AHJSA Match Reports

League Round 4, 20th May 2023

U7

Hahndorf Soccer Club vs Bridgewater Soccer Club Blue

The sun decided to shine this morning as Hahndorf U7’s hosted their second home game for the season against Bridgewater Blue. The team hit the field with confidence this morning, with Hamish Holmes, Axel Pym, Victor Bartsch, Asa Bartsch, Finn Bond, William Moran, Chloe Pippos, and Avery Buchanan starting as goalkeeper in a modified 8v8 game. The team started strong with V Bartsch making an early break towards the opposing goal, then doubling back for an attempt at goal. There were many goal attempts from the likes of Holmes, Pippos, and Pym – all of whom were close to scoring the first goal of the game. It was an excellent effort from both teams in the first half.

The second half saw a change in goalkeeper to Pippos, who, along with Buchanan, kept Bridgewater Blue from scoring. Both Holmes and A Bartsch had great breakaways during the game and came close to scoring on multiple occasions. Towards the end of the second half, Pym passed to Moran in the midfield, who dribbled all the way downfield with the support of his teammates and scored the first (and only) goal of the game.

Bridgewater Blue worked well together, and it was a truly exciting match to watch from start to finish. By the end of the game, the spirits of the Magpies were high as they realised they had won their first game of the season! The Hahndorf team and officials would like to thank the Bridgewater Blue team and officials for an exciting game.

U8

Hahndorf Soccer Club vs Mount Barker United Soccer Club Red

 

 

An 8am start at Summit Sports and Recreation Park may have slowed down the parents, but the players were raring to go. Mount Barker United Red came out strong with an early shot on goal that couldn't get past Hahndorf keeper Charlie Kilpatrick. Mount Barker continued to push forward with Kealan Atkinson chasing them down, rewarded with a steal where he showed great control to turn the ball and send it back towards Hahndorf's end. This gave Brooklyn Karamanov all he needed to follow it through, sending the ball into the net for the first goal for the day. Buoyed by the goal, Hahndorf continued to drive it forward with Will Neelawala using some fancy footwork to evade the defenders. The Mount Barker striker got hold of the ball and took a huge run down the pitch followed by a strong kick that just swept by the side of the goals.

 

Soon it was Captain Carter Karamanov's time to shine with an excellent tackle in the mid-field, bringing the ball forward where a pass over to W. Neelawala sealed the deal when W. Neelawala weaved the ball between keeper and post for another Hahndorf goal. This didn't discourage the Mount Barker keeper, who kept their head in the game and did some excellent saves on the next shots on goal by B. Karamanov and W. Neelawala, with another of B. Karamanov's kicks rolling just over the goal line. Mount Barker were fighting back, but their efforts were foiled by Eric Jager who sent the ball flying back towards the Hahndorf end and Atkinson again displayed his skills in a chase down, stopping the ball just before the box to turn it back to Hahndorf's direction. Mount Barker had a couple of great shots, but Kilpatrick was watching the play and knew exactly where to be to make the saves. 

 

Recharged by their fruit feast, Hahndorf came out flying in the second half with an early shot on goal by B. Karamanov expertly saved by the Mount Barker keeper. Hahndorf kept driving it forward though, with Kilpatrick finishing it off with a great goal. Mount Barker continued to fight back, with some great passing and big runs showing great control dribbling over a long distance. Zeek Neelawala got hold of the ball and ran it down, finishing with a big kick towards the goal which was again saved by the excellent Mount Barker keeper. After another narrow miss by Mount Barker, keeper Jager's huge goal kick set Hahndorf up with Z. Neelawala and Kilpatrick working together to bring the ball down and finish with a shot just off to the left of the goal. After another quick turnaround, the ball was delivered into the corner of the net by B. Karamanov for the final goal of the match. Shortly after, the whistle signified the end of another great game - perfect timing with the commencing rain shower!

U9

Hahndorf Soccer Club Black vs Mount Barker United Soccer Club White

A severely understrength under 9 team ventured to Summit Saturday morning to take on Mount Barker in an 8:00 am fixture. The weather conditions on the way there matched the health of most of the team, namely cold and miserable. Thankfully the skies cleared by kick-off time for the four healthy members of the team: Charlie Roeszler, Miles Hennessy, Angus Clifton and Harris Parkyn. Mount Barker generously supplied two players to fill in for Hahndorf to make it a 6 vs 6 game. Despite having several key players out with illness, the boys started really confidently, consistently finding space in the midfield and finding ways to cut through the Mount Barker defence. Roeszler made several key tackles in the midfield and found a way to get the ball to Parkyn, who was consistently running hard to find ways through the Mount Barker back line. After several forays deep into the Mount Barker half, midway through the first half, Parkyn pounced on a loose ball in the Mount Barker midfield and bustled his way to the top of the box to power a shot past the keeper into the bottom left hand corner to open Hahndorf's account for the day. Clifton was keeping the pressure on the Mount Barker forwards whenever they moved the ball past half way, which meant a fairly quiet first half for Hennessy in goals. Notwithstanding this excellent defensive pressure, Mount Barker were able to get some shots off from near the top of the box, but Hennessy was well and truly up to the task, safely wrapping the ball up without any danger. The Mount Barker substitutes also acquitted themselves admirably against their team mates, not doing them any favours with strong tackling and no-nonsense clearances from the back. 

After several oranges and copious amounts of water at half time, the boys were back at it, with Roeszler taking on the role of keeper which released Hennessy up front. This change bought almost immediate success with Clifton finding Hennessy in the midfield, who then took it around three Mount Barker defenders to score. He followed this up shortly afterwards with a stinging shot from outside the box that found the top left-hand corner of the Mount Barker net. With no substitutes, Coach James was rotating the boys around the pitch, with Clifton having a stint up front to continue to keep pressure on the Mount Barker defenders. These changes led to a second goal for Parkyn, followed by a third for Hennessy. Late in the second half, Mount Barker pulled one back after getting behind the Hahndorf defenders on a throw in. Mount Barker could have had another, but for Roeszler confidently wrapping up an attempt from the Mount Barker forwards just before full time. 

All players acquitted themselves brilliantly during the game, really stepping up to make up for so many absences due to illness. Everyone is hoping for a full strength team for next week!  

Hahndorf Soccer Club Black vs Stirling Districts Soccer Club White

A rainy morning cleared in time for the game and the U9 Hahndorf White Girls team looked ready to roar against an equally fired up Stirling Districts U9 White.

The game began well with Hahndorf’s goalie Willow Duggan saving two shots on goal supported by Anu Duggin’s fierce defence against more vigorous attacks. A corner kick against Hahndorf was defended well by Scout Ramsey and Amelie Rymer preventing a goal. A solid Stirling Districts defence fought off Hahndorf's first serious attack. Then Stirling used an opening to fire off a powerful strike towards goal, followed by a quick pass and the ball flew into the net for the first score of the day! Next came a lengthy struggle for the ball in the midfield, following which Hahndorf pressed a strong attack with a light pass from Kaylee Sheremetjev to Duggin. For a moment it looked like it could be a goal, eventually turned over for a Stirling Districts run and score.

The second half began with a tough contest and Hahndorf successfully defending two goal attempts and tying up the ball before Stirling Districts managed to score again. Hahndorf's defence has improved a lot over the last few games, and it showed now as they kept the ball midfield for quite some time against intense pressure and Holly Pippos in goal making some good saves. An accidental handball resulted in a corner kick for Stirling Districts but defenders Sheremetjev and Charlotte Rymer cleared the ball. A Hahndorf throw-in by A. Rymer resulted in a follow-up throw-in by Duggan, which resulted in a goal kick. A long sprint by A. Rymer in defence stopped a Stirling Districts run for goal and helped the Hahndorf defence gather.

Overall the Hahndorf players performed admirably and matched up very well in most areas.

Woodside Warriors Soccer Club Gold vs Strathalbyn Strikers FC Inc

Woodside Gold had its first home match of the season and what a goal-fest it turned out to be. As each goal Strathalbyn scored the Gold team would hit back within minutes, keeping the verbal spectators on their toes. Toby Reimann had his best game yet, working hard in defence and attack and finishing with a goal as well. Logan Pielago scored his first goal and then added another one late in the game while Stefan Sims scored one and could have netted more. Jo Smith wasn't well but demanded to play and came in handy in defence while brother Toby worked hard in the midfield and also had some opportunities to score.

Charlie Dvorak also played well and finished with a goal. After a first half as goalkeeper Ashley Hendrie was intercepting plenty of opposition balls and then he too scored a goal. Meanwhile Jack Hogan, Zaion Lorefice and Mason Payne pressed the opposition into mistakes and got plenty of kicks.

Overall it was a fantastic achievement and a good all-round team effort compared to Strathalbyn who relied on a single player. This augurs well for the rest of the season, coupled with the fact that Gold has scored in all four matches so far.

 

Woodside Warriors Soccer Club Blue vs F.C Summit White

Summit were immediately on an aggressive attack giving us no time on the ball. We defended well but one of their larger players broke through for a goal.

Straight after kickoff Summit were again giving us no room to move and pass.

Under more attack we defended well and forced a corner. More aggressive attacking from Summit eventually produced another goal.

More great team defending under constant attack. A free kick awarded for Warriors as Summit were talking back to the ref. Great thinking from Adam with a quick long pass and a chance on the Summit goal which narrowly missed.

Hamish and Daniel did a great job in defence with the rest of the Warriors going in to defend and not giving up. Summit shoot again and our goalie produces a great save.

Warriors make a counter attack from the kick off with Quinn taking it down the right wing for a shot on goal but hits the side netting.

More great tackles from the Warriors prevent further goals and start to frustrate Summit.

 

Second half: 

 

More immediate attacking from Summit from kick off but Warriors break the ball free for a counter attack and Quinn gets another shot on goal but it’s saved by the Summit goalie.

Warriers create another chance with Ryland taking it forward for chance. Quinn gets another chance too and shoots on goal but it's saved again.

More great defending and Warriors are holding positions well. Great commitment and defending from Hamish keeps Summit back for a while but more sustained attacking from Summit produces another goal.

Summit attack again but a big boot from Daniel makes a great clearance. Ryland makes a great run down the left wing, weaving a dodging multiple tackles. The ball is tuned over to Summit but we get it back and Adam attacks down the right wing and gets a shot away on goal, another save from Summit.

More great defending from Daniel to prevent another Summit shot on goal. 

Before the end of the game, Adam took a shot from a throw in and just missed to the right, Will took a shot on goal under great pressure and Caleb made a last minute run and attack with a shot just missing the goal.

Overall the Warriors defended really well under high pressure and constant attack from Summit. We held positions well and all joined in to help defend and eventually frustrated Summit's many attempts and prevented a large number of goals. We didn’t give up and the perseverance paid off with a number of chances on goal. We were unlucky not to get on the score board with a number of shots very close to goal or on target and saved. 

Match report by Jonny Scott

U10

Woodside Warriors Soccer Club Red vs Murray Bridge United Soccer Club Gold

It was an early start today as our Under 10's headed to Murray Bridge for an 8:30 warm up. Today we had a full team of 13 players and all of them worked really hard to make the game exciting, and somewhat stressful for the spectators. We scored some amazing goals today. Justin continued his steady streak of goals, and Aussie scored his first goal. Special mention to our Goalies today. Archie saved 5 goals, and Bobby saved 2. Ilkoo had a great crack at attempting a goal, as did Max. Due to a lot of subbing today, we had lots of team members playing multiple positions when returning to the pitch which demonstrates their flexibility and willingness to give a different position a go, even if they are out of their comfort zone. Our main attackers Bobby, Max, Tomke, Aussie, Justin and Eva were on point, our main defenders Zac, Hannah, Ryder and Theo did a great job at protecting the goals. Our main mid fielders Banjo, Ilkoo, and Archie were always in the mix of defending and attacking as needed. 

The cheers from the spectators could be heard far and wide as Woodside took out the win again this week. All the players should be really proud of themselves. We can't wait to see what next week brings. 

U11

Woodside Warriors Soccer Club Red vs Nairne Knights Soccer Club

Ominous skies around for this weeks round of soccer. Woodside started well with solid team work and some early scores on the board. Definetely signs of the team working together as they become more comfortable as a unit. A fair portion of this game saw Woodside in attack, the team had plently of opportunities but at times rushed their decision making. This was improved after half time. Also in the second half saw Miller take up position of goalie, he was outstanding in bringing the ball back into play quickly to send his fellow warriors back into attack. Great job Miller. A rewadrding game for Woodside, but also plenty of solid challenges from Nairne even if it didn't reflect on the scoreboard.

U12

Woodside Warriors Soccer Club Red (2) vs Mount Barker United Soccer Club Red (2)

What a game for only our second of the season! The first half we put the pressure on with a very strong defence. Mt Barker were strong and unable to get past but eventually landed one. Despite this we kept pushing and held of many attempts at goal. The second half we switched up a knotch and found our attacking line. We passed the ball around well and made it through with a goal. We worked together as a team and had a very strong finish the game. Well done to both teams for a fantastic game.

U13

Woodside Warriors Soccer Club Red (7) vs Rangers Junior Soccer Club (1)

As the sun rose and children woke, excitement grew as the Warriors prepared to face their old foe in the Ashton Rangers. 

Parents could be forgiven in not sharing the same excitement with near sub 0 temperatures and Torrential rain on-route to the home of the Rangers. 

As the first whistle blew it was clear that the Warriors had been training hard during the off season. They were well drilled in all areas of the game, faster, more skilful and hungrier at the ball. 

It didn’t take long for the floodgates to open with a strike Sam Kerr would be jealous of rocketing off the boot of Abby and almost breaking the net. 

The warriors continued to direct play, the midfield were on song with numerous plays and thru balls resulting in another 3 goals for the half. 

Feeling inspired and knowing the sacrifice his defensive lines put in each week coach Cass decided to reward the defences effort by playing them in the midfield and striker roles. 

The ploy almost immediately paid off allowing Charlie to score the first goal of his career with a blistering strike that bamboozled the keeper.

Avah aptly named the brick wall because of her defensive skills was the next cab off the rank. She relished her time at the front creating opportunity after opportunity which was finally rewarded with a Messi inspired penalty to score her first goal  in 5 seasons. 

The final whistle blew with a win to the Woodies of 7-1. 

The team have shown that they can be humble in defeat but more importantly humble and supportive of the opposition when they win. Ashton were brave all game. The enthusiasm of their players, coaches and parents 
Was commendable and we look forward to playing them again later in the season.

 

Hahndorf Soccer Club (3) vs Mount Barker United Soccer Club Red (2)

The weather in the morning was perfect, with the rain holding off until after the match, so conditions were great as the match kicked off to a very even start. Mt Barker Red were first to score, due to a misunderstanding directly in front of goals, following up with a second goal minutes later. The game proceeded, with the Hahndorf attackers pressuring goals while being backed up by the amazing saves and clearances of the Hahndorf defenders and goalie.

After half time, the game was still very even, with the ball bouncing from end to end. Hahndorf took some excellent shots, standouts from Emlyn Gilroy, Rowan Gilroy, and Harry Wood, and at last E Gilroy had a fantastic run down the line, passed to R Gilroy, who crossed it perfectly back to result in a spectacular goal from E Gilroy. Soon after, Lawson Shotton took a brilliant shot which was touched in neatly by E Gilroy. With scores level and the end of the match seconds away, E Gilroy had a shot on goals, which Shotton tapped in to win the game just before the final whistle. An amazing comeback and game overall.

Mount Barker United Soccer Club Red (2) vs Hahndorf Soccer Club (3)

After a chaotic Friday of last-minute withdrawals, frantic messages to younger age groups for help, and 5 of their original squad declared unavailable, Mt Barker's U13 Red team arrived at Hahndorf to face the Magpies on a cool morning.
These two sides have forged somewhat of an epic rivalry over the last few seasons, with 2 knockout nail-biters across 2022 going one apiece to each side. With a few lethal goal-kickers leaving both teams to pursue higher levels of competition, one could expect the rivalry to have dissipated, but fans were unknowingly about to witness another classic...
Mt Barker kicked off with barely 11 on the field, and their top scorers nursed minor injuries from the outset. Two U11's had stepped up to the big pitch to lend a hand, and an U13 White club mate was being fast-tracked from Willunga. However, the Reds began with an empty bench, and could be forgiven for approaching their striped opponents with caution. The Crusaders did the opposite, however: Rebounding magpie attacks with intent, the Reds found themselves in the attacking box, and some quick thinking by the striker saw the visitors gain a 1-0 lead about 15 minutes in. By the 25-minute mark, the lead had doubled, but the Magpies continued to create chances and challenge the defensive wall, which was a rag-tag concoction of veterans and incredibly brave youngsters. The wall of red did excellently to repel these attacks, but the Magpies were creating numerous shots on goal, and had the luxury of fresh legs off the bench - an element that would prove to be monumental by the end of this contest.
As the second half began, it was clear that momentum had shifted. The usual offensive pressure of the Reds was rather subdued, which gave the home team's defenders the chance to set up and send their wingers down the line, before crossing it in to their dangerous strikers.
While this was ineffective to start with, a swooping magpie found the net in the 56th minute. The Reds countered, and their central midfielder was incredibly unlucky when his sensational chip over the defence clanged off the crossbar. 9 minutes after their first, the magpies leveled; a heroic save from the visiting 'keeper went straight to the feet of an unmarked striker, who gleefully thumped it home. It was clear the visitors were absolutely spent, and after such a strong first half, they simply lost the energy to keep up with the fresh legs of the home team.
The critical moment came in the dying seconds, when the Barker defenders just couldn't cover all their bases. Another magpie strike. Another diving save from the Barker keeper. And another striker, poised at the back post to deliver the final blow.
The home team elated; the visitors shattered.  3-2 to Hahndorf in another epic between the 2 teams. The rivalry continues!

U15

Woodside Warriors Soccer Club Blue (2) vs Mount Barker United Soccer Club Red (2)

Another fine day awaited spectators and players as Woodside hosted Mt Barker. 

The game started with Woodside having their opponents on the back foot as they spent the first 10 minutes of the game in their opponent’s defensive third. With every entry, the Warriors managed to get in great scoring opportunities but were just wide of the target. With both defensive midfields controlling the center corridor, it was hard for Mt Barker to break through the middle to score. Then from nowhere down their left wing the Mt Barker winger got around the defence and was left with a one on one to beat the keeper. With Woodside streaming back to defend he took his time and slotted it home for Mt Barker to take the lead. As already shown by this Woodside team over the past three rounds, self belief and determination is always rewarded. Lifting their game, Woodside again pressed their opponent this time taking them on down the right. With some great movement, the right midfielder found a little space outside the box and seeing an opportunity took a chance. Finding the net, he levelled the game. For the remainder of the half it was an arm wrestle in the middle of the park with both teams midfield and defence working hard. Woodside’s smaller players were reading the play and beating the opposition to the ball, or simply applying pressure to their opponents who would make a mistake and turn over the ball. When the ball entered the defence in the air our centre back claimed it for himself, sending the ball back in the direction it came from. As the half time whistle sounded, neither team had added to their score but Woodside were playing the better football

With the usual encouraging coaches talk completed, Woodside took to the pitch for the second half with the belief that today was their day. However, Mt Barker were looking for more than a draw and in the first five minutes worked hard to get another goal. Again it was the Warriors defence that stood strong denying shots and winning the ball. Mainly through doing the simple stuff, putting it out when needed, closing down and pressing or delaying their opponent and when winning the ball finding feet of their teammates who could take the ball into their opponent’s half. After 20 minutes both teams had not scored but it takes a piece of brilliance to spark a team. This week there were three all within 5 minutes. The first was a fabulous save by our keeper who looked to be beaten by a Mt Barker shot, but with out stretched hand somehow managed to put his hands on the ball as he dived across the face of the goal. The second came after a series of corners for Woodside, where a well placed ball found the head of the centre back, who getting head to ball only just missed the goal. Each one of these saw the belief that today was Woodside’s day. Then the final spark. From a well taken corner the Woodside striker, with his back to the ball, managed to back heel the ball back towards goal and the diving keeper had no chance as the ball rolled into the net. Woodside had the lead but with 10 minutes left in the game could they hold on. Would Mt Barker spoil the day!  For five minutes Woodside continued to apply pressure down both flanks but Mt Barker remained composed and dealt with each entry. Then as time was counting down Mt Barker managed again to get around the Woodside defence and as their attacker was quickly closed down he managed to get a shot away to level the scoreboard again. With little time on the clock to still win, both teams threw everything they had at each other’s defence. As the final minutes ticked down it was Woodside with the greater opportunities but today time would beat them as the final whistle sounded. 

A great effort from the Warriors managing to get their first points of the season. Again they showed grit and determination, but more importantly looked and played like a team which is all any coach or parent could ask of these young Warriors.

U17

Hahndorf Soccer Club (1) vs Blackwood Forest Soccer Club (2)

Heavy morning rain cleared into unexpected sunshine at Mt Barker for the game against Blackwood. Hahndorf started strongly with several shots at goal within the first 10 minutes. While Blackwood was able to push the ball forward several times, good defence and a couple of great goal keeper saves from Hahndorf kept them in check. This all culminated with a goal from number 12 (Oscar) at the 15 minute mark. From then on the teams were more evenly matched with both teams having shots at goal before an unlucky tackle near the Hahndorf goal saw Blackwood given a penalty goal kick at the 34 minute mark which they went on to convert. The scores now level, Hahndorf came back strongly from this setback to have several chances at goal with corner kicks from number 5 setting up numbers 12 and 17 with shots at goal. Strong defence from Hahndorf saw number 12 get a yellow card just before the end of the half.

Blackwood started the second half strongly, with a goal kick hitting the goal post at the 3 minute mark. From then on, good defence from Hahndorf saw both sides more evenly matched until about 8 mins into the half when an unlucky tackle by number 5 saw him get a red card. With Hahndorf now down to 10 players, Blackwood took advantage of the situation, attacking the Hahndorf goal several times. Resolute defence from the Hahndorf goal keeper, who saved one shot at goal, was not enough, and Blackwood scored at the 12 minute mark. Now down 1-2, Hahndorf put in a valiant effort with strong defence blunting Blackwood's attacks. While Hahndorf was able to push the ball forward several times they were unable to convert these into goals, and the game ended with Hahndorf losing to Blackwood 2-1

Woodside Warriors Soccer Club Blue (2) vs Stirling Districts Soccer Club (2)

Woodside's U17 Blue team ventured out to their home ground to take on Stirling Districts U17.  Initially looking as though it would rain, the sun actually shone through the clouds for most of the match.

From the outset the teams looked evenly matched.  Woodside had some excellent attacking plays during the first half, but weren't able to convert. On the counter-attack Stirling put one in the net before half time.

The second half proceeded similarly with competitive, fair play from both sides. An unfortunate own goal from a Woodside boot into Stirling's net gave them the 2-0 lead.  Not to be disheartened the Woodside players stepped it up and pushed a little harder managing to get one on the board.  With this boost the Woodside players pushed again and again, and with a strike deflected from the post back into play a Woodside player was able to knock another one over the line.  

With the scores locked at 2-2 Stirling stepped their intensity up a level and made a strong push forward. Woodside's defence held strong clearing some strong shots toward goal as Stirling attempted to take the lead again. Not to be however as the final whistle blew for a 2 all draw.

U17G

Woodside Warriors Soccer Club Rams (3) vs Mount Barker United Soccer Club Red (2)

Round 4            WoodsideRams Vs Mount Barker at Bradbury

We all rocked up the sky was blue the birds were chirping and the ground was heavy, but it was all a pretend, because I think the game had been playing for approximately 15 mins when Stirling weather arrived and it was really here to stay rain, rain and more rain. 

The girls were loving the change in conditions and the fun this brought with it. 

Woodside Rams came out firing in the first minute and made some smart passes and some clean play with a final fumble of legs in the goal square and a goal was scored by Mount Barker, but it was a Woodside Rams who were the beneficiaries. 

the Barker girl looked broken with despair and her team came and consoled her which was great sportsmanship. 

The second kick off for the match and Barker wasn’t done yet pushing quickly back on Woodside Ramses end and a crowd was building around the ball, not quite a mosh pit, but it was getting close and a trip or fumble, no one is really shore, but a penalty was given. Barker had levelled the score and we were only minutes into the match. 

Woodside Rams Switched back on and continued to press, but were unable to convert as this congested style of play was messing with the girl’s methods. Finally a clean pass down the line and a clean pass forward and a solid goal into the back of the net. A great team goal. 

This lead did not last long almost immediately mount barker found some grit and determination and found the back of the net half time and scores were tied. 
 

Coaches had their chats and both teams came back out fired up and ready to gain the lead. 

Woodside Rams had listened to the profound words even if I do say so myself, and started to hold their space. Mid field saw its opening and they took it .  it was early in the second half and Woodside Rams were hoping to get   a couple more on the board to take that pressure off, but Mount Barker had a lot to say about that with constant fight , 2 crosses that made the crowd hold their breath and 35 minutes that seemed to take 3 hours . but in the end Woodside Rams held the gap and won the day. 




 

Stirling Districts Soccer Club (0) vs Strathalbyn Strikers FC Inc (2)

Prior to the match commencing, Strathalbyn Strikers didn’t have enough players so Ruby Tully valiantly volunteered to play for the visitors. Stirling Districts FC made a strong start. A free awarded to the opposition saw Polly Harrison, Ev Wilson and Jae Fitch create a wall to help keeper En Ueda defend the Stirling goal. Shortly thereafter Strathalbyn scored the first goal of the match a mere 6 minutes in. In her first ever game for Stirling, Noa Ransom showed both her skill, versatility and connection to her team mates. Zoe York’s return from injury lent leadership and control to the midfield. Layla Preece and Feiya Huang were strong up front with good positioning to receive balls fed through by Zora Huang. Rosalie Taylor had some good runs up front but was unable to convert to goals.

The second half of the game saw Jae Fitch step up from a physically demanding first half to take on the keeper’s position with true grit and determination. Ev Wilson, En Ueda, Em Dalton and Nora Bijlsma provided a coordinated defensive effort. Jess Verryt’s typical dogged determination was admirable although did not bring the results she fought for. In the final four minutes Ruby Tully scored for the second goal for Strathalbyn. Strong attempts by Auriana Healy throughout did not convert to improve Stirling’s score line.