Match report
| Season | Date | Round | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 U14 Div 1 | 24th August 10:30am | League Round 17 | SSC Polo Ground Pitch 1 |
Stirling United 5
Strathalbyn Strikers White 2
Match report
It was a breezy morning at Strathalbyn for the final game of the league. Whilst Stirling United had already clinched the title, there was plenty on the line for this clash between the top 2 sides, with Stirling United hoping to go through the season undefeated, and the key strikers for both sides locked together in terms of goals scored. Previous clashes between the teams have been hotly contested so the fans of both sides were looking forward to the match up.
Stirling United took early advantage of the north westerly breeze when a long clearance from Lachlan Stein in the Stirling goal cleared the pack, allowing Henry Monaghan to run on to the ball and chip the keeper with lovely control seeing the ball into the back of the net. Both sides then had periods of dominance, before a cross from Nik Smith found its way into the net with the goal credited to Yuto Okada after a goal mouth skirmish.
Shortly after, Strathalbyn attacked strongly, with Kalan Brooks following up a shot that was initially blocked by Stein to reduce the margin to one, and to take the lead in the competition between the strikers. Stirling subsequently countered, with Araby Phelan finishing sweetly to extend the lead again. The game swung again, with Brooks scoring after 24 minutes to reduce the deficit going in to half time.
With Strathalbyn having the wind at their back for the second half, Stirling knew that they would have a fight on their hands to hold on for the win. Both teams had chances, but Stirling clearly lifted their defensive intensity, closing the space and then attacking with purpose. Phelan struck a powerful shot that hit the top corner but deflected wide, and then had another shot blocked by the keeper before a beautiful finish on his trusty left foot extended the gap between the two teams. The game was sealed after a delightful corner from Charlie Rollings, who dominated the midfield during the second half, was headed home by Phelan to give Stirling their fifth and saw Phelan pip Brooks for the title of golden boot.
