Match report

Match report

Woodside Warriors Red U12’s travelled to Nairne on a beautiful spring’s morning to face mid table and very competitive Nairne. Both teams started well and the game initially became an entertaining swift paced affair where both defenses were regularly tested. Although Woodside had created a few forward scoring opportunities, Nairne’s defenders on the counter attack played a very dangerous long ball to clear their defensive lines. Woodside’s defenders led by Nate Dealtry, Jordan Virgara and Deagen Arnold had their work cut out and expertly dealt with Nairne’s very quick wingers who had tried to make the most of the long ball against the break. There were some nervous moments for Axel Vassos in goals however most shots on goal were successfully saved or parried into safety. Elliot Klein, Jamie Spooner and Rojo Nambiar linked up in the midfield positions and provided many rebounding opportunities for Finn Craddock and Woodside’s central striker, Josh Constable. Klein picked up a knock which re-injured a wound from a previous game and Woodside held the last minute attack from Nairne as their captain was patched from the sidelines. With the game and sun starting to ramp up, at half time the score was nil all and both teams left the field red faced giving their all in a very even first half.

During the half time discussion, the Warrior’s coach mentioned that he was very happy with their work rate /intent and implored the players to stick to their game plan and their rewards will come for the movements forward as they had caused some hearts in mouth moments for the Nairne defense. Nairne started the first minutes positively and some slick passing forward made Finn Randall started to cover a lot of ground along the wings as he protected Nairne’s attempts to penetrate the Warrior’s defensive lines. Virgara’s interceptions in central defense allowed the Warrior’s to start controlling the tempo of the game. Ball movement through Nambiar Constable and Klein started to put enormous pressure on Nairne’s fullbacks. Klein was creating havoc in Nairne’s penalty box and eventually was fouled from behind in a mistimed tackle which gave the referee no other option, and a penalty was awarded. Klein stepped up to the spot and expertly put one into the back of the net, the Warrior’s players ecstatically surrounded their captain and celebrated by finally breaking the deadlock. However, Nairne refused to throw the towel in and stepped up a gear in the blink of an eye they had cut through the Warrior’s defense and equalised. The Warrior’s players with only one substitute on the bench were starting to fatigue and there was some concern of how the next goal was going to be manufactured. Spooner who was the playing his best game of the season, started controlling the ball beautifully through the midfield and gave steady supply to Craddock, Gracie Lloyd and Constable. Wave after wave of attacks started and the Warrior’s started to force more corners with deep in the box opportunities. Somehow the Nairne keeper managed to negate the Warrior’s attempts through some very desperate lunging and vice like hands kept Nairne in the contest. Constable produced some amazing acceleration and continually cut through the Nairne’s 3 defenders single handily leading the forward press charges. All we could do was watch in amazement from the sidelines and wonder why and how he wasn’t rewarded for the amount of times he successfully got onto a one on one with the goal keeper. Klein and Nambiar continued very dangerous link ups and eventually Klein netted his second goal for the day swinging the momentum back the Warrior’s way. With 15 minutes to play, the Warrior’s continued their forward attacks and Lloyd continued to position herself within goal range and was unlucky not to press for the 3rd goal. Nairne’s kick out of goals caused some awkward moments on the center bounce however, Arnold playing at Right Back owned the play and completely nullified any of the Nairne’s forward presses with his best performance for the year. Again Dealtry and Virgara linked up holding the last line of defense expertly and, although Nairne’s attack was creating enormous pressure, the Warrior’s absorbed it and cleared the ball out and pilled the pressure back on the Nairne defense. Full time whistle finished with the Warriors 2 and Nairne who had played very well 1. After the game the Warrior’s coach had noted that this was the most evenly spread contribution from the Warrior’s side to date, in very hot conditions, to maintain that intensity against a strong Nairne side was very pleasing and no doubt the players will sleep well Saturday night.