Match report

Match report

The penultimate game of the season saw the third instalment of Woodside Vs Woodside at the Warriors’ Fortress. It’s probably fair to say that Woodside Red had dominated the previous two encounters, with a clear statistical advantage in both games. But despite this, the honours had been shared, with each side claiming a win. Today was a very similar affair. Both sides were significantly understaffed today too, with a number of U12’s stepping up to fill the gaps. And at one point an injury to Blue reduced them to only ten on the field (Red also removed a player at this point to balance the affair).

Woodside Red clearly dominated the first half of this encounter, creating 13 shots on goal to Woodside Blue’s 2. And yet when the teams sat down for a half-time chat none had beaten the goalkeeper. For Woodside Red, it was total frustration! They were playing fine football at both ends. Defending cleanly at the back to take possession and provide valuable ball for their inexperienced midfield, who were linking beautifully with their front three to create an abundance of opportunities. And their front three looked hot as well, beating Blue’s back four repeatedly to go one-V-one with the keeper. But they just couldn’t finish, several shots shaved the outside of the goalpost, one hit the crossbar, and the keeper did the rest, putting in a fine performance with the gloves. It was Like watching Liverpool play Palace this season, only without the head-but-of- frustration.

It must be said that Woodside Blue lifted in the second half, and although Red still dominated the game slightly, it was much, much tighter. Woodside Red goaled in the 2nd minute of the half through a fine strike from their right wing and looked set to go on with it. But Blue wouldn’t capitulate and in the 11th minute they found a goal of their own when Red were a little slow to clear the ball out of their box. Red rallied on the back of this goal but were repelled time and again by a Woodside Blue centre back who simply refused to back down. Eventually, with only five on the clock, Woodside Blue’s right wing hit a pearler of a shot from the left corner of the 18-yard box that flew goalward. It curled beautifully through the air towards the top right corner of the net… hit the inside of the post… bounced back in front of goal… and was cleared out of the area. It was just one of those days for Woodside Blue! There was no further score after this point and the game ended in a 1 – all draw.

The entirety of this match was played with impeccable sportsmanship. It was tough and physical, but clean. And all present were proud to be part of the Woodside Warriors Junior Football Club!