Match report

Match report

Woodside U17G travelled to Bradwood Park looking to atone for last week and eager to get a result on the board against the team from Mt Barker. No doubt both teams were keen to kick start their seasons. Generally, it was an overcast day but the threat of rain did not eventuate and conditions did not unduly affect either team.

Mt Barker were missing some players and so it was agreed to play 10 a side with Mt Barker borrowing a player from Woodside. Thanks must go to Sofia who volunteered to help them out and ensure a fair match and more than held her own in the contest.

Woodside kicked off the first half. Things started evenly with both sides working their way into the game. The ball moved from end to end with neither side really finding an advantage. It looked like it could be a tight and entertaining game between two evenly matched teams. Defences appeared to be dominant although both teams did make inroads into attack. The game continued to ebb and flow with no clear chances. 

Then disaster struck for Woodside with Mt Barker finding themselves behind the defence and beating the keeper to take a 1 - nil lead. This set Woodside back on their heels and Mt Barker suddenly appeared to be the dominant team. That dominance was assured soon after with some clever play delivering a second Mt Barker goal. It seemed Woodside may be headed the wrong way down a familiar path. Players were flat footed. They did not seem to be able to get any flow back into their game and held on by their fingernails to make it to half time.

The first half ended and a group of disappointed players made their way to the sideline for a break and to regather for the second half. Despite the scoreline, the players were reminded of the positive moments from the first half and that if they stuck to the game plan it was possible to turn things around. Players recharged their batteries, rehydrated and tucked into the array of sugary lollies supplied by Team Manager - Christina. It is amazing what the combination of sugar and red food colouring can do for a team.

A revitalised Woodside team took to the field for the second half with a few positional changes. Alice moved to the right wing to provide an alternative path into attack. Sophie switched to a more sweeping role, in behind Rosie, Sarah and Alexandra in defence. Karina and Tilly dropped into the midfield to assist. Woodside immediately began to chip away at the Mt Barker defence, putting them under more pressure in the hunt for the elusive first goal of their season.  Grace and Star began to get on the end of some through balls and looked dangerous, streaming towards the goal. 

The midfield began to provide a better link between defence and attack. Some real positives began to emerge. Leila ran all over the field. Karina provided stoic resistance and pressure on the player in possession. Tilly patrolled the left hand side providing valuable defence. Alexandra kept competing hard to thwart the opposition.

Finally the moment arrived and Grace was able to get behind the defence and charge towards the goal. A terrific shot found its way past the keeper. Woodside had pulled a goal back and was now firmly back in the game.

Woodside spirits lifted. It seemed like Woodside were on top and that the equaliser would come. However despite Woodside continuing to attack, a number of chances came to no avail. 

It was by no means all one way traffic. Mt Barker also had chances and found themselves deep in attack at times. Nonetheless the reliable Woodside defence held firm to continue to deny Mt Barker and Evie in goals pounced on any balls that came her way. Evie began to be the initiator of some good Woodside play, quickly distributing the ball to free teammates and allowing Woodside to build from the back and counter attack down the right hand side.

Finally, Grace was again able to beat the Mt Barker defence and get a second goal past the keeper to score her brace. Scores were tied once again.

Suddenly, Woodside could sniff the chance of an elusive win and they continued to attack. Mt Barker were surprised by many fine moves. The chances continued to come for Woodside but they were thwarted by the keeper. A corner and a free kick from the edge of the box also provided hope.

Both teams were becoming weary but they continued to fight hard, each team desperate to finish the game with a win.

Then in the final moments of the game Grace had one last chance to score but the shot was parried by the Mt Barker keeper in what proved to be the last play of the game. The final whistle sounded.

So close and yet so far. It was a spirited performance from the players and they showed great heart to come from 2- nil down and almost snatch an unlikely win. All players contributed in a whole team effort. The positive second half shows that they should believe in their own abilities and that with hard work and effort they can continue to improve and play smart and skillful football. After playing all other teams once, Woodside should be confident that at their best they will provide stern competition.

Thanks again to Alice, Evie, Grace, Rosie and Sarah who also played in the earlier U14G game.