AHJSA Match Reports

Hahndorf U8 hosted Nairne U8 at Hahndorf on wet winter pitch with a little bit of sun. The early exchanges showcased Miles Hennesey going forward and having a good couple of cracks at goal. Hamish Glynn joined in too, having a shot. Great defensive skills by Hennesey and Sam Gardner. The first goal through was Hennesey's blistering effort. The Hahndorf team was vocal enjoying the score. Another shot at goal hit the post and rolled into the net. Narine fought back and made their way in front of Hahndorf’s goal but some solid defence from Angus Clifton took the danger away. Hahndorf’s teamwork lead to another goal through Michael Grigg's boot. The second half started with Charlie Roeszler charging down the pitch with excellent defence by Kealan Atkinson and a great save by Scout Ramsey. Back and forth play between the two teams displayed some fancy footwork by Harris Parkyn. The majority of the second half belonged to Hahndorf’’s strong teamwork.The final sounded, well done to all the under 8’s.

The morning begun bright and sunny for Hahndorf’s U9’s match against Bridgewater Blue.

From the whistle the intensity of the match was plain to see, both teams were evenly matched with great plays from both sides.

Carter Hartley in goals stopped any of the Bridgewater team’s hope for a goal. Despite a few great attempts at goal by Josh Blain in the early minutes of the game, Bridgewater’s goalie stood firm and prevented any ball from going through. Danny Morgan showed great strength of play moving the ball easily down the field away from opposing players. This, with both Jasper Christou’s and Levi Neumann’s strong attacking play kept Hahndorf in a prime position. The teams put up at great show, it was hard to tell which side would have the ball next.

Spectacular skill was shown by all players. Mason Saywell kept the pressure on Bridgewater with great footwork getting the ball down the field and close to the goals. Half time came and went an icy chill settled in the air but neither team were able to get the ball into the goals. 

Team Hahndorf stepped it up a notch for the second half. Morgan in goals, rarely got a glimpse of the ball with the rest of the team keeping it very much down the Hahndorf end. Nic Moran after displaying great skill in defence first half carried this on to mid in the second half. His always dependable play never allowed the ball near the opposing team. Jak Skinner performed well, he was a great team player, continually passing the ball to team mates allowing goals to be set up. Hartley, Blain, Martin and Neumann kept on the attack, each with a couple of attempts at goal but to no avail. That was until a spectacular kick by Neumann soared over the goalie’s head, landing in the top right corner of the goal! The game drew to a close with a game that was a very tight fought match.

Congratulations should go to all players for their great plays and entertaining match to watch.

Round 8 Woodside Verse Bridgewater White

Let’s go Woodside, it was a perfect Soccer day, a few scattered showers about the place, but generally pretty fair conditions. The soccer pitch heavy and slippery, but our team ready to play as usual. 

A great fun warmup was had with a game of piggy in the middle and the team really starting to gel as a group. 

First half was Woodside’s time to shine, with our team really showing some class with definitely two lines of play between defence and attack, we were pushing up forward and keeping the ball in their forward half, as soon as the play pushed back towards defence, it was straight away picked up pushed out wide and back into attack. 

2 -0 Woodside’s way with the second goal scored just before half time 

This gave us a lead in the second half and we had hoped for some players whom had not scored yet the chance to hopefully get a goal, some really great chances were had, but not yet taken out the glory of a goal, this selfless play being adopted by Woodside gave Bridgewater the opportunity to push back and get some well deserved return goals. 

It came down to the final whistle and scores were tied at 2/2 great game by all

2,4,6,8 who do we appreciate 9,10,11,12 who’s the best in the world goooooo Woodside. 

Great game u9’s 

Your correspondent’s most enduring memory of a derby game was in northeast Scotland on a Tuesday night in April 1993. The rivalry between the two Dundee teams (Dundee, the dark blues, and Dundee United who play in tangerine and black) is just a rivalry, not out-and-out hatred, so after coming second best in a coin toss with a dark-blue-supporting friend your correspondent found himself deep in enemy territory amongst the most passionate section of Dundee fans known as ‘The Derry’. The game was legendary Dundee United manager Jim McLean’s last ever derby and in his honour our Dundee United heroes ran rampant, stuffing four goals past Dundee without reply, engendering a huge explosion of tangerine joy in the away end. I forget the details of what happened next but ‘the Derry’, already humiliated by the thrashing their team was taking on the pitch, took umbrage at a particular refereeing decision and decided to demonstrate their displeasure by staging a pitch invasion. This particular state of affairs led your intrepid football writer to be somewhat fearful for his own life, lest it be discovered that he was tangerine to the bone. Fortunately, the Tayside Polis got the situation under control and your correspondent will not underestimate an unarmed 5-foot-2-inches-tall Scottish policewoman for the rest of his life.

This story is by way of contrast to the U10 Blue versus Red derby this past Saturday. Not only do these kids train together every Wednesday night under the same coaching staff, but this week, due to the Reds squad being down several players, the leadership of both teams put their heads together and decided it might be best to mix the teams up to allow everyone to get on the pitch and enjoy a game of football. In addition, the coaches/dads took advantage of the friendly match format to coach the players through the game a little bit more than is usually permitted, emphasising some of lessons from training and the season so far and giving the newer players a softer start to their season.

The game was a fascinating, pulsating affair, with plenty of chances at both ends, exciting goalmouth action, dangerous set-pieces and a reasonable spread of possession. In line with normal non-competitive rules there was no keeping score, but both teams gave their all on the park. There were a few disappointed faces due to the fact that they didn’t all play with their regular teammates this weekend but getting used to playing with different players will be important in their future sporting lives and normal service will resume next week. There are no special mentions for players either this week, save for Evany Nunn and Charlie Hartas who have both registered with the club in the last couple of weeks and we welcome them and their families with open arms.

As a result of this, all position rotations, captaincies etc will be held over until the next round. The winner this past Saturday was definitely football, unlike on the 20th of April 1993 when the winner was undoubtably Dundee United.

A lack of effective passing from both teams at the start of the game prevented either team from gaining an early advantage. Woodside gained a breakaway early and solid defence from Lachlan Gardner prevented an early goal, though the conversion of a good penalty corner resulted in Woodside scoring the first goal. 

Hahndorf responded excellently to the early setback, with Eli Parkyn especially solid in defence, and making excellent passes to Patrick Freer, Rowan Gilroy and Gardner to bring the attack back to Woodside. Hahndorf equalised the score after Ashon sent a laser guided through ball half the length of the field to Freer, who earned a penalty corner. Freer’s corner bounced back to him, a shot on goal just saved by Woodside’s keeper, however Gilroy seized the opportunity and scored a fine goal. 

Woodside’s response was a fast attack up the centre, Pearl Beesley stopping a shot on goal by putting her body on the line. Woodside capitalised on this advantage to score another goal. Hahndorf did not allow Woodside to enjoy this lead for long though, with Ashon Broadbent-Shaw receiving the ball from the kickoff, and catapulting it from behind the half line, a single bounce over the keeper’s head for an unbelievable goal. 

Hahndorf set the tone for the rest of the half at this point, with effective passing, good movement and excellent teamwork being the theme. An example of this is a good pass from Oliver Ramsey in goal, to the defence, who moved the ball up, then distributed the it Parkyn, who passed to Thomas Gold, who, with space, was able to capitalise and score a magnificent team goal for Hahndorf. 

This was immediately backed up by another excellent series of passes from Hahndorf resulting in Freer gaining the ball, again in great space created by good movement, able to score another solid team goal for Hahndorf. 

The second half was characterised by a slight breakdown in the passing game from Hahndorf. Beesley and Alice Cannavo were rock solid in defence, shutting down most opportunities that Woodside earned, with Broadbent-Shaw waiting to pounce on anything that broke through. Mason Sickerdick did very well in midfield, distributing the ball to Ramsey, Gould, and Freer in attack, though a combination of good defence and Hahndorf’s diminished passing game prevented effective shots on goal. 

The game serves as an excellent example of Hahndorf’s strengths and provides opportunities for improvement this season. Hahndorf would like to thank Woodside for the exciting, well-matched game.

Woodside Warriors hosted Blackwood Forrest for the midday game of U13 Hills Junior Football. These sides faced each other in the very first round of the season in a game that could have gone either way. But since then their seasons have been on different trajectories with Woodside notching a couple of strong victories along with a few narrow defeats, while Blackwood remain unbeaten.

From the get-go it was evident why Blackwood are flying high. This is a team dominated by a handful of young stars, including some of the largest, fastest, strongest players in the league. And their game-plan reflected this. This small group of goliaths were given free-reign to seek and destroy across the pitch. Their size may have been the first thing to meet the eye, but their speed and stature was equally matched by their game-smarts and freakish ability to hit a ball cleanly, on-target, from a single step. But Woodside U13 Red turned up for the challenge and set to work controlling this group, while attempting to create at the other end. The early stages were fairly tight, Woodside were defending well, but struggling to get the ball into their attacking end, where they found only traffic, in the form of a very deep defensive structure that saw six blackwood players sitting back inside their own half. This gave them little chance to create as space was extremely limited. As a consequence, they were under relentless pressure in front of goal, and eventually succumbed to a few goals that arose from half-opportunities. These can be credited to the individual brilliance of Blackwood’s front three.

The second half brought more of the same, but with a still undermanned Woodside team flagging heavily. Perhaps most impressive from Blackwood was their accuracy. Where they managed to score seven goals for the match, they only won four corners and Woodside were forced to take only five goal-kicks. This was extra-impressive as every goal was scored under outstanding pressure from the young Woodside Warriors. It is worth commending the Warriors here. Their defensive pressure, determination and grit was beyond admirable. In the face of extreme pressure, they stood up time and again, fighting for every ball and holding one another up in the face of an impressive foe. Blackwood took this one out. But age and experience dilutes the benefits of size and team-work ultimately trumps individual brilliance. Woodside, your time will come!

round 8

- Team Blue Cheer Squad - report Dave 

Having not played in Woodside for several weeks the Warriors were keen for some quality football on home turf up against Hahndorf. 

The first half was a sea sawing affair of back and forth play. The midfield and defence held rock solid with some amazing leadership and defensive work from Thomas & Ashton whilst Lukas, Ava and Walter stopped several certain goals in their tracks. Balls that did make it past defence were stopped by William in goals. Mitchell gave us some much needed run in the midfield sending balls to Dean and co who put pressure on Hahndorfs defence. As always Fearless Lillian went in hard at every opportunity. A couple of momentary lapses allowed Hahndorf to score quick goals in succession but our heads remained high.

What could be the Woodside goal of the year came halfway through the first with Ashton taking on several Hahndorf defenders, seizing his moment and slotting an absolute classic into the top of the net at an almost impossible angle.

The first half ended 1-4 

The second half sounded and Woodside continued playing strongly. James, Hamish and Ava were involved in several important plays as we pushed on with our determination allowing Tye an opportunity on goal from atleast 25 meters out. To even his surprise the ball sailed past the keeper for a cracking goal. 

The score ended 2-7 however the Warriors persevered in what were some trying circumstances at times. They all showed leadership, communication, courage and determination. The score card might Not reflect it but That’s a win in our book.

25th July, the mighty Hahndorf U15 Magpies faced off against the Woodside U15 Red Warriors at their home ground in Woodside. It was a strong start by the Woodside team putting the Hahndorf defence under pressure immediately. Zara Tinsley- Smith, Rhys Davies, Elwin Aylen and Jesse Powell had to work hard to keep the attacking Woodside front line from scoring.  In the first half Woodside  dominated the game scoring their first goal 10 mins into the game and a second 10 mins later.

Hahndorf were initially unsettled giving Woodside opportunities to breakthrough their defence. The ever-reliable goal keeping by Tom Boekel was being challenged, but some solid passing by Jensen Norris was inspiring and the combination of Jesse Powell and Lance Pope lifted the team. A magnificent save by Tom late in the first half gave the Hahndorf team further confidence and they began putting the pressure on Woodside. At the halftime whistle the score was 3-0 in Woodside’s favour, Hahndorf had good form in the last 10 mins but they had work to do to get back in the game.

The second half was a very different story, Hahndorf, motivated by coach Shafiq Herriman’s halftime words of encouragement, came out firing. A number of close, unsuccessful goal attempts by Hahndorf early in the half, built momentum and eventually Jesse broke through a solid Woodside defence to score Hahndorf’s first goal. Hahndorf dug in, and kept the pressure on, Rhys wasn’t letting Woodside past his guard and they struggled to retain the ball. Toby Thomas was working the wing and again the combination of Jesse and Lance penetrated the Woodside defence and a second goal emerged. With the score now at 3-2, the game was in the balance. A tense crowd watched as the two teams battled through the last 15mins of the game, Woodside managed to score a fourth goal, but Hahndorf weren’t giving in. With less than 10 minutes left in the game Hahndorf put the ball in the back of the net, the score 4-3. Unfortunately, this was to be the final score and Hahndorf were defeated by a sturdy Woodside team. We saw an excellent game between to very competitive teams and a valiant effort was made by Hahndorf to level the score but time wasn’t on their side. Congratulations to the Woodside team and we look forward to seeing these two teams face off again.

Hahndorf Best Players

Jesse Powell

Lance Pope

Rhys Davies

It was a great day for football at Woodside with the sun shining and the place buzzing with activity from many teams playing at home. Woodside's U15's were anticipating a wonderful challenging game today playing ladder leaders Hahndorf - currently unbeaten in the competition.

As expected the game proved very competitive from both teams and very tense for spectators on the sidelines! Woodside made a strong start playing some good football.  They were first to score and were ahead by 3-0 at half time. Against some opponents that score may have been enough to win the game; against Hahndorf though Woodside was always under pressure.

A strong Hahndorf team returned from the half time talk, ready to play, and ready to win.  They scored once, then again, to really put the pressure on the Woodside players. Digging deep the Woodside team maintained their pressure in defence and their push forward in attack and eventually managed to add one more goal to their tally.  Not to give up though, Hahndorf continued their attack and slotted another one in, keeping themselves well in the game. 

Ultimately, game time came to a close with Woodside in front by just a single goal.  It was a great game to watch and will be a high pressure tussle again the next time these two teams meet. Congratulations to both teams on a game well played!

A bright morning at Strathalbyn saw second placed Stirling Districts take on first placed Torrens Valley Warriors for the third time this season. Stirling Districts usually high player numbers were significantly reduced due to injury, illness and travel, including regular coach Bill Dalton. Tim Verryt stepped up as guest coach and set the standard, telling the players not to let ladder position get into their heads and to focus on playing the game, passing and talking to their teammates.

When play commenced, Stirling Districts had 10 on the pitch to Torrens Valley Warriors 8. Initially both teams looked slow to start until Stirling Districts showed a determination to get the game properly underway. Auriana Healy’s hard work paid off when she scored the first goal at the 5 minute mark, quickly followed by Jess Verryt at 7 minutes. 10 minutes in, two more Torrens Valley Warriors took to the pitch as Lily Holland was subbed on bringing her usual tenacity. Aubrey Adams was strong on the wing and putting pressure on goal. There was a lot of passing within centre pitch which overall is a great progression although in some instances in this match it was overdone. Still, it led to Evie-Mae Kaines scoring a goal at 22 minutes. En Ueda got a bit of a workout in goal and kept the team in good stead. Going into half time, the score was Stirling Districts 3 to Torrens Valley Warriors 2.

Throughout the game, Ruby Tully and Nora Bilsjma held a strong backline and provided great leadership to the team as a whole.  Mollie Green once again showed her versatility in midfield. After being subbed on partway through the second half, Amber Abrahams’ nerves trying a new position were quickly left behind as a new confidence took over her play in midfield. We're looking forward to seeing more of this level guts and determination as the season unfolds! Jess Verryt’s tenacity shone as she went on to score her second goal at the 55 minute mark.

With full time scores at a 4 – 3 win, Coach Bill has handed over bragging rights to Coach Tim for all eternity! Well done to all the players and the camaraderie of this year's girls competition both on and off the pitch.