Round one of the NSFA Premier League saw Lane Cove take on Berowra.
Last season, Lane Cove finished one place above the drop zone although they were a comfortable seven points ahead of Mt Colah who were relegated. Berowra finished mid-table winning six, drawing four and loosing eight.
So this evening’s clash at Blackman Oval under lights on their new artificial surface promised to be a good match, sorting out who’s who at the start of the New Year.
Lane Cove scored right at the start of the match. Berowra reacted and put Lane Cove under pressure, playing the rest of the first half of the game in the Lane Cove half.
Berowra play a very in-your-face style of football and managed to get several warnings from the referee which eventually gave way to a series of free kicks. Unfortunately, Lane Cove were unable to capitalise on the opportunities.
The unrelenting pressure from Berowra saw them breakthrough in the 21st minute with a great goal against Lane Cove, bringing the scores even.
On the restart, Berowra gave away another free kick which Lane Cove sent narrowly left of the goal.
1:1 at half time.
The second half started at the same frenetic pace as the first half, with Lane Cove quickly giving away a free kick in their half which was dispatched by Berowra at blistering speed towards the goal slapping the goalie’s hands with a sharp report.
Lane Cove continued their tactic of firing good hard shots at the goal as soon as they were in range, rather than bringing the ball in to Berowra’s 18 yard box. But their efforts continued to go wide of the mark.
Frustration was getting the better of Lane Cove as Berowra pounded them. Lane Cove gave away a series of free kicks and also earned a clutch of yellow cards.
Eventually Lane Cove broke back and had a clear shot on goal, only to be called offside by the linesman. That brought out the ire of the crowd; clearly they saw the move differently to the referee.
But with ten minutes to go and a couple of yellow cards later, Lane Cove got what they were looking for, firing one low and right in to the back of the net. The relief on Lane Cove’s faces was incredible and well deserved.
That’s the way the scores stayed to the end. 2:1 to Lane Cove and a great match to watch under the lights on Blackman Oval.
