Match report

Match report

As the Woodside faithful departed the Hills for the first game of May, the autumn leaves tinting the roadsides yellow, red and bronze had them anticipating a cool, damp day at The Bridge. But with the season refusing to break, fans and players were met with warm, dry conditions, perfectly suited to fast and open football.

Coming off a solid win last week, Woodside Warriors U12 were keen to take the momentum into this week’s game against Murray Bridge Blue. Both side looked slick out of the box as they fought to gain ascendency, but it was Woodside who were structuring up better on the pitch. Where Murray Bridge attacked with long balls to space and individual raids on their opponent’s goal, Woodside was working the ball around, finding a friend and then penetrating the back line. Their willingness to share the ball and fine execution of this passing game soon saw them gain ascendency, and before long they had put themselves in front with a 1 – 0 lead. But regardless of what the score-card said, Bridge looked anything but the trailing team as they fought for possession, sent it forward and strove to level the match. Their efforts were rewarded midway through the first half, with a great run through space and a fine finish that brought the game back within on level terms. The home side’s spirit was buoyed, and they attacked with renewed confidence. This pushed the Woodside defenders to the edge of their limits – they were up to the challenge. If last year’s tough campaign taught these Warrior’s anything, it was how to defend – and today it showed. Come what may, they held their line, covered when needed and cleared the ball to a team-mate up the park. Such impressive transitional play from defense to attack meant Woodside goaled thrice again before the break, giving them some breathing space going into the second term.

The ten minute break was a welcome relief to all as the hot, dry conditions were taking their toll. Refreshed and ready for action, 22 young players stepped back out for another half-hour of competitive fun with their mates. The second half flowed much as the first had. Bridge attacked hard, the Woodside back-men held (with occasional assistance from the midfield), the ball was sent forward and the visiting forwards created chances of their own. It was a tough and entertaining game, played in good spirits, and enjoyed by fans lining both sides of the ground. As the game drew on it was Woodside creating more chances and although a few good opportunities flew wide, or collided with the bar, they bagged another two to claim a solid win.

Congratulations to all present, who played the game with skill and integrity and showed us again what junior sport is all about.