Match report

Match report

It was a bright and sunny mid 20s degree day when Murray Bridge United Soccer Club Under 12 Gold hosted Hahndorf Soccer Club Under 12 White captained by Emlyn Gilroy. Initially Hahndorf slipped into defence as they got a feel for the pitch and opposition’s play. Dante Man, Oliver Aylen and Oliver Dahmke each had an early opportunity to stretch their legs and show some good defensive play before Hahndorf commenced with heavy pressure on goals by Levi Beesley and others. This was quickly rewarded with Gilroy and Harrison Gould scoring goals within the opening minutes with support from their team mates. There was a nail-biting moment when Zoe York’s backwards kick narrowly missed. Hayden Lien quickly followed up and scored another goal for Hahndorf. Jacob Gardner certainly put in the leg work and ran hard throughout the half supporting his team mates with a keen eye on the ball. When the opposition managed to push past into Hahndorf’s attack, they were consistently met with solid defensive play and some great goal kicks by Ryder Hill pushing play back to Hahndorf’s attack. Some excellent team work displayed between Beesley and York. Jasper Jones had a few well timed kicks and is not afraid of some of the more dauntingly physical aspects of the game. Patrick Hinze made a great pass to Gould and soon after went in for a strong tackle. The resulting play saw Beesley’s persistence rewarded with a goal. The final few minutes of the half saw Gould score another goal. Overall, the first half saw Hahndorf work through two rounds of three substitutions due to the heat, a move which initially startled the players.

As the second half commenced, one family were put to work refilling all the players’ drink bottles which had all been emptied. Murray Bridge commenced the half with pressure on Hahndorf’s defence in the first minute before pressure by Hahndorf’s attack resumed. In a shock move a penalty was called against Hahndorf resulting in a goal to Murray Bridge despite Oliver Aylen’s valiant effort. Beesley continued with good pressure on the opposition and a header by Hill looked to almost be a goal. There was a good cross by Gould and more solid defence from Man. Another goal thanks to Gilroy and some good work by Reilly Bowden. Good pressure on goal by Lien on left foot backed up by great pressure by Gardner. Another goal was conceded despite Aylen’s best efforts. An impressive kick by York before a goal kick taken by Murray Bridge’s most statuesque player was met by a solid wall of Hahndorf players forming a wall on the half line – only Aylen seemed to stay back in goals! There was more strong play from Hill in midfield. In the end, the second half saw Hahndorf work through four rounds of three substitutions and gave the opportunity to experiment with players in positions they don’t usually play.

At the final whistle, the scores were an equal Murray Bridge Gold 2 to Hahndorf 6. Hahndorf Under 12 White wish to thank Murray Bridge United Soccer Club Under 12 Gold for the game played Saturday 12 September 2020.