AHJSA Match Reports

Round 7 – 29th May – Hahndorf v Murray Bridge

 

Hahndorf’s Under 8’s soccer team took on Murray Bridge at the Hahndorf Soccer ground Saturday morning. 

 

From the opening whistle, Hahndorf put on a solid effort showcasing strong defence and attacking skills. Jasper Christou, Hugo Dahmke and Hamish Glynn did an excellent job up forward bringing the ball down the line multiple times. Angus Clifton kept the pressure on in defence and made a very impressive stop at goal with his head. Brooklyn Rohde defended well and was able to pass the ball down to the forward line in an attempt to create opportunities for the team. While Paddy Coffey in goals saved many strong attempts at goal by Murray Bridge. 

 

Carter Hartley did a fantastic job defending the goals during the second half, stopping many attempts. Samuel Gardner and Michael Griggs put the pressure on Murray Bridge forward line and did a good job at the back holding the line. 

 

Although no goals were scored, the whole team did an excellent job defending the strong opposition team. Hahndorf players fought hard and put on a solid effort to the end.

 

 

With the welcome sun shining brightly for both players and spectators, Woodside Warriors Blue had a tense match against Stirling Blue.

The first half was evenly contested although both teams had many shots on goal. Despite his small size goalkeeper Gus Albrecht held on to all the shots zooming at him.Tomke Dostel cleared the ball from defence with some booming kicks while Daniel Ebden, Toby Smith and Amber Bowman showed their dribbling skills have improved immensely. Debutant Rhys Thompson displayed potential and will be an asset to the team.

Stirling began the second half strongly with play in their half for the first 10 minutes, finally gaining a breakthrough. Later in the match Woodside pushed more forward. Liam Harding often took the ball up the field with some good dribbling while Ivy Levy continues to gain confidence with this week going into the pack to get the ball. Daniel Salagaras and Jo Smith had plenty of kicks to be valuable team members. While the Blues didn't find the back of the net this week, all team members are contributing well and improving with every game.  

Even Match

Today the sun was out and both teams were shining with excitment over the game to play. Both teams played with enthusiasm and sportmanship. Stirling District displayed technical passes that impressed the Woodside Warriors, which has given them some ideas to take to practice. 

Bastian French did an amazing job in goals in the first half. Quinn Klein and Logan Bridge excelled in passing and bringing the ball forward into attack. We welcomed back Lilly Foster into the team and she did an amazing job in all positions. 

An even match between the two teams which resulted in a close game. Both teams should be congratulated on their endurance, playing fairly and being good sports.

It was a lovely sunny winter morning for the round 8 game between Hahndorf and Bridgewater at Bridgewater Primary School. Hahndorf came out firing from the first whistle with an early shot on goal from Levi Neumann, which narrowly missed. Mason Saywell was strong in the centre pushing the ball forward, which led to another shot from Neumann which found the back of the net to put Hahndorf’s first goal on the board. The Bridgewater goalkeeper was kept busy, fending off goal attempts from Soren Mickan and Hugo Curtis. Oliver Knight was persistent through the midfield, with a few great shots on goal. Towards the end of the first half Hahndorf was awarded a penalty in front of goal, but Bridgewater defended well saving the shot.

Curtis was goalkeeper for the second half and defended well when Bridgewater had a free kick in front of goal. Thomas Gould was pushing forward with a great goal at the start of the second half. This was quickly followed with another shot on goal which was saved with a fabulous save from the Bridgewater goalkeeper. Tyson Bancroft was strong through the centre for Hahndorf, and Joshua Blain and Rowan Gilroy were solid in defence. Hahndorf continued to push forward resulting in another goal from Gould. The game was quickly stopped when Owen Hoyle was subbed off due to the blood rule, due to his determined effort on the field. Hahndorf finished the game strongly with additional goals from Gould, Mickan and Neumann managed to score the final goal within the last few seconds of the game. Bridgewater fought to the end, with the goalkeeper getting a special mention for some excellent saves.

It was a lovely morning for soccer!

Woodside Warriors Under 9 Blue vs Mt Barker Utd Gold

 

With the day dawning clear, crisp and bright it was a perfect morning for football at the Woodside Rec Ground on Saturday as the Warriors welcomed Mt Barker Utd Gold for their first meeting of the season. Woodside went into the first half naturally buoyed by a strong performance the previous weekend but as is often the pattern in their games, early pressure from Mt Barker saw most of the action at the home end. The Warriors absorbed the waves of United attacks very well and were extremely unfortunate to concede through a crafty shot into the bottom corner of the goal.

 

The second half saw a strong performance from the Warriors, putting pressure on Mt Barker across the whole pitch. When the Golds’ attack did break free the danger was regularly snubbed out by defender Charlotte Cosgriff, showing real confidence in her positioning and willingness to take on forwards. Second half goalkeeper Tommy Garden also had a strong game, recording his second clean sheet of the season. In the middle of the pitch this week’s captain Lachlan Mitchell showed how much he can influence the game when he chases the ball and puts pressure on opposition players. The Warriors created several really good chances and only a combination of last-gasp defending and bad luck prevented them from getting the ball in the United net.

 

Woodside should rightly be encouraged by their defensive positioning, marking and commitment to pressuring the opposition, and are showing good signs of developing their passing and counterattacking.

 

Huge thanks to Peter for refereeing the game this weekend, and indeed also to Lui and Andrew for refereeing our previous home games

A home game today between Hahndorf and Stirling United. Captain Simran Sing causes a stir when suited up as goalie he made his way to the centre for the coin toss!  Soon after Stirling kicked off Hahndorf had control of the ball and Zack Perkins slotted home the first goal of the game but it wasn’t all going to be that easy. A strong defence line of Connor Ozolins, Jhett Frost, Cohen Whinfield and Lachlan Gardner we’re pushed to their limits  with the ball bouncing back and forth. A sneaky pass over the defence line saw Stirling run in to an open goal and score their first levelling the scores. After some further breaks and blocks by both teams the attackers Perkins and Ashon Broadbent-Shaw fed the ball to Jackson Bidgood who hit both posts before going in. Second half saw Frost don the goalie gloves and Singh return to play. Frost did a great job in goals but just wasn’t tall enough to save one big kick by Stirling that just brushed his outstretched fingertips. It was a tough game today!

On a brisk but sunny day Torrens Valley made the short journey to Woodside. Playing 8-aside Torrens Valley started strong getting in front of goal early on. It appeared to be a very even competition with some great midfield play. Torrens Valley had a few shots at goal that went wide. Woodside then came back and cut through Torrens Valley defence for a quick goal. Another shot from Woodside could not be stopped by the Torrens Valley goalkeeper. More midfield play ensued with some strong skills on display by both teams. Another shot at goal came from Woodside but was saved by the Torrens Valley goalkeeper.

The second half started much like the first with an even looking competition. Woodside picked up the pace and Torrens Valley defended heavy and stopped Woodside from getting through to the goals. A quick counterattack from Torrens Valley allowed then to get past the Woodside goalkeeper. Woodside flirted around the goals with Torrens Valley defence working hard to keep it away. A brilliant strike from Woodside hit the top corner pocket for a fantastic goal. A corner for Torrens Valley was well defended by Woodside. Woodside then took a corner which was well placed in front of one of their forwards earning them another goal.

Great game played by both teams, well done!

It was a crisp, fresh morning for soccer played on home ground against Torrens Valley.  Woodside played very well demonstrating some good passing and teamwork which resulted in five goals from five different players.  It was pleasing to see the players starting to hold their positions and play together as a team.  Great job everyone.  

Under clear skies at Aldgate- Hahndorf lined up against Stirling in a much anticipated fixture.The match opened at a fast pace with Hahndorf forwards pressing for an early goal and resulting in Stirling putting the ball into their own net.Will Tully scored shortly  after.Nyasha Muradzikwa was unlucky not to find the back of the net after a ferocious shot just missed. The Hahndorf defence  of Edward Bjordal,Thomas Stapleton,Billy Cook and Harry Wood were resilient and repelled many Stirling attacks but just on halftime Stirling scored.

The second half started at the same lively place as the first and Samuel Whitehead went into protect the goal and let nothing through.Jensen Ingram took his hard running game to a new level with effective passing.Hahndorf seemed to be having most of the play but Stirling was determined and created a number of opportunities.Joel Bateman covered a lot of ground and was rewarded with a nice  goal.Cooper Newman also scored after continual pressure on the Stirling defence led to the break through.Sonjae Cook had many memorable moments.

This match was played in great spirit and hard but fair tackling was a feature.Spectators commented that it was the best match of the year with the ball moving quickly from end to end and many well struck attempts on goal just missing their mark.Coach Matt Bateman must be pleased with the development of his team which is well drilled and disciplined.

Hahndorf supporters can see that the team is well placed to play on the bigger pitch.

Hahndorf VS Woodside Under 12 match report 29 May 2021

A crisp Saturday morning on 29 th May saw Hanhdorf Under 12’s faced off against Woodside Under
12’s at the Woodside Recreation Ground.
Hahndorf kicked off but within 5 minutes Woodside broke past Hahndorf’s defence, scoring their
first goal. The game was on in earnest as forwards, Levi Beesley, Hayden Lien, and Emlyn Gilroy
responded quickly, and pushed strongly toward goals aided by mid-fielders, Cooper Liddle, Jacob
Gardner, Chris Haynes.
Hahndorf defenders Dante Man, Lawson Shotton, Daniel Peters, Oli Aylen and goal keeper Ryder
Hill held their ground and supported Hahndorf’s first goal by Liddle at the 7 minute mark.
Woodside had several strong cracks at the goals but luck was not in their favour. The game was
proving very even with both teams not giving an inch.
Near the 15 minute mark Harrison Gould replaced Gardner. Harrison’s ball skills worked well with
Gilroy and Beesley who had the speed to push the ball beyond Woodside defenders, however
finding it difficult to get the ball to hit the target.
At half time goalie Hill took to the defence line swapping with Man who became Hahndorf’s keeper.
As Woodside kicked off, Hahndorf immediately pushed hard with Hill, Haynes, Lawson and Liddle
interrupting Woodside’s attacks.
Gould was all over the field and again working well with Gilroy and Beesley.
Fifteen minutes into the last half a perfectly placed penalty shot by Lien gave Hahndorf its 2 nd goal.
Three minutes later Liddle took advantage of an open goal to give Hahndorf their 3 rd goal.
Hinze who had subbed with Aylen was disrupting Woodside by clearing balls on the side line.
Ten minutes to go and a Woodside ball slipped by Hahndorf keeper Man during close contact with
an opposition player. That became Woodside’s 2 nd goal.
With 8 minutes to go Lien got his 2 nd goal bringing Hahndorf’s tally to 4. Then another 2 minutes
later Woodside scored its 3 rd and final goal for the match.
Minutes before the end of the match, keeper Man took firm control of a fast ball aimed at
Hahndorf’s goals.
Although Hahndorf were the victors, spectators and players were rewarded with an evenly matched
game that could have easily gone either way.

Kerrie Man

Undefeated ladder leaders Hahndorf U12 were hosted by the mighty Warriors for this week’s match of the day. And conditions were about as good as it gets in the Hills at this time of year – cool, clear and dry.

 

Hahndorf carried a well-earned air of confidence into this encounter as they fought to keep their undefeated record intact. But it was Woodside who looked more organized early – defending solidly, controlling the midfield and attacking through beautiful positional play and immaculate passing. And it wasn’t long before their hard work was rewarded, goaling after 4 minutes through an accurate cross and neat-as-a-pin finish. That jolted Hahndorf to life! And the tempo of the game lifted as Hahndorf fought back and Woodside continued their inspirational play. Watching their ball movement in the early stages of this game was like poetry, except not boring. But despite Woodside’s poetry-in-motion, Hahndorf were rock solid in defense, turning back all comers and transitioning the ball forward to create a plentitude of chances for themselves. This quickly brought the equalizer as they earned a corner and managed to hack the bobbling ball home through a crowded box. One all, only 7 minutes off the clock. But just as it looked like the scorer might be in for a busy day, both sets of defenders redoubled their efforts and showed us the value of hard work and order. For the remainder of the half both sides threw themselves into the fray as a classic demonstration of junior football was presented to the crowd. With their efforts balanced at both ends of the park, no-one could break the deadlock and we went to the break at 1 – 1. A nail-biter was building…

 

The second stanza opened to a fairly even state of play and neither side was able to break through for about the first 10. But as the game wore on Hahndorf took control of the midfield. Where Woodside had been able to run and transition the ball into attack in the first half, they were now finding themselves continuously under siege as every cleared ball was intercepted and returned with interest. Under such pressure something had to crack. It came in the form of a hand-ball in the box and a penalty. The Woodside sweeper actually fell over and landed on the ball with his hands – unlucky in the extreme – but reward for effort for the visitors. These things happen in life but the snide remarks of “thanks Matt” from several in black and white brought a slight tarnish to a game that was otherwise played in fairly good spirit. A desperately unlucky own-goal added to Woodside’s woes shortly after and set them a big task if they were to find a way out of this one. But they’re a tough bunch, and their coach at least was backing them in! Just one minute later Woodside again constructed a beautiful goal, their front three feeding off a well-cleared ball from the back to combine and bring the margin back to 1. Up front Woodside were dangerous, at the back they were solid, but the space in between was being dominated by the black and white. This dominance gave Hahndorf another goal with just under ten to go as a miss-timed clearance landed at Hahndorf feet. The striker, perhaps surprised to have time and space for the first time in the match, finished cleanly with a well-timed boot that found the back of the net. If the young Warriors thought two goals in 9 minutes was too hard, they didn’t show it. They looked within themselves now and tried to find another level. With desperate determination they manufactured another goal through grit and determination as their front three stuck to their structure and continued the passing style of play that truly puts them at a level beyond their years. With 6 to go they worked like dogs, mounting threatening raids at the 56 and 58 minute marks. But Hahndorf kept them out. On the 60 minute mark Woodside broke the line again and looked like they were away, but with the goal 35 meters from the ball and the refs watch beeping an unavoidable reminder that we were on-the-clock, he blew his whistle and brought proceedings to a halt. This match promised a nail biter… it delivered! Great junior football from two well-drilled units!  

Woodside Warriors U13 Blue travelled to the Ranges home ground on a morning that was still thawing out from the overnight chill.

Murray Bridge U13 made their way to Warriors U13 Red home ground at Woodside for todays clash. Both teams were warmed up and eager to get started. Whistle went to start the match and Warriors quickly realized they were going to have to give it their all if they wanted the win. Murray Bridge gave the Warriors a run for their money early and made them work hard to gain possession of the ball. Warriors defense saw what was going on and stepped up their game immediately, blocking most of Murray Bridge’s play towards their goals. As Warriors defense worked hard to keep the ball away from oppositions goal their midfield soon stepped up and helped with getting the ball away from Murray Bridge and back into Warriors possession. Warriors strikers had a few attempts at goal before finally sinking one in to score the first goal of the match. Murray Bridge were not ready to concede and followed with their own goal not long after. Warriors retaliated and shot a couple of quick goals and continued to block Murray Bridge from scoring. Warriors found the hunger for the win we all know they have as a team and play turned in their favor and they managed to hold Murray Bridge at only 2 goals at half time with them scoring 7. Warriors had a team change at half time and put a new goalie in for a try. Murray Bridge came out ready to give it their all for the last half and kept Warriors on their toes. Warriors players came together as a team and worked well the whole way down the field. We saw some great plays from Warriors as they worked beautifully as a team. The team also went back to help the new goalie and give him their encouragement and support. Murray Bridge defense stepped their game up and held Warriors to only 3 goals for the second half and Warriors with their great game skill kept Murray Bridge at only 2 goals again leaving Warriors as the victors with a 9-4 win. Great teamwork Warriors. Great to see a team come together and support each other the whole way down the pitch.  

 

The game between Southern United and Hahndorf under 13’s got off to a quick start at the whistle, with the opening action taking off. United took the offense lead first and Diesel Aho, Hahndorf goalie made his first save in the opening minutes. After a flurry around the net, there was a quick few goals for the United team, including a very nice header by #21 as the visitors took the lead.

Some scuffles for the ball in defence, with good play by Angus Mifsud saw Hahndorf valiant in their attempts to outplay Southern, but the teamwork of the visitors was strong. Luca Cannavo played some good clearance kicks on the ball to remove it from goal and Aho was excellent in goals, getting a workout with the continued firing of the ball to the net by Southern United. The visitors showed themselves to be excellent at converting saved goals to scores, with good team play and fast moves.

During the second half, the saves and scraps escalated. Reilly Bowden was strong on the defence, along with Mifsud and Liam Sickerdick. Hahndorf scored their first and final goal from the boot of Oliver Dahmke to much cheer from the home crowd. Aho continued his strong work in goals, with good runs by Ryley Neumann, Jet Zahra and Joash Ng seeing the ball get down to the Hahndorf goal end on several occasions without conversion. Hahndorf played a stronger defence in the second half, with Pepe Zahra, Cannavo, Mifsud, Blane Balcom and William Villers all getting into the fray of the game to clear the ball from Southern’ s control.

Southern United were strong on the ball and excellent in their collaborative attack and came out strong winners. Hahndorf would like to thank them for the game and congratulate the players on their excellent teamwork.

A warm, still morning at Springbank Secondary College set the scene for another high scoring U15 round with Blackwood Forest hosting Strathalbyn.

Strathalbyn wasted no time in establishing their dominance with Finlay G scoring their first goal within mere minutes of the first whistle. After the reset, Strathalbyn slipped straight through a very sloppy Blackwood defence towards the goal, the shot ended up wide.

Blackwood took control of the ball and sent it through to their offensive half. Ben A got a head on the ball, directing it to his feet and planting an equalising goal in the back of the net. In answer, Strathalbyn demonstrated some lovely ball control skills of their own: Finlay G scoring a second time. In the following 6 minutes Blackwood’s Ben A had a further 2 attempts: the first wide of the goal; the second hitting home to bring the score to 2-2 by 10.10am.

Strathalbyn zoomed down the pitch from the reset, earning a corner. The shot on goal was just wide of the post. In response, Blackwood brought the ball down to the other end of the pitch with Elisha S’s attempt hitting the post.

In the following 15 minutes Strathalbyn showed their hunger to break the tie and went back into the attack. 2 great saves by the Blackwood keeper, Angus D, frustrating the team. A further Strathalbyn attempt didn’t make the net, however the next one aimed true for Ben G to bring the score to 2-3. Blackwood and Strathalbyn each had a further 2 attempts on goal before Strathalbyn scored their 4th to lead by 2 goals at half time.

Whilst the teams looked quite evenly matched in the first half, Strathalbyn dominated the second half. The Blackwood defence crumbled and the opposition made the most of each mistake. If not for the brilliant keeping by Angus D, the final score for Strathalbyn would have been 5 goals higher. Following 2 initial Blackwood saves in the opening few minutes of the second half, Finlay G successfully scored 2 goals within minutes of each other, giving him a total of 4 for the match. Another 2 saves by the Blackwood keeper, kept the opposition temporarily at bay before Strathalbyn’s Jack H made his mark on the score line. Taking lead from his teammate, Jack H scored 2 goals within minutes of each other. With the score now Blackwood 2- Strathalbyn 8 only 15 minutes into the second half., Blackwood did not let their heads drop. After another Strathalbyn shot landed high and wide, Blackwood took the ball into their attacking half. Elisha S’s second attempt for the match was denied by the Strathalbyn keeper. A few minutes later he passed a beautiful ball into Loki N, who directed the ball straight to the feet of Austin N for Blackwood’s third.

Spurred on by their success, Blackwood took it once again to Strathalbyn, who were lucky not to score an own-goal as the ball deflected unexpectedly. With 8 minutes remaining, Jack H scored his team’s 9th goal, and his 3rd for the match. 6 minutes after Strathalbyn’s success, Angus D made another stellar save to keep the visitors from reaching double figures.

The final score line: Blackwood 3 – Strathalbyn 9

Always a challenging day out against Blackwood. Tall players and a long ball barrage on a very narrow pitch.

This time however Strathalbyn played smart football. They set the central defenders to back one another with the bounce of the ball and then drop off to cover. Terrific wide play from the back four allowed the midfield to control the game. Good passing with an intention to always find a player. The drills worked on in training became more evident as Strathalbyn started to dominate. Passes were made with purpose and the want to score intensified. The structure that Strathalbyn plays encourages forward attacking play and options for goals from all the attacking players. Saturday was a good example. 9 got 4. 7 got 3. 10 got 1 and this weeks round number 8 got 1.

An interesting situation happened with a back pass inside the area and wrong decisions were instructed by the Blackwood Coaches that confused the referee but that aside it was a good fair game. Strathalbyn coaches should be thanked for pointing out to the referee it wasnt a penalty situation, but an indirect free kick in the box. Something to work on to make sure everyone knows the rules. 

Another wonderful day for soccer with the sun shining and not a cloud in the sky. Woodside went into the game again with one on the bench and some handy U13’s on hand if needed. 

Woodside started off the slower of the two teams and Mount Barker pushed to make the most of this opportunity. However, Woodside’s ability to get behind the ball and defend denied Barker any chance of getting a shot off on goal. As Woodside warmed up its midfield started to find space and supply the Warriors forwards. In a scrappy passage of play a ball hit a defender’s arm and the referee pointed to the penalty spot. Woodside had its first opportunity of the match to get on the score board. Woodside’s penalty taker was a little eager taking the penalty before the referee sounded the whistle and hit the crossbar. In his second attempt he hit the exact same  spot on the crossbar and Woodside were denied their opening goal of the game. Mt Barker’s spirits lifted sensing that luck was on their side and they picked up their intensity when competing for the ball. With 20 minutes played there was still no score and after an incident in the middle of the ground the referee found a free kick and his yellow card that he issued to the Woodside midfielder. Mt Barker were unable to use this to their advantage but it spurred the Warrior player who decided to take matters into his own hands and take on the Barker defense, weaving through the players he managed to finally get a shot on goal and Woodside’s account for the day had begun. The rest of the half was all Woodside who finally found their game and started to use the ball to its full advantage. In many unselfish passages of play, Woodside’s players passed to players in better positions who slotted goals home. By half time Woodside were in control. 

As the second half started Woodside made some changes following player requests and a different format was adopted. Woodside though still managed to control the game and kept the pressure on their younger opponents. Getting behind the defense Woodside were making the opportunities and slotting the ball home. Even when a small chip from the right winger was headed at knee level by a Warrior defender the ball managed to loop over the keeper and find the back of the net. Woodside’s luck had changed. Mt Barker continued to compete for the ball and despite the final result fought to the end. 

Another wonderful day for soccer with the sun shining and not a cloud in the sky. Woodside went into the game again with one on the bench and some handy U13’s on hand if needed. 

Woodside started off the slower of the two teams and Mount Barker pushed to make the most of this opportunity. However, Woodside’s ability to get behind the ball and defend denied Barker any chance of getting a shot off on goal. As Woodside warmed up its midfield started to find space and supply the Warriors forwards. In a scrappy passage of play a ball hit a defender’s arm and the referee pointed to the penalty spot. Woodside had its first opportunity of the match to get on the score board. Woodside’s penalty taker was a little eager taking the penalty before the referee sounded the whistle and hit the crossbar. In his second attempt he hit the exact same  spot on the crossbar and Woodside were denied their opening goal of the game. Mt Barker’s spirits lifted sensing that luck was on their side and they picked up their intensity when competing for the ball. With 20 minutes played there was still no score and after an incident in the middle of the ground the referee found a free kick and his yellow card that he issued to the Woodside midfielder. Mt Barker were unable to use this to their advantage but it spurred the Warrior player who decided to take matters into his own hands and take on the Barker defense, weaving through the players he managed to finally get a shot on goal and Woodside’s account for the day had begun. The rest of the half was all Woodside who finally found their game and started to use the ball to its full advantage. In many unselfish passages of play, Woodside’s players passed to players in better positions who slotted goals home. By half time Woodside were in control. 

As the second half started Woodside made some changes following player requests and a different format was adopted. Woodside though still managed to control the game and kept the pressure on their younger opponents. Getting behind the defense Woodside were making the opportunities and slotting the ball home. Even when a small chip from the right winger was headed at knee level by a Warrior defender the ball managed to loop over the keeper and find the back of the net. Woodside’s luck had changed. Mt Barker continued to compete for the ball and despite the final result fought to the end. 

An away game for Hahndorf vs Stirling at Mansan oval with the sun out and a slight breeze, perfect playing weather.
The Hahndorf team tired from camp still were egar as ever to play some fantastic football. The whistle blew and both teams determined to put the ball in the back of the net. With Tyler Weyland in goals for the first half meant that the defence had to restructure with Daniel McArther doing an excellent job covering his position. Stirling had it in for Hahndorf fighting that little bit extra, making it hard for Hahndorf to work together. Xavier Kell  never failing to give his all, kept the midfield in shape and always dropped back to support McArthur and Josh Rayner in defence when Stirling moved up the field. Kane Gibbs continuously providing Kyle Fenlon with many goal scoring opportunities but Stirlings defenders kept Hahndorf at bay. The frustration kicked in for Hahndorf until Weyland sent a long ball for Fenlon to run onto opening the scoring. Hahndorf back on there feet kept a tight defence with David Nielson and Toby boekel sticking on Stirlings forwards unallowing shots to be made. Charlotte Hodgson always being an option had a striking chance narrowly being blocked by the Stirling defence before Hardingham and Fenlon desperately tried to catch the leftovers.

Second half was underway with Hodgson undertaking the keeper position and Weyland back on the out-field. Stirling quick to press Hahndorf’s defence, their efforts provided them with 2 goals grasping them a glimpse of hope as they became the game leaders. Hahndorf lifiting there heads were quickly able
to send the ball into front of goal with McArthur making use of his positioning he was able to slice one past the keeper. Hahndorf now in the lead with no turning back keeping very tight defence not allowing Hodgson to touch the ball. Gibbs sending many balls to Hardingham up front allowed another 2 into the back of the net for Hahndorf. Rayner constantly working hard in the back lines let no one through clearing the ball while leaving no space for scraps. With not much time left Stirling were not giving up but nor did Hahndorf even despite the 4-2 lead. Within the last few minutes Fenlon was able to get past Stirlings defence and tapped it into the bottom corner of the net making it a 5-2 lead before the whistle blew. It was a tough game for both sides but Hahndorf managed to have a game changing come back with heads much higher in the second half.

A glorious day across the Adelaide Hills set the mood for the second encounter between Strathalbyn Strikers and Woodside Warriors in the U17 league. This game was the second encounter to be hosted by Strathalbyn at their Polo Grounds venue. In the second half of the season the Strikers will travel to Woodside Recreation Ground twice, the second of which should be the final game for the season.

For most of the away team it is likely to be the last time they play at Strathalbyn. Most of the Woodside team won’t be competing in junior football after this season so unless Strathalbyn Strikers join the Collegiate Soccer League, or Woodside Seniors join SAASL, it’ll be the last time they need to make the drive.

Despite the two teams sitting second and third, Woodside Warriors were favoured to win and Strathalbyn Strikers were the underdog. It hasn’t always been like that of course. There were years where it was the other way around.

Referee Mostyn Bungey blew his whistle at 10:30am. The temperament between the two teams warranted little additional support. No assistant referees for the sidelines and no mentor required. It was expected to be a clean game.

The Warriors took their time warming up to the game. Once they did it was right-wing Jett Tonkin who opened up the score board. There were some nice shots on target from Eddie Herman and team Captain Gus Wilkins, but Tonkin owned the second goal for the game.

Minutes later Herman found success; a goal. It was a defining moment for him as he’d been feeling a little light on performance for a few games. Both player and parent were relieved.

By half time the score was 3-0 in favour of the away team.

The second half saw a renewed home team, keen to at least get on the score board. On the 53rd minute key striker Kalan Brooks managed to get a header past Woodside’s keeper Samuel Herman. It was bound to happen at some point.

A few minutes later Tonkin responded, his third goal for the game. 

As a side note both Tonkin and Brooks have appeared in the Reps system together for numerous seasons now, possibly even as far back as U12D. They’re both likely to feature heavily in the upcoming State Championships.

The second half saw two penalties awarded to the home team, both stemming from annoying, yet obvious, handballs. The first penalty saw the ball on target, but a slight touch from Herman saw it skim wide of the post. A subsequent scramble for the ball saw it safe in a pair of gloves. The second penalty went unusually high over the cross bar, far from the keeper who had dropped left. Victories in both instances would have seen a much tighter scoreline, and less frustration from both coach and supporters.

The final scoreline was 4-1 in favour of Woodside.

“It was a goodbye game and touching in a way”, said Coach Bruce Tonkin. “Loads of memories, both good and bad, were made playing football at Strathalbyn. Saying goodbye to the place was difficult. We’ll play them again, but it’ll be on our ground.”

The game wasn’t without damage. Samuel Herman busted a thumb saving the penalty and will now rest from his normal duties until recovered.

Assistant Coach Matt Thoday thought Jett Tonkin was deserving of the Best and Fairest whilst Samuel Herman and Casey Godfrey picked up notable mentions.

The next round will see games played at Summit Sports & Recreation Park. Woodside will play Murray Bridge whilst Strathalbyn will play Stirling United.

With weather being the perfect conditions Mount Barker United U14 girls travelled to Birdwood. Torrens Valley took the kick off and started strong but Mount Barker were not going to let Torrens Valley break through. Mount Barker took the ball and won a corner that was well defended by Torrens Valley. Midfield play was strong from both teams with Mount Barker breaking through and scoring the first goal for the game. Torrens Valley took another corner which almost made its way into the goal was it not for a fantastic save from the Mount Barker goalkeeper. Torrens Valley picked up the tempo with multiple attempts at goal but the Mount Barker goalkeeper was not going to let them through. Torrens Valley kept the attack up until the half time whistle blew.

The second half started like the first half finished with Torrens Valley continuing their attack at goal. A goal kick from the Woodside goalkeeper was met by a Torrens Valley midfield who took a strong strike and got the first goal for Torrens Valley. Torrens Valley did not relent with their attack. A clash between one of the Torrens Valley forwards and the Mount Barker goalkeeper was taken advantage of by the Torrens Valley forward who knocked the ball into the goals. Mount Barker fought back hard but not hard enough with a third goal coming from Torrens Valley, a strong strike from the centre forward was beautifully placed out of the Mount Barker goalkeepers reach. Mount Barker continued to play well and had attempts at goals themselves. The game ended with some very good midfield play by very evenly matched sides.

On a beautiful sunny afternoon at Hahndorf home ground, Hahndorf came out keen to improve on their last match up result.

Hahndorf began with Charlotte Fairley in goals, Andrea Nicholls, Alex Czukli, Jorunn Van de Gaer and Jemma Langford in defence. Eloise Cutting, Ruby Tully and Zara Tinsley Smith in attack.

In the opening minutes Cutting ran the ball up the wing and crossed it beautifully to Z. Tinsley Smith in the centre who easily put in the 1st goal for Hahndorf. Strath tried to push up with an attempt on goal averted quickly by Fairley.  Handorf then made a second attempt on goal by Cutting but it was stopped by the goalie. This was followed up by a long run on goals by Strath but was well thwarted by Amber Klose and Fairley.

Cutting sent another ball forward to Z. Tinsley Smith who only narrowly missed a second goal. Strath then kept the pressure on Hahndorf's defence by taking a couple of quick shots on goal but they were stopped by Fairley's quick hands!

Hahndorf's Tully in attack now, took a shot at goal but it was stopped by the Strath goalie and then Strath attack took the ball to the other end and had a couple more shots on the goals which were stopped quickly by Fairley's boot and then gloves. With fantastic defence from Fairley, several attacks were stopped.  A corner then taken by Strath saw the ball slip past several of Hahndorf's defence to land in the hands of Fairley again!

After several minutes of ping pong between teams, the ball was finally pushed forward and taken by Z. Tinsley Smith to score a second goal for Hahndorf. At the reset, the ball was taken up towards goals by Cutting and crossed to Z. Tinsley Smith who narrowly missed a third goal.

Another attack from Strath on goals was beautifully saved by Fairley.

Cutting took another clear run to goal but didn't quite have the power off the boot! She quickly made up for it when the ball was handed to her and she popped in an easy goal, making it 3 goals for Hahndorf. Then just moments before the half time whistle, another run through had Cutting and Tully jostling for a shot on goal. Tully took it but it was stopped by the Strath goalie.

The second half began with Strath on the attack as they went straight for the goals but was stopped by great defence from Hahndorf, but seconds later they attacked hard again with the ball bouncing off the Hahndorf goalie and then was kicked over her head to score their first goal.

Again Strath went on a relentless attack and after a second attempt, managed a goal past Fairley's tough defence.

At 2.49 a great goal was kicked by Tully bringing the score to to 4-2 and within one minute, Strath quickly retaliated with a confident goal. After a lot of back and forth play with both teams working hard for another goal, the whistle blew with the ball at Hahndorf's end.

It was a great game played with skill by both teams with the final score being 4-3 with a win for Hahndorf, who would like to thank Strathalbyn Red for a great game.

A beautiful day again at the Woodside pitch for the U17 Girls competition, with Woodside playing Torrens Valley.  A competitive game again from both teams. Some lovely passing passages of play, leading to many opportunities. Excellent work from the defence lines and goal keeper.

Overall a great game from all players. Well done girls!