Match report

Match report

Woodside U14 Red’s first game of football with an afternoon kick off was held at Pine Avenue over the weekend. Hahndorf Soccer Club, with their long list of registered players to their name, are to be admired for pitch management. With multiple modified games followed by full-pitch junior and senior games the single pitch held up beautifully, despite the preceding days of rain.

The age-old, pre-game question, “Does anyone have any metal studs?”, was asked by the referee to both teams, followed by a general addressing. The coaches gave some final words of advice to their players before everyone moved to their respective positions. With a sounding of his whistle the referee declared the game open at 1pm.

Woodside, with a comfortable ladder position, took the opportunity to test out an alternate structure. AILBHE BIFFEN relished the opportunity to star as the centre midfielder, JETT TONKIN (C) stepped back a row from right wing to right midfield, HAYDEN DAVIS took the right wing position whilst JAMES WALL started on the bench.

With an an early goal by AIDEN SUTTON, a subsequent goal by Woodside’s Captain, Tonkin, followed by an accidental own goal penned to Aiden, all within 18 minutes, one would have thought the Woodside Coach was onto something with a refreshed line-up.

Unfortunately Hahndorf didn’t think so, seizing the opportunity with clearly open fractures within the away team’s structure to score two goals in as many minutes. The home crowd were ecstatic with their performance, even more so when the referee declared time on the first half.

Woodside, shaken, used the half time break to revert to their tried and true formation, something they’ve had success with in the season so far.

The second half fell heavily in the favour of the away team, with CHRISTIAN FRANCIS, Wall and Tonkin all scoring. Sutton, whose performance was outstanding, added another two to his name after scoring two in the first. Sutton, cramping in the dying seconds, was substituted by super-sub and star centre-back, JOSH VASSOS. Josh, in his brand new position, was halfway through forming a grin, before the referee called time. The second half ended with an additional 5 goals to Woodside and was unchallenged by Hahndorf.

“We took the opportunity to experiment and we paid the price”, said Woodside Coach BRUCE TONKIN. “Hahndorf deserves praise for being part of a strong AHJSA U14 Division. They’ve done well to scare us, something we weren’t expecting obviously.”

Woodside’s man of the match went to Aiden Sutton, whilst both CAMERON MCLEAN and TOMMAS BALACCO performed well.

Woodside will play Strathalbyn White under lights at home on Wednesday night, 6:30pm, in the second round of the AHJSA Cup.