AHJSA Match Reports

What fun our U8's had today!  Lots of running, kicked some goals, and lots of smiles.

Great job to players, coach and parents, on a fairly cool day at the pitch!

It was a cold morning at the New Summit Sports Stadium, at a chilly 9 degrees with the sun trying to warm the pitch. With a late change of venue, all athletes were excited to be able to play on the new grounds, and try out the turf! They felt like soccer super stars

 

Hahndorf started well and attacked quickly with some early shots on goal. Bridgewater had a few runs into attack where Hamish Glynn did two fantastic tackles to stop Bridgewater from converting. Hugo Dahmke did two excellent tackles to prevent the ball from getting close to goal, and he also had a shot on goal which just missed wide. Sam Gardner found his form as a defender to tackle, sending the ball back into the Hahndorf forward line. It wasn’t long after that Michael Griggs sent a fast and furious ball towards the net but unfortunately the strike was stopped by the strong Bridgewater defence. A good first half by Hahndorf with Angus Clifton and Paddy Coffey spending a lot of time in attack, but the opposition looked dangerous in a few runs forward into attack, keeping the teams tied at half time.

Bridgewater came out charging in the second half with an early shot on goal, scoring the first goal of the game. Jack Coffey took control of the ball and made a dash to the forward line and scored the first goal for Hahndorf. 

 

Bridgwater’s forward line was too good for Hahndorf and scored a further two quick goals. Brooklyn Rohde played well in defence and did some strong and powerful intercepts to stop Bridgewater from getting and further goals. P. Coffey and Glynn had some impressive runs with the ball through the middle. With only 3 minutes to the final whistle Carter Hartley gathered the ball wide in attack and had a long shot at goal and scored an excellent goal, giving Hahndorf a chance to level the game. Hahndorf spent the majority of time in attack late in the game. Just as the Hahndorf team found their rhythm the full time whistle blew.

 

An awesome watch for the spectators, and great sportsmanship shown by both teams. 

The U9 match against Mt Barker Red began on a boggy pitch after the technicalities of "rock, paper, scissors" resulted in Mt Barker Red taking the kick off.

The ball was swiftly put into Hahndorf's offensive end with Rowan Gilroy attacking the ball and allowing Thomas Gould his first attempt at goal.  Mt Barker's goalie kept their eye on the ball which resulted in a good save.  Oliver Knight and Soren Mickan attacked well in the mid field during the first half.

Owen Hoyle stepped in as Hahndorf's goalie for the second half, allowing Levi Neumann with fresh legs to run through the middle and have a shot for goal from a free kick.

Mason Saywell and Josh Blain stood solid in defense however Mt Barker were also strong in attack.

Good drive by Tyson Bancroft and Hugo Curtis, allowing the ball to be passed around.  Good game to all players on a wintry day in Hahndorf.

Bridgewater U9 vs Woodside Warriors U9 Blue

 

Woodside had a repeat of our opening fixture of the season this week and our first appearance at the new all-weather pitches at the Summit, Mt Barker courtesy of a waterlogged pitch at Bridgewater. It must be said that the new Summit Recreation Park is a really excellent venue and a great surface for our kids to play football in the depths of winter.

 

Woodside started brightly again this week and took the game to their opponents, creating a slew of chances from early in the first half. The past few weeks have seen the Warriors recognise how much they can create by pressing their opponents in the midfield, but this week there appeared to be a step change in understanding what to do with the ball once they win it. Woodside’s defenders and midfielders took time to look up and find a pass, and the forwards found dangerous positions in front of goal. As they have done in our previous fixtures Bridgewater defended stubbornly, and it took Woodside some time to find openings. Woodside finally broke through in the last five minutes of the first half and came into half time with a spring in their step and a clean sheet for first half keeper Jock Mills.

 

“More of the same” were the obvious half time instructions from the coach and Woodside delivered a second half of fast-paced football, with Captain Leo Tucker leading by example and chasing the ball tirelessly across the midfield. Particularly encouraging was Woodside’s passing down the wing and crosses to the middle, with midfielder Charlotte Cosgriff worrying the Bridgewater defence several times before setting up Sam Balacco to add to his first half goal before he went on to complete his hat-trick. One of the challenges of playing a pressing game high up the field is that the team can be vulnerable to counterattacks, so holding defensive positions is critical even when the action is at the other end of the pitch, and Theo Nicholson had a very solid game in defence sweeping up everything that came his way. The Warriors capped-off a dominant second half performance with a well-taken goal from Lucas March-Feltham.

 

These return fixtures offer a good opportunity to consider how the team has developed in the first half of the season, so the U9 Blues can be proud of the improvements in their positional sense, awareness of each other and their ball skills in the eight games since we last played Bridgewater. This was easily to best team performance we have seen from our Warriors this season, involving each other in the game and working hard to win the ball and create chances.

The Woodside Warriors met Stirling United on a thankfully dry morning but on a wet pitch..
Both teams were highly energetic, showing some great passing manoeuvres.
Elliot Stewart dominated the first half in attack, with the second half dominated by Quinn Klein and Justin Smith.
Samuel Clifford and Logan Bridge were strong in defence.
The whole team focused on communicating better throughout the match which showed with great teamwork!
 

Woodside hosted Murray Bridge for the second time this season.  The weather was cold and crisp but the match was not.  From the first whistle the opposition put up a strong defence and showed great improvement from the last time they faced off.  If Woodside went out a little confident they certainly had to tighten up and give the game their all.  A good even match ensured with both teams securing two goals each.  

Perfect playing conditions greeted players and spectators as Hahndorf Under 11’s took to the pitch against Strathalbyn at Pine Avenue. 

The match got off to a quick start, with strong passing between Hahndorf's attack line, but matched equally with Strathalbyns strong defence.  

Midway through the first half, Strathalbyn scored the first goal with a follow up  goal from Hahndorf straight away.

Handorf was able to kick into gear and have multiple scoring opportunities late in the first half and snuck one through strathalbyns defence late in the first half . 

Hahndorf jumped out after half time and scored again , with Hahndorf unfortunately  bringing the scores closer with an own goal.

Strathalbyn showed strong defence for most of the day with hahndorf fishing the stronger side with two more late goals.

A well-played game with a great show of effort by both teams.

Woodside U12 hosted Murray Bridge Blue for the early game on the main pitch at The Warrior’s Fortress under heavily laden skies. But the rain held off from adding to the heavy conditions underfoot to make for tolerable, if arctic-cold, conditions that lasted the duration of the match.

 

Woodside kicked off and were immediately on the attack as they passed the ball around beautifully and looked to penetrate the Bridge line with shallow, angled passes in behind the defenders. This created multiple scoring opportunities early as four 1 V 1s against the Bridge gloveman were manufactured in the first five minutes. Each ball was struck with intent and timed impeccably, and each crashed with a drum-like thud… directly into the keepers chest. Although he didn’t have to move considerably for any of these saves, full credit should be awarded for his courage and poise under fire! He stood his ground, faced down his opponent and gloved the ball as clean as a brand new whistle. After weathering this storm, the youngsters from Bridge decided they’d had enough of defending and thought to show what they could do at the other end of the pitch – creating a number of dangerous raids that threatened to break the deadlock. After sustained efforts, Bridge did hit the scoreboard first – goaling after 11 minutes through sustained pressure and repeated attempts from inside the box. This goal, largely against the run of play, sent a ripple of excitement and anticipation through the ground. Bridge players and fans sniffed potential victory after weathering the barrage, Red and Blue fans had flashbacks of their defeat-from-the-jaws-of-victory nightmare against Stirling. But the young Warriors on the pitch were undaunted, finding another level to hit back within minutes and ultimately wresting control of the game to score a flurry of goals and take a commanding lead into the break. With Woodside in control of the game, a number of the home players were given an opportunity to play in less-than-familiar roles throughout the course of the match. This saw full-time strikers finding impeccable structure and control in the back-line and perennially reliable backs creating and finishing up front. Woodside again demonstrated their enormous development over the last several years, showing not only that they are willing to work to improve their skills, but that an understanding of the game can be garnered to set the foundations of a lifetime of loving The Game. And when combined with humility and respect we can rest with hope for the future of amateur sport.

 

It was a surprisingly sunny day, though the pitch was still muddy from the weeks rain.

Hahndorf went on the attach from the beginning.  Some great passing by them eventuated in a goal, unfortunately it was offside.

Strathalbyn did some great defending, but the goalie outshone on the day.  Saving plenty of tries by Hahndorf players, Lawson Shotton, Cooper Liddle and Thomas Gould.

After 18 minutes Strathalbyn scored a great goal, going way over the goalie’s head.

In the second half again Hahndorf was on the attach. A great free kick taken by Gould resulted in Hahndorf''s first goal. After some great passing by Oliver Aylen, Ben Romaldi scored the second goal for Hahndorf.  On the attack again Hahndorf had some shots at goals, but unfortunately the ball came off a Strathalbyn player giving Hahndorf their third goal.

It was a great game, with lots of excitement for the crowd.

It was a surprisingly sunny day, though the pitch was still muddy from the weeks rain.

Hahndorf went on the attach from the beginning.  Some great passing by them eventuated in a goal, unfortunately it was off side.

Strathalbyn did some great defending, but the goalie outshone on the day.  Saving plenty of tries by Hahndorf players, Shotton, Liddle and Gould.

After 18 minutes Strathalbyn scored a great goal, going way over the goalies head.

In the second half again Hahndorf was on the attach, A great free kick taken by Gould resulted in Hahndorf''s first goal,  After some great passing by Aylen, Romaldi scored the second goal for Hahndorf.  On the attack again Hahndorf had some shots at goals, but unfortunately the ball came off a Strathalbyn player giving Hahndorf their third goal.

It was a great game, with lots of excitement for the crowd.

Woodside U13 Blue hosted Stirling United at home due to the excessive rain that has waterlogged United’s home ground. Historically the matches between these two teams has always been a great spectacle to watch.

U13 Hahndorf Black vs Stirling Districts 26/06/21 It was a chilly start to the midday game between Hahndorf Black and Stirling Districts at the new Summit Sports and Recreation Park. As the starting whistle blew, both teams were ready and eager to play. Stirling were persistent at keeping the ball near their goals however their first attempt to score was intercepted by Hahndorf’s goalie for the match, Diesel Aho. While the ball moved between the players of both teams eventually Hahndorf gained a strong possession enabling Jacob Neumann to score the first goal of the match. As play continued Hahndorf’s Liam Sickerdick, Luca Cannavo, Blane Balcom, Pepe Zahra and William Viller put on an impressive defence. Stirling once again made an attempt to score only to have Sickerdick successfully blocking the ball. Next, we saw Henri Bjordal gaining possession of the ball appearing clear and ready to score, however this time it was Stirling’s defence that was proving to be too strong. As play continued, so did Hahndorf’s defence with Viller putting on the pressure and Balcom appearing from nowhere to intercept yet another attempt at goal by Stirling. Ryley Neumann and Jet Zhara displayed great teamwork as they passed and intercepted the ball multiple times eventually resulting in Jacob Newmann scoring the second goal in the first half. As the second half began it was Stirling who was first to score this time. Hahndorf, however, were quick to retaliate with the assistance of Oliver Dahmke and Joash Ng providing a strong clear pass to Jacob Neumann, who once again performed a text book kick into the goals. All players continued to play strong throughout the reminder of the second half, solid in both defence and attack. As a result, Hahndorf was able to score another two times. The final score being Hahdorf winning 5-1. An impressive game by all!

A win! Finally a win!!

A mightily hard fought win though... Woodside put up an excellent battle and really put us through our paces... with us down 1-0 at half time.

Cali evened the score, until Woodside got ahead of us 2-1. Nicky scored 2 in quick succession, and we held on for the win at 3-2. Fin showed some great passing, Asher set up a goal or two, Jordie saved some great goals - as always. Ali suffered an injury, but an xray has given her the all clear.

Exciting way to start the day. Thanks Woodside for a great battle... well fought, as always, with great team spirit from both sides.

A sunny morning at the new Mount Barker Summit, where 2 big teams will face off, Woodside Warriors Red vs Mount Barker. Kickoff at 9 exactly with Woodside kicking off first, Mount Barker dominate possession for majority of the first half but still woodside manages to keep some great defense and passes off. Nearing the last 10 minutes of the first half a bad fumble on Mount Barkers end results in a well-placed goal for woodside to make it 1-0. Second Half rolls around and we see Woodside have a change in the goal, between Banjo and James. Early into the second half Mount Barker scores on a cross to equalize the scores at 1-1. But with a big change in the second half, we watch woodside begin to dominate the play not long later a beautiful low driven cross to the striker results in a stunning volley into the top corner making it 2-1 A last chance for a goal happens near the ending minutes where Woodsides Centre Forward steps up to take a Free Kick about 25 yards out, the kick is taken and nearly goes in but the goalkeeper gets his hands to it. Some beautiful play was kept up by woodside but not enough to hold off mount barker to make the final score 2-3.  

The Stirling Blue vs Blackwood Forest match kicked off at 10.30am on cold, overcast day at the Summit Sports and Recreation Park.  It was Blackwood’s first match at the new venue and their first on synthetic turf.

Stirling Blue took the game to Blackwood from the first whistle, and for the first few minutes displayed their ball control. Blackwood soon settled into the game. They converted more of their scoring opportunities, and their goal keeping more successful, to lead 4-2 at half time. Goals for Blackwood were scored by Ben A (2) and Angus D (2). Goals for Stirling were scored by: Jacob K (2)

Ben A opened the second half scoring for Blackwood within the opening minutes.  Elisha S’s goal for the team disallowed due to being offside a few moments later.  Possession of the ball was fairly even for a time with saves were made by each Goalkeeper before Stirling’s Jacob K scored his 3rd for the match at the 58 minute mark. A following attempt by the team was blocked by the Blackwood keeper.   Blackwood went back onto the attack, with Angus D scoring his 3rd for the match. Stirling responded immediately, however were offside. Within moments the ball was back in the Stirling defence, and Blackwood’s Elisha S found the back of the net to score Blackwood’s 3rd for the half, and 7th for the match. Again, possession continued to swap back and forth between the teams. Stirling had the greater number of opportunities, though they were deprived of increasing their tally by Blackwood Goalkeeper, Austin N.  

The final score Stirling Blue 3 – Blackwood Forest 7.

For the second time this season the two top teams from 2020 met to see who would go top of the U15 competition. While Districts White still have a game in hand both coaches know it’s against a less competitive team and the points should go to white. So with anticipation in the air both teams, coaches, managers and spectators needed the win.

Stirling Districts started the stronger of the two teams and applied the early pressure. Woodside seemed to have had luck on its side as Districts White hit the uprights twice in the first half and were unable to follow the ball in to open their accounts. Woodside stuck to its brand of soccer and maintained possession though controlled passing and movement of the ball to move the ball into their opponent’s half. Stirling remained strong and their back four kept the Warrior’s attackers from getting any opportunity of opening the account.

By half time neither team had managed to open their account but spectators were enjoying watching an evenly matched contest.

The second half saw Woodside apply more pressure to their opponent’s goals and Districts were at times chasing the ball as Woodside passed it around looking for that opportunity. When a shoulder height ball hit a Districts’ player the free kick was given outside of the 18 yard box. Woodside’s striker decided to have a go and narrowly missed the top corner. Woodside now had their backs up and were more likely to score. When the Districts’ keeper was unable to punch the ball long, it fell to the Woodside striker who took his time and slotted the first goal of the game home. This brought alive the Districts’ supporters and their players lifted making the Woodside defense work even harder to keep their opposition out. After repeated attacks, Districts were awarded a corner and a well placed kick found a Districts’ player alone at the back post and he nodded it home to even up the game. Both teams now fought hard for the win. With 10 minutes left in the half both defenses scrambled to clear the ball and get the ball down the opposite end. With less than two minutes left. Woodside conceded a corner and another well placed kick had bodies scrambling inside the 6 yard box and Districts managed to get their second of the game. As play resumed the final whistle sounded and a great tussle of soccer finished. While the result was not in Woodside’s favor Districts deserved their win today - they pressured hard and when it counted put the ball in the back of the net. Woodside looks forward to the next time we play Districts White as it is likely to decide the champion for 2021 if both teams keep playing this brand of soccer. The ledger stands at a win a piece with Woodside ahead on goal difference.

Round 11 on June 26th, a lifetime ago now, saw a number of games washed out because of wet weather. Hahndorf were due to host Woodside’s U17 team at Pine Avenue, however a decision to postpone was made early by the home team. The pitch must have been bordering on acceptable as other matches took place that day. As expected Woodside were happy to take the rest and to reconvene at a later date.

Cut to later in the season when the catch-up games list were piling up. Friday catch-up games at the home of the AHJFA, being Summit Sports & Recreation Park on Springs Road, were proposed to all. Woodside, much like many other U17 and U17G teams, would struggle to field a full bench due to work and other commitments and proposed to play on a Tuesday, Wednesday or a Thursday. It was decided that Friday is the better day to get the game played and a date was set for 6pm, 14th of August, Springs Road.

The Wednesday before kick-off was disastrous for Hahndorf. Key strikers Kyle Fenlon and Kane Gibbs were playing for their club’s Senior team. Gibbs played a brilliant game, but Fenlon injured himself in a tackle and was subsequently confined to goal keeping for the all important game against Woodside. Fenlon and Gibbs are a danger on their own. Together they’re a deadly combination. Credit to Fenlon for having the passion to still take to the pitch, albeit in between the sticks.

Adelaide Hills referee William Tinkler was assigned to manage the game. Supporting him was Asher Gaff and William Rob running the lines.

A slew of spectators supporting either team decked out a solid portion of the stands, all ready to witness the defining game. As is tradition between the two teams it wouldn’t end up a draw. If anything a goal would separate them in the end. With two games in favour Woodside may have had the upper hand having beaten the opposition 5-4 a week prior. However they had lost to them before and it could easily happen again.

Meanwhile Hahndorf were keen to keep their chances at season victory alive. It would be a remote chance at best, but Woodside hadn’t claimed the title just yet. If there was any team that could beat them it would be Hahndorf.

The game kicked off at 6pm under an open sky and surprisingly warm weather for a winter’s evening.

The two teams sought the win from the start, both outweighing each other when it mattered. One would gain control of the play only to lose it to the other moments later and often on the other end of the pitch. The spectators had their work cut out for them with necks stretched one way and then the other. They were kept on the edge of their seats. The oohs and the ahhs that come with a competitive game rang out across the pitch.

The first of three yellow cards for the match went to Woodside’s wing-back CASEY GODFREY. Unintentional but open studs is fair reason for recognition by the referee. This would be Godfrey’s first and hopefully only yellow for the season.

Moments later Woodside opened up the scoreline with a suburb goal by striker LACHLAN MOWBRAY. Mowbray is tremendous most of the time, but even more so under pressure. His speed and finesse is of quality, however he is the first to acknowledge that he can’t do this without everyone behind him. It might go into the book under his name, but he knows it is a team effort.

Subsequent yellows went to Hahndorf’s Eddie Hardingham and Toby Boekel. Reminders from their coach to go for the ball was needed.

With minutes to spare before half time JETT TONKIN added a second to Woodside’s tally. A neat through ball from the midfielders caught Tonkin with his jets on. Hahndorf’s keeper could do little without support and dropped when he thought Tonkin was about to take the shot. Unfortunately it cleared him and saw Woodside 2-0 up at half time.

The second half played out mostly uneventful. Numerous plays by Gibbs and Matt Daly challenged the Woodside defenders. Hahndorf’s Dan McArthur, Josh Rayner and Stefan Panich were all deserving of recognition, but ultimately it wasn’t enough against Woodside who were keen to cement the season. As expected Woodside’s players were solid in their positions, particular Godfrey and JOSH VASSOS, their two wing-backs.

The final whistle blew in favour of away team Woodside, 2-0.

“It has been a fantastic season against some strong sides”, thought Coach BRUCE TONKIN post match. “Being the league leaders comes with a lot of pressure and we’ve been a target for Hahndorf from Round 1. We’ll take it as a compliment when any team is able to get one past us and celebrate loudly. That didn’t happen tonight, but they may have deserved at least one goal for their efforts.”

Woodside’s two centre-backs, ASHER HAMMAT and IZEYAH RAYMOND, deserved Best & Fairest and runner-up in that order. Meanwhile ISAIAH HAMMAT did well planting the seed of one of the two goals.

Woodside will catch-up with Rangers at 9am the following day, whilst Hahndorf will host Strathalbyn Strikers at 10:30am.

The fresh breeze kept things cool throughout the match. Hahndorf, decimated by illness and holiday timing, bravely took the field with 8 players, Torrens Valley graciously agreed to match.

The run of play was firmly in favour of Torrens Valley in the first half with many assertive attempts at goal skilfully trapped by Hahndorf keeper Jemma Langford. Fifteen minutes in Jade Czukli relieved Torrens Valley of the ball following through with a brilliantly executed goal. Torrens Valley sustained pressure resulted in a reply 10 minutes later. Hahndorf's staunch defence of holding the draw to half time.

Torrens Valley started strongly with a goal from the kickoff against desperate defence from Amber Klose that set the tone for the second half.    Despite a spirited Hahndorf defence with Morenike Kelly and Charlotte Fairley holding firm and prolific goal saves by Langford, Torrens Valley gained an additional 4 goals in the second half bringing the full time score to 1-5.  Player of the match Langford repeatedly put herself on the line against goal attempts that would have challenged Juventus’ Jan Oblak. A stoic performance by the whole team playing a full match in the cold conditions with notable performances from Lucianne Tinsley-Smith, Klose, Amiel Kerber and Alex Czukli. 

 

A cold start witnessed SDFC take the early running against Strath Red and press hard. Strath were however up to the challenge with some strong defence around the 18-yard box and good keeping denying SDFC several times. An unfortunate handball by Strath in the box gave SDFC a penalty which was duly executed to be the first score. On the counterattack Strath launched some good breakaways however SDFC defence and some bold interventions from the keeper out of the box kept them scoreless. SDFC continued to press hard, “rattling the woodwork” multiple time before finally achieving a late second goal to go to half time 2-0 up.

The second half again saw SDFC pressing – but it was Strath on the breakaway which scored when a defensive misunderstanding left the SDFC keeper stranded near the penalty spot and Strath were back in the game with the score now 2-1. Reinvigorated by the goal, pacey breakaways from Strath worried the SDFC defence and Strath were unlucky not to score a second. SDFC on the other hand entered the Strath box on multiple occasions but just could not find the net with desperate defence and good keeping staving off multiple attempts to frustrate SDFC. At the final whistle the score remained 2-1 in SDFC’s favour with Strath Red unlucky not to have at least equalised and SDFC unlucky not to have netted some extras in another entertaining game.

On a cold and drizzly day the Woodside girls ran out for this week's match; all excited for another great game.  The Woodside pitch had held up fairly well, after a wet week, and a few games earlier in the day.  The goal mouths were a little muddy, but overall the pitch was in good condition.

The girls started strong and consistent. Some great passes to move the ball forward, and they were the first to open the score card for the day.  At half time the accounts were even at 1 all.

The second half saw a stronger Torrens Valley on the pitch, and they started make a few more runs putting further pressure on Woodside's keeper. The final result was in the favour of Torrens Valley, but the Woodside girls were pleased with they way they played and the sportsmanship they displayed throughout.