Match report

Match report

The original Round 14 U15 match between Blackwood Forest and Stirling Districts White was unable to proceed on the scheduled date of July 24 due to Covid-19 Restrictions.  The make-up match took place at Springbank Secondary College at 10am on Saturday 4th September on a morning with mixed weather conditions.

With the top ladder positions decided, spectators were hoping to see a friendly and fairly played match between the 6th placed host team and the 2nd placed visitors. They were not disappointed.

It was before kick-off, however, that the spirit of team was demonstrated. The Stirling Team families pitching in some appreciated height to help Blackwood hang the nets. The true definition of “Community” in Community sport and a lovely way to round out the season.

Blackwood’s leading goal scorer, Ben A, opened the shooting attempts for the match, kicking just wide at the 6th minute. Stirling’s first opportunity came 5 minutes later from a corner that caught the side of the net. Spurred into gear, Stirling dominated the next 10 minutes of play and keeping the Blackwood Goal Keeper, Austin N, very busy indeed. Blackwood’s primary Keeper of the Season, Angus D was instrumental in the next 2 Blackwood attempts, both of which missed their mark.

Stirling turned once again to the attack, earning themselves some back to back corner kicks. An unfortunate mis-pass from Blackwood right in-front of the goal placed the ball right at the feet of Stirling’s Jacome P, resulting in the first match goal around half an hour into the game. Blackwood  had 3 further opportunities before half time, including a free kick. A sweetly placed ball right at the top of the net looked a certainty for Elisha S, only to be impressively deflected up and over the goal by the Stirling Keeper.

The half time score: Blackwood 0 – Stirling 1

The second half of the match saw Stirling’s energy and skills step up and Blackwood’s communication diminish resulting in a stronger performance by the visitors. Stirling made the most of the extra opportunities, their second and third goals for the match, (scored by Brayden P and Lachlan M), coming within minutes of each other. In between Stirling’s attacks, Blackwood’s replies were all safely saved. Stirling’s final goal for the match was a beauty and was loudly applauded by all pitch-side. The initial strike ricocheted off the cross-bar and was headed into the net by Simonas W. Blackwood squeezed 3 further attempts in before the fulltime whistle. Unfortunately, none of them found their target.

The final score: Blackwood 0 – Stirling White 4