Match report

Match report

The Warriors travelled to Beatty Terrace to play against one of the few teams in the competition with a majority of players turning 14 this year, in Murray Bridge. Going into the game, both teams were on two wins so on paper it looked to be a closely contested game, but Bridge had acquired an international import which the Warriors knew would make this a tougher tussle than the previous game.

From the start Woodside were under the pump with their opponents and in particular their import having nine shots on target in the first 10 minutes, with the Woodside keeper making some incredible saves with both hands and feet. However, not all were saved and before they knew it the Warriors were two down. It was not all one-way traffic with Woodside playing its brand of football, they were making passes and putting pressure on their opponent’s back four. At the quarter time mark of the game Woodside rolled out its changes, including a change in keeper. Murray Bridge though still had a majority of the possession, but as a team Woodside were defending in pairs making it hard for their opponent’s central midfielder to make his mark again. When he tried to beat one, another stood in his path which either resulted in the loss of the ball or him using his skill to avail them all. When in attack, Woodside were looking for each other and making their passes. As the 30th minute mark was approaching Woodside’s attacking central midfielder broke through and taking his chance was one on one with the keeper. His first attempt was excellently saved by the keeper who could only rebound the ball back into the midfielder’s path, not expecting the save, the midfielder tried again, this time the keeper held onto the shot. This lifted the Warriors who continued to work hard and try and create opportunities for themselves. Full credit to Murray Bridge’s back line who covered well and stopped many of Woodside’s attacks toward the end of the first half. Try as they might the red and blue shirts couldn’t make head way and their opponents continued to take their chances in-front of goal. While Bridge only added one more for the half they had amassed a total of 24 shots on goal which were expertly saved by the keeper, cleared away by the defence or in some cases players threw their body into the line of fire to stop a goal. True Woodside spirit and dedication.

The second half started again with Murray Bridge having most of the attack, but an amazing diving save by the Woodside keeper just after the start of the half lifted the Warriors. Woodside’s never say die attitude and ability to work as a team we’re making headway against their opponents. While, a lapse in concentration saw Bridge add another to their tally, Woodside were pressing their advantage. Twenty minutes from the start of the second half they were rewarded for their efforts when their right midfielder found space in front of goal and slotted the ball into the back of the net after a well-deserved run. Shortly after, they had another attempt but the Bridge defence held strong. Bridge again managed to score a goal from a free kick that beat keeper and the defender on the goal line. In what was a disappointing end to the game, our littlest Warrior was targeted and carried off the park from a terrible tackle that was meant to hurt rather than gain possession of the football. After expertly sliding to beat an opponent to the ball he recovered and was on his way down the line when the incident happened, much to the disgust of all coaches and some spectators. With the referee deciding it only warranted a yellow.

The game finished with another loss for the Warriors but regardless of the score line this group of young men and women continue to demonstrate the values of its club and a true Warrior spirit.