HE isn't a regular gloveman, but two of the saves that Sam Cosgrove pulled off for Western NSW FC on Saturday would have made any goalkeeper proud.
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With 2020 goalkeeper Jordan Bruce missing the first five rounds of the National Premier Leagues 4 season, both the first grade and under 20s Western sides were in need of a custodian.
When Lane joined Western it was as a defender for the under 20s, but he had some prior experience as a goalkeeper and volunteered to help out.
First grade coach Mark Rooke is pleased he made that decision.
"He's normally a defender in our under 20s team. We asked around has anyone played goalie before and a couple of boys said they did, so we just said 'Look if you two are interested we'll share it between you', but the other boy got injured," Rooke explained.
"Sam was the one left with the gloves and he's been fantastic, great attitude, great kid.
"For the job he's done, stepping in playing 20s and first grade the last few weeks has been phenomenal, I can't thank him enough."
Cosgrove was named players' player for his efforts in goal in the under 20s' round two match against Prospect United.
In round four he snagged another players' player award, this time playing in the first grade side against the Newcastle Jets.
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Then on Saturday as Western's top side earned its first points of the season thanks to a 1-all draw with Nepean, Cosgrove produced another impressive display.
"He made two saves that were absolutely worldly," Rooke said.
"One of them it was a deflection from a corner. It was travelling along the byline there and and it's deflected to go towards goal, but he's reached behind him and somehow got it out.
"It was a save that if any keeper in the world made you'd be going 'Oh wow'.
"Then he saved a chance right at the end. The guy was 12-15 yards out, nailed this ball and he just made a reflex save to his right-hand side that deflected over the top. It was just 'Where did that come from?'
"Maybe he should look at taking up as a goalkeeper."
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