Match report

Match report

Talk before the game was that this was going to be a great game of soccer, with both teams evenly matched last season and very little changes in personnel. The touchline was full of parents, grandparents and other eager spectators out to watch what they hoped would be a great game and they were not disappointed. Even the Association knew this was going to be a contest with them suppling all the officials for the game allowing at least two extra spectators to watch and save their legs for another day.

With good weather and both teams ready for the contest the game began. Woodside were the slower of the teams to start and Torrens Valley applied the pressure getting into Woodside’s defensive third and keeping the ball locked in there for long passages of play in the early minutes of the game. However, Woodside slowly started to find its groove and tried to make opportunities themselves, but the Rams were having none of it and the game turned into a good fair tussle as predicted. For the first twenty minutes both teams defended with Torrens Valley the better of the two teams catching Woodside unawares as they found free players down their left and switched play into attack. In one of these passages of play Torrens Valley's forward managed to break through and was left with only the keeper to beat. Coming off his line the keeper reduced the target size and said 'beat me if you can’. The forward took his opportunity and the quick reaction of the keeper saved what looked like the opening goal of the contest. The Woodside spectators roared with delight and this brought the Woodside players up a gear or two. Woodside became more creative in attack but the Torrens Valley keeper and defence stood strong. After a Warrior shot went straight to the keeper, a long ball was sent forward and the Rams striker was again provided an opportunity to open the scoring, with a well placed shot Torrens Valley took the lead. To get on the score board the Woodside spectators knew it would take something spectacular and after substitutions by both teams, Woodside’s attack started to find space and create opportunities, but it was a well hit shot by the Woodside Striker outside the box that found the corner of the net. Everybody now knew this would be a tough 80 minutes of Soccer. Torrens Valley continued to  push hard but Woodside’s defence held strong, stopping any further attacks in their tracks. With two minutes of the half to go, Woodside’s Striker was again give some space and taking the ball into the 18 yard box was left with the keeper to beat and two Torrens Valley players closing him down. As they approached, he took a gamble and using the outside of his foot guided the ball past the keeper and defenders and watched the ball roll into the back of the net. Woodside had the lead but they knew there was still 40 minutes to go against a determined opponent. Half time score Woodside 2 Torrens Valley 1.

Both teams made keeper changes for the second half and the last forty minutes was under way. Woodside started this half the better and created opportunities in attack, making the Torrens Valley wingers stop their influences on the game. It was again the Woodside striker that drew first blood for the half with another outstanding shot, even better than his first, that found the back of the net and gave a slim two goal cushion. Both coaches knew that this game was still not over and anybody could come out victors with the right determination and effort. With the temperature rising and players giving their all, this was still a tight contest. Woodside continued to make attacks down their right flank but Torrens Valley’s close marking was making it difficult for Woodside’s right midfielder to get through, but through skill and determination the midfielder managed to evade his opponents and apply pressure to the Ram's defence. Torrens Valley’s right winger was causing headaches down the right and finally found an opportunity to get a shot on goal, the ball sailed past the outstretched hand of the Woodside keeper and found the back of the net. Torrens Valley lifted, knowing that they were only one behind and still plenty of time to play. As the game fell into the last 10 minutes, players legs were getting tired, spectators voices were getting hoarse and coaches were trying to spur their players on to run out the game. Both teams continued to battle out these remaining minutes in the hope for that next goal and with five minutes to go, a quick throw in by Woodside again had the Woodside Striker one on one with the keeper and taking his time, he slotted his fourth for the game home. Woodside again had the two goal difference but five minutes is a long time in soccer. Both teams continued to defend and attack with the same effort and gusto as they had in the opening minutes. As the final minutes counted down Woodside’s defence remain composed and closed down Torrens Valley's continued efforts. In a half that seemed to go on forever, two exhausted teams finally heard the final whistle and the game concluded. While Woodside had taken the points this time, both sides know that next time it will again be a tight contest, with great soccer being played by both teams and a spectators delight. Congratulations to all players who made this a wonderful game to watch and Woodside look forward to our next contest against you Torrens Valley.