Match report

Match report

It was an overcast yet sunny afternoon when Murray Bridge United Soccer Club Under 12 Blue hosted Hahndorf Soccer Club Under 12 White captained by Oliver Aylen. Hahndorf players all wore black armbands in memory of Rob Kilpatrick, with both teams entering the pitch in ceremonial style before a minute’s silence. Strikers Levi Beesley and Hayden Lien and midfielder Zoe York had a promising start attacking on the centre left. However, it was just a few minutes before Murray Bridge Blue were able to push through defence and score the first goal of the match. Continued pressure from Murray Bridge saw some fearless defending by Oliver Aylen and keeper Ryder Hill. Midfielder Harrison Gould made a decisive pass to York before Murray Bridge once again controlled play and scored. Patrick Hinze in defence made some good passes through to Gould. Hayden Lien endured some rough play like a champion before another goal was conceded. Defender Oliver Dahmke demonstrated some strong skills, working well with Beesley. Defender Jasper Jones switched on with some of the most impressive play from him this season. Not to be outdone, defender Dante Man threw himself into the thick of it, delivering a solid kick sending the ball sailing back into Hahndorf White’s attack. As Murray Bridge Blue pushed back, there was more impressive work from Dahmke and Hill. Exceptional pressure and team work by Emlyn Gilroy, Beesley, York and Gould was frustratingly not rewarded on the score board. Murray Bridge pushed back again and scored. Hahndorf’s hunger for the ball did not subsided. Gould’s attempt on goal devastatingly sailed high above the cross bar, Dahmke’s bounced off the outside of the post and York’s was saved by the keeper. Mostly this first half was quite on the right, translating to not as much ball time for Gilroy, Jacob Gardner and Reilly Bowden as we’ve seen in previous weeks.

Harry Mumford arrived from other commitments in time to take to the pitch for the second half and he certainly brought his A game. Murray Bridge Blue pushed hard and were thwarted by a great save from Hill. Hahndorf White switched on and there was a good attempt on goal by Lien. Defenders Dahmke, Man, Aylen and Gardner really working the offside rule were, hugging the half line whenever Hahndorf White were in attack. Bowden effectively maintained this style of play with the others when he was brought on in defence. There were a couple of other great saves by the unflappable Hill. Mixing up play from some standards saw York take the sideline throw-ins to great effect giving opportunities to Gilroy, Gould and Dahmke to receive the ball. Beesley and York were once again working well together when Beesley was injured but his tenacity saw him stay on the pitch. Finally, Lien’s persistence finally paid off with a goal.

At the final whistle, the scores were Murray Bridge Blue 5 to Hahndorf White 1. Hahndorf Under 12 White wish to thank Murray Bridge United Soccer Club Under 12 Blue for the game played Saturday 12 September 2020.