Match report

Match report

A clear but  windy day greeted players and spectators at Anembo Park for the Round 4 - U/12 clash between Mount Barker and Stirling United. Mount Barker were coming off 2 consecutive wins whilst Stirling United were yet to lose a game this season. A good game was looming as Mount Barker were chasing a hat-trick of wins whilst Stirling were looking to cement their position in the Top 4 on the competition ladder. A good crowd of family, friends and supporters were in attendance.

Mount Barker started proceedings and quickly penetrated into the Stirling defensive line. The Stirling defence were up to the task and confidently delivered the ball forward to their fast running midfielders. After a good combination of passes, Stirling #19 Corby Tucker, directed a good shot on goal and found the back of the net after only 4mins. Mount Barker were a little shocked to concede such an early goal.

From the kickoff, Mount Barker surrendered possession and Stirling threatened to add to the scoreboard. The Mount Barker defensive line was solid and after some good scrambling, managed to clear the ball to their fast running midfielder, #7 Rupert Curran. With a well timed pass the ball was fed to the fleet-footed Mount Barker striker, # 27 Archer Hawkins who with a good turn of speed broke away from the Stirling defensive line and directed the ball into the back of the net 

At the 10min mark scores were locked at 1-1

Mount Barker's goal seemed to jolt the Stirling team into action who responded almost immediately with a fast goal by the skilful #10 Samuel Doyle, who shot calmly to put his team back in the lead 2-1. After only 11mins the crowd had witnessed 3 goals! This game was entertaining to say the least. 

The next 15mins belonged to Stirling who grew in confidence, dominated possession and field position. At the 16min mark a second goal to #10 Samuel Doyle threatened to open the floodgates He was now running rampant through the Mount Barker defence. This goal was backed up shortly before half-time when  #19 Corby Tucker also claimed his second goal for the game. A couple of substitutions by the Mount Barker coach saw Billie Goedecke pull on the keepers gloves and Sophia Canova enter the fray. 

At the halftime break Stirling were confidently leading 4 -1 

The second half began a little slower than the first. Mount Barker were now more composed and structured in their play. This however did not stop the Stirling United #2, Aiden McKenna from increasing his teams lead with a good shot into the back of the net to take them to a 5-1 lead. 

From the kickoff Mount Barker responded almost immediately with the ball pressed hard up into the Stirling defensive line. After a period of scrambling in front of goals, the ball found its way to the feet of Mount Barkers ever reliable striker #27 Archer Hawkins, who shot true for his second goal of the game. 

The scoreline now read 5-2 in Stirling Uniteds favour and 3 players were vying for a hat-trick of goals! 

In the windy conditions both teams now struggled to maintain possession. The game now swung end to end without any further score

At the full time whistle Stirling United were victorious (5-2) and maintained their unbeaten run of 4 games

Stirling United must now feel very confident going into their Round 5 clash next week against Murray Bridge Blue. For Mount Barker, they must now compose themselves and focus on their next clash against Hahndorf White

Both coaches agreed the game was played in good spirits and was an entertaining spectacle