AHJSA Match Reports

Hahndorf U7’s took on Bridgewater White this cold and wet Saturday on a slushy but lush green Basket Range pitch in a modified 9v9 game. The first half saw Asa Bartsch, Victor Bartsch, Finn Bond, Avery Buchanan, Patrick Griggs, Hamish Holmes, Chloe Pippos, and Axel Pym take the pitch, with Alfie McConville in the highly popular position of goalkeeper. V Bartsch, Buchanan, Griggs, and McConville played a strong defensive game - stopping the Bridgewater White goal attempts and returning the ball back to Hahndorf midfielders. The halfway mark saw Ryan Glynn take the field in place of Griggs, joining Hahndorf's defensive line. Bond and A Bartsh excelled in attack, managing to even continue play when laying on the ground! Pippos, Holmes, and Pym formed a cohesive midfield, backing up both offense and defence, with Pym providing strong direction to the team. Through strong back up from Hahndorf's offense and midfield, Bond teamed up with V. Bartsh and Pym for an amazing, albeit unsuccessful, shot at goal.

Half time saw a change in goalkeeper to Griggs, with Pippos, McConville, and Bond providing defensive support, and Pym, Bond, and Glynn moving to the midfield. A. Bartsh, V. Bartsh, and Holmes made up Hahndorf's strong offensive line - with Holmes performing some epic slide tackles throughout. The ball spent a fair bit of time at both ends of the pitch, demonstrating a well-matched game between both sides. An amusing goal scored for Hahndorf by Bridgewater White at the end of the second half, finished the game off with a chuckle from some very muddy U7's and spectators alike! The Hahndorf team and officials would like to thank the Bridgewater White team and officials for a well-matched and muddy game!

**PLEASE NOTE - the option to choose Bridgewater WHITE was not available - this game was against Bridgewater WHITE**

U8 - Round 9- 1/7/2023

Woodside Warriors Red Vs Bridgewater White

Woodside – 10:00am

Following the cancellation of all games the previous week, the field was in good condition for this week's contest. Taking on Bridgewater White at home as we lined up against another competitive team this week.

Luca, Freddie, and Nathaniel all got some early touches as the first half got underway, all pushing the ball forward to our advantage. Eddie and Owen continued to play strong defensive and midfield roles as the half was played on fairly even terms.

The message at halftime was "Our defenders are playing really well now lets attack & attack fast!" With that, the lads sprang into action with full pitch play in which Scott charged down the line and found Daniel at the top of the square, who sent the ball sailing into the goals. Archer put in a lot of quick runs in attack and defence putting in a lot of effort to prevent Bridgewater from scoring. Jesse, who played goalie in the first half, moved through the mid field and received numerous passes from the back half.

Today's play was pretty balanced throughout the game, with both teams displaying excellent talent, ball movement, and positioning all over the field. Even when the scoreboard isn't in our favour, it's always encouraging to hear the players pushing themselves and remaining upbeat on the field. They all constantly get around around each other, encouraging  hard work to make sure that the game turns around to work in our favour.

The game between Hahndorf and Murray Bridge started tough and tight from the beginning. Murray Bridge held an advantage with taller, strong bodies across the park but Hahndorf were determined not to let that intimidate them. All players stood up against the opposition with lots of tackling and tight defense. Murray Bridge got a couple of strong, fast strikes into the back of the net early, and whilst you might have thought they would run away with the game, Hahndorf stood firm. Lot of running and fighting spirit from Hahndorf’s defense made getting goals for Murray Bridge difficult. Will Neelawala was consistent through the middle, adding lots of pressure and reassuring his team that Murray Bridge needed to try hard to get any further goals.

The second half again Hahndorf added great pressure and all players rose to the occasion and demonstrated superb skills. Harrison Parykn, a fill in player, showed finesse and control, crossing to ball across the pitch time and time again to our strikers. Team support and great passing, allowed Brooklyn Karamanov to get our one and only goal for the match, all players breathed a sigh of relief that they’ve “still got it”. As Murray Bridge tried to respond, Carter Karamanov showed amazing body pressure and stopped the oppositions drives time and time again. Kealan Atkinson got in front of the ball making it difficult for Murray Bridge to get a run on and Charlie Kilpatrick was consistent all day, especially with getting tackled to the ground and getting back up, showing great character. Zeek Neelawala handled the goal keeping in the second half and added many wonderful kick outs to his team mates.

The match was the teams hardest one yet, with physical strength by the opposition it’s biggest challenge. All supporters on the side lines were so proud of the team as they stuck it out together and ensured a strong and positive finish to the match.

After a week off due to a waterlogged pitch, the Woodside Reds were keen to get back into action. The conditions at Mount Barker were fine to begin with and then the drizzle set in. Not that it fazed the boys too much!!

The wide expanses of the Summit pitch allowed the Reds to spread and use their passing skills and move the ball forward. The boys made a quick start to the game and found the back of the next twice in the first 5 minutes with strikes from Fletcher and Gus. Mount Barker then settled into a good defensive structure, pushed our forwards wider on the pitch and made scoring more difficult. However the relentless nature of the Reds midfield including Edward, Oliver, Liam and Eddie to continue challenging for possession and passing the ball into dangerous positions was rewarded with goals to Gus before half time was called. One of which being a long range strike from an acute angle near the sideline - wow!

After a boost of Vitamin C and reinforcement from Coach Bob, the boys set out to continue in the same manner for the second half. By then the drizzle had set in which made ball control more difficult and a greater emphasis on passing. Mount Barker made numerous counter attacks which kept Kingsley on his toes as the designated sweeper but he was up to the challenge and quelled several promising plays.

With an additional player on the pitch for the second half, there was less space to operate in and Fletcher used his skills to make several long passes to switch play.

After some deft passing down the wing from Eddie and Gus, the cross bar took a battering with a long range strike from Hayden and Benji was well positioned to tap in the rebounded ball for an excellent team goal. Hayden would not be denied though as he added to the scorers column late in the match along with a second half goal to Gus.

Overall it was another fantastic performance from the Reds. The progression in skill and game awareness from the players was a joy to watch. Thanks to Mount Barker for a solid contest and a game played in good spirit.

The Hahndorf under 9 boys were excited to face the girls from under 9 white in a home ground show down. The boys are settling well into their regular positions and showcased some classy teamwork, using space well down the pitch. Angus Clifton and Hamish Glynn protected their space and quickly were able to reroute the ball to the forward line.  Leo Davies has earned his place as the team’s reliable and focussed keeper. 

Michael Griggs, Charlie Roeszler, Miles Hennessy and Harris Parkyn demonstrated skilful footwork and passed the ball precisely to create scoring opportunities. While many shots on goal were stopped by Hahndorf White’s quick thinking keeper, Hahndorf had plenty of scoring shots. A highlight was Hennessy’s long and high ball which sailed over the keeper’s head and into the back of the net. 
The second half saw a change in positions with Glynn and Clifton rotating to the forward line. 

All players showed excellent sportsmanship and maintained a high level of energy for the duration of the game.

The rain of the previous couple of weeks left the pitch a mess at Nairne this week, as such,we played on the artifical pitch. 
It was a frustrating game for both sides, with the smaller pitch and goals not leaving much room for either to move.

Blues dominated in the attack and had many attempts at goal, but unfortunately none made it through.

Lots of practice at throw ins this week, with the ball spending a lot of time out of play. Both sides played as best they could, but not much to write home about this week.

From the start the Hahndorf U9 White defence was under pressure but managed to hold up against Hahndorf U9 Black for a long time before the Blacks finally scored.
Hahndorf Black kept pressing forward, but the Hahndorf White defence worked really hard with Scout Ramsey denying a goal attempt. Saskia Merry and other defenders kept interrupting the Hahndorf Black attacks, with Eden Stell sending the ball out of defence. The Hahndorf White forwards made a strong attack and Ramsey took a shot at goal.
The rest of the half settled into a solid defence by the Hahndorf White until the clock ran to half time.

The second half began in a seesawing fashion with Merry sending the ball forward, and Holly Pippos making an excellently placed forward throw in. Hahndorf Black managed to survive the vigorous assault and take the ball back into the Hahndorf White defence, but Stell came in with a great kick out of defence, Anu Duggin Delany running a good attack, with a bit of a scrimmage forming.  Hahndorf Black got the ball, but after Kaylee Sheremetjev made a good block into attack, Duggin Delany had a great battle with two opponents.
Hahndorf Black launched a fast break attack, with a shot at goal well saved by Hahndorf White's goalie, Ramsey, and then another. Then the seesaw tipped with a big run and shot by Duggin Delany resulting in the first goal of the season for Hahndorf Girls U9 White! Hahndorf White was looking very dangerous now, but the end of game whistle came before the Girls could repeat their success. There was a lot of good work all round by the team today.

U10's remain undefeated as we hit halfway through the season. This week we had 5 players scoring goals - Max, Tomke, Aussie, Eva and Justin.  We also had other close goal attempts by Ryder & Bobby. 

Today's goalies were Hannah for 1st half and Max for 2nd half. They saved 4 goals, one of which Hannah was bravely grabbing the ball amongst a pile of kicking boots.

Archie, Zac and Theo were excellent supports to their team mates today. All three of them played both defence and midfield during the game, saving the ball from being too close to our goals throughout the game.

Overall, it was a successful game, and we can't wait for next week.

With Merrick captain this week, Woodside Warriors Under 11's displayed a remarkable performance in their recent match, showcasing a great attacking display in the second half to secure an impressive comeback victory. The team exhibited resilience and determination after falling behind by two goals early in the game.

In the second half, the Warriors exhibited exceptional teamwork, dominating possession and consistently pushing forward. Their relentless efforts paid off as they swiftly reduced the deficit and gradually took control of the game. The players demonstrated exceptional skills and tactical awareness, creating numerous scoring opportunities.

The team's forward line was particularly impressive, consistently applying pressure on the opposition's defence and causing havoc in their penalty area. The Warriors' relentless attacking play led to four well-taken goals, sealing their memorable comeback victory.

Overall, it was an outstanding team effort from Woodside Warriors Under 11's, with most of the game being played in our half. Their determination, attacking prowess, and unity were key factors in their comeback success, leaving both players and supporters delighted with the result.

With a late morning start, no rain and even the sun shining, the stage was set for an exciting Hahndorf vs Mount Barker White game. Mount Barker won the toss but within the first 3 minutes a fabulous assist from Louis Moran to Cohen Whinfield led to the first score on the board going to Hahndorf. The ball moved back and forth fiercely, with Jack Gaskin and Eli Parkyn running down the lines well and Caleb Earley demonstrating clever clearing. With a few more throw ins, Emlyn Gilroy saw an opening and took off, setting Lawson Shotton up for a wide shot at goal which was a great effort, but just off the mark.

Mount Barker approached the goals, but Chris Haynes displayed excellent defence, stopping it in its tracks. Jackson Bidgood, who played Goalkeeper for the whole match, had his first touch and with a big boot, sent it towards E Gilroy who used its’ advantage by setting up the team for an excellent attack. 4 shots at goal were made; credit to the oppositions goalkeeper who saved them all. However, this defence would soon be broken when Moran made a shot at goal, it was deflected, rebounded and Shotton was there to take the opportunity to see Hahndorf’s 2nd goal for the match.

It was an exciting sequence of events that followed, where the oppositions keeper was belted by two more shots in quick succession. A helpful header by Sonjae Cook, Earley crossing to Haynes, R Gilroy and E Gilroy running down the lines saw Shotton attempt another goal, which rebounded for two more attempts by Moran and E Gilroy. Mount Barker made a break, but Hahndorf’s defence quickly shut it down thanks to Jacob Gerber, Harry Wood and Earley. After a corner kick, the ball centred to Cook who fed Ashon Broadbent-Shaw the perfect set up, complete with excellent skills, blasted it through the back of the net for a well earnt 3rd notch on the scoreboard.

By standers observed excellent communication and defence between Haynes and Earley to the midfielders to keep the ball firmly in Hahndorf’s possession and after a quick loss of the ball, Parkyn was there to stop Mount Barker’s momentum with a strong display of skills. Hahndorf’s defence was impenetrable, it was exciting game play! A long shot from Shotton rebounded off the post and the ball remained in play, being fiercely fought over. Broadbent-Shaw found a clearing, shot but found the goalies gloves. A solid half time effort.

The second half saw our boys shooting uphill and almost instantly Bidgood was keeping the goals. With it sent back up, the boys worked well together, halting the oppositions forward play, turning it around and after a thrown in by JGaskin saw lines being run, quick footwork and the boys were fighting hard in what became a highly contested goal box. Mt Barker White found their legs, quickly sent it down and took a quick shot with was well kept by goalie Bidgood. With the ball then being launched into the midfield Broadbent-Shaw did well to negotiate 3 onto 1, to clear to E Gilroy who then saw the line. A corner kick resulted in Mount Barker running away and with a firm strike at an acute angle, it was just out of reach for our leaping goalie.

An unfortunate Hahndorf handball resulted in a penalty shot right in front of our goal which fortunately for Hahndorf was sent high over the goal posts. Solid play followed, with another shot from Mount Barker, being unsuccessful. The next minutes that followed were excellent efforts of shots at goal by our boys, the ball being sent back down where our defence worked very well and we never halted in motivation, leading to R Gilroy offering a cross to Shotton who kicked the 4th goal.

The opposition felt the heat now and we felt the efforts of their forward, but Moran cleared well, and Gaskin showed an impressive block. With pressure on us, shots at goal ultimately became successful for Mount Barker’s 2nd goal, albeit by excellent efforts by defence and Bidgood’s outstretched dive. Not to be disheartened, E Gilroy scored Hahndorf’s 5th goal within the next minute. All boys on the field tried their hearts out and it showed. A great game and Hahndorf would like to thank Mount Barker White for the match.

At the half-way point of the season, the 2023 AHJFA U15 competition is as tight as a drum (with the exception of the top couple of teams). The vast majority of games so far have gone down to the wire and been decided by a single goal. This one was no different, with Woodside and Blackwood going head-to-head in yet another nail biter for the ages!

It was Woodside starting the better, as they drove the ball forward to create several promising raids in the first ten minutes, and a clean shot after just two minutes of play. But after going down to Woodside in the opening Cup game earlier in the year, Blackwood had a plan. A reorganisation of their structure saw key playmakers being pushed back to mark the dangerous Woodside midfield. And on the ten-minute mark, their plan looked like a stroke of genius. Woodside were becoming frustrated as each assault was stymied before it could yield reward, while Blackwood were becoming bolder as they scrambled like eggs in defense and then tried to get in behind the Woodside line. And that is how Blackwood took the early lead. After absorbing a mountain of pressure, they fired off a long-ball over the Blue-and-Red back four. This created a 1-v-1 with the keeper that was duly despatched into the back of the net. But the visitors kept their heads, sticking to their game-plan of defending with intensity and precision and then attacking with flare. As a result, Woodside created the next six shots on goal. Two of these found their mark, to give the young Warriors the lead. The first of their goals came from a Blackwood infringement just inside their own half. The resulting free-kick looked like it came out of a cannon. It flew high, curled right-to-left, sailed past everyone, hit the top left corner of the net, and drew looks of disbelief from all and sundry. The second came from high and wide on the right. As the coaches called for a cross, the ball was struck with power towards the back post. But instead of finding a team-mate’s boot, it flashed past the keeper, snuck inside the post and stretched the side-netting. It was just reward for all in Red and Blue, with the efforts of the backs and midfield being realised up front! Blackwood surged again in the final ten minutes of the first half, but a dogged Woodside Warriors outfit kept them at bay to carry a deserved lead into the break.

After half-time, it was Woodside who again set the early running. But Blackwood refused to capitulate. Their midfield was exceptional in its commitment to track back and pressure the opposing force. It is a simple fact that every game this season has been a tough one for these two outfits. There is simply no respite. It is tough and hard, week to week and minute to minute of each match. But this seems to have steeled the young wards. They are resilient in the face of hardship and determined to commit to their team. It is a privilege to watch as they go about their work. But despite the best efforts of the Blackwood charges, Woodside scored from another prodigious finish that came on the back of fierce and organised defensive work. This gave the visitors a welcome buffer, but with almost half-an-hour left on the clock the game was far from over. For the remainder of the contest both sides showed what they are made of as they traded shots on goal. Finally, with ten to go, Blackwood goaled as they hacked and scrambled the ball through. This sent the home crowd into raptures as they sensed a come-from-behind draw was on the cards. The locals on the pitch redoubled their efforts, striving hard to make it happen. But Woodside were having none of it. Be damned if they’d come this far to settle for a draw. In the final 10 minutes, Woodside fired off two shots on target – both were denied. In the same period, Blackwood created three shots. The best of these was a screamer that hit the crossbar and rebounded into the danger zone. Here, surely was a chance to bring scores level. Fourteen players surged as one for the ball, desperate to shoot or clear the area depending on the colours they wore. It was hacked out by Woodside but controlled by Blackwood outside the box. Again, they sent the ball in. Again, it was cleared short, but cleared it was! Woodside had hacked the ball to safety for their defensive midfielder to take possession and drive for the safety of half-way. But as he strode out, he was brought down. The ref duly blew her whistle for a free-kick, and then blasted it another three times to break Blackwood hearts and elevate the visitors to a state of elated relief! And finally, the coaches could breathe…

Stirling started out attacking from the beginning.  Hayden Lien was kept busy, and with the help of Daniel Peters, Angus Mifsud, Luca Cannavo managed to stop Stirling from scoring. Harrison Gould managed to get the ball past Stirling's defence, passing to Jet Zahra who then passed it to Joash Ng who managed to knock it into the back of the net.

Not to be out done Stirling ran right through defence to give them their first goal. Trying to fight back, Hahndorf went on the attack.  A great pass by Luciann Tinsley-Smith to Cooper Liddle gave him a shot on goal, but Jasper Barnes for Stirling made a great save to deny Hahndorf a second goal.  Patrick Hinze was putting in a great effort in defending and managed to stop Stirling getting near the goals many times. Unfortunately Stirling again managed to score despite Lien taking a great dive to try and stop it. Despite Oliver Saracini-Palombo trying his hardest to stop the attackers, Stirling managed to score their third goal for the first half. From a corner Levi Beesley almost managed to score, just going to the right of the goal.

Trying to fight back, Hahndorf put lots of pressure on Stirling, unfortunately Stirling was too strong and managed to get the ball back to the other end of the field. A great dive save by Peters jeered the boys on. This was short lived as Stirling scored from a corner.  Saracini-Palombo, Lien and Mifsud gave their best effort to keep the ball away from the goal area.  With the help from Cannavo, Hinze and Tinsley-Smith the ball kept going back and forth for a long time.  Both teams, determined to  score, gave the crowd an entertaining goal. Liddle, Beesley and  Zahra all had shots on goals but the keeper managed to stop them. The defenders were giving their all, but were eventually beaten in the last 10 minutes to give Stirling their last goal  of the match.

It turned out to be a great day for soccer after some early rain the sun was out and players were ready to go. With the Woodside home game moved to Strathalbyn, where the pitch was drier, neither team had that 'home ground advantage' today.

Woodside started strong during the first half with both mid-field and attack finding space to play. Maguire and Mclean in the mid-field were finding excellent placement of passes to the wingers and centre forwards. It was Silvestri who put one away at about the 6 minute mark, giving Woodside an early lead.  The attacking play continued, with Cotton, Bauer and Diaz all having a shot, but Stirling's defence were on the ball and their keeper maintained composure under pressure.

Of course Stirling Districts would not be kept down and at around the 25 minute mark, through a good counter-attack they scored their first for the game, sneaking it in past Cox, Woodside's keeper.  And, that is where the first half would finish.

The second half of the game looked a little different, and Stirling were on the attack early putting two in the net within 10 minutes. Woodside re-grouped and kept their heads up and continued to play strong. Olsson in mid-field was finding the play and Silvestri and Jones were attacking the goals at every opportunity.  Mclean now in centre-defence and Humphries, James-Freeman, Johnston and Mcinnes also defending, working hard to chase down the loose long-balls, which with the support of each other prevented numerous scoring opportunities for Stirling. An unfortunate foul just inside the 18-yard box, awarded a penalty to Stirling, which they promptly converted giving them a 4-1 lead at about the 70th minute in the match.

Although the score was looking glum for Woodside, they continued their pressure and made another break-through with a second for Silvestri. Time was now ticking, but Woodside continued to pressure, after the kick off and turned the ball back to their half. Ultimately leading to a corner kick, resulting in another goal for Silvestri after a great header from Cotton's corner. Playing again Woodside now had the drive to even the score for the day, but time would prove against them and the game ended 4-3 in Stirling's favour.

Thanks Stirling for another great game! And thank you to Strath for allowing us to host it at your grounds!

Weather conditions were excellent, although the pitch was muddy, and we just made the numbers to start the game with no Sub’s option. All our players left everything they had on the pitch in both halves, unfortunately falling short, just 2-1, against Blackwood.

12:32 whistle blows the start of the first half and Hahndorf kicks off. With the spirit high, it didn’t take long for Rhys Davies to attack from the left flag and with a nice cross to serve Oscar Johnson, who opened the score 0-1, with a nice close shot at 12:38. Tom Boekel with some solid saves with the help of Nickolas Brown and Zara Tinsley-Smith kept the defense up. But a bad moment and a questionable penalty brought the score to 1-1 at 12:59. Our players kept the pressure till the end of the half, with numerous corner kicks from Toby Thomas and George Papakostas and equal near misses from Davies and Johnson.  

The second half begins with immediate pressure by Blackwood players. However, a solid defensive performance from Mitchell Stribley kept the right side clear, while also feeding Charlie Zorkovic and Toby Thomas for fast breaks on several occasions. Another bad luck moment in the defense and a quick penalty call again, brought our team down 2-1, only 13min after the start of the second half. Pressure throughout all the rest of the game from our tireless players, resulted numerous near misses. A long shot from Lewis Johnson and another one from Gabe Aylen were just saved from the lucky Blackwood keeper, along with numerous shots from Davies, Johnson and Thomas. The game ends a whole 3 minutes earlier, finding Blackwood players with a sense of relief.

Although the game was close ball possession was in our team’s favor and truly doesn’t reflect the score. Congratulations for the effort to our players and coach Johnson, with the certainty, that if they continue to perform as good as this Saturday, our time to thrive is coming soon.

Round 9               Woodside Rams Vs Stirling    Location: Mount Barker Summit

Finally it was a beautiful winters day and we were playing soccer against the team sitting on the top of the ladder. Every time we had played Stirling we had got closer to a victory, but not been able to quite make it happen. We had just come off a cup game where we had been beaten by 6 goals and had some amends to perform. 

            The game began and we quickly pushed into the attacking line of Stirling and it was looking promising, then something changed and we seemed to be stuck in our defence and not looking like it was going to ever come out we made a quick sub and the game finally was looking even again. It was back and forth with our defence and attack both working super hard . Shots were being taken by both Stirling and Woodside Rams, but no one seemed to be able to quite break through. 

There had been some one on one tussels and our goalie made some outstanding saves when all looked lost. 
 

We were deep into the first half and still scoreless on both sides when suddenly our left wing made a break and took on one defender, took on another defender and kicked past the goalie. It was in her first ever goal what a moment.  A couple of minutes more and half time came about, shortened by our ref not much motivational time, but a chance our girls had a chance to keep the lead and also to keep a clean sheet. 

Second half started and the game was so close a change of goalies on both sides and the game still looked the same, even  between the two teams. on . All we had to do was defend and defend we did, finally the final whistle blew and everyone had played there part and given there all. 

Final score 1 Woodside Rams  0 Stirling.