AHJSA Match Reports

Perfect conditions for an exciting match at Woodside this week. Although both sides were a few numbers down, we got to enjoy a highly skilled fast flowing game that even had some of the little ones saying they were doing so much running.

Both of our Goal keepers (Billy in the 1st half and Archer in the second) were extremely athletic between the posts making thing near impossible for Stirling to score. All players had some great opportunities through the match to score each having a few cracks at sending the ball past the keeper. Adam & Archer each managing to score throughout the game.

Freddie was again dependable & rock solid on our defensive line, reading the play & continually shutting down any attacking moves from the opposition. Mitchell and Leon shared the midfield providing plenty of run & skilled passing, allowing the play to open up & give our attack some clear time to shoot.

The stand out for the day was again our team work with everyone getting involved & working to their limits for the team. Also everyone was trying all of the new skills that we have been practicing. Even receiving comments from the opposition with how well we can move the ball across the field.

The sun was out for today’s match between Hahndorf (home) and Murray Bridge. With eleven players travelling from Murray Bridge, a decision was reached to play 8 a side to give everyone more time on the ground.

Hahndorf was off to a strong start, with good pressure and movement seen by Michael Griggs, Scout Ramsey, Keelan Atkinson and Charlie Roeszler up front. Within the first five minutes the Murray Bridge goalie was already working hard with an excellent attempt at goals made by Griggs.  He did manage to save it and the next three equally quality attempts made my Hahndorf players.

The Hahndorf defence were also working hard with Eric Jager, Angus Clifton and Sam Gardner creating an impenetrable back line and moving well to clear the ball when it did make its way down. Miles Hennessey ensured that the score remained nil all going into half time.

After a brief break and reshuffle of players Hahndorf came out firing with the first brilliant goal of the game scored by Hennessey just two minutes into the second half. This was shortly followed by three more attempts that the Murray Bridge goalie expertly stopped.

Murray Bridge managed to push through Hahndorf’s defences and looked in for a chance to equalise, only to hit the post.

Hahndorf’s Midfield worked well together to move the ball with speed and accuracy. They were able to make space and maintain a fast-paced game even without any subs to refresh. This led shortly afterwards to another two goals by Hennesey for Hahndorf.

Griggs made a run forward and excellent attempt at goals which again was saved by Murray Bridge’s overworked goalie.

Roeszler, Jager, Clifton and Gardner worked tirelessly to keep the ball moving forwards and assist Ramsey to keep Murray Bridge from scoring.

Just when we thought we had our final score for the day, a long shot by Hennessey trickled through just two minutes from full time.

It was a fast paced, enjoyable game to watch and lovely to see so many Murray Bridge supporters making their way out to support their local team. Well done kids.

Stirling District vs Hahndorf at Aldgate Oval

It wasn’t a perfect start to the morning, with illnesses hindering the Hahndorf side, leaving a starting line up of 6.  Stirling Districts were gracious to lend Hahndorf a player, so Hahndorf could have a full side.

Stirling kicked off to start the match, and from the outset placed pressure on the Hahndorf defence line, with Nic Moran, Jak Skinner and Harrison Whitehead working hard to defend the oppositions attack.

Levi Newman in goals defending the multiple strikes with only 2 making the back of the Hahndorf net.

Up forward Danny Morgan and Carter Hartley worked seamlessly with the Hahndorf defenders to attack the forward line and with the support of Moran managed to apply the pressure to Stirling through the first half.

In the second half, the game swung with Hahndorf now dominating the play, and the combination of Neumann, Moran and Morgan showing great teamwork attacking the Stirling forward line. Excellent team work and persistence from Neumann and Moran paid off when Neumann scored for Hahndorf.

The back line of Hartley and Skinner with Whitehead in goals ensured Stirling were unable to score in the second half.

Well done to both teams and a special thanks to the Stirling players who played for Hahndorf.  An entertaining game showcasing great sportsmanship from both teams.

ROUND 10    9July  2022                    Woodside Verse Bridgewater Blue

What a stunning Winters day 9 degrees and sunny,  Bridgewater was here to play us on our home turf this time around, last time we met was the first round of the season and weren’t sure how to play soccer yet on both sides, so this was set to be an interesting match up after our last encounter was separated only by 1 goal in the end with Bridgewater the victors. 

 Great warm up, Woodside was looking fired up ready to bring it . Hungry and ready for the battle ahead.

Both teams playing 8 per side soccer, so not much room to move on the pitch, so passing will be crucial to be the victors today. 
 

The whistle blew and away the game went, Bridgewater has run away with it straight away , pushing quickly into our forward, Woodside was a little scared, but goalie managed to save there first attempt, then a pass out, to the wing, but straight back into the middle and Bridgewater were upon us and scored a great goal. We were one down and feeling a little scared of what this day was panning out to be. kick off and straight out to the wing running forward , not to be wing man was tripped and we were given a free.  It was indirect and still a way from goals, but a whisper from the coach and one pass and scored. Back level.

It looked like it could be anyone’s game,  then our little fire cracker took off and scored again and again. 

 Half time Woodside 3 Bridgey 1

Great start half to go, a change in goalies and the rest staying the same, for the first time this season. 

Time to play and we had talked about our first half and how awesome we had played, defence had been pretty in penetrable and feeding the attack line up creating chances.

Players were getting tired but still giving everything and before we new it we had extended the lead. 

Bridgewater was not giving up though and a beautiful shot over the goalies head, unstoppable Bridgewater got one back and with this came some adrenalin they were straight back attacking our defensive line braking through that and it was down to a one on one with the goalie, Saved, a big sigh of relief. 

Goalies ball everyone to half way, it’s a pass out wide and then a quick pass up the line, and then another pass up the line bang a short dribble and a goal in under 10 seconds from one end of the pitch to the other, what a great team goal. 

Only minutes remained , but our fight was not stopping,  we new there was still time to play and new it was going to be tough to play it the whole way to the end as it had been a fast and physical game. 

 Full time and Woodside victors this time around and I sense a great rivalry ahead. 

Final score Woodside 6 Bridgewater 3

This game was driven by our defensive line not letting those attacking runs through the line well done Woodside. 

The Women’s Euro 2022 started this week and at the time of writing it has been a goalfest with 15 goals in four games, and Norway, Germany and Spain all setting out their tournament credentials by scoring four apiece. Even with Ballon D’Or winner Alexia Putellas out of the tournament due to injury, and goal-machine Sam Kerr ineligible due to Australia’s tectonic drift not taking it anywhere close to the Alps in the last 180 million years, the tournament still promises to be a cracker. Little wonder then that Woodside U10 Blue and Torrens Valley U10s would take inspiration from the Euros and put on their own goal spectacular at the Woodside rec grounds this weekend.

Last time around Woodside dominated straight from the kick-off but Torrens Valley have obviously developed quite a bit in the two months since our first meeting and proved to be much stiffer competition this time around. The first ten minutes of the game were goalless with both teams creating some openings but not finding any joy in front of goal. As has often been the story of his season, at this stage Leo Tucker took the game by the scruff of the neck and only 11 minutes later had rounded out a fantastic hat trick. Torrens Valley showed that they were not going to be a pushover and found a couple of first half goals to stay in the game, exploiting Woodside’s vulnerability to teams quick on the break. Woodside could easily have gone into half time with a very narrow margin indeed but for Captain Jock Mills asserting himself on the Rams forwards in the closing minutes of the first half, snuffing out several attacks in quick succession.

The second half should have seen Woodside close the game down and ride out a comfortable lead, and indeed this was how it looked to be going when the ever-dangerous Noah Paech found the net 3 minutes after the restart to put the Blues five goals to the good. However, the Warriors had a bit of a nap for a five-minute period in the second half that saw Torrens Valley score four goals and bring themselves within a single goal of an unlikely draw. Fortunately, Tommy Garden found himself clear on the 40-minute mark and showed his best bit of individual skill this season by beating a couple of defenders and scoring a solo effort. Tyler Berwick, returning to the squad after injury, had threatened several times during the game and was finally rewarded by scoring a sweetly struck long range shot that capped-off the match for the Warriors.

So, there it ended, with the highest scoring game of the Blues’ season so far. The Euros might have managed fifteen goals in 360 minutes of football but these two teams showed that they can match that in only fifty minutes. Although they came out on top there were a few lessons for Woodside in this game – not least that any team will punish them if the level of effort drops off at any point, and also that playing a high defensive line means that they need the fitness and pace to kill-off a swift counter-attack.

We bade farewell to Arthur Lean last week, who is proving his dedication to football by moving to the home of Pele, Ronaldo, Roberto Carlos and Neymar. All the best Arthur and thank you for being part of our team. Enjoy having next week off Blues fans, and we will see you back on the 20th for training and on the 23rd for our match against Mt Barker Utd Red at The Summit.

Due to a combination of COVID and school holidays, the Stirling White U11 team could only rustle up 7 players, to Mt Barker Red's 10. Many thanks to Mt Barker Red for letting one of their players play for Stirling so that the teams could play 8v8. Thanks also to Byron and Zac for filling in from the Stirling U10 team (and being late to their own game in the process).

Play in the first half was tight, with both teams showing great passing and teamwork. For Stirling White, Cora's great passing from right mid created several opportunities, and one was finally capitalised on by a corner from Sam with a brilliant conversion by Bronwyn (who was filling in for Stirling from the Mt Barker team in a show of great sportsmanship).

Play opened up in the second half for both teams with excellent passing and a number of great goals. Mt Barker started well, with possession mainly in their half for the first ten minutes, with Stirling putting on strong pressure led by captain Rupert in centre back and some brilliant saves by Byron (filling in for Stirling from the U10 team). Lachie managed to turn it around for Stirling with a goal into the back of the net, followed up by an awesome left footer from Zac (also filling in for Stirling from the U10 team). Mt Barker Red responded in a strong play with good passing leading to a swift goal, but the ball was turned around quickly with a fast break from Stirling White (Zac) culminating in a goal. Mt Barker Red again responded with Stirling's defence left open through the middle. From Stirling, Zac dribbled around three Mt Barker players to finish with his hat trick. Mitchell turned over the ball in defence and brought it all the way up the field, unlucky not to convert. Mt Barker did well to bring the ball up through the mid-field and had a couple of unlucky shots. Lachie was able to convert again for Stirling not long before the final siren.

Both teams passed well and showed great teamwork and positioning. There was also an excellent feeling of sportsmanship on the field despite the morning frost at Bradwood Park!

Clear playing conditions and a sizeable crowd greeted players and spectators as Hahndorf under 12’s took to the pitch against Strathalbyn at Strathalbyn’s home ground.

Hahndorf started the match off strongly, with some clever running play seeing Caleb Early kick the first goal within minutes after the start.  The ball was quick to move back into Hahndorf’s forward, with Sonjae Cook and Chris Haynes displaying quick footwork to keep the ball moving.  Strathalbyn’s defence was strong, however, with their back line players and goalie showing impressive defensive skills to fend off a number of shots at goal by Hahndorf.  During one passage of play, crowding around the goals gave Harry Wood the opportunity to sneak a goal in to secure Hahndorf’s second.  Strathalbyn soon responded, with a quick run and pass from the centre resulting in a successful shot at goal to award Strathalbyn their first goal.  Several more attempts at goal were strongly defended by Hahndorf’s midfield and backline of Billy Cook, Cooper Newman, Samuel Whitehead and Jackson Bidgood.  Goalie Lawson Shotton was kept busy with a number of successful saves. 

Strathalbyn continued with a solid defence heading into the second half, putting pressure on Hahndorf’s forwards and mid-line.  Joel Bateman was quick of the mark passing the ball with accuracy towards Thomas Stapleton setting up some exciting passages of play.  In the mid field Jensen Ingram displayed some impressive footwork and was able to get the ball away from the Strathalbyn attack.  This helped set up several attempts at goal for Emlyn Gilroy, who bravely put himself on the line whilst making several shots at goal.

Hahndorf would like to thank Strathalbyn for a well-played game, with a great show of effort and skill by both teams.

Hahndorf U13 v Stirling Districts U13 – Pine Avenue, 10:30am

First game of the school holidays and first home match for the season saw Hahndorf under 13’s up against Stirling Districts.

The game started with Hahndorf having less than the required players before getting some much appreciated assistance from our Under 11’s to bring numbers up for the match.

The match was off to a cracking start immediately, with Hayden Lien scoring a goal in the opening moments.  Control returned to Stirling, before an attack by Joash Ng saw a flurry of play in the Hahndorf goal box.

Stirling mounted a good defence, regaining control which was well met by Hahndorf defenders, Lucy Tinsley-Smith, Jet Zahra and Blane Balcom. Tinsley-Smith began what was to be a great match for her, with strong intercepts and clearances a hallmark throughout for her.

A strong kick from Balcom to Benjamin Romaldi passed on to Levi Beesley saw the second goal scored for Hahndorf.

Stirling’s counter attack was met strongly by Zahra and Tinsley-Smith and numerous goal conversions saved aptly by goalie Daniel Peters, who played strongly in the box.

Hahndorf continued playing well as a team, with strong intercepts and passing. Ng’s fancy footwork saw him again gain control of play, and a long kick to Lien was quickly converted to goal #3.

Cooper Liddle played a strong attacking game, getting into the action and at the ball, removing the ball from opposition control on numerous occasions. A long down ground kick from Liddle to Beesley saw a fourth score for Hahndorf.

Stirling’s team were met with strong defence in Jacob Gardener, Zahra, Tinsley-Smith and Balcom. Zahra was on the offensive, getting to the ball first and wresting control back for Hahndorf before Lien scored again, a great goal which saw him have to outrun the speedy Stirling goal keeper for the ball.

Some great support work by Lachlan Gardener and Pearl Beesley, helping from the Under 11’s was invaluable in keeping the game moving in Hahndorf’s direction. Liddle remained strong in his down the pitch running, supported by further intercepts from Romaldi and Zahra.

Goalie Peters saved two potential Stirling goals in quick succession before a third try was realised and Stirling Districts scored a good first goal of the match.

Hahndorf worked well as a team, with all members having time with the ball. A rally from Tinsley-Smith to Liddle resulted in a near miss, which was neatly converted into a save by Ng.

Second half saw the Stirling Districts goalkeeper doing a fantastic job under sustained attack, saving many goals from being realised.

Hahndorf covered the ground well, keeping on the ball and applying strong pressure. Liddle and Beesley remained in the forefront of the action, getting in and getting to the ball on every available opportunity.

A long kick down the ground from Zahra saw conversion, followed by a run to goal from Lien which saw Liddle swoop in to convert a stray ball to a point.

Stirling were holding their own with many good saves and parries down the field, when L. Gardener made a great save in goal for Hahndorf, preventing a further score for Stirling.

Teamwork was the name of the game for Hahndorf, with Lien to Tinsley-Smith to convert for a further score, followed by Ng scoring his second for the match. The long kicks down ground, fancy footwork and good passing saw Hahndorf through, with the final score of the game by J. Gardener, after a great pass near goal.

Five goals to Lien was an excellent result for his fast paced game.

Hahndorf would like to thank Stirling Districts for the match and also thank the participants from younger divisions who aided both teams in the match.

Joash Ng Jet Zahra, Hayden Lien, Cooper Liddle for Hahndorf - photo 8248

Blain Balcom, Daniel Peters, Lachlan Gardner - Hahndorf 

Jet Zahra Blain Balcom, Luciann Tinsley-Smith for Hahndorf - photo 8225

The excitement out of warrior territory was building all week as the two Woodside under 13 teams prepared to face off against each other for the 2nd time.

Woodside blue having taken the chocolates the first time around were keen to continue the trend. Destiny however had other ideas with 4 key players either going down to injury or sickness in the days leading up to the big game.

Under 12 players Riley and Lewis answered the call and filled in without hesitation.

From the first whistle it was clear that Woodside red were on song, playing like a well oiled machine. They peppered the goals from all angles and although the likes of Mitchell, Hamish, Lukas and Ashton were valiant in defence it wasn’t enough to stop numerous balls soaring into the back of the net. 

Not deterred the warriors soldiered on creating multiple important plays giving Ashton the freedom to do what Ashton does best, score classic goals & he did just that as the ball whizzed past the keeper to destroy the back of the net. 

The half time whistle blew and the team was in need of a required pepp talk , water , rest & shuffling of positions. 

The second half began with several players taking up positions they might not have played before. Lillian gave left full back a try without hesitation, Mitchell continued 
to dominate centre back and Thomas built his craft as a striker. 

The majority of the second half consisted of both sides trading blows on goal. An amazing defensive effort coupled with the midfield following up and sending a perfect ball to Ashton allowed us to score our second goal.

The lack of bench depth and tired bodies due to minimal rotations however took its toll in the last 15 mins allowing Woodside Blue to have plenty of shots on target. Riley was valiant in goals saving several crucial shots but in the end fatigue got its way with an end score of 2-9

The score didn’t go in our favour today however some of the team work,camaraderie, fair play and resilience seen by the warriors was fantastic and holds us in good stead as the season progresses.

This week was local derby time again at the Warriors Fortress as Woodside U13 Red and Blue squared off on a firm pitch under heavy, but thankfully rain-less skies.

The first installment of this season’s U13 local derby saw Woodside Blue take bragging-rights in a game that an undermanned Red side had dominated on the statisticians sheet (both in terms of possession and territory). Again, both sides were ravaged by illness, injury and absences this time around with a weeks-worth of phone calls resulting in each achieving 12 players to take to the field.

From the get-go Woodside Red looked dominant, and within the first few minutes had scored the opening goal through a fine finish from their left wing. But Woodside Blue have honed their defensive skills over the last nine weeks and after this early shock to the system they steeled themselves and regained focus. As a result, each attacking raid from their opponents was efficiently nullified, possession claimed, and the ball cleared to safety. This work in their own half kept the marauders at bay and whenever they found a way forward, Blue looked likely to break-through and score. But Woodside Red are also a sound defensive unit and all attacking forays were rapidly repelled. For twenty minutes the game ran thus, with Woodside Red perhaps dominating play, but neither side able to stretch the net. Eventually Woodside Red’s right wing scored his first goal, which was quickly followed by a second to his mate on the left (who was immediately sent back into defense for her trouble). In their never-say die way, Woodside Blue continued their efforts and were rewarded with a fine goal, when a failed clearance from Red gave them a second chance within range. This was struck like a bullet and demonstrated what Blue are capable of in attack. Red goaled a couple more times in the first half to create a comfortable lead at half-time.

In the second half, Woodside Red came out a little harder and more committed to the challenge than they had in the first. This saw them dominate the early stages. Red’s ball usage was also on the improve, becoming cleaner and more assertive as the intrepid Blue defenders tired and space opened up in their defensive half. Long through-balls down the wing or behind the line were now becoming a major problem for Woodside Blue and soon Red had stretched their lead by a couple. Again, Blue showed their potential in attack, goaling with another powerful strike mid-way through the second half. But by now Woodside Red had their tails well and truly up and ran the game out strongly, scoring a few more and sealing a well-deserved victory.

This match was another demonstration of fine Hills sportsmanship – players, spectators and officials gave and received respect in equal measure. Local Derbies can be fun, but only when played in the true spirit of the game – This one didn’t disappoint.

Final Score: Woodside Red 10, Woodside Blue 2

On a cold and wet night, Stirling Districts took to the pitch for their postponed game against Mount Barker at Bradwood Park, fielding a team of 14.

While Mount Barker had some early fire power, they were no match for a determined Stirling Districts team. Zora Huang impressed in the first half with her first stint as goal keeper for the team, her instinctive ability at reading the play translating seemlessly to the back line. Lily Holland's fearlessness knows no bounds, unafraid of hard tackles and quick to take throw ins. Amber Abrahams' confidence continues to grow and she went in for some hard tackles and is developing a strong, long kick. Mollie Green and Sadie Koh both worked well and hard on the forward line. Aubrey Adams once again displayed her versatility and dependable skills. Jess Verryt closed out the first half with one of her stunning runs translating to the first goal of the match.

Second half the team came back stronger than before. En Ueda showed strength and leadership from goals and worked hard to keep Mount Barker off the scoreboard. Auriana Healy made some good runs, working well with her team mates but not quite translating to goals.Returning from 7 weeks off with injury, Zoe York shone in centre midfield with a slip in the mud thwarting her attempt on goal. Flossie Baker gave it a good shot to pick up from Zoe York's work but the keeper was quicker. Isabelle Bailes was reliable in defence, her long kicks almost rivalling Ruby Tully's. Feiya Huang demonstrated good skills and a ability to read the play. Ruby Tully scored the second goal at 64 minutes, consolidating the win over Mt Barker.

Several of the girls from both teams celebrated the end of the match with mudslides - good natured fun that needs to be reconsidered to look after the pitch!