AHJSA Match Reports

League Round 3, 13th May 2023

U7

Hahndorf Soccer Club vs Rangers Junior Soccer Club

On a gloriously sunny morning, Rangers hosted Hahndorf at the Ashton Oval. Chloe Pippos, Ryan Glynn, William Moran, Alfie McConville, Axel Pym (game captain), Patrick Griggs, Avery Buchanan, Asa Bartsch, and Victor Bartsch (goalkeeper) enthusiastically took the field. Hahndorf combined well to keep the ball in their scoring half and put pressure on the Rangers goalkeeper. Some good runs and excellent passes saw several Hahndorf shots at goal. Rangers had some impressive fast breaks, with capable defense from the Hahndorf back line.

Rangers made the most of their opportunities and scored the first goal of the match. Not to be denied, Hahndorf combined well in the midfield and A Bartsch scored the first Hahndorf goal of our U7 season, with much rejoicing from teammates and spectators alike. Rangers fought back, with a couple of well deserved goals.

The half time break allowed the teams to put fresh legs on the field. Several battle cries were heard from the Hahndorf team as they rushed from the half line toward the Rangers goalkeeper. Many scoring opportunities were unfortunately unsuccessful, until Glynn and later V Bartsch (twice) added to the Hahndorf scorecard. Rangers also added several goals in the second half, with solid defence from the Hahndorf backline and second-half goalkeeper Moran.

Thank you to the Rangers players and officials for a thrilling game. The progress in teamwork and gameplay from Hahndorf U7s has been a joy to watch. Keep up the great work Belinda and team!

U8

Woodside Warriors Soccer Club Blue vs Strathalbyn Strikers FC Inc

G'day mates! It's time for your Woodside Warriors match report. Today's game was a ripper, with plenty of hard yakka from both teams.

The first half was a real nail-biter, with both teams playing like it was do or die. But it was Josiah who put the Warriors on the board first with a cracker of a goal.

Strathalbyn wasn't about to give up though, and they kept pressing hard, however Billy and Patrick were able to keep the scoreboard ticking. The Strikers came back with a vengeance, putting intense pressure on the Warriors’ defense. A close call for Ethan in goals right before the half time whistle, but he stood fast and made a spectacular save.

The second half was just as intense as the first. There was a bit of argy-bargy out there too, with some players getting a bit hot under the collar and the ref having to step in a few times to keep things from getting out of hand. Both teams fought hard, the Warriors making further attempts at goal and Patrick stayed alert to make sure nothing could slip by them.

All in all, it was a top-notch effort from the Warriors, and they should be proud of themselves for playing a bonza game. Well done, fellas!

Hahndorf Soccer Club vs Torrens Valley Soccer Club

A chilly Saturday morning saw the mighty Hahndorf Magpies under 8’s travelling to Birdwood to play Torrens Valley. 

Some early attacking pressure from Torrens Valley was soaked up by Eric Jager who produced some inspired tackling to protect the Hahndorf goal. 

Goalkeeper Kealan Atkinson was playing some meticulous wide balls from the back to set up play further up the field (the only thing wider were parents eyes watching the temperature drop to 4 degrees driving through Oakbank en route to the match). 

An attacking move started by strong defensive work by Zeek Neelawala was finished up front by Carter Kramanov with a shot on target forcing a fine save from the Torrens Valley keeper. The next phase of play saw Hahndorf again streaming forward with a fine run from Brooklyn Karamanov (playing with such focus one would think pizza was on the line). The resulting corner taken by captain Art Neville saw another shot on target and another save from Torrens Valley’s keeper. 

Hahndorf’s goal came after a wonderful pass from midfielder Will Neelawala create an opportunity for Brooklyn to finish low and hard into the left corner. 1-0 Hahndorf. 

However, the game went into half time all square after Torrens Valley’s forward took a chance after looking dangerous for most of the half. 1-1 at half time. 

The second half started as the first with some great tackling from Eric Jager. This was immediately followed by great passing from Art (now goalkeeper), Eric and Zeek starting a strong move forward. The resulting throw in from Charlie Kilpatrick created a difficult chance that he did very well to put on target and draw a save from the keeper. 

Great running by defender Will Neelawala saw many of the attacking threats from the opposition neutralised. Posing a threat at both ends of the pitch he also had a goal disallowed as it was taken from inside the box. 

The game finished after a fine defensive display from Carter, using his body to win back the ball on more than one occasion and a couple of fine saves from Art. 

Special mention to Charlie Kilpatrick and Brooklyn Karamanov for their sportsmanship in helping Torrens Valley make up the numbers to play. 

1-1 full time. Another strong display of skill and determination from the Hahndorf Under 8’s. Well done!

Woodside Warriors Soccer Club Red vs Rangers Junior Soccer Club

Playing At Ashton this week, it was a very sunny day (quite the contrary of the regular pitch blanketed in fog). The boys all showed up in good spirits and were eager as always to start the game.

Immediately from the kick off it was obvious we were up against a well-matched opponent, and pressure was being displayed all over the field. Pushing the ball through the middle and deep into attack with Great skill Owen and Jesse provided us with plenty of great play. Our boys persisted and fought courageously, eventually scoring thanks to a powerful effort from Archer. By stopping a barrage of shots, Freddie in the goal ensured that the opposition knew it would take an amazing shot to get past him.

The players did a good job of settling in and finding their positions in the second half, and Daniel's repeated powerful runs up front worried the opposition. Our defensive line stayed in place and built an impenetrable wall to prevent any attacks the Rangers could mount. Nath held strong in the goals, grabbing everything that was sent his way. After much perseverance, Scott was able to hammer home a breakthrough. The players were greatly motivated by this, and Ed, Luca, and Freddie made some really excellent plays from the backline, which allowed us to have many more shots.

In a really open, fast-paced game this week, all of the boys put forth a lot of effort. Resulting in the play significantly improving from the first to the second halves. It is becoming clear which positions the boys prefer playing the most (apparently goalie is highly popular) with the Rock, Paper, Scissors needed to work out who’s' turn it would be in the 2nd half. It's wonderful to see the amount of improvement in such a short period of time and how they keep following our most important rule: Always Have Fun!

U9

Woodside Warriors Soccer Club Gold vs Stirling Districts Soccer Club White

For the first time this season Woodside Gold had all 10 players to meet Stirling at Mylor. Good passages of play by both teams were seen for the first 10 minutes. Charlie Dvorak and Ashley Hendrie were defending anything that came their way while Toby Rieman and "captain of the day" Jack Hogan were pushing the ball forward. Stefan Sims and Logan Piegalo are improving with every game and fired off some shots but just off the mark. Toby Smith sprinted 30 metres with the ball under pressure and hit the bottom left corner to see Gold take the lead. In every match so far Gold has been the first to score.

The first half had been an even tussle but as the match progressed the experience of Stirling began to show. They passed the ball much better to find gaps in Gold's defence allowing them to score some goals. Gold's practised plan to get the ball well down the pitch from the goalkeeper was working well and chances fell to Jo Smith and Zaion Lorefice. Mason Payne in his first match got a few kicks and while Gold didn't score again, overall it was a good team effort.

Woodside Warriors Soccer Club Red vs Mount Barker United Soccer Club White

Woodside U9 Red took on Mt Barker United U9 White at home under blue skies and produced a great team effort, much to the delight of a strong home crowd. The word of the week from coach Bob was ‘control’ particularly in front of goal and with that in mind the boys set about the task ahead.

From the outset the team locked the ball in their forward half with a well set defence ready to repel any attack and a forward line hungry to chase the ball down. The Mt Barker team pushed numbers back and provided good resistance and willingness to engage our forwards front on.

Coach Bob encouraged the team to spread, use their passing skills and find a team mate in a better position to attack from. Hayden Stewart opened the scoring for the ‘Reds’ with a well timed run and firm strike into the back of the net. With the game plan in place the team continued to chase the ball down, look for passing options and received reward for effort with Gus Albrecht also joining the scorers column in the first half.

At half time while tucking into the oranges, Coach Bob encouraged the team to continue looking for passing options including use of the defenders to allow time for the forwards to spread. The second half saw a continued effort the chase the ball, with Eddie North in particular winning several 1:1 contests in the midfield.

The number of passes surged (unofficial team record set) with numerous attacking phases which was very entertaining to watch. Benji Shepherd, Kingsley Cramp and Eddie North all joined the scorers column, but special mention goes to Oliver Starling who continued to position himself well in scoring spots.

Overall it was an excellent team performance. The boys are building good knowledge of the different positions on the pitch, the value of effective passing and controlling the ball in front of goal with an increased number of ‘shots on target’. Well done U9 Reds!

Hahndorf Soccer Club Black vs Murray Bridge United Soccer Club

It was a beautiful sunny morning at the Rob Kilpatrick Park where Hahndorf ‘s Under 9 boys team put on a strong effort showing great teamwork and determination against Murray Bridge. 

The first half was quiet for Angus Clifton who was goal keeperas Harris Parkyn and Hamish Glynn worked hard bringing the ball up the field from our defenders Charlie Roeszler and Leo Davies who all did a wonderful job passing the ball onto other players. Miles Hennessy and Michael Griggs put on a show in the forward half however they had a hard time getting through Murray Bridge’s goal keeper with their multiple attempts at goal. 

The second half saw Roeszler become goalkeeper who did an excellent job stopping Murray Bridge’s attempts at goal. Saxon Sulskis and Clifton did great in defence while Griggs, Hennessy and Davies fought hard up front. However, Murray Bridge knew our forward was strong so kept their best goalkeeper on and unfortunately he was too good for our players to get any goals through. 

The Hahndorf Under 9’s team put on a solid effort and thanks Murray Bridge for a great game.

Woodside Warriors Soccer Club Blue vs Stirling Districts Soccer Club Blue

A gloriously sunny and warm day greeted the Blues for a home game in Woodside. A full team came out for the day,  with all 10 boys excited and ready to go.

Captain William Ribbins showed great confidence for his second ever game, getting involved in all positions accross the field.

The Blues played their best yet game of attack, levelling up from previous weeks.

All players maaged to get themselves into the scoring position from some excellent plays, with near misses from Daniel Ebdell and Liam Harding a couple of standouts

Goal scorers for the day were Will Highson, Gage Erdmann and back to back scores from Quinn Scott, getting lucky with a spectactular fumble.

However it was the defensive game were the boys shone this week, finishing with a clean sheet 3 weeks in a row. They were almost impenetrable, and worked seamlessly together to get the turn around.

Another great game for the Blues!

U11

Hahndorf Soccer Club vs Nairne Knights Soccer Club

Round 3 Hahndorf vs Nairne was  a cracking morning at Rob Kilpatrick Park. 

It was quick to see the training as a team is beginning to show on the pitch on a Saturday. The team worked together to put forward  a strong attack. The Nairne goalie was worked hard with goals and goal attempts coming in consistently from Tom Gould, Pearl Beesley, Mason Saywell and Danny Morgan. 

 

Yi Xuan Chok, Archie Greene and Oliver Ramsey were creating a strong midfield. The footwork drills and understanding of the game with the use of strategy was evident as they worked together to create a barrier against Nairne. Booting the ball back towards the goals. Henley Crooke playing a strong defence ensuring the ball never passed him in the first half. Nairne barely getting it to their end in yhe first half, Joshua Blain in goals had a quiet morning enjoying the warm sun on a perfect autumn morning in the Adelaide hills.

The second half saw  Nico Moran have an opportunity to show tidy footwork and strong leg attempting goals from creative angles. The Nairne goal keeper showing off their strong keeping skills. Noah Duggan had some action in the second half in goals, comfortably looking after the goals. A well played game by both sides with perfect Adelaide hills weather. 

Hopefully this weather stays like this for all the mums braving the autumn sport crazy day. Happy Mother’s Day to the soccer mums and grandmothers. 

Woodside Warriors Soccer Club Red vs Mount Barker United Soccer Club Red

In a gripping Under 11 soccer clash between Woodside Warriors and Mount Barker United Red, the stage was set for a thrilling contest. On a gloomy day, Woodside Warriors were still in the process of finding their rhythm as a team, working on their passing and teamwork. Mount Barker United Red, known for their win-at-all-costs mentality, came out strong, but the Warrior under 11's showed resilience and determination.

As the first half unfolded, both teams displayed promising moments, but it was evident that Woodside was steadily improving their coordination. However, just as the rain began to pour during halftime, the tough-talking Mount Barker United squad made a surprising decision. They opted to head for cover and called off the game, leaving players and spectators disappointed.

While the final result remained uncertain, the Woodside Warriors under 11's had shown glimpses of their potential, and it's clear that with more time and practice, they have the ability to become a formidable force in the league.

Woodside Warriors Soccer Club Red vs Mount Barker United Soccer Club Red

In a gripping Under 11 soccer clash between Woodside Warriors and Mount Barker United Red, the stage was set for a thrilling contest. On a gloomy day, Woodside Warriors were still in the process of finding their rhythm as a team, working on their passing and teamwork. Mount Barker United Red, known for their win-at-all-costs mentality, came out strong, but the Warrior under 11's showed resilience and determination.

As the first half unfolded, both teams displayed promising moments, but it was evident that Woodside was steadily improving their coordination. However, just as the rain began to pour during halftime, the tough-talking Mount Barker United squad made a surprising decision. They opted to head for cover and called off the game, leaving players and spectators disappointed.

While the final result remained uncertain, the Woodside Warriors under 11's had shown glimpses of their potential, and it's clear that with more time and practice, they have the ability to become a formidable force in the league.

U12

Stirling Districts Soccer Club Blue (1) vs Stirling Districts Soccer Club White (7)

The game started with the full force of Stirling District White's attacking ability. The White team pushed through all defences early - giving themselves an amazing four goal advantage.

Through pure will and determination Stirling Districts Blue team took back their defensive line with Jarvis Haines leading and Seb Sandlands and Lucas Lewis throwing their all at the ball and at the players. Continually pushing themselves further as a team the Blues were able to stop the goal spillage and allow their first time goal keeper (Raf Merry) a chance to make exceptional blocks for the rest of the first half.

With the inspiring words of the Coach, the Blue team entered onto the field ready to slow down the attacking movement of the White team. Once again Jarvis Haines took the lead to place his defenders clearly as wall to be reckoned with. Meanwhile, Aidan Kirby used the movement of his attacking midfielders and wingers to score the only goal on offer for the Blues. With an amazing header assist from Tristan Vallance, Aidan was able to trick the goal keeper in the 35th minute and take what was owing to the Blue team.

As the game progressed the White team showed their dominance and grabbed an extra four goals.

Great determination and perseverance SDFC Blues - keep working and playing for the team! Thanks to SDFC White for an amazing challenge - you give us all something to aspire to!

Stirling Districts Soccer Club Blue (1) vs Mount Barker United Soccer Club White (7)

The game started with the full force of Stirling District White's attacking ability. The White team pushed through all defences early - giving themselves an amazing four goal advantage.

Through pure will and determinations Stirling Districts Blue team took back their defensive line with Jarvis leading and Seb and Lucas throwing their all at the ball and at the players. Continually pushing themselves further as a team the Blues were able to stop the goal spillage and allow their first time goal keeper (Raf Merry) a chance to make exceptional blocks for the rest of the first half.

With the inspiring words of the Coach the Blue team entered onto the field ready to slow down the attacking movement of the White team. Once again Jarvis Haines took the lead to place his defenders clearly as wall to be reckoned with. Meanwhile, Aidan Kirby used the movement of his attacking midfielders and wingers to score the only goal on offer for the Blues. With an amazing header assistant from Tristan Vallance, Aidan was able to trick the goal keeper in the 35th minute and take what was owing to the Blue team.

As the game progressed the White team showed their dominance and grabbed an extra four goals.

Great determination and perseverance SDFC Blues - keep working and playing for the team! Thanks to SDFC White for an amazing challenge - you give us all something to aspire to!

U13

Hahndorf Soccer Club (6*) vs Rangers Junior Soccer Club (0)

The weather was perfect as the Hahndorf U13s gathered on their home pitch to face Rangers. Following a Rangers kick off, Hahndorf quickly gained possession of the ball and began a strong attack on the Rangers with two attempts at goals by Harry Wood and Jack Gaskin, both foiled by excellent defence by the Rangers. Sonjae Cook kept up the pressure and had a shot at a goal saved by the keeper. He was joined by Cohen Whinfield, who scored the first goal of the match. The goalie valiantly fended off another goal, only for Whinfield to score again. Louis Moran and Eli Parkyn worked hard in midfield down the right and linked up well to move the ball forward.

Caleb Earley was one of several team members who demonstrated excellent communication and passing to keep possession of the ball and navigate the Ranger’s defenders. One goal kick was intercepted by Ashon Broadbent, who took the opportunity to send it swiftly back towards the goal, hitting the cross bar. Taking a corner, Emlyn Gilroy did a short pass to Christopher Haynes, who played it back to E Gilroy. After dribbling it to avoid the defence, he chipped it to Rowan Gilroy, who volleyed it into the top right corner and scored the third goal of the match.

In the second half, Jacob Gerber came off the bench to play in goals while at the other end Wood demonstrated some tricky footwork and had a couple of shots at a goal. Jackson Bidgood had a quiet time as goalie in the first half but worked hard in midfield in the second half. Keeping up the pressure on the Rangers. E Gilroy scored three goals for Hahndorf, followed by a goal from Lawson Shotton with the final goal from E Gilroy. Despite Hahndorf’s strong attack, the Rangers players showed good morale and determination, with Hahndorf players commenting on their resilience. Overall, this match had great moments of sportsmanship, cooperation, and teamwork.

U15

Woodside Warriors Soccer Club Blue (2) vs Rangers Junior Soccer Club (3)

Woodside U15 hosted Rangers this week for a round three tussle that pitted two very different teams against each other in a nail biter that would not be decided until the dying minutes of play.

From very early in the encounter Rangers were able to establish a territorial advantage as they pushed the ball forward and attempted to beat their way through with sheer force. This led to several dangerous runs that threatened to break the game open. But the Woodside backs were up to the challenge, establishing a wall of bodies 20 yards from home and keeping all-comers at bay. Rangers did manage to fire off several shots in the first ten minutes of play, but the pressure of the Red and Blue ensured that these were hurried, and the skill of their gloveman kept the scorecard clean. And when Woodside broke free, they showed what they could do with the ball at their feet. Finding space down the left, they surged through the Rangers defence, getting behind the line and running on at the keeper. The finish from their left midfielder was cool, calm and precise, and sent the home crowd into rapturous applause. From here, the game settled into a familiar rhythm – Rangers hacked at the fortress walls – Woodside stood resolute! And it wasn’t any one individual who stood up at the back for Woodside, it was the collective! Teamwork in defence! Yes, individuals were beaten by their opponent, but on every occasion, their mates were there for them, covering their backs and fighting for a common purpose. And when they did get beaten, they scampered around to provide cover in their turn. But none of this should detract from the performance of the Rangers, who were enjoying a sound territorial advantage and firing off plenty of shots. Eventually one found its mark and locked the game up at one all after half an hour of play. If it wasn’t before, this game was really on a knife’s edge now. With their backs up, Rangers were threatening to blow the game apart. But still they could not penetrate the line and it was Woodside who drew next blood. This time they attacked down their right, got creative through deft, accurate passes and had their centre mid slide one past the keeper right on the stroke of half time.

The second half brought more of the same. Long periods of attack and individual brilliance from the visitors – organised, dogged defence from the locals. As a result, Rangers sent five shots at goal in the first 20 minutes of the half that were comfortably saved by the keeper. Eventually, one of these found its mark putting the scorecard back onto an even keel as we were locked at two goals a-piece. Bloody hell! There is only so much of this that a parent can take! It was one of those gripping, nail-biting games that you wanted your side to win but you could certainly accept the aptness of a draw. But the football gods had not written a draw into the script of this one… Woodside had their best chance to go ahead after 25 minutes of the 40-minute term, Rangers after 32, but with neither defensive unit yielding, it would take something else to decide this contest – A free kick… 25 yards out from the Woodside sticks. With two minutes left on the clock, the referee’s whistle caused a simultaneous pause in the rhythm of a hundred hearts. All in attendance held their breath as the ball was placed on the grass. The wall stood at attention. The keeper clapped his mitts together. And the tall Rangers’ striker sunk his boot into the leather. The ball sailed over the wall, initially heading for the scrub, but it curled downwards, arcing an inch under the crossbar and grazing the finger-tips of the desperate keeper. Elation and heartbreak filled the Woodside Recreation Grounds in equal measure.

And as the ref blew her whistle to close proceedings, we were again reminded why we drag ourselves out of bed to brave all weathers and watch our youngsters compete in the beautiful game. Despite their elation or grief, the opposing groups came together to shake hands, half of them humble in victory, the other gracious in defeat.

U17

Hahndorf Soccer Club (2) vs Woodside Warriors Soccer Club Red (4)

The Hahndorf u17 travelled to Woodside this week on a chilly but fine morning for a 9am game. In only their second game together as a team, they put on a fantastic effort to go down 4-2 in what could have been a lot closer with a bit of luck. Hahndorf started strongly getting plenty of the ball early with Toby Thomas and George Papakostas getting busy straight away. Woodside Red’s attacking was fierce resulting in goalkeeper Tom Boekel getting no rest with some good saves. Woodside scored first to get on the scoreboard, Hahndorf were getting the ball forward a lot through Oscar Johnson and Mitch Stribley resulting in a close header from Stefan Panic. When Woodside was able to push the ball forward, Hahndorf’s defence of Zara Tinsley-Smith and Rhys Davies were quick to diffuse it and get the ball forward again.  It took an excellent long range goal from Woodside which Boekel got a hand to but just failed to get over the bar to go 2-0 up. Tinsley-Smith also did a great save herself on the goal line, saving a certain goal. Gabe Aylen playing his first game in 2 years started strongly on the wing. Nicholas Brown was getting the ball forward a lot resulting in a Thomas shot just missing. Hahndorf were passing and using the ball well as a team but couldn’t get on the scoreboard. Woodside went 3-0 up after another long range goad. Charlie Zorkovic, Lewis Johnson and Oliver Combe were getting touches of the ball and soon a great cross from Papakostas to a Panic header scored Hahndorf’s first goal! 3-1. Brown and Papakostas were busy around the centre/forward still keeping the Woodside defence on their toes! Another goal to Woodside saw them go 4-1 up at halftime. The scoreboard did not reflect the evenness of the game!

Hahndorf started strongly again in the second half with close misses from Panic and Thomas. A perfectly delivered corner kick to a signalling Thomas resulted in a great headed goal. 4-2. Some nice play from Zorkovic, Panic and Aylen saw Brown come oh so close to Hahndorf’s third goal but it was not to be! Boekel’s goalkeeping wasn’t letting Woodside score in the second half. The team continued to play awesomely with everone getting in on the action. Woodside’s goalie was also playing well and continued pressure from Hahndorf couldn’t get past him. The game finished at 4-2. A great second game from Hahndorf played in great spirit and effort. Thank you also to Woodside Red for a great match!

U17G

Woodside Warriors Soccer Club Rams (0) vs Stirling Districts Soccer Club (4)

Round 3                                               Stirling Vs Woodside Rams 

It was a beautiful Autumn day, so beautiful we were down to our T shirts on the sidelines, which was totally unexpected as earlier in the week it felt like it might snow it was so cold. 

We were here today for a battle against the top spot holders for the season, and new we would have a battle on our hands. 

First half really showed that we were here to play and that they would have to give it everything to hold us back. It seamed like we had all of the ball and the half was nearly over and still sitting at nil all. Miss after miss from the Woodside Rams attack and no score to show for it. Oh-oh, Stirling had a threw ball and a big run on nothing our goalie could do as it was one on one. Bang it was a goal. Stirling had taken the lead just before the half time break. 

Time for some lollies and some Motivation, our goalie whom had done a stand out job came out from goals and back out onto the pitch, but the swap meant we had taken some power out of our mid field and it turned out it took out to much. 

By the end of the second half the score was very different with a sizable loss, but I think if you came and watch the match you would have thought Woodside Rams were winning as the fight and desire to take the ball and have the ball and drive the ball was all with the Woodside Rams. 

Great game team. 

Stirling Districts Soccer Club (4) vs Mount Barker United Soccer Club Red (0)

Unseasonably warm weather and bright sunshine saw Woodside and Stirling line up to complete round one. The game was tight from the start with Woodside having the better of it and confining much of the play to Stirling’s half. In return Stirling lunched some solo breaks, but the Woodside defence pulled them up well short of their 18-yard box. Woodside then pinned Stirling in their own half and some good goal keeping by En Ueda and some luck were all that kept Woodside from scoring at least two early goals. Led by Feiya Huang, Stirling lifted its work rate and started to piece together some combinations. The centre channel impenetrable, good distribution by Jess Verryt launched Layla Preece, Jasmijn Weits, and Aubrey Adams into clear air, and in the 24th minute, Aubrey Adams found the net. The Stirling defence of Rosalie Taylor, Emma Dalton, Izzy Bailes, Jae Fitch and Nora Bijlsma found a pattern and took the pressure of their keeper so that at half time Stirling were a somewhat improbable 1-0 up.

Enlivened, Stirling started the second half more confidently and flipped the table to pin Woodside down. Polly Harrison gained ascendancy in centre backed up by Emma Dalton, Izzy Bailes and some good passing combinations developed with Rosalie Taylor, Feiya Huang and Aubrey Adams on the left and Jasmijn Weits, Auriana Healy and En Ueda on the right. Despite good defending which kept many attacks out Auriana Healy sped her way through to score Stirling’s second. Relentless pressure saw Jess Verryt gain the half chance she needed score from just outside the 6-yard box. Then only a minutes later Feiya Huang made good one of her high paced attacks to score Stirling’s fourth. Woodside’s defence was good though and it was almost impossible to get very far into the 18-yard box. Woodside then lifted and pushed back into Stirling’s half. Now it was Stirling’s turn to defend resolutely for most of the last ten minutes. Despite some good attacks and shots, Woodside were just unable to net the ball and Stirling ran out winners 4-0.

Stirling Districts Soccer Club (4) vs Woodside Warriors Soccer Club Rams (0)

Unseasonably warm weather and bright sunshine saw Woodside and Stirling line up to complete round one. The game was tight from the start with Woodside having the better of it and confining much of the play to Stirling’s half. In return Stirling lunched some solo breaks, but the Woodside defence pulled them up well short of their 18-yard box. Woodside then pinned Stirling in their own half and some good goal keeping by En Ueda and some luck were all that kept Woodside from scoring at least two early goals. Led by Feiya Huang, Stirling lifted its work rate and started to piece together some combinations. The centre channel impenetrable, good distribution by Jess Verryt launched Layla Preece, Jasmijn Weits, and Aubrey Adams into clear air, and in the 24th minute, Aubrey Adams found the net. The Stirling defence of Rosalie Taylor, Emma Dalton, Izzy Bailes, Jae Fitch and Nora Bijlsma found a pattern and took the pressure of their keeper so that at half time Stirling were a somewhat improbable 1-0 up.

Enlivened, Stirling started the second half more confidently and flipped the table to pin Woodside down. Polly Harrison gained ascendancy in centre backed up by Emma Dalton, Izzy Bailes and some good passing combinations developed with Rosalie Taylor, Feiya Huang and Aubrey Adams on the left and Jasmijn Weits, Auriana Healy and En Ueda on the right. Despite good defending which kept many attacks out Auriana Healy sped her way through to score Stirling’s second. Relentless pressure saw Jess Verryt gain the half chance she needed score from just outside the 6-yard box. Then only a minutes later Feiya Huang made good one of her high paced attacks to score Stirling’s fourth. Woodside’s defence was good though and it was almost impossible to get very far into the 18-yard box. Woodside then lifted and pushed back into Stirling’s half. Now it was Stirling’s turn to defend resolutely for most of the last ten minutes. Despite some good attacks and shots, Woodside were just unable to net the ball and Stirling ran out winners 4-0.