Match report

Match report

It was only a few rounds ago when it was noted that key players can make a big difference to a game. Might be a strong defender, a striker responsible for most of the team goals or a great mid-fielder doing a lot of both. This was certainly evident in Saturday’s game between the Woodside Warriors and Strathalbyn White.

The match, held at the Woodside Recreation Ground, added to a long line of games between the two teams. Strathalbyn White have certainly been a menace to Woodside, particularly last season when they were able to dominate over them over three or four games. Nothing major. A goal or two at most. One game in particular was played under lights and was a cup round. The two teams played a full game before going into overtime. The outcome went to Strathalbyn White but Woodside were deserving of the win as much as them.

Cut to now. Woodside were down a few regular players. Two of these are Rep players and both strikers, whilst the other plays a central role. Meanwhile Strathalbyn White were missing a few too. CHARLEE GOMEZ and KALAN BROOKS were notably absent. Out due to injuries. With absences across both teams it will certainly be a test on players filling new positions.

The game kicked off at 9am on a soaked pitch from the preceding rains. Even at kick off a light drizzle and the coldest of temperatures reminded everyone that it is indeed winter.

Woodside supporters were surprised when the home team opened their account early. Their youngest player, EDDIE HERMAN, scored at both the 5 and 7 minute mark. Strathalbyn quickly patched up the holes in their defence and slowed down play, at least until the 25 minute mark when MASON DUNOW scored a third for Woodside. A speedy run saw JETT TONKIN take himself off due to ill-health, possibly due to over exertion. He then rested on the sideline for a while.

Half-time came and went, with Woodside entering the second half concerned that Strathalbyn can claw their way back. Their concerns were realised when NED HARDY scored on the 63rd minute. To make matters worse, and an exciting game for everyone, RILEY BROOK added a second via a penalty to Strathalbyn White’s tally.

From then it was a whole lot of back and forth between the two teams. Some rough play saw a yellow card handed out to a Strath player, and Woodside’s coach removing part of the problem with a final substitute.

Strathalbyn White were unlucky not to score again, something that would have surely happened with one of their absent players. Meanwhile Woodside were happy to take the win and the three points. The game ended 3-2 in Woodside’s favour.

“We’re happy with that”, said Coach BRUCE TONKIN post-game. “The boys were concerned going into the game with both teams positioned similarly on the ladder. I expect that the next game between the two will be just as difficult and twice as exciting.”

IZEYAH RAYMOND had a particularly strong game in mid-field, landing him with the title of best player. Whilst EDDIE HERMAN and ASHER HAMMAT excelled in their positions.

Strathalbyn White will take a rest in the first game in the second half of the season. Woodside will be challenged by Stirling United at Woodside Recreation Ground.