Season 2008 kicked off in style for Club Murdoch as an experienced Reserves side lined up for their first league encounter of the season. A starting line up that consisted of a number of players with first team experience quickly took control of the game against a motivated Azurri side. Murdochs application endeavour and commitment was excellent right from the whistle, although at times this eagerness was the teams undoing as countless attacks broke down due to misplaced passes and poor decision making.

Halfway through the half Murdoch’s efforts were rewarded through young Jordan Petroni who dispatched the ball from outside the box when the ball dropped at his feet off a ricochet. It was not the cleanest of strikes but one that was placed wide enough of the home custodian. The homesides attacks were limited but Murdochs debutatnt keeper made a fine save at the feet of an onrushing attacker when a goal look imminent. At halftime the teams instructions were simple and they took these onboard by matching their high efforts with improved decision making. The second goal was stunning as Petroni ignored the squeels of Jason Dixon to dispatch a volley from wide of the box into the back of the net much to the delight of the crowd and his teammates ( including Dixon) (eventually). The second goal brought with it the security for Murdoch to attack with numbers. Petroni putting the ball in the net from a sweeping move only to be harshly adjudged offside.

The introduction of Petroni senior, Keanan and Martin pepped up the energy levels and a good piece of closing down by martin saw him dispossess a defender and square the ball for Blaz Lightyear to finish from an acute angle. Proceedings were wrapped up when Murdochs prodigal son Mark Kendall leapt unmarked at the far post and sent a firm header past the keeper. This was a good result from the squad that bodes well for the rest of the season