Match report

Match report

The Woodside Warriors had their first early start of the season with their second away game to hosts Strathalbyn. With both teams in the top 4 this was going to be another good test for the Warriors as Strathalbyn’s previous results indicated they knew how to find the net.

The Warriors started off as they had in the previous weeks with good strong defending and plenty of work off the ball to create space to enable some great passing combinations. With such play Woodside was finding ways behind the Strathalbyn defence, and after the 5 minute mark the Warriors found the back of the net with a long shot from outside the penalty box. Woodside had found its rhythm and as its defensive unit kept their opponents stuck in their own half, the Woodside keeper was going to have a quiet time. After a great run into the box, the Warriors attack thought they had their second, but with no confirmation from the referee or linesman, play was allowed to be continued even though the Warriors were returning to the half way line for a restart. This missed opportunity spurred the Woodside team on and its midfield and wingers took control, but Strath's defence worked hard slowing down the Warriors attack. Through good passages of play, Woodside continued to get wide and put crosses into the box and after 20 minutes Woodside finally found their second for the morning. For the last ten minutes of the half it was all Woodside who continued to press and make opportunities, and as the half drew to a close they found the net two more times. Half time score Woodside 4 Strathalbyn 0.

Strathalbyn started the second half on the front foot applying some pressure to the Woodside defence, but the Warriors backline remained strong and cool under the pressure. Strath’s defence continued to repel the Woodside attack but after 10 minutes the Warriors found the net again. Strathalbyn continued to work hard and started to make runs into their opponents half. Strath’s only chance in the game came when sending a long ball though the Woodside defence the Woodside keeper in some enthusiasm to touch the ball came off his line, but as he crossed out of the penalty box he remembered he couldn’t pick it up. So turning he followed the ball back into the penalty box and jumped on it before his opponent could get a foot on the ball. The Warriors spectators slightly shocked settled themselves as play continued. Woodside now in full control of the game continued to pressure their opponent's goals and with 15 minutes left in the half, they scored their sixth for the morning. The Woodside team continued to make opportunities in front of the goals and with 5 minutes left they managed, this time, to find the net one final time.

Strathalbyn should be commended for their efforts they played very good soccer but playing an older and more experienced opposition was the difference today.