AHJSA Match Reports

It was a cold rainy winters morning where Hahndorf Under 8’s took on Stirling Districts at Hahndorf’s home ground Saturday morning.

Michael Griggs spent the first half in goals, he did a fantastic job stopping all attempts made at goal by Stirling. Scout Ramsey did a great job defending and kicking the ball back down the forward line allowing Samuel Gardner and Harris Parkyn to pass it forward to Hamish Glynn and Miles Hennessy who both had some fantastic shots at goal but unfortunately Stirling’s defence was too strong to get a goal through.

The second half of the match saw Eric Jager become goalkeeper. Hennessy was looking strong in his forward position and was able to score the first goal for Hahndorf. Both teams worked hard, Charlie Roeszler did a wonderful job in defence along with Angus Clifton and Kealan Atkinson helping to hold hahndorf’s ground in defence and Jager stopping any attempt made at goal.

Despite the weather all players played a fantastic game and gave it their all. 

Round 6               Woodside verse Hahndorf       Venue Woodside

Winter was here, with close to 17 mm of rain overnight and 60mm during the week.

It was looking like it would be a low scoring match with hard running on the heavy ground and a slower ball as mud grew. 

We were wrong Hahndorf looked big and scary as they straight away pushed forward and put us into a defensive structure, playing hard at the ball and showing their obvious dominance early with what seemed like an instant goal. 

Woodside were on the back foot p[laying catch up and central defence was appearing to be a very important part of our teams structure holding off many attempts forward.

Our secret weapon had been silenced pretty well with competition at a similar level, and some unkind words had been said which was hurting some feelings, so what did Woodside do, but beat them with the ball, a fight they wanted and a fight they got, 

2- 1 at half time and we were in with a sniff. 

A change in our defence and goals and attack made for a different team and Hahndorf would come in fast and furious and meet with the wall of defence from Woodside , I think we had 5 players holding off the ball from getting in that goalie box, it was fantastic to see such tenacity and fight from our players. 

Finally scores were back level , but at least 5 minutes remained and it looked like holding this team off was getting harder and harder as they learnt our moves and strategies.

At last the final whistle blew and we felt like we had won as we looked to be down and out, but fought our way back into the contest to end with scores tied 2 all. Well done Woodside and Hahndorf, what a fantastic battle of wills. 

It’s June already, which means that the transfer window has opened and just like the other big-money clubs Woodside U10 Blue has made some crucial early moves in the transfer market. Whilst Haaland proved beyond our means, the team management had a busy Friday night and early Saturday morning wheeling and dealing with agents and other team managers, getting late-night medicals completed and finalising the all-important paperwork. As a result, Woodside U10 Blue lined up on Saturday morning with two loan players from the Reds and trialist Charlie Hartas. Unfortunately the transfer window also means that players will depart the club and sadly we have lost Amelia Wakefield for the rest of the season. We will miss her and especially some of the excellent defensive play she brought to the team.

This week marked our first outing against Mt Barker United Red since the two teams formed from the large squad we saw in the first round, so they were always going to be something of an unknown quantity. The game started somewhat scrappily before both sides settled into in a tight contest for control of the midfield. Charlotte Cosgriff had an excellent first half playing down the right wing, intercepting the ball and finding some good passes to her teammates, and newcomer Charlie Hartas found his feet in defence, stealing the ball handily from the Barker forwards. United broke the deadlock about 10 minutes in with a sublime lob from the right wing that looped over the defence and into the far corner of the net – a lovely piece of skill that Woodside could do nothing about. This seemed to galvanise first half keeper Jock Mills who saw out the first half by making several tidy saves, getting down well and putting his body behind the ball, and a fantastic block just before half time to keep the margin at a single goal as the whistle blew.

The second half saw Mt Barker double their advantage about ten minutes in. Despite this setback it remained a tight contest and Woodside kept pushing for a goal. Forward Tommy Garden managed to find some good space up front and would have brought Woodside back into the game after breaking through a high Barker defensive line but for some excellent goalkeeping. Arthur Lean played a deep forward position, working hard to win the ball and reassert Woodside in midfield. The Blues pushed up the park in the last ten minutes trying to find a way back into the game and as a result left themselves exposed at the back. Almost as if fate were taunting the U10 Blues coach, Barker’s third goal of the game came right on the final whistle as they broke free of the defence and beat the keeper in a one-on-one situation that was eerily similar to Dovbyk’s goal for Ukraine against Scotland on Wednesday night.

Overall this was a quite a physical encounter with the Blues regularly finding themselves second best in challenges from a stout Barker defence. Woodside definitely deserved to take more from the game but the difference between the teams really came down to Barker’s ability to muscle Woodside off of the ball, a really solid display from their goalkeeper and a few moments of individual skill. Finally, a huge thank you to our loanees Elliot Stewart and Logan Bridge who were a credit to the side, putting in a massive effort to win the ball and create chances for the Blues. We have a break coming up for the long weekend then we get to host the second Mt Barker team on the 18th.

Grim. This is the best way to describe the conditions that faced the U11s this week as they warmed up at home to face Mount Barker at home. Rain was sheeting across the pitch as the mercury dropped into single figures. However, the conditions did not match the player's enthusiasm as they energetically went through their drills and prepared for the game to start. Mount Barker started strong, with early probing runs into the Hahndorf backline. In the opening minutes, Mount Barker blocked an attempted Hahndorf clearance near the teeth of goal that dropped favourably at the feet of a Mount Barker player which lead to the opening score. Following the opening score, the Hahndorf defence successfully absorbed several offensive thrusts by an aggressive Mount Barker forward group. Cohen Whinfield, Rowan Gilroy and Hugo Curtis on several occasions deftly moved the ball under pressure to give the Hahndorf forwards a chance against the Mount Barker defence. Notwithstanding the pressure the backline found themselves under, Oliver Ramsay saved several Mount Barker shots on goal in the first half in a very solid performance at keeper. Mid way through the first half, Hahndorf began to work into the game offensively, with Thomas Gould in the midfield linking up with Patrick Freer who launched a stinging shot from outside the box that beat the Mount Barker keeper, but rattled off the post. The Hahndorf backline of Eli Parkyn, Pearl Beasley and Jack Gaskin continued to work well together, repulsing several Mount Barker attacks, but eventually yielded another goal just before half time.

 

A brief period of sunshine greeted the players as the second half commenced. The brighter conditions also mirrored Hahndorf's fortunes to start the second half - strong work from Oliver Ramsay saw Lachlan Gardner send a rocket past the Mount Barker keeper in the opening phase of the second half. Thomas Gould moved to keeper for the second half, stopping several shots with both his feet and strong hands. The backline again worked solidly together, closing down several attacks by Mount Barker. The second half was a close affair, which saw time run out just before Mount Barker put the ball into the Hahndorf net. All Hahndorf players persevered magnificently in very trying conditions. 

With great skills shown by both sides it was obvious that this was a top of the table clash.
The game started in trying times with both strong wind and heavy rain, with Mt Barker Red winning the first half 3 - 0.
The sun came out for the second half, however, the strong wind continued and at times got a stationary ball moving, making it difficult to take corners at times.
Hahndorf’s only goal was scored in the second half when Joel Bateman showed great skill evading four opposition to cross perfectly to Lawson Shotton who kicked into the bottom left corner of the net.
Hahndorf’s Bateman and Jensen Ingram both showed good skill, Emlyn Gilroy showed good passing and control, Thomas Stapleton showed good endeavour, and Cooper Newman showed good man on man pressure. Our goalie read the play well, saving many attempts. The defensive line played well with all players being tested and showed great ability to predict ball movement.
At the end of a fast paced game, Mt Barker’s strength saw them take the win 6 - 1.

Round 6 saw Mt Barker U12 Red host Hahndorf U12 at a rainy and windy Summit Sport Park. Both teams went into this clash undefeated, and with a string of unavailability, Barker could only field 8 on the pitch. A big thanks to Hahndorf for also playing with 8, even though their bench became that little bit fuller.

In the opening 10 minutes, it became clear why these teams were on top of the ladder. Both sides passed with power and accuracy, cleared their defensive lines when threatened, and looked ominous when going forward. It was Barker's Lincoln Denley who broke the deadlock; a brilliant string of passing from the midfield leading to a great team goal.
Hahndorf fought back with vigour and intent, but despite the incredible skill and speed of their strikers, the Barker defence of Max Barrljung-Hummel, Harrison Burt and Beau Curran held strong.
Mt Barker scored twice more going into half time, both courtesy of the speedy Curran, whose transition into the midfield proved to be monumental. His first was a fantastic solo effort through the defence, to convert a 1v1 against the goal keeper; but his second was one of the highlights of the game: A moment of brilliance between him and Arlo Turner, who executed a flawless 1-2-3 passing combo, turning the defence inside out, and the cake was iced by Curran with an accurate drill into the bottom corner. At half-time, it was 3-0 to the reds.

This match was not over though, and the Magpies knew it. They launched a series of fresh raids on the Barker backline, but great marking and pressuring from Alec Belsey and Eric Liemareff forced rushed shots on goal, which Tyler Raven saved confortably. The reds were fast and lethal on the rebound, and as a result Curran slotted a further 2 goals. With a 5-goal buffer, the tiring Reds' steely resolve lapsed for the first time all day, and like a coiled viper, Hahndorf struck. Their striker used every trick in the book to weave through the previously resolute defence, and a perfectly timed cross saw his team-mate tap one in from the back post. It was a well-deserved goal, as the Magpies looked threatening all day.
The final 15 minutes returned to a good old-fashioned arm wrestle, with both keepers the stars of the show; David de Gea and Thibaut Courtois would have been jealous with some of the super saves that were made.
The final goal of the day came from a 50th minute Mt Barker penalty, which superstar defender Harrison Burt converted for his first career goal. He's a man of few words, but the smile said it all.

Well done to both teams for an entertaining and hard fought game, which proved why they sit 1st and 2nd on the ladder. 

ROUND 6 

Woodside U13 blue V Murray Bridge U13 blue  

  BRILLIANT GAME OF SOCCER

  Murray bridge - Amazing goal keeper !! skill levels very High also a great game plan.  

We All enjoyed the competitive game .

Team blue -  parents CHEER SQUAD report - Dave Vanderaa.

Parents would be forgiven for packing their scuba gear and wetsuits for this potentially wet and blustery affair against the ever hungry football club. 

fFinal air tank checks were not needed, however as the hevens decided to not open. as the first whistle blew it was clear that the worriors had eaten their wetbix this morning. they were on song as a team and were harder and faster and more collaborative than we have ssen them all year.

 

The defence were like a brick wall as they prevented any meaningful shots on goals. meanwile the midfield poise of Mitchell, Riley, ashton Hamish, lewis and co were providing through balls and crosses which were taken advantage of by our keen strickers.

The goals come in a flurry whith Tye having a ball on a string and scoring mulitple. Each being scored because of a solid team work and comunication from all players.

The half time whistle blew with a midterm score of 5-0.

Heads hell high when tinto the second half looking to further bolster their goal tally. Coach Mark played with the magnets to give the players oppertunity to experience differnt positions. Ever reliable defernder Thomas was thrown up front and almost immediately had an impact, setting up Abbie who scored a cracking goal, followed up with an even better celebration. Deciding he enjoyed Abbie celebration Thom got in on the action shortly after scoring from inside the 18 yard box to put the icing on the cake from what was amazing team effort.

 

The final whistle blew with an end score of 7-3 and plenty of stories to be told on the long drive home.

 

Goals: Tye 3, Thomas 1, Ashton 1, Abbie 1, Jackson1.

and A HUGE THANK YOU !!  too  LEWIS MOYLAN and  RILEY VANDERAA .

 Team blue are very greatful, both amazing players.

 

 

 

                                                                              

 

A dark and windy rain swept afternoon in the green of the hills,

No this is not the start of a romantic movie or famous novel

It was the scene of the battle of the hills with Hahndorf U15 taking on the might of the Mt Barker Blues

Starting with a 4-2-4 configuration Handorf dominated possession with Lance Pope's first shot skimming across the mouth within 2 mins of the first whistle blowing, he subsequently followed up with a solo effort to score the first goal at the 5 min mark.

The winds were relentless as was Hahndorf's attack with continuing raids forward through both centre and wings

Mt Barker made valiant efforts with ventures into Hahndorf territory on just 3 occasions but were stopped and cleared with great defending and counter attacks by Zara Tinsley-Smith, Angus Mifsud and Liam Sickerdick.

The goals continued on a regular basis throughout the first half.

The second half saw MT Barker a little more composed in the beginning and with great passing had Hahndorf on the ropes on more than one occasion which culminated in a Mt Barker goal later in the half

But the second half had Lance continuing his goal spree and with Jesse Poeell chiming in with his own hat trick

The team throughout the match played strategic disciplined football keeping MT Barker under control with great passing, support plays and solid defence 

 

Best player and 3 points went to Lance Pope for his consistent pressure and attack on the oppositions defences rewarding him with multiple goals throughout the game

2 points to Alexander (Xander) Romaldi scoring several goals and putting a solid defence performance in the middle winning many contests

1 point to Oscar Johson playing high and holding control forward with a goal on half time and again many assists

Special mention to Chappy for the full 80 minutes his roars across the field unheard through the driving wind and rain dampered to rasping frogs croak by the middle of second half but cold and wet he never left the managers box.

And Jesse Powell who with the heart of Phar Lap followed the ball all over the field scoring a hat trick in 3 minutes in the second half and with many more goal assists throughout the game

This week's game against Blackwood was played in wet and miserable conditions at the home of the AHJFA the Summit Sport and Recreation Park. In what would be trying conditions, a very wet skidding surface, both teams needed to ensure their first touch and passing game were in good order. 

The game started five minutes late, due to a referee running late but when the starting whistle sounded Woodside were on the front foot applying pressure to their opponent's goal. 

Woodside had the better control of the ball and were moving it around well by getting in and behind their opponents down both flanks. As the game reached the 10 minute mark Woodside had its first of the day with a well hit shot by their right midfielder finding the back of the net after some great passages of play. After the opening goal, Woodside had to step up its defense as Blackwood were determined to get back on level pegging. However, Woodside’s defense remained cool under pressure and gained possession of the ball, cleverly playing the ball out of their danger zone. With midfielders and attackers combining well, they continued to make runs into their opponents' box and when a shot hit the lower arm of a defender the referee had no other choice than to give a penalty. Woodside’s newest forward stood up to the mark and easily slotted home the second for the morning. Blackwood continued to use its bench with regular substitutions, but this had no impact on the passing game of Woodside who managed to play their way out of trouble with ease. When Blackwood looked like breaking into an attack, Woodside’s central defensive midfielder stood tall closing down opponents, winning the ball and turned many a defensive action into a Woodside attack. With 20 minutes played Woodside’s striker got a little frustrated after losing the ball and overcommitted for the ball resulting in him receiving a yellow card and relieving the pressure by proving the opposition a free kick. Blackwood though were committed to getting a goal with opportunities arising through some well taken corner kicks but Woodside’s keeper stood taller than usual and nulled out any chance. Woodside continued to defend well and made every opportunity to add another goal to the tally. This they did with 5 minutes left in the half to give them a well deserved lead going into half time. 

With the weather still pretty miserable, Woodside made the usual change of keeper and headed out to protect their lead and increase it if possible. With 10 minutes into the half Woodside unfortunately received its 2nd yellow card for the game when the ball struck its center forward on an out stretched elbow and landed at his feet in the penalty box. Woodside though continued to mount the pressure and force their opponents to take risks. Woodside were then left with 10 men with 25 minutes to go when Woodside’s striker received his second yellow of the game after winning a free kick made an unnecessary comment to the referee. Down to 10 men, Woodside were made to work a little harder with Blackwood applying the pressure but though commitment and letting the ball do the work, Woodside were still creating opportunities. In the space of 5 minutes Blackwood had given Woodside 4 free kicks just outside the box with the keeper making saves for three of them and the fourth just sailing over the cross bar. There was a need to make a change so Woodside’s bustling midfielder, who had rested in goals for the first half, had the energy required and, when given an opportunity to run at his opponents, he did. Weaving between players he managed to make his way into the penalty box and scored the team's fourth for the morning. Five minutes later he did the same opening up his opponent's defense through a good strong weaving run with the ball to score his second and team’s fifth. Woodside though were tiring and in a last ditch effort, Blackwood managed to get past Woodside’s strong defence and have a run at goal. With defenders scrambling to get back, Blackwood had only the keeper to beat, but taking his chances the Woodside keeper came off his line to narrow his opponent's angle and in doing so applied enough pressure for Blackwood to push the ball wide of the goal. In trying wet conditions Woodside walked away with another win but Blackwood should be commended for their efforts in these conditions as they continued to play football from start to finish. 

FINALLY........

After some competitive games and some frustrating results, Woodside U17G finally have cause for celebration - a rewarding first win of the season.

On a bleak afternoon, Woodside travelled to Birdwood to take on the team from Mt Barker. The misty rain began to fall during the warm up and along with the blustery breeze set the scene for an intriguing clash between the two teams. Only the hardiest of spectators dared venture from their cars. With forecast bad weather it was important for teams to get away to a good start.

Woodside began the first half kicking with the breeze and immediately used it to their advantage, kicking long balls through the  Mt Barker defence. In fact, it proved to be advantageous with Grace scoring an early goal within the first 5 minutes. 

Woodside continued to use conditions to their advantage spending long periods in attack. Grace, Karina and Star continued to offer attacking options and the midfield of Alex, Beth, Emily and Sarah worked hard to put them into space. Grace scored again within the first quarter of an hour and things appeared to be working in Woodside's favour. Nevertheless, Mt Barker also had chances to push forward but the Woodside defence of Rachel, Sophia and Sophie managed to hold firm.

Eventually, Grace was again able to weave her way through the Mt Barker defence to complete a remarkable first half hatrick. In a first for the season,  Woodside were making the most of their chances with some fine finishes.

Woodside headed to the break with a convincing lead and Evie maintained a clean sheet in goals.

Half Time: Woodside 3 - Mt Barker 0

At the break, Woodside regrouped, enjoyed their bananas and steeled themselves for a second half effort against the breeze, aware that they would need to dig deep to negate Mt Barker and prevent them from using the breeze to mount a comeback. 

Soon after the restart, Woodside won a corner. Somehow, the corner kick from Grace managed to find it's way into the net via the opposition keeper to further increase the lead and things looked safe.

However, Mt Barker refused to give in. Steadily they began to pile the pressure onto the Woodside defence. Woodside's attacking opportunities began to dry up and the defence desperately tried to hold on. The cracks began to appear and inevitably Mt Barker scored their first goal. It was not long before Mt Barker had a second and Woodside began to look shaky. Woodside were defending grimly and could have conceded a third goal if not for a timely offside call.

From there the game turned into a dour struggle with both sides looking forward the  final whistle and Woodside maintaining a two goal advantage.

Full Time: Woodside 4 - Mt Barker 2

The victory was a well deserved reward, proving that effort, striving for improvement, working hard for each other and playing smart football as a team will have it's benefits.

Keep up the good work.

Many thanks to Evie, Sarah and Tilly for  playing in the earlier game.