Disappointment, frustration and disbelief are words that all accurately describe how the Reserves felt after last week’s shock 3-0 loss. A game that was dominated by Lara somehow went the way of the opposition. With a 2-3-1 record to the start of the season, nothing but a win at Kyneton would be acceptable and that message was clear enough on Saturday.

Lara came flying out of the blocks, forcing the opposition goalkeeper in to action three times in the first ten minutes. Returning Ben Houston was thrown up front and exhausted the defenders in the first half, seemingly unable to be controlled. However it was an unlikely first goal scorer in Ryan Mathieson for Lara this round. Mathieson wormed his way into the side of the box and set the standard for his performance for the rest of the day, calmly splitting the ball between the goalkeeper’s legs to put Lara 1-0 up. A flurry of chances continued as Lara’s defence refused to let keeper Aaron Pettman be tested, sending the ball through the middle for countless chances. However Lara only managed to take a 1-0 lead in to the break, yet confidence was sky high.

All over the field, Kyneton were unable to tame Lara and the same continued through the second half. Jason Hey continued to press for his highly demanded and anticipated first goal of the season and was unlucky not to score on several occasions. Lara started to look tired as the second half wore on and Kyneton began to find ways into their attacking half, pressing deeper and deeper. However a quick counter attack resulted in Jordan Robertson slotting the ball between the left post and the opposition keeper, making it 2-0 and all but sealing the result for the day. A strong defensive finish to the game insured Lara also kept a first clean sheet for the season.

The previously undefeated Kyneton left the field frustrated and exhausted with Lara evidently dominating them all over the field. Kyneton still hold top spot in the league however are now well aware that there’s dangerous opposition breathing down their neck, desperate to claim the championship.