Match report

Match report

The two Woodside teams faced off this weekend in what was likely to be a good contest. With injuries and illnesses in both squads, both teams required the assistance of players from our U15 team. For the Blues it was a speedy fourteen year old who usually played forward but today was required to put his skills to good use in the defensive line.

Both teams started at a frantic pace with each trying to create opportunities. The Blue team managed to get its first corner and with a well placed kick from the Blues striker he found the head of Blues centre back who was free to clearly nod it home for the opening goal. Red though were not to be out done, and when a long ball caught the Blues defense napping, their centre forward managed to slot the ball home to even the score. With scores even, both midfields stepped up a level and fought hard to get the ball forward to awaiting strikers. Half way through the half, Blues struck again with a well placed kick from its left midfielder. Again Red struck soon after conceding and the contest was on. Through good soccer, the Reds were gaining the upper hand and scored their third to take the lead. This lifted the Blue team and they started to find space outside their opponent's box but the blustery conditions saw many of their shots sail over the crossbar. Red though continued to add pressure and just before the half time break the Blues centre back got an unkind bounce with the ball hitting his hand in the penalty area and Reds were awarded a penalty. Red's skipper took the penalty kick but the Blues keeper guessed the right side and got a foot on the ball and pushed it wide. That’s how the first half finished with Woodside Red 3 Blue 2. 

After the half time break both teams came out to resume the competition with Blues looking for that elusive goal to get back in the contest and Red looking to increase their lead. Five minutes after the restart, the Blues striker found the back of the net and we were again tied. As the minutes ticked down the game was beginning to get more physical with every player Red and Blue fighting to win that ball that would give their team an opportunity to score. Blue though looked the more composed passing the ball around to get themselves out of trouble and were starting to get behind the Red's defense. With still 20 minutes to play, the Blues striker scored his second for the game and give them the lead, but all the spectators and coaches knew that this game was not finished with both teams playing good competitive football. As minutes ticked away both teams came close to scoring and as the final five minutes approached the Red’s pushed players forward while Blue strengthened its back line with an additional player. When the final whistle sounded Blue had managed a narrow win over their team mates from Red. 

It was an exciting game and I am sure coaches, players and spectators look forward to the next three times these two teams will compete against each other in a home derby. A huge thanks to the Blues keeper who stepped in and played the whole game this week after short notice. We look forward to competing hard with this team again next time.