Match report

Match report

After a couple of tight and torrid battles earlier in the season, Woodside Warriors U12 expected nothing less when they again travelled to Mount Barker Summit to take on the locals in Red.

The early stages of this one were all Woodside. Right across the park Red and Blue shirts hunted the ball with precise aggression – seeking their prey with speed and purpose, stalking it with poise and restraint, and striking at the first chance to win the prize that they sought with common purpose – possession. And with the ball won, they looked up – for help. In football, as in life, the challenge can be too much to face alone. But with friends, the journey (regardless its outcome) is not just achievable but can be rewarding, thrilling, even fun! So Woodside looked to share. Anyone wearing the same colours, regardless of stature or skill, was a potential target – an ally to protect the ball and forge a path forward. This selfless style of play created too many targets for Mount Barker to defend and within five minutes Woodside had found the opening goal. They followed up with another five minutes later, and another fifteen after that. Although this delivered the striker another hattrick for the season (and full credit to him) each goal was the culmination of all-team football and each and every member celebrated their collective achievement as one. As well as creating a wealth of chances up front, Woodside’s defensive play was impeccable, protecting their keeper from having to make a single save throughout the entire first term.

After the break, the status quo remained, at least for a while. But although the Warriors were creating plenty of chances, Mount Barker were refusing to yield and their defensive effort was enough to deny their opponents time and space within range. This effort from Mount Barker was putting Woodside under enormous pressure, creating a sense of urgency and forcing all shots to be rushed. This gave the keeper a chance, and he earnt his bonus pay by making a handful of neat saves. Eventually Woodside did find another goal, right on the midpoint of the second half. And with only fifteen on the clock, a Woodside win looked a certainty. No-one told the hosts. Regardless of the score-line, the hosts had come to play, they desperately wanted a goal to keep them in the hunt. With eight on the clock, they surged within range. Woodside met the challenge and took possession, but one of the locals hit the earth as the ball was cleared from danger. The ref blew her whistle, seeing foul play in the contest, and ordered a free kick just outside the box. On instant replays the Woodside backman appeared to be hard done by, but refs are paid to make hard decisions in real time and Mount Barker stepped forward to take a free kick well within range. At U12 level, this was still going to be a big ask – clear the wall, clear the keeper, find the target. But the youngster from Barker nailed it with powerful precision that was a spectacle to behold. This goal was like a lightning rod in a Darwin-build-up-storm to the hosts, who now sniffed the tiniest of chances. Four minutes later, they goaled again to create a nail biting finish to the game. But Woodside were up to the challenge. The back four were aided by their midfielders to become a back six, the wing forwards dropped into the midfield and defended from mere yards in front of their backs, and together they successfully parked the bus to ensure no one else would score for the day.

Another great contest of U12 soccer on a picturesque if dangerously unforgiving surface at the Summit.