AHJFA

Match report

Season Date Round Venue
2022 U12 28th May 11:00am League Round 5 MBUSC SSRP Modified
Goals
L. Denley (10'), A. Turner (14'), B. Curran (17'), D. Paterson (22'), D. Paterson (25'), R. Henke (26'), D. Paterson (30'), B. Curran (41'), B. Curran (47'), M. Barrljung-Hummel (56' Penalty)
Best
N/A
Goals
I. Pickert
Best
N/A
Match report
Round 5 of the U12 league was the day of a local derby, as Mt Barker Red locked horns with Mt Barker Blue at the Summit.
The Reds sat on top of the ladder going into this clash, but if the statistics phased the young Blues, they didnt show it. The opening 10 minute period was an arm wrestle, with few chances on goal created, and none converted. The Reds slowly began to gain ascendency though, and by the 15th minute they were 2 goals up, thanks to the relentless pressure of their experienced midfield and forward lines
With their backs to the wall, the Blues upped their physicality and determination: at the 20th minute, a burst of individual brilliance caught the usually-resolute defence napping, and the striker kept a cool head in converting a 1v1 against the Reds' keeper. At 2-1, spectators could not look away; all results were still on the cards, and the pressure was building...
It was the experience and teamwork of the Reds that began to shine through. With their 2 leading goal scorers in Striker and Right Wing respectively, any defending unit is in for a tough time. And so, by half time, these two crimson speedsters added 4 goals between them. To top off a stellar first half, a determined attacking-midfielder in a Red shirt notched his maiden career goal, drawing deafening applause from the Reds' faithful.
The second half saw less goals, but similar intensity, as the Reds continued to pressure the Blues back line. Their defence and 'keeper put in a gallant resistance for the entire half, but the Reds managed to find the net thrice more; an eagle eyed striker notching his 3rd hat trick in a row, and the team captain buried a penalty with coolness and composure.

As the curtains closed on the first Mt Barker U12 derby for 2022, the Reds came out on top, but the young Blues must be commended for a valiant display until the final whistle.
Next week, the Blues will travel to a mid-table matchup against Woodside, with both teams eyeing the podium.
The Reds will host a top-of-the-table clash with Hahndorf. Both Under 12 Titans are undefeated thus far, so it is shaping up to be a thrilling encounter.