Match report

Match report

While the Spring weather was jolly, the atmosphere was tense as the Strikers faced their closest neighbour, Mount Barker. The game was held on their home ground, at Anembo Park.

The game started with the speed of lightning, with the Strikers’ Brooklyn Rigney scoring the opening goal two minutes in. Even though Brooklyn had given her team an advantage, it was surprisingly close in the early game. Mount Barker attacked just as fiercely as the Strikers, Charlotte Reid in defence working hard. The two teams wrestled for possession, with Layla Frahn securing the ball and shooting, but her kick was blocked. Mount Barker seemed to have improved massively since their last game, and they really put the pressure on. The next goal came from Mount Barker, skilfully shooting the ball past the goalkeeper after a corner kick. In quick response, Layla Frahn scored another goal, only two minutes after, putting her team in the lead once more. However, Mount Barker was not satisfied being a goal down, and quickly caught up, slipping another shot past the keeper.

Had the game turned in Mount Barker’s favour? Layla Frahn took possession and shot for the goals, but due to the massive crowd around the goals, it was easily blocked. Matilda Mundy showed her goalkeeping prowess with an easy save, preserving Strath’s lead. Brooklyn Rigney played an impressive game in midfield. Her shining moment was a spectacular goal, scored straight from a corner kick. Eat your heart out, David Beckham! As excellent as some of the attacking players were, the defenders were equally as remarkable. Caitlyn did a great job at keeping the ball out of the ‘danger zone’, while Hannah worked tirelessly to protect her goal. Shortly before the halftime whistle blew, Brooklyn and Bonnie worked together to deliver a stunning goal. Brooklyn crossed the ball to Bonnie with power and accuracy who finished the job, sinking the ball into the net. The whistle blew, and Strathalbyn was on top.

With an excellent pep talk (and starbursts from Layla) the Strikers were energised and ready to go. Layla was a force to be reckoned with fresh off the bat in the second half. She had several shots at goal and defiantly never let the ball get past her.  Luck was on Strathalbyn’s side with a fumble from the Mt Barker goal keeper securing another goal for the Strikers. A notable mention was Evie Brook, who was on the verge of scoring her first goal of the season. She had a number of opportunities, but they somehow evaded her. Another stand-out player was Gemma, a reasonably new addition to the team. She maintained pressure on the opposition and was a star on the wing. Strathalbyn switched some players at this point, subbing Lexi out and Maddie in. The moment she set foot on the pitch, she sprang into action, defending furiously.

Sometimes it takes a small shift in power to turn the tide. In this instance the power came from Brooklyn’s right leg, sending the ball from the halfway mark all the way into the goals. Impressive!

The Strikers shone in the later part of the game. Layla and Leah worked well as a team, passing between each other. Matilda was able to demonstrate her goal keeping skills with another save, and Hannah (who is usually in defence) shooting a close-range goal, earning another point for the Strikers. Brooklyn Rigney and Leah Davis both had opportunities to score but were unlucky. Barker did not give up, even when they were many points behind. They continued their attack into the final moments of the game, scoring a goal off of a well placed cross. Unfortunately, the Strikers were too far ahead at this point. The whistle blew, and Strathalbyn celebrated another win.