Match report

Season Date Round Venue
2023 U15 6th May 9:00am League Round 2 MBUSC SSRP Pitch 1
Goals
N/A

Best
D. WATSON (1st), H. PERRY (2nd), J. NEWMAN (3rd)
Goals
N/A

Best
N/A
Match report

The wide and flawless expanses of the Summit pitch played host to Stirling Districts U15 White and Woodside Warriors for their Round Two row. While Woodside were reeling off the back of a comprehensive defeat last week, Stirling were flying high, having kicked 12 goals in a one-sided clash. But with combinations forming in their newly-assembled crew, Woodside were confident of putting in a good showing and exhibiting another display of Warrior Spirit.

From the outset Stirling enjoyed a territorial advantage, as was to be expected with their experience and size advantage. But despite repeated attacks, they just could not penetrate Woodside’s 18 yard box – the Red and Blue back-four were too dogged as they protected their area with fight, vigour and vim. But the Stirling forwards are full of class, with their skill complimented by football smarts. Finding no way through the Red-and-Blue wall, they decided to go over it. On the eight-minute mark their striker elegantly beat the keeper with a well-timed chip that scraped the bottom of the crossbar and put Stirling in the lead. As play went on, Woodside threatened to break out at any moment, creating several through-balls that were denied only by the speed of the blue-and-white-clad backs. Stirling’s control over the game continued for the remainder of the first half, but try as they might, they still couldn’t penetrate the box. Through teamwork, effort and a willingness to cover one-another, Woodside forced their opponents to take all their shots from well outside. Most sailed high or wide, but another two chips found the mark, the first after 26 minutes and the second coming on the 39-minute mark as heavy legs failed the Woodside chargers.

The scoreline betrayed the tightness of the first half. Sure, Stirling looked the stronger side, but their goals had come from deft chips that, although extremely well executed, may not prove effective in coming years as they face taller and taller goalkeepers. And if Woodside felt intimidated by their opponents, they had a funny way of showing it. Instead of going into their shells, they visibly increased their intensity in the second half, wrestling the ball into their possession time and again, sending it forward and getting creative up the pitch, where they desperately sought the back of their Stirling’s onion bag. While their attack had been very direct in the first, in the second half they were working as a collective, passing the ball with class to create a number of genuine scoring opportunities. Again, the pace of Stirling’s inside backs was noteworthy and instrumental in denying a Woodside goal. And although they were enjoying a solid lead, their desperation to protect their nest was admirable. Stirling managed a further 3 goals in the second half to record another solid victory, but with Woodside only conceding a single goal from inside 18 yards, there was much to like about the Red-and-Blue and we look forward to watching their progress throughout the season.

Compliments to both sides for how they presented themselves. There was plenty of tough, uncompromising football, and more than the odd clash of bodies, but none drifted too-far from the decrees of the game and all were well and truly in keeping the spirit of football. You’ve gotta love this game!

If Woodside felt intimidated by their opponents, they had a funny way of showing it.
Photographer: JACQUI KNIPE

Ashton Harry attempts a header, under intense oppositional pressure.
Photographer: JACQUI KNIPE

Woodside's players maintaining defence against a strong opposition.
Photographer: JACQUI KNIPE