Match report

Match report

It was a glorious morning for the last home game of the season, the sun was shining and both teams were ready for the tough challenge ahead. The game started off with both teams having good passages of play passing and moving the ball into each others attacking third, but each teams' defence held strong. The Woodside boys soon started to put more passes together and started to make the Stirling Districts players work for possession. With a number of clever passes and their speed the Woodside attackers were challenging their opponents, getting behind the defence and making opportunities in their opponents 18 yard box, but Districts held strong. 

Then half way through the first half the Woodside Centre Forward split the defence and was one on one with the keeper, his first shot was pushed away by the keeper, at his second attempt the keeper managed to get his body in the way but the Centre Forward kept up the pressure finally running the ball over the line to take the lead. After this both teams lifted their intensity again, but the Woodside team, who have spent much of the season working on its passing and defensive game, were out to impress today. They were all committing themselves to be the first to the ball and, if their opponents had the ball, they would close them down quickly making it harder for Districts to make their passes. When they had the ball Woodside was combining well, looking to switch the ball and pass to a team mate in a better position, often beating players with a pass rather than trying to run it passed them.  

The second half started off much like the first, with both teams trying to get the upper hand, and with Districts only down by a goal they knew it would not take much to get back into the game. 
Districts were able to put pressure on the Woodside defence, especially from some well taken corners that had the Woodside keeper coming off his line to punch the ball away. At these times Districts looked dangerous as they had the taller players but Woodside held strong and cleared the ball out of the danger zone on numerous occasions.

With 10 minutes to go the Stirling winger was able to get behind the defence with a wonderful run, putting him one on one with the keeper, but his well placed shot to the near post was wonderfully saved by the Woodside keeper, saving what looked like a sure goal. Woodside also had one last chance to increase their lead when a well placed ball split the defence and the centre forward ran onto the ball for a one on one with the keeper, but a whistle was heard as the offside flag was raised and the opportunity lost.   

The final whistle sounded and a jubilant Warriors team were the victors with their third win of the season.