Match report

Match report

The Woodside under 15 Reds played a hard fought match against Stirling Districts blue yesterday, and although play was mostly in our favour, we couldn’t convert multiple opportunities, with a soft penalty awarded against us, that ultimately saw us go down 1-3. This being said, there were multiple passages of play that saw us very strong in defence, and the strength in midfield did move the ball forward on several occasions. It was also good to see several of our players recovering from their ailments that left us with less holes.

There was commendable play from our defence with Bob closing up their left wing, and Flynn on the right. Stirling were clearly used to runs down the wing with crosses in to the centre, and Cooper was well protected by our two defenders. In fact, Cooper had a relaxing game as very few through balls were sent due to the speed and pressure we applied at all times, not giving them any time to create. They had a very strong creative midfielder (number 12), and Bradley was successful in not allowing him to create any play by marking him out of the game. James had an exceptional first half in keeper, reading the play beautifully and covering the shots with determination. Banjo played a great second half in keeper, with good ball reading and positioning seeing him have a reasonably easy second half compared to some games.

Our midfield was a bit hit and miss, but the majority of the time kept the opposition honest. Riley owned the ball in his space, and fed some creative outside right foot passes unpredictably down the left wing. For ‘not a midfielder’ he covered his position very well. Sam, although a little slow at times, most of the game was his usual, reliable middle cover with pressure being placed, a few runs, and some creative forward passing. Lysiane coped well given her ankle injury, and solidly covered the right midfield with her usual strength. Banjo played out of position from his usual attack, and put in a strong effort to get the ball forward. Ruby played her first full half in midfield, and worked very well at creating opportunities and space, pushing forward and switching with Maya at times.  

Ryan tried to be creative in forward and got a few shots off, but his colour isn’t back yet, most likely related to the fact he was marked by 3 players out of the game! Harry had several runs down the left wing with great pressure and a few good shots, and James although very creative, struggled as anytime he got the ball, Stirling had multiple players shutting him down. We couldn’t make space in attack, but it will come.

The two outstanding players of the match were easy to see. Cohen continues to move from strength to strength with amazing ball ownership anytime the ball comes within his space. He is able to understand when he has time, and when he doesn’t and can read the game ahead of him. His speed and focus just didn’t stop. He moved forward at safe times, and was quickly back without leaving any holes in defence. Finally Maya played an outstanding game, covering the centre midfield beautifully. She was able to get the ball regardless of who was there every time, and created her own space, allowing her time to look around and move the ball with intelligence.

Ultimately, our defence was tight and midfield improving nicely which will lead to stronger attacking play. Despite their strength, we held and played a strong game back, and it was not easy for them. We did not give up, or get upset thus although they won, we did not lose. Our potential is there. We will keep working on our fitness as this is the obvious place that allow us more space and time in the play on the field.