Match report

Match report

Round Two of the AHJFA U17 League saw Ashton Rangers host Woodside Warriors at Ashton.

Over the years Woodside’s opinion of Rangers has developed from pushover, to cursed, to a current and ongoing threat. It was only three or four seasons ago when a match up against them was an easy victory. This eventually lead to a game against them late 2019 where a draw came as a surprise. Subsequently Rangers games were reclassified by Woodside as cursed, far too close to be considered a pushover. In the 2020 season the first encounter was a mere goal difference in favour of Woodside. At that point they were then reclassified as a threat.

The classification was solidified for the current season, after Round One saw titans Stirling United draw against them, a goal a piece. Woodside can only imagine that Rangers would have celebrated, deservingly so. Meanwhile Stirling United would have been shaken up enough to realise the same of Rangers, being that, quite simply, they cannot be underestimated. Their drive is beyond that of most other teams, and not just within this league, but the association as a whole. Credit to them.

Woodside have become accustomed to performing under challenging conditions. With a Round One win over 2020 U16 Champions under their belt preceded by a solid and unexpected second half of the previous season, Woodside were possibly going in as favourites in a game against Rangers. Despite this they were concerned. They’d never beaten Rangers by much and with the potential of a draw in the back of their mind they were nervous.

Second to that they were entering this game with a single substitute available. Both TOBY VINCENT and HAYDEN DAVIS were away, both of whom the team was at a loss without. Woodside’s coaching crew secretly love minimal substitutes. The phrase “you stay out there, there’s not much we can do” was ready to roll when needed.

The referee’s whistle sounded at 10am for kick-off.

Both team’s meant business, with Woodside’s shot-on-target count through the roof at a count of eight before the 25 minute mark. All times they were under pressure from a relentless set of quality defenders. All times the strikers had little choice but to hope the home side’s keeper would fumble the ball. All times he didn’t, the only possible explanation being a ball magnet stashed in his gloves. Either that or he’s simply good at his job.

On the 28th minute JAMES RENSHAW opened the account for Woodside. The goal came shortly after the coaching crew gave the player a two-minute warning that he’d be off soon. James simply gave reason as to why he shouldn’t be subbed.

At this point, despite the goal, neither team provided solid reason as to why they should win the game. Rangers were unfortunate not to have scored by half time, but held a strong defence. Meanwhile Woodside matched the home team with strong attacks that were too often shut down, but managed to deny anything that Rangers were looking for.

At half time the score stood one in favour of Woodside.

It was only a few minutes into the second half when EDDIE HERMAN scored. A minute later Ranger’s Charles Kammermann managed to get one past Woodside’s keeper and keep on the away team’s tail. A few minutes later JETT TONKIN added a third to the away team’s tally, the last goal of the game despite there being a half hour of play left.

Interestingly Ranger’s 12th man would be their rustic pitch. The home team certainly knew all of it’s nooks and crannies and maximised their chances through the away team not knowing the same. It’s no different than playing on a pitch with a 2 to 3 metre climb or even one with a cricket pitch in the middle of it. This is grass roots football for a reason.

The score ended in favour of Woodside, 3 to Ranger’s 1.

“As is always the case Ranger’s deserve recognition for a very strong performance”, stated one of Woodside’s coaches post game. “Anyone looking to maximise their chances will need to start by not assuming they’re going to win.”

As is tradition Coach BRUCE TONKIN often overlooks his own son’s game, often rewarding others first. Sometimes he simply can’t do that. JETT TONKIN’s performance was memorable with several quality runs down the wing followed by numerous pin-point crosses. There wasn’t too many spectators who didn’t comment likewise, leaving the coach no choice but to name him best player. JAMES RENSHAW and goal-keeper SAMUEL HERMAN had notable performances too.

The entire association now has a short break for school holidays before returning on the 24th April. At that point Rangers will meet Murray Bridge at Ashton, whilst Woodside travels to Strathalbyn for an early game.