Match report

Match report

On Saturday morning, the sun gods smiled over Woodside Fortress for the first round of post-lockdown Hills Junior Soccer. But instead of preparing to repel an invasionary force, the U12 Warriors of Woodside Gold and Red steeled themselves for civil war. 

It was the first ever run on the Big Pitch for both sides, and the young chargers put themselves to work exploring the vast open spaces that will occupy their Saturday mornings for the next 14 weeks. In the early exchanges, the two sides were evenly matched but as the game wore on, and young legs tired, Warriors Red gained the ascendency, pitching camp at their attacking end of the ground. Prolonged pressure, coupled with a tiring Gold midfield saw Red slot one home just after the 15 minute mark. They backed this up with another before half time to take a 2 – 0 lead into the break.

But the second half saw a change in the winds. Where Red had dominated for long periods in the first stanza and created a succession of opportunities, it was Gold who were now driving the ball into attack to threaten the onion bag. Eventually, their persistence paid off to deliver a fine goal. Starting from defence, the ball was passed forward, eventually finding the centre mid amongst heavy traffic, but fancy footwork and relentless intent saw him forge a path where none appeared to exist. From there, it was a one-man show as he took the ball all the way home and brought his team within striking distance of a second half comeback. At 2 – 1 the dream was alive for Woodside U12 Gold. And before long, the young mid-fielder was at it again, this time taking the ball all the way past the goalie, only to slide it inches wide of the mark. It was game-on, with Gold threatening to upset the apple cart. But if anyone thought that Warriors Red were going to lie down and capitulate, they had clearly underestimated this fine young team. A driving run into the box and some tantalising footwork (it’s known as the beautiful game for a reason!) put Woodside Red’s centre mid within striking range. He was denied a shot by a late challenge from the defender, but the ref had clearly been to spec savers and pointed to the Spot. Here was an opportunity to put the game to bed. Rewarded for his efforts, the centre mid stepped forward… took aim… and hit it as clean as a whistle – high and hard and on-target. On any other day it would have been a goal, but not on this day! A flash of blonde hair streaked up toward the crossbar and a hand flashed out. The ball stopped mid-air – its momentum defied by some force of almost unseen physical repulsion. Without doubt, this was the best save of the season to date! Through this heroic effort, Gold was still in the hunt. But though they fought and kicked and worked for their mates, they couldn’t find the equaliser and Red walked off with a well-deserved 2 – 1 victory. If this is a sign of the season to come, Hills Junior Soccer fans are set for a thrilling season! BRING ON the BEAUTIFUL GAME!