Match report

Match report

A warm and sunny spring morning greeted both teams at Nairne Primary School oval for the U/12's clash between Mount Barker Red and Nairne. Mt Barker had fresh legs as their previous game was cancelled whilst Nairne had suffered a loss the previous week against Hahndorf Black. Prior to this game both teams were sitting mid-ladder in the competition but were keen to improve their position.  A crowd of around 50 supporters were present to cheer on their team.

The game started with Nairne kicking off, but Mt Barker quickly secured possession. They controlled the ball well and maintained possession. They quickly worked the ball deep into Nairne's defensive area. Nairne scrambled their defence as they tried to clear the ball out of the 18 yard area but the ball always landed at the feet of a Mt Barker player. As the ball bounced pin-ball style between players, Mt Barkers Jonty Burzacott shot on target only for the Nairne keeper to parry it away. Jonty followed the shot and calmly shot a second time with success to open the scoring at the 2 min mark

From the kick-off, Nairne composed themselves and began to work their way into the attacking zone. Nairne played the long ball well but were consistently thwarted by Mount Barkers keeper, Billie Goedecke who judged his runs to perfection. Mount Barker were holding their structure and began to string together successive passes. They worked the ball deep into Nairne’s defensive zone and on the stroke of 7 mins Archer Hawkins shot true to move the score to 2 - 0. 

This goal lifted Mt Barkers confidence and they continued to maintain possession and ascendency. Mt Barkers centre mid-fielder Rumarni Puiatti appeared to be everywhere as he calmly controlled this vital zone. A good cross from the right-hand side into the Nairne penalty area saw an unfortunate hand ball and the referee awarded the penalty. Jonty Burzacott confidently stepped up to the spot and slotted the ball fast, low and left, giving the Nairne keeper little chance for the save. At the 10 min mark Mt Barker 3-0 to the good and Jonty was on the prowl for a hat-trick! 

Nairne kicked off and worked the ball into Mt Barkers defensive zone. They continually played the ball long looking for their speedy strikers to make the break away. Mt Barkers defensive line, led by the every reliable Jamison Henke, held firm and continually repelled the Nairne attack. Nairne persisted and had some good shots on target but Mt Barkers keeper, Billie Goedecke was having a blinder and executed his saves well. As the game progressed Mt Barker began to push the ball wide via mid-fielders, Sophia Canova and Jonty Burzacott. They both made valuable ground. Their pressure was rewarded when on the 15min mark Sophia Canova shot true to move the score to 4 - 0. For Sophia this was her first goal of the season and her team-mates rallied around her. Her parents were also a little chuffed! 

Mt Barker were riding high, but Nairne gallantly persisted. The game swung end to end and some players began to tire in the heat. Mt Barker defensive players Colin Patterson and Jack Pallant were pushing forward to give their team the numbers up front. At the 21min mark Remarni Puiatti shot from a very acute angle and squeezed the ball between keeper and post for a very memorable goal. This took the score to 5 -0 and to the half time break. 

Sometimes in soccer, the half time break is the worst thing for a team, and this rang true for Mt Barker. Nairne began the second half with resolve, and it appeared to be a different team that ran onto the pitch. They consistently threatened to score and made numerous shots on target. As it sometimes happens when you push forward, you leave your back-line exposed. A fast break up the middle by Remarni Puiatti who delivered a penetrating pass to the fast running Rupert Curran who calmly shot past the Nairne keeper. An unexpected goal for Mt Barker against the run of play. 6 - 0 . 

This goal stung Nairne into action and they resumed as they did early in the second half. Nairne pressed hard and persisted with great resolve for the next 10mins. Mt Barker were beginning to tire and succumbed to the pressure when Nairne #14 blasted his shot into the back of the net to open their account.  6 - 1

The Mt Barker coaching staff made some substitutions, moving Kael Sander off the bench, into the strikers position. With almost immediate effect, Kael pounced on a loose ball and hustled it into the net for his first goal of the season. 7-1. This goal lifted Mt Barker with several players now queuing up to get their name on the score sheet. They wrestled control the game back from Nairne and continued to press forward. A great through ball from Archer Hawkins unleashed a determined Kael Sander who confidently bagged his second goal of the game with a blasting shot past the keeper. 

The score remained unchanged and Mt Barker took the points at full time 8-1. 

As the players bumped elbows, both coaches agreed it was a very entertaining game to watch with both teams competing in good spirit. 

The next game for Mt Barker Red will be a catchup game against their sister team Mt Barker Blue at Anembo Park. For Nairne they will face off in their Rd11 clash against Strathalbyn