Match report

Match report

A sunny but cool morning greeted spectators and players in the Round 12 clash between Mount Barker Red and Murray Bridge Gold. Mt Barker were coming off a solid win the previous week against Nairne, whilst Murray Bridge were keen to get their first win for the season

The game started with possession swinging end to end. Murray Bridge were playing the ball wide and probing deep into  Mount Barkers defensive zone. Mt Baker's defensive line held as they now moved the ball up the middle. Mount Barker began to control the ball and held their structure. This allowed them space and the ball was delivered into Murray Bridges penalty area. With weight of numbers Mt Barker's Liam Dunn opened his account on the 8min mark with an opportunistic shot to give Mt Barker an early 1-0 lead.

From here, Mt Barker seemed to compose themselves and began to put successive passes together. As they moved the ball forward, Remarni Puiatti shot true to move the score to 2-0 after 11mins. With their confidence high and players adhering to their coaches instruction, Mt Barker gained the ascendency with a 3rd goal at 17mins. The ever keen Liam Dunn bagging his second for the match.

This goal was quickly followed by another on the 22min mark by Jonty Burzacott who was playing a blinder on the left midfield.  Mt Barker now had their heads up and players were queuing to get the name on the scoreboard. Of course one player, Liam Dunn was also keen to secure his second hat-trick for the season and at the 26th minute, he did just that, slotting the ball low and left to take his team into halftime with a commanding 5-0 lead.

Mt Barkers coach made several positional changes at half time. He moved the 2 centre-fullbacks up to the strikers position with a clear mandate for the team to help get these players their first goals in a game of soccer. They did not disappoint and at the 32min Colin Paterson secured his first ever goal in soccer. Always a memorable moment for the player and parents.

From the restart, Mt Barker quickly secured possession and control of the game. Centre Midfielder, Liam Hawkins was controlling the centre well and directing play. His effort was rewarded with a great goal after 39mins and Mount Barker were now 7-0 in the lead.

Murray Bridge persisted and their persistence paid off when after a fast break their skillful #5 Grady Makangira fired a great shot into the net to get his team on the board. This also provided a much needed confidence boost. At the 45min mark 7-1.

Henry Main who has played all his games for Mount Barker in the backline had been given an opportunity to play up front in the strikers position. His effort was rewarded after he pounced on a loose ball and tapped it past the keeper into the net to secure his first goal in a game of soccer. The team had achieved its coaches half-time mandate!

Not to be outdone, Henry’s fellow striker then made a great fast break and bagged his second goal of the match after 52mins. This goal was quickly followed by another opportunistic shot by Jamison Henke who had now been moved into the centre position. This was also Jamison's first goal of the season. 

At fulltime Mount Barker claimed victory with a comfortable and well deserved win.  The coaches agreed the game was played in good spirits and was entertaining to watch

In Round 12 Mount Barker will face off against Murray Bridge Blue and  Murray Bridge Gold will compete against Hahndorf White.