Match report

Season Date Round Venue
2019 U14 Div 1 1st June 10:30am League Round 7 SSC Polo Ground Pitch 1
Goals
N. Smith (3'), A. Phelan (11'), A. Phelan (14'), A. Phelan (24'), T. Leigh (70')

Best
K. Henry (1st), A. Phelan (2nd), N. Smith (3rd)
Goals
T. Wilson (52')

Best
N/A
Match report

With the Aldgate pitch waterlogged, the U14 game between Stirling United and Strathalbyn White was relocated to Strathalbyn. The game was played in near perfect conditions, with cloud cover but no precipitation and only the gentlest of breezes to contend with. An early goal from Nick Smith got the game underway, but it soon became clear that the game would be hotly contested with both teams having chances to break forward. Ky Henry continued his outstanding form this season at right back by constantly breaking down Strathalbyn attacks with exceptional closing speed, and when opportunities arose, pressing forward down the right wing to create opportunities for Stirling United. In the 11th minute, Araby Phelan had a chance to score, but great defence from Strathalyn saw the shot blocked, however the second effort from Phelan allowed him to get around the defender and slot the goal away with his left foot. Soon after, Phelan had another opportunity which he calmly slotted home.

Kalan Brooks for Strathalbyn continued to create problems for the Stirling defence, and a strong foray forward looked likely to result in a score for Strathalbyn before being closed down by Nick Smith on the left side of the defence. The subsequent rebound found its way to Phelan who scored his third. With only a few minutes left in the half, another opportunity for Brooks saw a powerful shot superbly blocked by Calen McCormick in the United goal.

Holding a comfortable half time lead, Stirling came out strongly, with a first time strike from Charlie Rollings hitting the left hand upright and deflecting wide, and shortly after, McCormick, released from goal keeping duties for the second half, shot powerfully from well outside the box, only to see the ball hit the crossbar and go over the top. Strathalbyn demonstrated their usual fighting qualities and continued to threaten, with Brooks breaking through on goal and shooting just wide. On 52 minutes, the ball found its way to Tyreece Wilson, who's shot got past Lachlan Stein in goal and rolled into the net to see Strathalbyn get one back. The rest of the half was a tight, with both teams starting to show signs of fatigue after such hard fought affair. A goal in the final minute thanks to a calm left foot finish from Toby Leigh saw Stirling come out on top 5-1, but the score didnt accurately reflect the closeness of this match between two of the strongest teams in the league.