AHJSA Match Reports

League Round 13, 17th July 2021

U12

Mount Barker United Soccer Club (6*) vs Murray Bridge United Soccer Club Blue (0)

In one of the only Under 12's games that got the green light this week, Mount Barker hosted Murray Bridge Blue at a very wet and windy Summit Sport & Recreation Park. It is a winter sport after all, right..?

Right from the opening whistle, Barker looked to gain the ascendency,  maintaining possession and applying pressure to the Bridge back line. It wasn't long until Beau Curran opened the scorecard, bursting through the defence and slotting it calmly past the keeper. Some fantastic midfield teamwork by Arlo Turner, Danny Paterson, Chloe Engley and Joseph Main led to another chance for Curran, which he once again buried in the back of the net. 2 minutes later, Curran sent a superb cross in to fellow striker  Taya Kumnick, who seized the opportunity and scored her first career goal. This brought the home crowd to their feet, and the whole team was pumped! Kumnick followed this up with some super runs down the left wing and towards the goals - she was unlucky not to score again.
Murray Bridge upped their game after this, making some promising attacking plays, but were continuously halted by the back four of Thomas Honner, Felix Koral, Harry Burt and Max Barrljung-Hummel.
3-0 at the break, and Mt Barker was determined to keep up the intensity (and stay warm... it was seriously cold out there.)
Murray Bridge started the second half strongly, testing the Barker defence and keeping goalie Tyler Raven on his toes. Raven, and the Mt Barker back line, showed amazing coordination to keep a clean sheet against a very determined opposition, with the speedy inclusion of Rory Martin shutting down any attacks from the wing. it was the home teams leading goal scorer A. Turner who kicked the first of the second half, followed by winger Lincoln Denley.
Mt Barker laid seige to the opposition's defence in the last 10 minutes, as Danny Paterson got his first goal of the season, much to the delight of the Mt Barker team and supporters. He wasn't finished there though, kicking another one just 7 minutes later! Denley kicked his second for the game, and Curran deservedly rounded out his hat-trick.
The Murray Bridge goalie was spectacular throughout the match though, making some fantastic saves and denying the home team of countless goals.
The Mt Barker coach reckons that the home team put up their best team performance of the season, and came out of this contest with a deserving win, however Murray Bridge must be commended for never giving in, no matter the score line. Both teams fought to the final whistle, regardless of the wind and rain.
Did we mention that it was raining..?

Woodside Warriors Soccer Club (8*) vs Stirling Districts Soccer Club White (2)

Woodside Warriors U12 took on Stirling Districts White under lights on the neutral (and synthetic) turf of Mount Barker Summit in the Friday night match up. On paper this one looked like a mismatch, with the older, more seasoned Warriors flying high at the tail end of the season, and the youngsters from Stirling still finding their feet on the big pitch.

 

Woodside jumped out of the blocks early, goaling in the opening seconds. And for a moment, their younger opponents looked shell shocked. The Warriors were passing well and using the wide expanses of the Summit pitch to their advantage. Long accurate balls to the good of a team mate, coupled with greater natural speed and size created the perfect storm, and before long the Warriors were up 3 – zip and showing no signs of relenting. Woodside were making life hard for Stirling, and when life gets hard, you’ve got to make a choice – hide from the hardship, or stand up and stare it down. Stirling chose to stand up! After a scary start, they settled into a rhythm. Now they were finding their tackles to prevent Woodside from gaining easy passage and the Warriors were forced to attack down the flanks instead of through the middle. This changed the pace of the match and slowed the tide, with Woodside only scoring once more before Stirling began creating opportunities of their own. After 15 minutes, their courage was rewarded as they slipped through the Woodside backline and surged forwarded, scoring through silky skills and a powerful finish. Woodside continued to dominate for the remainder of the first half, but now it was a tight contest with both sides playing a high standard game. In fact, that is how the rest of the game played out. Woodside the stronger force, but Stirling fighting and scraping with courage and determination at the back and surging forward with malicious intent when in possession. In the end, the Warriors dominated on the pitch and the scorecard, but with Stirling showing their mettle in defense and demonstrating their clear ability to score, with quality goals in both halves, the future is bright. With a week to go in the season, both sides will look to run out the season in style before turning their attention to next year and developing the game to take them onward in their footballing journey.

U13 Div 2

Hahndorf Soccer Club White (6) vs Rangers Junior Soccer Club (1)

 

It was a cold,wet day at Mt Barker Summit, however the spectators were enjoying the game from the heated indoor grandstand, also just quietly devouring the hot chips and gravy. 

Cooper Liddle was Captain today and he won the coin toss.The game started with a determined Hahndorf team. In the first five minutes Hayden Lien shot for goal and only just missed scoring.  Levi Beesley, strong in attack had a shot for goal and just missed the shot. So close though!

Lien scored a goal, then the goals kept coming for the Hahndorf side, all shots were amazing and well deserved. It was a really good game for spectators, for it was full of excitement.Christopher Haynes played midfield and then defence. Strong game in both positions. Patrick Hinze got the donut voucher for the day - great play from midfield.Lawson Shotton was fierce in attack and made goal attempts. Harrison Gould was striker and played well throughout the game and was rewarded with a number of goals. 

Goalie for the first half was Daniel Peters and for the second half was Dante Man, both performed really well.Emlyn Gilroy, Benjamin Romaldi and Oliver Aylen were a strong defence side. William Whiting blocked a Basket Range shot for goals and ran a lot of kms throughout the game.

Thanks for the great game everybody. 

 

U15

Woodside Warriors Soccer Club Red (6) vs Blackwood Forest Soccer Club (7)

It was a cold night at the Mt Barker Sports centre where Woodside were facing off against Blackwood, a game that had to be postponed due to COVID 19.

 

Blackwood had the kick off, but Woodside quickly turned it around with Cohenn taking the ball into the goal square, he was taken out by the Blackwood defence. Cohenn was injured in the play and a free kick was awarded to Woodside. James lined up and took the kick for Cohenn and put it away.

 

Blackwood responded quickly with a goal even though the Woodside defence put forward a strong effort.

 

Blackwood got the ball in the forward half again shortly after and scored after what was a close call to being off side giving Blackwood the 2-1 lead.

 

Woodside was eager to put that goal behind them with a strong offensive effort run up the pitch by James with a clean cross to Ryan who finished off the play evening up the score 2 all.

 

At the 19 minute mark Blackwood responded and again at the 23 minute mark pulling away 4 to 2.

 

Ryan was able to get a couple of strongly contested shots a goal at the 24 and 25 minute mark but the Blackwood defence pushed these shots off the goal.

 

At the 27 min mark Blackwood had a shot at goal but it was saved by Banjo.

 

Blackwood had a corner kick in the 29th minute but weren't able to capitalise on it.

 

31 minutes in Blackwood have another shot with another clean save from Banjo.

 

Woodside went back into attack with James having a shot at goal at the 35 minute mark but was saved by the Blackwood Goalie. Undetermined James attacked again and succeeded putting the ball in the back of the net at 39 minutes bringing the score to 4-3.

 

Blackwood wanting to extend their lead had a shot at goal just before half time but missed wide.

 

James shot back against Blackwood but was stopped by their Goalie. 

 

Blackwood responded but was denied by Banjo yet again.

 

Just before half time James got a runaway fed nicely by the midfield scoring to tie the game up 4 all before half time.

 

In the second half the tennis match continued Blackwood shooting and missing, Woodside responded with James missing from his left foot.

 

Blackwood shot back missing wide.

 

Woodside working well as a team all game drove the ball up field the Lysianne perfectly feeding the ball to James who scored putting Woodside ahead by 1.

 

Blackwood shot back but saved by Riley.

 

In the second half Woodside received a corner kick taken by Harry. Blackwood defence pushed it out for another corner. Harry took the corner again finding the Blackwood Goalie but they were unableto holdon to it creating an own goal.

 

Woodside now ahead by 2 goals.

 

Blackwood had a couple of attempts at goal one missing and the next being called offside. 

 

Riley blocked another attempt at goal 15 minutes in pushing it out to a corner for Blackwood. The corner kick was defended and the ball was pushed forward by Lysianne but Woodside were unable to have an attempt at goal.

 

Blackwood pushed back with a Runaway towards goal only to be stopped by Ruby who was a force to be reckoned with not giving up managing to push the ball out for a Blackwood corner.  Blackwood managed to score of the corner kick bringing the score back within 1.

 

17 minutes into the second half Blackwood struck and tied up the game.

 

Harry responded but was blocked by the Blackwood Goalie.

 

Blackwood shot back but was defended out to a corner kick. Blackwood were unable to capitalise on this opportunity. 

 

About halfway into the second half Blackwood scored pulling ahead by 1.

 

Harry responded but it was stopped again by Blackwoods Goalie. 

 

Blackwood struck back but missed wide.

 

At 35 minute Lysianne had a shot at goal from 3/4 pitch with the shot going top right of the goal but the Blackwood Goalie got to it.

 

Blackwood responded with a breakaway defended by Cooper who wasn't going to let them score again.

 

Towards the end of the game Blackwood got a corner kick but pushed it out of bounds.

 

Both teams put in a fantastic effort on a cold night now to get ready for the next morning playing back to back.

Blackwood Forest Soccer Club (7) vs Woodside Warriors Soccer Club Red (6)

The original Round 13 U15 match between Woodside Warriors Red and Blackwood Forest was unable to proceed on the scheduled date of July 17 due to weather-related unsafe pitch conditions.  The make-up match took place under the bright lights of the new Summit Sports and Recreation Ground 7.30pm on Friday 27th August on an incredibly cold, still night.

Some late player withdrawals for the Blackwood team resulted in them only having 10 players on pitch against Woodside’s full side of 11 plus subs. Blackwood were going to have to dig deep to stay in the game.

The first match goal was scored by Woodside’s Austin J from a Penalty kick inside the first 13 minutes. Blackwood wasted no time in equalising, with Loki N scoring from a lovely through ball from Ben A immediately after the reset. 3 minutes later, Blackwood’s Elisha S scored the second for Blackwood, then Woodside’s Harry W equalised for his team 3 minutes after that. With 4 goals within 16 minutes, the spectators prepared for a high scoring match. In the following 6 minutes Blackwood scored a further 2 times from strikes from Ben A and Liam D.

Opportunities abounded for both teams, with a mixture of off-target attempts and great saves from both Goalkeepers. With 8 minutes remaining in the first half, Woodside’s Ryan M scored their 3rd goal. Blackwood’s counter attack was wide, restricting their lead to one goal. Woodside didn’t miss with their following attack, Austin J scoring his second for the first half to bring the teams level at 4 goals apiece. Blackwood’s final attempt just before the end of the half, successfully denied by the Keeper.

With the score line level, both sides were looking to take the lead at the starting whistle of the second. Woodside went straight into attack, shooting wide. Blackwood’s response was also off-target. Woodside’s Austin J did not miss on their next opportunity and, after denying Blackwood’s Elisha S another goal, Austin J scored another – his second for the half and fourth for the match. The Woodside team were buoyed by their 2 goal advantage, particularly after another near miss from their opposition. The Blackwood 10 did not give up, however, and they kept bringing the fight. Blackwood’s persistence paid off and they regained control:  Liam D and Ben A scoring within 2 minutes of each other to level the scores at 6 all. One minute later Woodside’s counter attack was saved by Blackwood keeper Angus D. With 19 minutes remaining in the match, Blackwood’s Elisha S scored Blackwood’s 7th goal. When Woodside’s counter was saved, their team’s on-pitch frustration became more vocal. Blackwood largely controlled possession for the remainder of the match and their remaining attempts to extend the lead were slightly off-target.

Fulltime score Woodside Warriors Red 6 – Blackwood Forest 7

Woodside Warriors Soccer Club Blue (3) vs Torrens Valley Soccer Club (0)

What a night to see a a clash of first v third with a win to Woodside giving them the 2021 title or making the race for top for all three teams a battle for their last game on Saturday.

Both teams were undermanned using the depth of their clubs to fill their benches with talented players who did not look out of place in this crucial game. As expected both teams started strong with the Rams out to spoil Woodside’s party. Woodside was struck an early blow in the first few minutes with their speedy right midfielder being substituted due to a back injury by his younger brother. Both defenses held strong for the first 20 minutes with Torrens Valley under the greater pressure from Woodside but their keeper had great hands holding all shots. Woodside by now was moving the ball well down both sides and when a well played ball was played into the substitute strikers path he only had the keeper to beat, slotting it home to take the lead. Again both teams lifted a gear; Woodside to increase the lead and Torrens Valley to close the gap. As the half closed Woodside’s defence and hard working midfield looked in control, but the second half would bring the Ram’s major playmaker onto the field after a half in goals. At half time Woodside were in front 1:0.

The second half saw both teams release their keepers. Offering Torrens Valley greater attacking opportunities down both flanks, but Woodside the speed to cover them both. The Rams started to attack down the right but the Woodside left back stood tall closing the gap between him and his opponent and stopping many plays. Woodside still managed to create opportunities in-front of goals but great keeping and off target shots kept the lead to 1. With the pressure came more corners and Woodside were looking threatening. In one instance a chip to the front post was headed just wide of the goal that next time was covered by the Rams but the ball unfortunately dipped hit the player on the hip and bounded into the net as an unfortunate goal. The Rams lifted again looking for that goal and when they were presented a free kick outside the box only a scrambling header denied any shot on goal. Woodside moved its running right back upfront and the play payed off as he found himself running into the box when he was bustled to the ground and a penalty given. Taking the penalty himself he slotted it home and gave his team a three goal lead. As the game came to a close, Woodside had another opportunity when the ball hit the left post rebounded into the path of the young right midfielder who struck it beautifully only to hit the right post. Shortly after that play, that’s how the game finished but Torrens Valley should be commended for their grit and determination for all 80 minutes making it an exciting game. To the U13's that filled in you fitted into the Woodside team and style of play and both should be commended for your work rate and commitment in helping out the team.

This win sealed Woodside the title of league winners.

U17

Woodside Warriors Soccer Club (5) vs Strathalbyn Strikers FC Inc (1)

“Someone was chopping onions.”

Friday night saw one of the final games of the U17 league play out at Summit Sports & Recreation Park. This game was supposed to be played pre-COVID restrictions, but was called off due to a wet pitch at Woodside Recreation Ground. By the time COVID restrictions kicked-off it was put off until later. Turns out it would eventually be much later, and finally being played on Friday 10th September.

For Strathalbyn Strikers this would be a chance to take a strong team. A win over the top team would be a great moral booster that would linger into next season. Even a draw would be something to be proud of too. Either way it was clear that they were just there for a final game on the synthetic pitch at Mount Barker. Recent game history has been strong and their energy levels were high, but the fact that it didn’t matter what the result was helped tremendously. Games are a lot more authentic when it doesn’t matter, at least in terms of ladder placings.

For Woodside their season premiership was sealed a while ago. They were certainly aware that the Strikers would bring a physical challenge above what most other teams bring, however their confidence in their own game is their strength. Meanwhile Woodside Coach BRUCE TONKIN was facing his own set of challenges, that being that this game would be his final as the role of coach for a junior team. This is after 10 years of coaching. There were several moments pre-game where a simple spell in the usual pre-game proceedings would almost get the better of him, but he kept himself busy with minor tasks.

The evening was warm and the pitch was as expected. Nothing changes, although hints of real-life grass-roots were pushing through the plastic, reminding everyone who is the ultimate boss.

The game kicked off at 6pm under the watchful eye of experienced referee Nathaniel Roberts. Teams were once again thankful of the AHRB supplying two assistant referees in Lucy McAvaney and Asher Gaff. This meant that all parents could enjoy the last game watching their child take to the pitch under junior conditions, whilst the two referees pocketed coin for their efforts. It’s a win-win situation.

From kick-off the Warriors were under prepared for a determined opposition. This wasn’t surprising as Strathalbyn came out on fire. A fourth placed side up against first generally puts up a solid fight. As a result Strathalbyn were first to break with AHJFA U16 Rep Striker Kalan Brooks scoring on the 14th minute. It was this point when the Warriors support crew were concerned.

Not long after Warriors Captain ANGUS WILKINS equalised with a trademark goal. Wilkins has a habit of scoring from range and on a regular enough basis to continually remind players why he was the obvious choice for captaincy this season. Before half time LACHLAN MOWBRAY continued his goal scoring lead in the U17 league. His goal kicking style is on the other end of the scale compared to Wilkins. Low, close-range goals resulting from incredible speed and ball control often leaves keeper’s stunned and querying what his defenders are up to.

By half-time the scores were 2-1 in favour of Woodside.

The second half saw another AHJFA U16 Rep Forward score early on the 41st minute. JETT TONKIN, when given enough time to power-up, is hard to catch. His final goal for junior association football came from a through-ball from TOBY VINCENT. Vincent’s mid-field support for his forwards has been valuable to the side, particularly Mowbray and Tonkin.

Woodside continued their dominance in the second half with both JAMES RENSHAW scoring his first and Mowbray his second. Renshaw has come a long way since he first started being coached by Tonkin at Nairne Knights. Renshaw is typically quiet at both training and on the pitch, however his palpable energy on the pitch speaks volumes.

Strathalbyn didn’t give up, but unfortunately that was inline with Woodside’s defenders. The combination of ASHER HAMMAT, IZEYAH RAYMOND, CASEY GODFREY and JOSH VASSOS is unique. They’re all masters of their position and they’ve all played an important part of the season that was.

Some seemingly weird but calculated final substitutes saw keeper SAMUEL HERMAN relieved of his keeping duties, taking to the pitch whilst VASSOS donning the gloves. Not long after Woodside’s youngest player, EDDIE HERMAN, was rested for the final time. HAYDEN DAVIS and ISAIAH HAMMAT soon joined Herman. All three players have been great to have in the team, however all three will return next season.

Everyone’s favourite giant, BENJI BAILES, was given a handful of opportunities to score off a header, as was the ongoing aim of his Warriors. Unfortunately it wasn’t meant to be and the final corner, whilst delicately placed, fell short on finding Bailes head.

The final whistle sounded. The score finished 5-1 in favour of Woodside,and raw elation overcame Coach Tonkin on his last outing with his team. A guard of honour was formed between both teams, Assistant Coach MATT THODAY and opposing Coach Nick Brook. Tonkin exited the pitch for the final time, despite knowing full well he had to go back to his box to grab his gear.

“Kudos to Nick and his team”, said Coach BRUCE TONKIN post game. “They could have easily not worried about playing. The result was never going to be ladder changing, but to turn up knowing they’ll be challenged is testament to their spirit. With such a young team they’ll be a force next season. By the way, if anyone reports that I was tearing up it was because someone was chopping onions near our bunker.”

JAMES RENSHAW delivered a final performance and was deserving of best and fairest recognition. CASEY GODFREY also played well and as expected, whilst JOSH VASSOS offering to get Herman out of goals deserves a mention.

The Woodside Warriors U17 team finished their 18-round season with a total of 16 points clear of second. A single loss and no draw was a fairy tale ending for 10 players and 1 coach finishing their time in the Adelaide Hills Junior Football Association.

Rangers Junior Soccer Club (1) vs Murray Bridge United Soccer Club (2)

Both teams started full of energy under the lights in Murray Bridge. The ball quickly reached the
Murray Bridge corner from kick-off, but no goal followed and the game turned to being very back
and forth. Both teams began by giving through balls from the centre of the pitch. Murray Bridge
often had very wide players ready for these, providing crosses that were often cleared by the
Rangers defence, especially centre-back and captain Tom Playford. With continued effort however,
A cross eventually led to an own goal, giving Murray Bridge a 1-0 lead. When it all seemed to be
calming down, A long shot from outside the box pulled a great diving save from Rangers keeper
Joseph Bellamy.
Quickly into the second half, Murray bridge had gotten penalty – not the best start for Azzi Dowling-
McClelland after a keeper swap at half time. The powerful strike sent the ball straight toward the
crossbar and then high into the sky, but it landed behind the goal line. Still 1 goal down, Rangers felt
an opportunity to take the lead. Some time later, Alex Smith received the ball and dribbled quickly
up the pitch to give a through ball to Shannon Cox. Shannon shot across the face of goal to score an
almost exact copy of their goal at Woodside 5 days before. Minutes later, however, Murray Bridge
got their lead back. Soon after, a near-halfway shot from Murray Bridge got close to scoring but
tipped over the bar by the Rangers keeper.
Overall it was a tough game for both teams, who both played well.

Stirling United Soccer Club (1) vs Hahndorf Soccer Club (0)

Stirling took on Hahndorf on an unseasonally warm early spring evening, under lights for the first time this season at the Summit in Mount Barker. In the previous clash between the two sides, Stirling took a lead in the first half, only to see Hahndorf steal a draw with less than two minutes remaining, in a typically close and competitive match.

Stirling came out of the blocks well, and an early chance saw Araby Phelan set Zachary Gardiner-Sheridan up for an open shot that went over the top. The large artificial turf pitch at the Summit offered both teams the opportunity for expansive play, and the ball was going from end to end, with first one team, and then the other, having periods of control. As usual Kyle Fenlon and Xavier Kell were generating chances for Hahndorf, but Lachlan Stein continued his recent run of outstanding keeping since his return from injury making a number of critical saves and committing his body to stopping the ball.

The teams went into the break locked at 0-0, however Hahndorf started the second half the better, pinning Stirling in their defensive half with repeated corners. As the game progressed, Stirling started to regain some control of the play and were pressing forward with more regularity. Phelan and Henry Monaghan found some openings but the Hahndorf defence prevented them getting clear shots away.

At the other end, Fenlon managed to get past the Stirling defence, and was one on one with keeper Stein, but his shot slammed into the cross bar and deflected away.

With just 8 minutes remaining, the ball found Tom Harris on the edge of the penalty area, and after jostling his opponent off the ball, he turned inside and struck the ball firmly with his right foot, blasting it through the hands of the keeper and into the back of the net to give Stirling the lead.

After the restart, Hahndorf continually pressed forward in an attempt to equalise, keeping the crowd on the edge of their seats. At one point, Hahndorf were streaming towards the box when the Stirling defender was called for a foul right on the edge of the penalty area. The resulting free kick was struck powerfully but just cleared the cross bar, which was followed by a frantic last couple of minutes where Stirling took every opportunity to launch the ball down the other end. When the whistle blew Stirling had held on for the narrowest of victories.

U14G

Stirling Districts Soccer Club (2) vs Strathalbyn Strikers FC Inc White (5)

The game started smartly with both sides looking to gain an advantage but it was Strath White that scored at around the 5 minute mark with a sharp shot from the edge of the 18yard box into the corner of the goal. Stirling looked to counter and despite several good chances into a stiff breeze failed to net the ball. This pattern continued with Strath White netting further sharp chances at around the 10 minute and 20 minute mark. Stirling finally made good one of their many chances to net at the 25 minute mark. 3-1 to Strath White at half time.

The second half saw Stirling with the breeze constantly pressing Strath White. But Strath White’s defence held and it was Strath White that again scored first at about the fifteen minute mark, closely followed by Stirling’s second goal a few minutes later. Strath then countered with another around 22 minutes and were denied by the woodwork late in the half. Stirling made many troubling runs into Strath’s 18 yard box without further scoring. An exciting encounter with lots of ebb and flow, the game closed out 5-2 in Strath White’s favour with their efficiency in front of goal and steely defence under pressure proving the difference.

Hahndorf Soccer Club (4) vs Strathalbyn Strikers FC Inc Red (2)

Conditions at Strathalbyn were relatively mild compared to the rest of the greater Adelaide area and the Under 14 girls match between Strathalbyn Red and a much improved Hahndorf team got underway with no rain.

The opening was fast for Hahndorf with Eloise Cutting again looking menacing in attack only to have to leave the field with a troublesome and painful knee.Ruby Tully scored following a superb pass from Aniel Kerber and shortly after Mika Kelly found the back of the net with a skilful conversion.The game was being mainly played in the Hahndorf  attack zone but this was largely due to the defence of Jade Czulki, Charlotte Fairley ,Zara Tinsley -Smith,and Amber Klose.Jemma Langford had little to do in goals but was ever alert.Ruby Tully scored again and at half time Hahndorf led 3 to nil

The second half belonged to Strathalbyn who scored twice including a handball penalty conversion . Luciann Tinsley -Smith  was very active for Hahndorf and scored the teams only second half goal but she was ever present along with Aniel Kerber .The later was desperately unlucky not to score as a number of Hahndorf attacks hit the side posts of the goal.Ester Van De Gaer continued on with her more than solid defence and provided opportunities for the attack.Strathalbyn also missed some shots on goal and Amber Klose’s speed was a factor in defence.

The final scoreline was Hahndorf 4 Strathalbyn Red 2.