Match report

Match report

It was a glorious Saturday morning for the final game of the season for this young U14 warriors team. With a change of location earlier in the week, the team headed to Cornerstone College for this fixture. The Warriors knew it was going to be a tough game after getting away with a draw last time these teams met, in the dying moments. With the Warriors also low in numbers it was good that siblings were there to assist to ensure players got a break.

Mount Barker won the toss and chose to play down hill in the first half, trying to use the breeze to their advantage. With this decision made the Warriors knew it would be a tough defensive half.  Both teams started well with the ball flowing up and down the park. Mt Barker continued to apply pressure with their long throw-ins and good passing. On a number of cases they managed to get the ball into the Woodside goal area, but the defence held strong and cleared the ball out repeatedly. Through some good clearance the Woodside defence combined well with their midfield moving the forward into the Mt Barker half to provide some opportunities for themselves, but the Mt Barker back four remained strong. Woodside were awarded an indirect free kick just outside the box in the closing minutes, but the shot went over the bar. In one last ditched effort of the half the Woodside attacking midfielder was presented an opportunity but the shot went wide and the first half finished at 0-0.

The second half the Warriors felt they had a chance, with the wind now at their back and a run slightly down hill they could apply the pressure. Mt Barker had other plans and started the half of the better playing the ball cleverly down the flanks and crossing the ball into waiting attachers. Woodside defended well during this time, but too many attacks finally saw Mt Barker slot the ball home for the lead. With renewed belief Mt Barker picked up their game and started to again make passes to feet causing the Woodside defence to stand strong and close down their opponents before another opportunity presented itself to Mt Barker. Woodside also began to make passes and start to add their own pressure to the Mt Barker defence, but time was against the Warriors and the game finished 1-0 to Mt Barker.