Match report

Match report

FINALLY........

After some competitive games and some frustrating results, Woodside U17G finally have cause for celebration - a rewarding first win of the season.

On a bleak afternoon, Woodside travelled to Birdwood to take on the team from Mt Barker. The misty rain began to fall during the warm up and along with the blustery breeze set the scene for an intriguing clash between the two teams. Only the hardiest of spectators dared venture from their cars. With forecast bad weather it was important for teams to get away to a good start.

Woodside began the first half kicking with the breeze and immediately used it to their advantage, kicking long balls through the  Mt Barker defence. In fact, it proved to be advantageous with Grace scoring an early goal within the first 5 minutes. 

Woodside continued to use conditions to their advantage spending long periods in attack. Grace, Karina and Star continued to offer attacking options and the midfield of Alex, Beth, Emily and Sarah worked hard to put them into space. Grace scored again within the first quarter of an hour and things appeared to be working in Woodside's favour. Nevertheless, Mt Barker also had chances to push forward but the Woodside defence of Rachel, Sophia and Sophie managed to hold firm.

Eventually, Grace was again able to weave her way through the Mt Barker defence to complete a remarkable first half hatrick. In a first for the season,  Woodside were making the most of their chances with some fine finishes.

Woodside headed to the break with a convincing lead and Evie maintained a clean sheet in goals.

Half Time: Woodside 3 - Mt Barker 0

At the break, Woodside regrouped, enjoyed their bananas and steeled themselves for a second half effort against the breeze, aware that they would need to dig deep to negate Mt Barker and prevent them from using the breeze to mount a comeback. 

Soon after the restart, Woodside won a corner. Somehow, the corner kick from Grace managed to find it's way into the net via the opposition keeper to further increase the lead and things looked safe.

However, Mt Barker refused to give in. Steadily they began to pile the pressure onto the Woodside defence. Woodside's attacking opportunities began to dry up and the defence desperately tried to hold on. The cracks began to appear and inevitably Mt Barker scored their first goal. It was not long before Mt Barker had a second and Woodside began to look shaky. Woodside were defending grimly and could have conceded a third goal if not for a timely offside call.

From there the game turned into a dour struggle with both sides looking forward the  final whistle and Woodside maintaining a two goal advantage.

Full Time: Woodside 4 - Mt Barker 2

The victory was a well deserved reward, proving that effort, striving for improvement, working hard for each other and playing smart football as a team will have it's benefits.

Keep up the good work.

Many thanks to Evie, Sarah and Tilly for  playing in the earlier game.