Match report

Match report

It turned out to be a great day for soccer after some early rain the sun was out and players were ready to go. With the Woodside home game moved to Strathalbyn, where the pitch was drier, neither team had that 'home ground advantage' today.

Woodside started strong during the first half with both mid-field and attack finding space to play. Maguire and Mclean in the mid-field were finding excellent placement of passes to the wingers and centre forwards. It was Silvestri who put one away at about the 6 minute mark, giving Woodside an early lead.  The attacking play continued, with Cotton, Bauer and Diaz all having a shot, but Stirling's defence were on the ball and their keeper maintained composure under pressure.

Of course Stirling Districts would not be kept down and at around the 25 minute mark, through a good counter-attack they scored their first for the game, sneaking it in past Cox, Woodside's keeper.  And, that is where the first half would finish.

The second half of the game looked a little different, and Stirling were on the attack early putting two in the net within 10 minutes. Woodside re-grouped and kept their heads up and continued to play strong. Olsson in mid-field was finding the play and Silvestri and Jones were attacking the goals at every opportunity.  Mclean now in centre-defence and Humphries, James-Freeman, Johnston and Mcinnes also defending, working hard to chase down the loose long-balls, which with the support of each other prevented numerous scoring opportunities for Stirling. An unfortunate foul just inside the 18-yard box, awarded a penalty to Stirling, which they promptly converted giving them a 4-1 lead at about the 70th minute in the match.

Although the score was looking glum for Woodside, they continued their pressure and made another break-through with a second for Silvestri. Time was now ticking, but Woodside continued to pressure, after the kick off and turned the ball back to their half. Ultimately leading to a corner kick, resulting in another goal for Silvestri after a great header from Cotton's corner. Playing again Woodside now had the drive to even the score for the day, but time would prove against them and the game ended 4-3 in Stirling's favour.

Thanks Stirling for another great game! And thank you to Strath for allowing us to host it at your grounds!