Match report

Match report

Round 11 on June 26th, a lifetime ago now, saw a number of games washed out because of wet weather. Hahndorf were due to host Woodside’s U17 team at Pine Avenue, however a decision to postpone was made early by the home team. The pitch must have been bordering on acceptable as other matches took place that day. As expected Woodside were happy to take the rest and to reconvene at a later date.

Cut to later in the season when the catch-up games list were piling up. Friday catch-up games at the home of the AHJFA, being Summit Sports & Recreation Park on Springs Road, were proposed to all. Woodside, much like many other U17 and U17G teams, would struggle to field a full bench due to work and other commitments and proposed to play on a Tuesday, Wednesday or a Thursday. It was decided that Friday is the better day to get the game played and a date was set for 6pm, 14th of August, Springs Road.

The Wednesday before kick-off was disastrous for Hahndorf. Key strikers Kyle Fenlon and Kane Gibbs were playing for their club’s Senior team. Gibbs played a brilliant game, but Fenlon injured himself in a tackle and was subsequently confined to goal keeping for the all important game against Woodside. Fenlon and Gibbs are a danger on their own. Together they’re a deadly combination. Credit to Fenlon for having the passion to still take to the pitch, albeit in between the sticks.

Adelaide Hills referee William Tinkler was assigned to manage the game. Supporting him was Asher Gaff and William Rob running the lines.

A slew of spectators supporting either team decked out a solid portion of the stands, all ready to witness the defining game. As is tradition between the two teams it wouldn’t end up a draw. If anything a goal would separate them in the end. With two games in favour Woodside may have had the upper hand having beaten the opposition 5-4 a week prior. However they had lost to them before and it could easily happen again.

Meanwhile Hahndorf were keen to keep their chances at season victory alive. It would be a remote chance at best, but Woodside hadn’t claimed the title just yet. If there was any team that could beat them it would be Hahndorf.

The game kicked off at 6pm under an open sky and surprisingly warm weather for a winter’s evening.

The two teams sought the win from the start, both outweighing each other when it mattered. One would gain control of the play only to lose it to the other moments later and often on the other end of the pitch. The spectators had their work cut out for them with necks stretched one way and then the other. They were kept on the edge of their seats. The oohs and the ahhs that come with a competitive game rang out across the pitch.

The first of three yellow cards for the match went to Woodside’s wing-back CASEY GODFREY. Unintentional but open studs is fair reason for recognition by the referee. This would be Godfrey’s first and hopefully only yellow for the season.

Moments later Woodside opened up the scoreline with a suburb goal by striker LACHLAN MOWBRAY. Mowbray is tremendous most of the time, but even more so under pressure. His speed and finesse is of quality, however he is the first to acknowledge that he can’t do this without everyone behind him. It might go into the book under his name, but he knows it is a team effort.

Subsequent yellows went to Hahndorf’s Eddie Hardingham and Toby Boekel. Reminders from their coach to go for the ball was needed.

With minutes to spare before half time JETT TONKIN added a second to Woodside’s tally. A neat through ball from the midfielders caught Tonkin with his jets on. Hahndorf’s keeper could do little without support and dropped when he thought Tonkin was about to take the shot. Unfortunately it cleared him and saw Woodside 2-0 up at half time.

The second half played out mostly uneventful. Numerous plays by Gibbs and Matt Daly challenged the Woodside defenders. Hahndorf’s Dan McArthur, Josh Rayner and Stefan Panich were all deserving of recognition, but ultimately it wasn’t enough against Woodside who were keen to cement the season. As expected Woodside’s players were solid in their positions, particular Godfrey and JOSH VASSOS, their two wing-backs.

The final whistle blew in favour of away team Woodside, 2-0.

“It has been a fantastic season against some strong sides”, thought Coach BRUCE TONKIN post match. “Being the league leaders comes with a lot of pressure and we’ve been a target for Hahndorf from Round 1. We’ll take it as a compliment when any team is able to get one past us and celebrate loudly. That didn’t happen tonight, but they may have deserved at least one goal for their efforts.”

Woodside’s two centre-backs, ASHER HAMMAT and IZEYAH RAYMOND, deserved Best & Fairest and runner-up in that order. Meanwhile ISAIAH HAMMAT did well planting the seed of one of the two goals.

Woodside will catch-up with Rangers at 9am the following day, whilst Hahndorf will host Strathalbyn Strikers at 10:30am.