Match report

Match report

Round Three saw Woodside U17s travel to Strathalbyn Polo Grounds to play against an energetic Strathalbyn Strikers.

Strathalbyn’s two game run in the season so far had seen mixed results. Round Two saw them lose to Hahndorf, whilst Round One saw them hit the season strong with a 4-2 win over Murray Bridge, putting them top of the ladder if only for a couple of weeks. The loss to Hahndorf wasn’t bad either; 1-3. Nothing for any opposition to be comfortable about.

Meanwhile Woodside’s run has been unusually faultless. Wins over Hahndorf and Rangers see them top of the ladder but stamped with a deserving target. The longer it goes on the longer the pressure will build. With two games in the first leg remaining the question is do they have the ability to sustain it? One game at a time.

The game between the two sides kicked off at 9am under glorious sunscreen-worthy conditions.

From kick-off Woodside was strong and controlled the ball well and by the twelve minute mark they were three goals up.

The first goal went to Captain ANGUS WILKINS from the corner, skimming off the hand of a defender and into the goals. Easy to picture how pretty it may have been, but the two corners he took prior were woefully low. Both times they were defended well and both times they went long for a subsequent corner. The third was precise and into the vicinity of a dozen players. Woodside were lucky and Strathalbyn otherwise.

The second and third goal went to LACHLAN MOWBRAY, his third and fourth goal for the season. The two goals were within minutes of each other at 10 and 12 minutes into the game. They were also impressive and the last two for Woodside for the game.

In the second half Strathalbyn danger-man, KALAN BROOKS, managed to score for his team. Brooks is an admirable player and, based on pitch cred, the highlight of the Strathalbyn team. He is always lightening quick, with typically fancy feet and as clean as they come.

It was only half an hour before kick-off and at training during the week when Woodside discussed their concerns. The best a team can do is strengthen their middle and left side and shut him down where possible. Given space (he doesn’t need time) he is unbeatable. Whilst any goal is a good goal, and this one was no different, Brooks was obviously frustrated with one goal.

The game ended 3-1 in favour of the away team, Woodside. They will retain their ladder leaders title, whilst Strathalbyn may retain their fourth place, depending on other results.

“No team should be comfortable in any match-up”, said Woodside Coach BRUCE TONKIN. “We’ve been very clear with all players that all teams deserve respect, regardless of who they are or where they sit. Strathalbyn is no different and definitely determined.”

LACHLAN MOWBRAY played brilliantly and was awarded best on ground, whilst CASEY GODFREY and JAMES RENSHAW drew attention.

Round Four will see Strathalbyn take on Stirling United, whilst Murray Bridge will travel to Woodside Recreation Ground for Woodside’s first home game for the season.