Match report

Match report

Season 2021 has started on time and while it looked like the game was going to be played in the rain, the clouds cleared, providing players and spectators wonderful weather for a lunchtime game.

Once the game began both teams settled into their groove and Woodside knew that this was going to be a contest, like last time they played in 2020. The early minutes had both teams attacking and defending as the ball was moved from end to end. Finally Woodside’s passing created a pass that allowed the striker a chance, and with a one on one with the keeper, keeping a cool head he slotted it home and Woodside had the lead. This was short lived as Blackwood pushed hard and a poor clearance gave them space for a shot which they took, making it one all. Again both teams had good passages of play and when the Woodside Warriors attacking midfield found some space, his eyes lit up and he slotted Woodside’s second for the day away. Full credit to Blackwood who were playing with 11 players as they continued to press and again pouncing on a Woodside poor clearance scored their second for the afternoon. With Woodside having the luxury of substitutes they were finding more passing opportunities across the park but Blackwood’s defence continued to remain strong and applied the needed pressure that had Woodside shooting high or wide, Woodside were also unlucky, hitting the post and crossbar on repeated attacks. Then Blackwood found an opportunity and working down their left, got around the Warriors defence and scored their third for the afternoon. Woodside though has a reputation of always falling behind and then stepping up and playing their brand of soccer, but at half time break they were down: 2 Woodside to 3 BHS Forest.

The second half started off as the first with all players competing hard and moving the ball up and down the park, but Forest was getting tired and Woodside was starting to create more and more passing opportunities down the sides. Woodside’s striker scored his third for the afternoon and Woodside again had evened the score. Blackwood continued to work hard but not having fresh legs allowed Woodside to take control of the game. The last 20 minutes saw Woodside score five more goals, including two goals by its newest recruit. The goal of the day (which was rather hard to pick today) came from a corner that was beautifully volleyed into the back of the net by Woodside’s right midfielder that left coach and spectators amazed. 

Blackwood should be commended for their efforts with only 11 players and with extra legs this game would have been much closer. For Woodside they continued to play the brand of soccer that delights spectators with good passing and moving providing every opportunity to create chances. A great start for the Woodside team but they know that the season ahead is long and challenging.