Match report

Match report

This week's game against Blackwood was played in wet and miserable conditions at the home of the AHJFA the Summit Sport and Recreation Park. In what would be trying conditions, a very wet skidding surface, both teams needed to ensure their first touch and passing game were in good order. 

The game started five minutes late, due to a referee running late but when the starting whistle sounded Woodside were on the front foot applying pressure to their opponent's goal. 

Woodside had the better control of the ball and were moving it around well by getting in and behind their opponents down both flanks. As the game reached the 10 minute mark Woodside had its first of the day with a well hit shot by their right midfielder finding the back of the net after some great passages of play. After the opening goal, Woodside had to step up its defense as Blackwood were determined to get back on level pegging. However, Woodside’s defense remained cool under pressure and gained possession of the ball, cleverly playing the ball out of their danger zone. With midfielders and attackers combining well, they continued to make runs into their opponents' box and when a shot hit the lower arm of a defender the referee had no other choice than to give a penalty. Woodside’s newest forward stood up to the mark and easily slotted home the second for the morning. Blackwood continued to use its bench with regular substitutions, but this had no impact on the passing game of Woodside who managed to play their way out of trouble with ease. When Blackwood looked like breaking into an attack, Woodside’s central defensive midfielder stood tall closing down opponents, winning the ball and turned many a defensive action into a Woodside attack. With 20 minutes played Woodside’s striker got a little frustrated after losing the ball and overcommitted for the ball resulting in him receiving a yellow card and relieving the pressure by proving the opposition a free kick. Blackwood though were committed to getting a goal with opportunities arising through some well taken corner kicks but Woodside’s keeper stood taller than usual and nulled out any chance. Woodside continued to defend well and made every opportunity to add another goal to the tally. This they did with 5 minutes left in the half to give them a well deserved lead going into half time. 

With the weather still pretty miserable, Woodside made the usual change of keeper and headed out to protect their lead and increase it if possible. With 10 minutes into the half Woodside unfortunately received its 2nd yellow card for the game when the ball struck its center forward on an out stretched elbow and landed at his feet in the penalty box. Woodside though continued to mount the pressure and force their opponents to take risks. Woodside were then left with 10 men with 25 minutes to go when Woodside’s striker received his second yellow of the game after winning a free kick made an unnecessary comment to the referee. Down to 10 men, Woodside were made to work a little harder with Blackwood applying the pressure but though commitment and letting the ball do the work, Woodside were still creating opportunities. In the space of 5 minutes Blackwood had given Woodside 4 free kicks just outside the box with the keeper making saves for three of them and the fourth just sailing over the cross bar. There was a need to make a change so Woodside’s bustling midfielder, who had rested in goals for the first half, had the energy required and, when given an opportunity to run at his opponents, he did. Weaving between players he managed to make his way into the penalty box and scored the team's fourth for the morning. Five minutes later he did the same opening up his opponent's defense through a good strong weaving run with the ball to score his second and team’s fifth. Woodside though were tiring and in a last ditch effort, Blackwood managed to get past Woodside’s strong defence and have a run at goal. With defenders scrambling to get back, Blackwood had only the keeper to beat, but taking his chances the Woodside keeper came off his line to narrow his opponent's angle and in doing so applied enough pressure for Blackwood to push the ball wide of the goal. In trying wet conditions Woodside walked away with another win but Blackwood should be commended for their efforts in these conditions as they continued to play football from start to finish.