile. It certainly
gave the lads on the sideline some entertainment.
Nonetheless, the
psychological effect on the opposition was pronounced, a few attacking moves
later and it appeared that we had their measure. A goal was almost inevitable.
The game, however,
was yet to take another turn - Wahroonga pushed forward and after a couple of
corners breached the line. Once again, Wahroonga was 3-2 up and more changes
were made; Andrew being substituted for the ever reliable Paul Sweeney, making
his return to the pitch for 06 season.
The game continued,
Wahroonga seemed were comfortable to keep this scoreline and again it seemed
that Lane Cove West were destined for another loss.
Enter
In the blink of an
eye, he'd managed to get himself yellow-carded. Perhaps it was this stunning
display of ineptitude that left Wahroonga underestimating the capabilities of
our Scottish import. Perhaps it was the fact that he hadn't played a match in
the season proper. Whatever it was, Wahroonga underestimated him and the team.
Once again Lane Cove West went on the attack. A poster from Mark Sweeney
suggested that it was not going to be our day...
And then with only
a few minutes left on the clock,
Scores
level.
At last, the
football gods were smiling on Lane Cove West. For the last few minutes
desperate attacks from both sides proved fruitless and an eventful 3-3 result
was attained.
A fantastic effort
by the lads in slotting 3 goals past the opposition and first points for the
year!
Well done to all.
Pictures of the Day
The Referee who politely requested us to tuck our
shirts in!
Larry Warny’s Shot(!)