Match report

Match report

Strath Strikers hosted Woodside Warriors U12 Blue under clear skies and the most un-wintery of conditions, setting the stage for fast, free flowing football.

Both teams jumped out of the blocks well, and the early exchanges were evenly matched as each group fought cleanly for possession and transferred the ball forward with skill and precision. In front of goals, both teams were setting up chances, but good defensive structure and effort was keeping the score-card blank. As the game progressed and both teams strove forward with intent, the tension steadily built. Antagonistic forces were being applied in conflicting directions, producing an unsustainable load. And under such conditions, something had to give. Unfortunately for the visitors, it was their high defensive line that cracked. A long ball burst through the line and created a foot-race for the ball, and although the retreating Warrior ran with all he had, the Strath striker found the ball first and sent it into the back of the net. After such an even start, the goal came like a cold dagger to the hearts of the hard-working Warriors and it took some wind out of their sails. It felt unjust, but it was now written in ink and if they wanted victory, the Warriors would have to lift. But for the next ten minutes they didn’t lift enough. A few of the Warriors were now standing a fraction off their direct opponent, giving them space, and just that half-second of time. And against top-quality players, that is all it takes. Eventually, a powerful strike from 30 out sailed long and high over the Warriors goalie, giving the Strikers a 2 – nil lead at the break.

Half-time brought a welcome relief for the visitors and provided a chance to reset and re-intensify. And that is just what they did. After a ten minute period of not-quite-good-enough, they were now matching the home team in every facet of play, including effort. Now the game appeared to be back in the balance, and a come-back felt a real possibility. But Strath just wouldn’t yield. They defended with class and continued to threaten on the rebound, pushing the ball through whenever possible. And it was this relentless style of defend-and-counter that yielded another 2 goals for the home team in the second half. But the visitors were unwilling to leave without troubling the scorer and eventually found a goal of their own by continuing to put the ball in the box and fighting for the ball. The visitors also created an avalanche of chances in the dying minutes as they ran the ball forward with unyielding intent. But Strath were up to the challenge, their defence retreating just quickly enough to save the day on several occasions.

And so it ended, with the scorecard showing a solid victory for the home side: Strathalbyn Strikers 4 – 1 Woodside Warriors