Match report

Match report

Woodside Warriors U12 Gold again hosted the lads and lasses from Murray Bridge this week. Although on this occasion it was Bridge Blue making the trek up the hill. And for the first time this year, Hills Junior Soccer was played under leaden clouds and on a bed of mud.

When the ref blew his whistle to get the ball rolling, Bridge came out hard, fast and determined. The Warriors were also up for the challenge and set to work holding Bridge out and away from their goal-mouth. But after 5 minutes, the home side dropped off the pace. And instead of rising with each challenge, they began to look a little half-hearted. That was enough for the powerful Bridge chargers, who found an opening and sent a long, strong shot into the back of the net. Even this failed to wake the Warriors from their slumber as they continued to play well, but no-where near their uncompromising best. Bridge mounted raid after raid during this period, all of which were repelled by a committed Warriors back 4 and then finally, with ten to go in the first half, Woodside found their run. Now they were committing to the tackle, now they were chasing to the death and now the match looked an even contest. And that was the state of play as the first stanza was brought to a halt and the kids sat down to catch their breath. 

In the second half the home side looked anything but lethargic. The frosty Adelaide Hills chill had left their veins, being replaced by hot, red blood that craved the contest. Now the game changed gear and the ball surged up and down the ground. Where bridge had attacked for long periods in the first half, Woodside were now finding a way forward and creating some fantastic chances of their own. The ball surged from end to end. Each time Bridge threatened to extend their lead, Woodside would clear the ball and drive forward with reckless intent, creating a flurry of chances. These were saved only by desperate goal-line defense from the visitors. The second half of this match was 30 minutes of thrilling football! And although both teams raised the bar and threw everything they had into it, no-one could quite capitalize on their chances and Bridge Blue walked away with a well-earned 1 – 0 victory. Compliments to both sides on a tough, hard match.