AHJSA Match Reports

A sunny but frosty Saturday morning at the Woodside Warriors SC was the setting for the U7 round one repeat. This time with the Warriors as the host, the team and coach were eager to greet Stirling Districts with the same hospitality they offered us in the opening game of the season. A depleted Stirling team took to the field complemented by a couple of ring-ins to make up the numbers while the Warriors with a full squad were destined to test the stamina of their guests. Indeed, the Stirling defences were fully engaged with Warriors fervent in attack early with some stunning runs forward by Adam, Archer and Mitchell. None-the-less, the Warriors’ defence including Billy with the gloves in the first half had their work cut out for them. Leon, Morgan and Eddie were dogged in defence yet Billy was still forced to make several determined saves.

The second half saw a fight-back from an even more tenacious Stirling. Unlucky for them, Odin performed the goal-keeper’s role with a personalised flair bound to unnerve even the most unflinching of strikers. Warriors kept up the pressure with some glimpses of more developed play from the likes of Ethan, Freddie and Billy. An encouraging sign as the season progresses that all players are beginning to express themselves more with the ball. The result was a tense but sporting contest enjoyed thoroughly by all.

A sunny but frosty Saturday morning at the Woodside Warriors SC was the setting for the U7 round one repeat. This time with the Warriors as the host, the team and coach were eager to greet Stirling Districts with the same hospitality they offered us in the opening game of the season. A depleted Stirling team took to the field complemented by a couple of ring-ins to make up the numbers while the Warriors with a full squad were destined to test the stamina of their guests. Indeed, the Stirling defences were fully engaged with Warriors fervent in attack early with some stunning runs forward by Adam, Archer and Mitchell. None-the-less, the Warriors’ defence including Billy with the gloves in the first half had their work cut out for them. Leon, Morgan and Eddie were dogged in defence yet Billy was still forced to make several determined saves.

The second half saw a fight-back from an even more tenacious Stirling. Unlucky for them, Odin performed the goal-keeper’s role with a personalised flair bound to unnerve even the most unflinching of strikers. Warriors kept up the pressure with some glimpses of more developed play from the likes of Ethan, Freddie and Billy. An encouraging sign as the season progresses that all players are beginning to express themselves more with the ball. The result was a tense but sporting contest enjoyed thoroughly by all.

It was a beautiful morning at the Summit for our game vs Summit's U8 team. On a day when we had no subs Miles Hennessey hit the post as first shot on goal for Hahndorf, followed quickly by another. Summit returned and was saved by Hahndorf goalie Angus Clifton. Great defensive skills were shown  by Eric Jager. Another  shot on goals by Hennessey was saved by the Summit's goalie. The opposition snuck a goal through before it was matched by Hennessey. Both teams had further attempts on goal before Hennesey scored again, with another attempt by Jager. 2 goals from Hamish Glynn were accompained by a couple of other close attempts. Sam Gardner saved an attempt by Summit.  A further goal for each team finished off a fast game which saw great defending from both teams. 

Round 4 Woodside Verse Mt Barker Blue 

What a beautiful day out of Woodside today , Mount Barker and Woodside, both keen to play the best football they could. The game began with Mount Barker having the Kick off and us defending off the attack after attack. We were having to watch the blond lad with number 15 on his back as he seemed to be everywhere. 

Battling to hold position and the desire to just go and get the ball was definitely a struggle today and our mid field player couldn’t control the urge scoring first. And this turned out to be the only goal scored in the first half. Defensive play was the name of today after we had practiced jockeying on Wednesday. 

Second half was here and Mount barker found some wings scoring 3 very quickly, 

Woodside was looking deflated and unsure of their chance to crawl back into the game. 

So Coach unleashed the secret weapon and within minutes  2 more goals scored one from an indirect penalty and one from just pure class. 

The final score 3v3 and a great way to finish with both teams feeling like victors. 

This weekend it was finally time for Australians to make a huge decision after months of prevaricating: a decision between red and blue; between rich and a bit less rich; between the all-conquering incumbents and the underdogs trying to unseat them from their position of dominance over the last decade; between tiki-taka and gegenpressing. Indeed, football fans, it was time to make up your mind if you wanted Manchester City or Liverpool to win the English Premier League.

Back here at home, our U10 Blues had their own dominant team to try and unseat in this week’s home game against Stirling Districts U10: a tough team to get a result from even on the best of days, and based on past encounters this was always going to be a bit of a challenge. However, like Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool, the challenge was what spurred Woodside on and the first half started very evenly with chances at both ends but neither team finding an opening. That changed abruptly about ten minutes into the match with Leo Tucker, in a purple patch of form, opening the scoring for Woodside. Stirling then brought the game back to Woodside and levelled with a well-taken corner that caused chaos in the Woodside box. Stirling struck again shortly afterwards but the Warriors showed they had plenty of character, drawing level through Leo’s second of the game and the teams remained equal at half time.

The second half opened brightly for our Blues, with several chances coming our way: both Noah Peach and Theo Nicholson were unlucky after breaking free only to see their shots scream past the post. The continual searching for an opening paid off for Woodside and it was Tyler Berwick who swung the match back in the Blues’ favour with a shot across the face of goal and past the keeper from the right-hand side of the box. Soon after this point, however, the depth of the Stirling bench and Woodside’s tiring legs began to show, and the Blues’ game became all about defending. Amelia Wakefield, who made some awesome saving tackles last week, showed her strength as a defensive player once again, winning nearly every challenge she went into, and this week’s captain and second half goalkeeper Charlotte Cosgriff handily tidied-up most of the balls that made their way through to the keeper. Sadly, these efforts weren’t quite enough and Stirling found a trio of openings to lead the game by full time.

By the time you read this all the results will be known, the victor will be crowned, and the rest will have to lick their wounds and try again. For our Blues, this was their best effort yet against the dominance of Stirling Districts and the only real difference between the two teams was the three pairs of fresh legs that Stirling had on their bench. Although the results haven’t quite gone our way so far this season, there is a lot to be optimistic about: in particular that our Blues have scored and held a lead in all of our matches so far. We didn’t quite end Stirling districts dominance, but we did show that our Blues are tough to beat and with a little organisation and a player or two on the bench could even be a force to be reckoned with this season. Let’s see what happens against Torrens Valley next week. And, if you’re asking, it’s Liverpool for me.

From the opening whistle, Hahndorf and Torrens Valley appeared to be evenly matched, making for an exciting and challenging game. As Torrens Valley didn't have enough players Thomas Gould showed sportsmanship and donned a vest to play for them. Shortly after commencing, Ashon Broadbent-Shaw took a shot at goals, only to be saved by the Torrens Valley keeper, and play quickly moved to the Hahndorf end. Not for long! Cohen Whinfield showed excellent defense skills, one of several times his powerful kick moved play back towards the Torrens Valley goals. In a vigorous attack on Torrens Valley goals, Eli Parkyn took a fall, and subsequently took a penalty shot, scoring the first goal of the game for Hahndorf. Not to be outdone, Torrens Valley upped their game, and scored a goal of their own. Torrens Valley kept up the pressure and were soon running down towards the Hahndorf goals, stopped in the nick of time by strong defence by Alice Cannavo and Rowan Gilroy. With a display of neat footwork Lachlan Gardner ran the ball down to the Torrens Valley end where Parkyn took another shot at goals. Parkyn played a strong game in attack, with several more attempts at a goal, and then contributed to a strong defence in the second half. Play continued Torrens Valley maintaining pressure, and another goal was saved by Hahndorf keeper Hugo Curtis. The second half saw some good passing between Broadbent-Shaw, Gilroy and Whinfield, with Gardner saving another goal as Hahndorf's keeper for the second half. Curtis, now playing striker, took a shot at goals, that was thwarted by the Torrens Valley keeper, but Hahndorf kept pressure up, withBroadbent-Shaw scoring shortly after. Torrens Valley's keeper was injured, and it was great to see Hahndorf players showing concern and care, making sure he was ok. With minutes to go, Hahndorf kept attacking but Torrens Valley remained strong, and no further goals were scored before the whistle blew. It was a fast-paced game with a skillful performance by both sides, and Hahndorf players commented on how challenging and fun it was to play such great opponents. 

The Hahndorf Under 12’s team put in a strong team effort against a competitive Stirling Districts team at Bradwood Park Sports Ground.

The first half saw Jacob Gerber off early with a minor injury. Hahndorf then went on to score an early goal from Lawson Shotton followed up by a 2nd goal by Emlyn Gilroy. The strong attack of the team were supported by the midfielders and defenders including Billy Cook who was strong in defence and Joel Bateman as goal keeper. The opposition team were hungry for the ball, seeing Christopher Haynes, Jensen Ingram, Cooper Newman and Harry Wood demonstrated their footwork skills to intercept the ball and then seek opportunities to pass to their teammates.

Hahndorf continued their momentum into the second half with strong passing from Caleb Earley, Thomas Stapleton and Samuel Whitehead. B. Cook, Stapleton and Sonjae Cook continued the strong defence who along with Jackson Bidgood in goals kept the Stirling team to one goal. Gilroy and Shotton worked hard to score a goal each. Stirling soon responded, breaking through Hahndorf's defence to score a goal.  Bateman’s fast running and timely passing assisted him to score 2 goals to finish off the second half.

The 14 strong Hahndorf team demonstrated teamwork with fairness leading to a convincing win.  The Hahndorf under 12s team wish to thank the Stirling Team for the match played in the great spirit of the game on Saturday 21st May 2022.

For their Round 4 encounter Woodside Warriors U13 Red hosted Murray Bridge Gold for the mid-morning match at the Warriors’ Fortress on a cool, sunny autumn morning. And conditions were set for fast open football!

Bridge was coming off a great start to the season, with a couple of wins and an abundance of goals in their first three encounters, while the Warriors were coming off a couple of tight losses and a hard-fought win. This one was anyone’s for the taking.

Despite a few last-minute withdrawals through illness and isolation and a flurry of last-minute text messages to fill a team, Woodside leapt out of the blocks, driving the ball forward to get behind Bridge’s line and create scoring opportunities, but the Bridge backs were up to the challenge, clearing to safety on a number of occasions and keeping their card clean though the early skirmishes. And when Bridge surged forward, they looked dangerous! Their goal-loving strikers were desperate to stretch the net and looked set to break through whenever the ball was at their feet. But time and again, Woodside proved equal to the challenge, repelling every foray and returning the ball with interest to create opportunities on the counter-attack. Eventually, they found a way through to challenge on goal, only to be denied at the death by a keeper willing to put his body on the line and save the day. In doing so, Murray Bridge’s keeper took a ball to the face and was forced from the field as a spring of claret tinged his chin red. But his absence was temporary, and he returned to fold for more heroics after his replacement made some incredible saves of his own. Eventually, the weight of pressure paid dividends and Woodside’s right wing broke through to take a crucial lead in a very tight affair – his attacking flair was matched only by his relentless pressure and fight for the ball. And although both sides pressed hard, neither net was ruffled again before the break.

The tempo of second half was initially set to frantic before gradually being dialed up to intensely hectic. Woodside had the edge for much of the game, with possession and territory in their favor. But a one goal margin is a precarious thing, and with the Warriors’ legs tiring, no reserves to throw into the fray and a Bridge team oozing with goal-scoring talent, no body watching dared to predict the outcome. Midway through the second term things got harder for Woodside as their striker went down with a sprained wrist and was forced to sit out the rest of the game. Playing one-short up front, Woodside were still creating opportunities, but all were repelled by disciplined back-work or exceptional keeping. As the game wore on and Woodside were clearly flagging, Murray Bridge sensed blood from their tiring opposition and found another level of intensity, now elevating the tempo from intensely hectic to ridiculous chaos, and with ten to go a powerful right leg enrobed in a yellow sock struck a ball with irresistible power directly at his target. The world stopped. The ball curved on its immaculate parabola. Then, from amongst the fray, a gloved hand soured through to deflect the ball out and away. Woodside fans breathed, Bridge fans threw their hands to their heads in disbelief, and the young footballers went on with their journey. The final ten minutes seesawed, with the ball surging from end to end as two tired midfields were unable to find clean possession and control the game. But neither side could goal and Woodside hung on in a thrilling finish.

Hahndorf U15 vs Rangers U15

It was a bright sunny afternoon at the Hahndorf home ground when both teams took to the pitch. Hahndorf were quick to take control of the ball at the start of the game and Toby Thomas took his first attempt at goal within the opening minutes of the game. Rangers’ goalie defended well, and the game played on. Rangers pushed back hard, and Hahndorf defence players, Zara Tinsley-Smith and Angus Mifsud stood up to the task to hold the opposition back by keeping up solid pressure. Both goal keepers were put to the test from the start of the game and proved themselves well, Thomas Boekel preventing each attempt by Rangers frontline players.  Jesse Powell was the next to take an attempt at goal and narrowly missed when he hit the crossbar. Elwin Aylen played hard displaying excellent defence skills, working at clearing the ball with support from Oscar Johnson in midfield. Rangers were awarded a penalty shot and scored the first goal for the game. Powell was quick to follow this up with a goal for Hahndorf and the teams looked well matched for a tough competition.

Luca Cannova played well in midfield, keeping the pressure on the opposition throughout the first half. Powell made a great pass that assisted Lance Pope with his first goal of the game. Rangers kept the pressure on, and Hahndorf were working hard for every success throughout the match and were again rewarded with a goal from Powell that was assisted by Mitchell Stribley. Powell then assisted Thomas with his first goal for the day. Rhys Davies and Mifsud worked hard to assist Boekel by clearing the ball when the Rangers frontline succeeded in moving in for goal attempts. Rangers kept up the pressure in defence and were unlucky when Tinsley-Smith assisted Pope with another successful attempt at goal, which was soon followed by an excellent pass from Stribley to Thomas that resulted in yet another goal for Hahndorf just before half time.

Rangers returned to the pitch with a clear display of team solidarity and did well to prevent Hahndorf from moving the ball past the halfway line for the beginning of the second half. Boekel was put under high pressure in goals and managed to thwart each attempt by the Rangers solid efforts at goal kicks. Eventually Hahndorf got a chance to move the ball down the line and Stribley made a clear pass to Will Viller who kicked his first goal for the season. Rangers came back hard and Boekel was again under pressure to defend the goal square. Stribley responded with a goal of his own for Hahndorf. Each time the Hahndorf all abilities players, Hakim Herriman and Jensen Norris had opportunities around the ball, the opposition respectfully created space for the boys to succeed and Norris narrowly missed the goal by kicking the ball a little wide. As the sun continued to beat down both teams displayed excellent skills in both defence tactics and attack and Hahndorf were again rewarded with successful goals by Pope and Thomas. It was an exciting game to watch and both teams displayed great efforts for their clubs with the end result of 7 goals to 1 for Hahndorf.   

Over the past two years the contest between these two teams has been very close, with only a game won or lost separating them both in the championships. This game was again going to be another good contest looking at both their results over the previous rounds.

Stirling Districts was dealt some last minute blows and arrived with just 10 players for their game. Woodside on the other hand, for the first time this season, had its full roster of players. The game started as expected with both teams trying to find that elusive first goal. For 20 minutes neither team was giving an inch, with each team's defence working hard to snuff out any chances. Stirling Districts though were creating the better opportunities and finally opened the scoring. Woodside lifted its intensity and each team's midfield were committed to make a difference. Woodside's central defender was lucky not to receive a card for a strong tackle, while his left back buddy was not so lucky when falling over a ball accidently fell into his opponent and recieved his first yellow card. Neither team could get another goal before half time break. Half time score Disticts 1 Woodside 0

Woodside made its customary keeper change and in doing so strengthened its midfield. Woodside also for the first time this season changed from its normal formation and tried something new. Again, the battle was occuring in the midfield with great passages of play but neither team managed to get an advantage in the first 10 minutes. Stirling Districts soon struck with two quick goals in successsion, including a well struck corner that found an attacker free on the end of the box who rocketed it home. Districts were starting to get tired and were waiting for the Woodside team to bring the ball to them and try and create a counter attack. This they managed to do with five minutes left after some great passing to get themselves out of trouble before finishing with a well struck kick. Woodside though were managing to finaly create chances and managed to get its second corner for the game. With a well taken cross to the near post Woodside's centre back managed to beat the keeper's hands to the ball and headed their only goal for the game home. That's how the game finished. Districts with its 10 players fully deserved their win on this day and we look forward to the next two contests. 

 

A perfect warm and sunny autumn afternoon saw Stirling Districts take on Mount Barker at Woodside. Due to Mount Barker being a few players down, it was agreed that a 10 aside game would take place.

Aubrey Adams scored Stirling’s first goal at the 9 minute mark. Mount Barker fired up and applied pressure on goal with keeper Emma Dalton unrattled. Close to the halfway mark, Zoe York was subbed on and showed a typical cool head and control of the midfield working well with a strong and speedy Zora Huang. Ruby Tully’s strong kicks were again evident in defence, working well with newcomers Amber Abrahams and Mollie Green. Evie Reid is becoming quite a strong player in defence too. Satisfying responses to coaching activities were displayed with some beautiful passing, exemplified by Nora Bijlsma passing to Zoe York and then onto Evie-Mae Kaines. Keeper Emma Dalton kept a strong focus as Mount Barker applied more pressure but ultimately missed the post to Stirling’s favour. A nail-biting moment almost saw Stirling’s keeper out as she moved confidently around the box before Zora Haung took control of the ball, moved the length of the pitch and scored a goal. Zora Huang scored another goal shortly before the halftime whistle.

Flossie Baker moved to keeper for the second half and made several impressive saves, the first 6 minutes in. Auriana Healy’s hard work all game paid off with a goal halfway through the second half. En Ueda took and scored on a penalty shot in the last 6 minutes of the game, a rather serendipitous outcome following last week’s game. Ruby Tully went on to score a goal in the last 3 minutes of the game. This was backed up by Evie-Mae Kaines scoring a goal off a well timed pass from Zora Huang to end the match.

After a positive finish to last week's game, hopes were high leading into the rematch with Strathalbyn. After playing each of the other sides once, Woodside have seen the standard required to be competitive.

In Woodside's favour, this was the first home game of the season and they were keen to defend their patch. Woodside had an almost full squad to select from and started with 3 substitutes on the bench.

The conditions were perfect for football with a bright, sunny afternoon providing the backdrop to a compelling matchup. Players, team management and supporters were all sun kissed by the end of the game.

Grace, Karina and Star started up front. Alice, Emily and Leila ran through the midfield and Rachel, Sarah, Sofia and Sophie formed the defensive line with Evie in goals. Alexandra, Rosie and Ruby started on the bench but provided much needed rotations as players tired.

It was a scrappy start to the game and an early Woodside defensive lapse saw Strathalbyn take the lead. Once again Woodside found themselves suffering an early set back but with typical spirit they set about restoring the balance. The game continued to be a scrappy affair. Karina found herself on the end of a positive Woodside move and slotted home an equaliser. The team spirit seemed to lift and the teams went into half time locked away at 1-1.

Half Time: Woodside 1 - Strathalbyn 1

The second half began in the same manner as the first. Neither side really held the ascendency. Again Strathalbyn took the lead, making the most of their opporunities in front of goal. In the end this proved the difference. Strathalbyn were able to convert their chances while Woodside were frustrated by a lack of composure on the ball and couldn't get shots on target when it counted. It was a typically spirited performance with Woodside pushing for an equaliser until the end.

Woodside will need to continue to work hard in training to improve their game with an emphasis on getting to the ball first and pressing home their advantage when in possession of the ball.

Thanks to Ruby for playing for our team on the day.

Again, special mention needs to be given to Alice, Evie, Grace, Rosie and Sarah who continued to support  the U14G in the earlier game.

Full Time: Woodside 1 - Strathalbyn 2