Match report

Match report

Thursday night saw a postponed Round 9 U17 clash between Woodside and Murray Bridge United play out under lights at Beatty Terrace, Murray Bridge.

The original venue was set for Summit Sports & Recreation Park in Mount Barker, but despite all the bells and whistles of the new facility, Murray Bridge weren’t able to supply a team. Woodside agreed to moving both match and day to suit the opposing club.

The wet weather leading up to the game encouraged numerous parents to query conditions. The Woodside Coach was adamant that all will be okay down at Murray Bridge. All parents were reassured when wet roads soon turned dry along the journey. It was very pleasant down there, if only for kick-off.

The game commenced at 6:30pm under the whistle of experienced referee Ethan McCormick. The teams were fortunate to receive two assistant referees in Haidyn Ingram and Asher Gaff, one of the benefits of a mid-week game.

Murray Bridge United, on the back-end of a 4-2 win over ladder-leaders Hahndorf, were energetic from kick-off, keen to reassure both themselves and their supporters that they can be competitive. Their energy was palpable and the away team were concerned.

Murray Bridge, via Aubrey Mawere, scored first. An impressive goal early in the first half brought on deserving cheers from their supporters. The goal rattled Woodside. For the second time this season an opponent took the lead over them.

The remainder of the first half saw little more than an equally physical battle between the two sides. Strong displays by both sets of defenders shut down any attacks. Strikes at goals were rare but wayward anyway.

At half time Murray Bridge United were a goal in front, 1-0. The home team retreated to their quarters for a talk whilst Woodside did theirs out on the pitch.

Woodside Coach MATTHEW THODAY addressed some of the technical concerns in his team, whilst Coach BRUCE TONKIN pointed out that the opposition being excited is honorable. A win over second-placed team (Woodside) is worthy of fanfare, a compliment in a round about way.

The second half brought two refreshed teams and a light serving of rain.

Woodside, via key striker LACHLAN MOWBRAY, struck first and leveled the scoreline. Mowbray’s prowess on the pitch is precise. A solid through-ball with him controlling the pitch is usually a guarantee.

Now that the scores were even the control of the game fell back in Woodside’s favour. Players relaxed and a very similar follow-up goal by Mowbray on the 70th minute was not surprising.

Murray Bridge United weren’t able to respond other than via screams of frustration by their irate keeper. The game concluded 2-1 in favour of the away team, Woodside.

“It’s easy to love a game when you win it”, said Coach Tonkin after the game. “Our first half certainly had mistakes, but we patched them up for the second and showed that we’re a contender for the season title. Bridge are unfortunate not to finish with a point after that game. The show isn’t over yet.”

LACHLAN MOWBRAY took out best player whilst solid performances by IZEYAH RAYMOND and JETT TONKIN earned second and third respectively.

Murray Bridge went onto defeat Strathalbyn Strikers 5-0 two days later, whilst all other games were postponed to later dates. The next round will see Murray Bridge take on Stirling United at Heathfield High School. Woodside will play host to Ashton Rangers at Woodside Recreation Ground.