AHJSA Match Reports

For the under 9s round 5 clash Hahndorf hosted Mt Barker United at home this week. 

Early on Hahndorf spent time in attack with Hugo Curtis showing some great ball skills taking the ball
forward alongside Thomas Gould having some strong shots on goal. Joshua Blain had a sound start in
goals and kicked well out of defence. Rowan Gilroy showed some ability defending well and keeping
the opposition honest in attack. Mt Barker defended well and made it difficult for Hahndorf to make
some clean shots on goal.
 

The second half started in similar fashion to the first with the ball transitioning from defence to
attack well for both teams. Mason Saywell made some well-directed passes in midfield going
forward with Oliver Knight also making valuable contributions. Mt Barker had several accurate shots
on goal and Levi Neumann had them covered well with some excellent saves as goalkeeper.
Midway through the half Soren Mickan went forward with the ball for Hahndorf and scored.
Minutes later Gould found the net with skill. Tyson Bancroft covered well in defence making up a lot
of ground when Mt Barker went forward. Owen Hoyle played well and was all around the ground
finding the ball. As the game was in its final minutes Mickan chipped the ball in for his second.

It was a well fought out game by both teams putting on a great display of skills and teamwork.  

The Warriors were back on the road this week for an encounter with Mt Barker Utd at Anembo Park. It has to be said that away games come with a slight sense of disappointment that very few of our opponents come close to the canteen experience on offer at Woodside, and sadly Anembo Park is no exception.

 

Woodside’s coaches decided to mix things up this week to gain different perspectives on our team’s play, with Stephen taking the field and Stewart organising the substitutions. As has been the case in previous weeks, our opponents started brighter and had the ball in the back of the net at an early stage from a high looping shot from about 12 yards out. Our young Warriors rallied well and went looking for a reply but United were difficult to break down and limited our chances in the first half.

 

The second half offered more hope for Woodside, with our midfield beginning to feed to ball through to attackers Calum, Noah and Theo who created good opportunities and were unlucky not to score. Mt Barker proved to be dangerous on the break throughout the game, but the defensive organisation that we have worked on for the past few weeks is beginning to pay-off, and a strong second-half performance by Lucas in goal kept them at bay.

 

There were a lot of positives to take from this performance – in particular the focus on our positions when the other team has possession and our forward passing when we do have the ball means we are starting to glimpse some proper football from the team. Bring on next week’s game! (and the butter chicken at training on Wednesday night).

Saturday May 8, home game for Strathalbyn, welcomed us with several seasons of weather during the match of the Under 9s Woodside Warriors Red Team and Strathalbyn White Team. 

Both teams played relatively fervent, with robust defence, competent passing and enduring redirecting of the ball up and down the field from many of the players. 

There were many passionate moments during the game with both teams showing ability for the upper hand for the game direction.  

An exciting game to watch.

U10s played home against Stirling Districts White.  Stirling attacked hard on goal and both the Woodside goalies were kept busy.  Both teams kept the pressure on with strong defence.  It was a great game between two evenly matched teams.  

On a cloudy and humid morning, Mount Barker U10 Gold travelled to Birdwood Park to meet the Torrens Valley U10 team. The teams played 8-aside looking very evenly matched at the beginning of the game.

The first chance at goal came from Torrens Valley about 15 minutes in when they took a corner. The corner kick skimmed across the top of the goal box just out of the reach of the Torrens Valley forwards. Not long after a goal came from Torrens Valley when #18 who managed to strike the ball at a wide angle yet placed it perfectly into the top corner pocket. A second attempt from #18 was met with the quick hands of the Mount Barker goalkeeper. Mount Barker’s strong defence couldn’t stop Torrens Valley breaking through for another attempt on goal with the Mount Barker goalkeeper making a brilliant save.

In the second half Mount Barker started strong with a great attempt at goal hitting the side net. Mount Barker attackers continued the strong attack, keeping the ball in front of goals, but Torrens Valley defence managed to keep them from scoring.

A throw in allowed Torrens Valley #20 to win the ball and quickly score. Mount Barker kept the game alive with another attempt at goals with the Torrens Valley goalkeeper scooping it into his arms. Unfortunately, the game had to be stopped briefly with an injury to a Mount Barker player having to leave the pitch making it 7-aside for the last 10 minutes.

Once play resumed Mount Barker continued the strong attack with a good strike towards the goal, the quick feet of a Torrens Valley goalkeeper kicked it away. Soon after another strong strike by Mount Barker took a quick save by Torrens Valley goalkeeper to stop it from hitting the back of the net. Mount Barker finished the game strong with one last attempt at goal being stopped by the Torrens Valley goalkeeper.

A balmy morning fooled the fans of the Match between Hahndorf and Mt Barker Red, only the diehard fans remained on the sidelines after the heavens opened just mere seconds after the Mt Barker kick off! The Hahndorf boys quickly gained control of the ball with Jackson Bidgood, Sol Cootes and Ashon Broadbent-Shaw in the forward line making good use of the ball. Mid fielders, Simran Singh, Connor Ozolins we’re not far from the action and Caleb Earley and Cohen Whinfield were sure to put a solid boot on the ball in the back line whenever the ball ventured past the halfway line. Lucca Falvo-Lopez, Zack Perkins and Jhett Frost subbed on with fresh (and dry) legs to keep up the fierce offensive. Singh passed up the side line, the ball was crossed to Perkins who had a clear shot on goal scoring the first one for the match. A quick second was scored by Falvo-Lopez. Mt Barker we’re fired up now and the defensive line was put to the test, goalie Lachlan Gardner was all over it only letting one through just before the whistle blew. The second half saw a team of drowned rats take to an even wetter pitch. A pass by Bidgood to That eluded Broadbent-Shaw and ended up at the feet of Falvo-Lopez saw the final goal of the game. Well done to both teams and welcome to winter sport!

It was a perfect morning for soccer at Pine Ave and the teams put on an exciting game to watch. Hahndorf’s Lawson Shotton found the net in the sixth minute and it was game on. Murray Bridge’s Lachlan Johanson and Kur Kur were hard at work across defence and midfield, with Zedino Muderhwa and Deng Choi trying to break through in attack, but Hahndorf defended strongly and used the pitch well, passing accurately and putting pressure on the Murray Bridge keeper until Levi Beesley got a second through for Hahndorf. A fired-up Murray Bridge drove a strong attack and were rebuffed once before the speedy Choi made an impressive fast break and put Murray Bridge on the scoreboard.

The rest of the first half was mostly Hahndorf’s attack against a spirited defence however, with Dante Man, Jacob Gardner and Emlyn Gilroy each finding a way through to the net. Hahndorf defence also showed plenty of skill, with Patrick Hinze and Oliver Aylen stand out players. The second half was a similar story, with Murray Bridge scoring two more goals from Choi’s fast breaks and defenders Johanson and Kade Sauerwald working tirelessly to rein Hahndorf in, but goals came from Hayden Lien and Ryder Hill, plus three more from Beesley. Overall, great skills and determination were demonstrated by both sides, but Hahndorf’s use of space and commitment to the ball carried the black & whites to a convincing win

Today Woodside Warriors travelled to Bradwood Park to meet Stirling Districts on their home turf. The first few minutes of the match was like watching tennis with the ball going from one end to the other. Warriors managed to get one through and scored the first goal for the match. Stirling then stepped up their game putting more pressure on Warriors players and made it hard for Warriors to get close to their goal again. Warriors fast realized they were going to have a tough game on their hands tried to gain control of the ball, but Stirling played well as a team and stopped any attempts Warriors had and managed to get through Warriors defense to score the next three goals of the first half. Stirling had the lead at half time 3 – 1. Warriors gathered around their coach and had a good chat on what they needed to do to get back in the game. Couple changes made to their team and they were ready to go. Warriors certainly made it clear they were not ready to give up. They came together as a team and stood their ground. Determination could be seen on the faces of every Warrior player and they gave it their all. They managed to kick the first goal again and this time did not stop there. Stirling managed to get close to their goal but did not quite hit the mark. Warriors responded to that with great play down the field and with o corner kick in hitting the inside of the net scored their third goal for the match. Scores are level and both teams managed to find another gear and again the ball was back and forth down the pitch with both teams having shots at goal but narrowly missing. Warriors then pushed just a little more and with a great display of teamwork scored their fourth goal to put them in the lead for the first time of the match. Stirling continued to put pressure on Warriors players, but Warriors were not letting their lead get away and continued to spoil any attempts Stirling had to score. When the final whistle blew Warriors players and spectators erupted with cheer to celebrate the amazing comeback. Warriors determination and want for the ball was evident in the second half of this match. Stirling were a great opponent and certainly made Warriors fight for the win. Warriors goal kickers D. Silvestri (3) and J. Lunnon (1)

Strathalbyn vs Hahndorf soccer match

The rain was pouring but Hahndorf players were ready and eager to have a great match. The game started with a roar of excitement and we were ready to play. All the players were running and working hard despite the drenching rain.

 Strath started with ball at their end of the pitch and they quickly managed to score but with Elwin Aylen, Tom Boekel, Alexander Romaldi and Edward Bjordal working hard In defence, we were determined to block Strath.

 Then with a great team effort from Benjamin Romaldi, Toby Perkins, Jacob Neumann, Henri Bjordal and Damon Martin, Hahndorf scored a goal.

 After half time we were on the pitch again getting ready for a fight and we scored twice.

 It was amazing work from Konrad Michael, Will Whiting and Thomas Stapleton who were in midfield and defence who were always with the ball.  In the last seconds of the game Hahndorf players worked together and secured a third goal with excitement from the crowd.

Jacob Neumman 2 Goals

Toby Perkins 1 Goal

Today saw the Woodside clubs under 15's go head to head at home.

Weather wise, a great day for soccer. 

From the whistle, the Blues had a strong start in the first half with a good attack but they were  equally matched with a good defence by the Reds. A few early shots on goal by the Blues tested James' skills as he fended off the opposition's strikers.

Half way through the first half saw the blues take their first goal. This was followed up by a Reds corner which unfortunately didn't deliver. By the end of the first half, The reds were 5 nil down.
 

The second half was pretty full on for both teams. The Reds put up a great fight against their counterparts but unfortunately were out matched at the end of the day. The Reds defence was tested repeatedly during the second half followed up by a number of goals by the Blues.

 

Woodside reds you could say, started off on the back foot as a handful of key players weren't available to play today and this had an impact on the final result.

They put up a good fight but unfortunately outclassed this time round. 

Woodside Blue chose to kit themselves out in the club's senior yellow away shirts for their game against fellow club mates Woodside Red. While the shirts looked big on some of the Blues players it made it easier than turning shirts inside out or wearing bibs that usually occurs at such contests. As the Blues looked over to their friends during the warm-up they noted a different team than expected with a number of their defenders out due to injuries or illness, having to ask for support from players Woodside’s U13 Blue team. 

The game started with both teams trying to find that opening goal by applying pressure to their opponent's defence but Blue were able to find the greater opportunities. However, the Woodside Red’s keeper was on his toes and with some great dives and grabs was keeping his sheet clean, but as the game continued the Red keeper seemed to carrying an injury and movement became less flowing as the Blues started finding their range and target. While the Blues seemed to have much of the play in the first half the Reds managed a few counter attacks down the left, putting pressure on the Blue's defence and keeper. Blue's defence managed to repel their attacks but in the closest chance for the Reds, their winger made it a running race with a closing defender and the keeper having to come off his line. Standing his ground the keeper made a great tackle outside the box stopping the running attack of the Reds. Having a close shave usually spurs the Blues and they went back to playing good team soccer and created more opportunities. Soon the Blues, through their usual good passages of play, were finding each other and getting behind the Red's defence and putting the ball into the back of the net. When the half time whistle sounded Woodside Blue were in the lead but as anybody who has played against a Warrior team, all Warrior teams continue to compete 'til the end.

The second half continued with the Blues playing good soccer and taking all their opportunities as they presented, including some incredible first touch shots from corners that found the back of the net. The Reds though tightened up their marking and making sure that they were accountable for their opponents often working well to double team and close down opportunities as the Blues tried to push for another goal. Blues continued to make opportunities and find the net but Woodside Reds remained positive and continued to fight to the very end. As the game was approaching the last 15 minutes the sky became darker as the heavy rain band headed our way. With all spectators hoping the final whistle would sound before the heavy rain fell, there was just five minutes of wet weather before the game ended. Woodside Reds continued to play soccer till the very end applying pressure but today the Blues made the most of their opportunities.

 

A good day out for football today. Strathalbyn at last fielded a full team and nearly full squad. Strathalbyn were rappent in the first half scoring 8. All work at training paying off and ball to the strikers allowing completion of play with goals. Hahndorf stayed strong and great coaching from them kept their players heads up. As the second half got underway Hahndorf pressed Strathalbyn and with the changes Strathalbyn had made Hahndorf got the upper hand. First half to Strathalbyn. Second half to Hahndorf. Lot of player respect throughout the game and super coaching and a wonderful referee made for a wonderful football day out. The referee said how much she likes refereeing at strathalbyn. Good on you Strathalbyn. Thank you Hahndorf.

Heavy rain set in at Bradwood Park before the warm up session, and by kick off at 12 noon both teams were soaked to the skin, very much needing to keep moving to stay warm. 

Stirling, fielding a very strong team, wasted no time in getting on the attack. They dominated the first half in all respects in what were very difficult playing conditions. Blackwood did very well to restrict them to 5 goals in that session. Liam D, with a great deal of speed and control in the wet, got an opportunity to penetrate a very effective Stirling defence and place one on the scoreboard for the visitors.

The rain lessened to drizzle in the second half, and despite Blackwood playing a more coordinated game, they only scored once to Stirling's 6.

With minutes to go, Lachlan S of Blackwood was hit in the nose and jaw with the boot studs from a Stirling player and was removed from pitch.

The lads from Bradwood Park (Stirling Districts U15 White), 

Took to the field in a heavy downpour - hindering sight -

Against BHS Forest who had come up from town, 

Yet despite this challenge neither team slowed down. 

 

Fortunately the heavy rain was only a patch,

Though a constant drizzle remained for most of the match.

The game got off to a good solid beginning,

With both teams determined and focussed on winning.  

 

Stirling worked hard to convert attempts to goals,

But BHS defensive team lived up to their role.

They made solid, long kicks clearing half the field,

And the goalie himself was an effective shield.

 

Four Stirling lads[1] in midfield and striker roles,

Were responsible for shooting the first half goals.

Number 14 from BHS kicked one in,

Half time score 5:1 - a solid way to begin.  

 

A speccy moment was Stirling’s attempt at a goal 

A solid boot driving the ball under the top pole.

But the BHS goalie with keen eye and lightning reflex

Took an almighty leap and made a successful deflect! 

 

BHS scored the first goal on return from half time,

Then Stirling really made their goal tally climb.

Working hard in the second-half [2] they kicked six goals more, 

To give them the win they were eagerly looking for. 

 

Fancy footwork and many cell-killing headers,

Teammates crossing balls and working together, 

Communication and goalies making catches and dives,

Were hallmarks of both teams in this round  - number 5. 

 

[1] Liam, Jesse(2), Sim and Jacome

[2] Sim(2), Brayden, Jachin, Jesse(2)

The lads from Bradwood Park (Stirling Districts U15 White),

Took to the field in a heavy downpour - hindering sight -

Against BHS Forest who had come up from town,

Yet despite this challenge neither team slowed down.

Fortunately the heavy rain was only a patch,

Though a constant drizzle remained for most of the match.

The game got off to a good solid beginning,

With both teams determined and focussed on winning.  

Stirling worked hard to convert attempts to goals,

But BHS defensive team lived up to their role.

They made solid, long kicks clearing half the field,

And the goalie himself was an effective shield.

Four Stirling lads[1] in midfield and striker roles,

Were responsible for shooting the first half goals.

Number 14 from BHS kicked one in,

Half time score 5:1 - a solid way to begin. 

A speccy moment was Stirling’s attempt at a goal

A solid boot driving the ball under the top pole.

But the BHS goalie with keen eye and lightning reflex

Took an almighty leap and made a successful deflect!

BHS scored the first goal on return from half time,

Then Stirling really made their goal tally climb.

Working hard in the second-half[2] they kicked six goals more,

To give them the win they were eagerly looking for.

Fancy footwork and many cell-killing headers,

Teammates crossing balls and working together,

Communication and goalies making catches and dives,

Were hallmarks of both teams in this round  - number 5.

 

[1] Liam, Jesse(2), Sim and Jacome

[2] Sim(2), Brayden, Jachin, Jesse(2)

Coming off consecutive defeats, Stirling United travelled to Woodside hoping to turn around their fortunes, but from the first whistle, it was clear that a tough day lay ahead. Missing both Ky(e)s from their lineup meant no rest for the full 80 minutes against a side coming into the match undefeated so far and near or at full strength.

Woodside had a number of early chances, but Stirling held firm, with a number of strong saves from Lachlan Stein in goal. Eventually though, first one, then two and ultimately four goals found the net before half time.

After the break, Woodside continued to find opportunities to increase their lead, and despite a number of chances for Stirling, increased the official margin to 6-0 by the end.

With the teams having played each other once, Woodside are clear favourites for the title, whilst Stirling will need to regroup for their next match to get back to their best.

Saturday saw Woodside Warriors play host to Stirling United in their second home game of the season. The history between the two clubs is long and, at least in terms of results, highly in favour of the away team, Stirling United. Stirling have traditionally dominated Woodside on the pitch. That doesn’t mean the two don’t have a great bond of course. Coach Damien Sheridan has played many seasons with Woodside’s Senior team who has been at a loss without him. Damien is also the AHJFA U16 Rep Coach and has been a solid and ongoing influence with numerous Woodside players involved in the Rep system. Even though Stirling have walked away with three points for almost all games since U12 they always turned up with respect and appreciation for Woodside.

But change has been lingering in the air at Woodside Recreation Ground. Stirling United could smell it from a mile away. Four from four wins in the season thus far smells like a problem. Throw in the issue of a couple of key players being unavailable, KYE MCDONALD and KY HENRY, and with no substitutions available it was going to be a tough match.

Prior to the game the U17s were honoured to have Woodside’s U10 team lead them in warming up together. It was a great sight for the family friendly club.

The game kicked off at 9am under the watchful eye of Referee Sam Gray and Assistant Referee Joshua House, both of whom have refereed many times for both teams.

A slow start for Woodside saw an even share of the ball between the two teams. As has been the case for the last couple of games all of Woodside’s goals were scored in the first 15 minutes. This time around no goals were scored lifting concerns for the home team and hopes for the away team. Stirling United stood firm with the capable hands of LACHLAN STEIN in goals.

However LACHLAN MOWBRAY broke the silence with a precision cross from JETT TONKIN. Another 15 minutes of play saw ANGUS WILKINS receive a cross from Tonkin, this time bouncing off a couple of players from both teams before landing at the feet of the Captain. Naturally he netted it. This was shortly followed by another two goals from Mowbray before half time.

The home team entered the break 4-0 in their favour.

The second half saw TOBY VINCENT join the scorers list, followed by Tonkin, scoring one on his left and one on his right all within a couple of minutes of play.

Despite entering the second half firmly behind, Stirling United didn’t lighten their efforts. A solid defensive line-up in JOSH VASSOS, ASHER HAMMAT, IZEYAH RAYMOND and CASEY GODFREY kept all attacks at distance, leaving Woodside keeper SAMUEL HERMAN with little to do.

The final 15 minutes of the game saw a repetition of the start, being an equal share of possession between the two teams, one of whom was depleted of energy, both mentally and physically. A tackle between EMILY BOUCHEREAU and danger-man Tonkin in the final minutes put a dampener on the game. Bouchereau didn’t shy away from the encounter and at least prevented a potential 8th goal for Woodside.

The game ended 6-0 in favour of Woodside and a round of Chupa-Chups for everyone involved.

“It was great to host Stirling United and show them how far we’ve come”, said Coach Bruce Tonkin after the game. “Nothing changes though. Respect for Stirling United remains. It’s just a pity we couldn’t have done it with McDonald and Henry in their line-up.”

Best and fairest went to Mowbray, Tonkin and Wilkins.

Woodside will next meet Hahndorf at home in the first game of the second leg of the season, whilst Stirling United will go back to Ashton Oval for a rematch with Rangers.

Hahndorf were set to field a team of nine but in true club spirit, Ryder Hill & Emlyn Gilroy backed up from the under 13’s to provide a full complement. With a last-minute shuffle of the line-up, Coach James Kerr would have impressed on his troops the importance of each player playing their role.

The first half started in fine conditions allowing for a free-flowing game. With depleted numbers, the Hahndorf defence were going to be disciplined and play at their best. Hahndorf generally defends as a back four with Tyler Weyland and the Rock Rayner in the middle, with the General and skipper Eddie Hardingham on the flanks. With Murray Bridge fielding some talented attacking players, the Hahndorf back four had a fight on their hands but were up for the challenge. Rayner is a constant thorn in the side of attackers, his positional play has been exceptional this year with a true courage under fire approach to his game.

Apart from a tenth minute penalty kick being rewarded to Hahndorf which Xavier Kell was able to convert, the first half was an evenly matched affair. Pleasing to the Coach would have been the players sticking to their game plan. With the defence strong, the mid-field trio of Turbo, Boudica and Kell were also playing their roles as needed both defending and providing attacking opportunities from all angles.

The half time advantage of the single goal didn’t feel like a game winning advantage, and with a heavy downpour of rain to start the second half, the game was on the line. It felt like something was going to give, but to which side’s favour it wasn’t clear cut. In the 48th minute, Kell made a telling run through the mid-field and like a red hot chilli pepper was able to get under the Bridge’s defence and slot home his second for the game.

Despite the heavy downpour, both teams deserve credit for the level of skill displayed. Whilst Jye Martin had the first half keeping duties for Hahndorf, he was replaced for the second half by Turbo Boekel who must have been somewhat nervous about which way the wet slippery ball would go, but to his credit he was solid, sending the ball back into attack with some powerful kicks.

The U13’s combination of Hill & Gilroy played on the attacking flanks and played out of their skins. Hahndorf has some beaut boys here, how the team would have gone had they not put their hands up, we can only wonder.

Whilst Hahndorf has an array of attacking options, their main go to up front is Kyle ‘the assassin’ Fenlon. With goals in each game for the season, he has killed off the chances of many an opposing team, and today’s game was no different with his 68th minute effort finding the back of the net, a result of some great end to end team play.

With a 3-0 advantage, Hahndorf were able to close out the game with no further score. Coach Kerr was a delighted man at game’s end – and credited the win as being one of the best he had been involved with. This was no small praise considering his lengthy involvement with soccer, and reflected what was a true team effort, playing for each other in a tough but well spirited game.

Slippery conditions did not deter Torrens Valley (TV) who got off to a quick start and soon had Stirling Districts (SDFC) under pressure. Continued pressure told and despite several fast-breaking counter attacks TV dominated the half and managed to run in three unanswered goals.

The second half saw a more balanced game with SDFC able regain some control in the midfield and mount some better structured attacks. TV however never really looked too troubled and managed a fourth goal to finish comfortable victors.

The opening of the Woodside U17 girls game against Torrens Valley at Woodside had the spectators on the edge of their seats, with Torrens Valley scoring in the first minute of the game.  Whilst this was an intial shock the girls encouraged and supported each other and were determined to not let another score through.  Each player stepped up their game, and their intensity, and the reward came with a goal in answer.  With some great play from both teams the score at the half time break was in at 2-2.

Second half was intense.  The pressure building on various occasions for both teams. The goal keepers on both sides were kept in the game and saved a number.  Finally, it was Torrens Valley with a break through with a great hit that flew over the top of the Woodside keeper's fingertips.  The game finished at 3-2 in Torrens Valley favour, but the Woodside coach was very proud of the girls who are improving week by week. Congratulations to all!