Match report

Match report

A glorious day across the Adelaide Hills set the mood for the second encounter between Strathalbyn Strikers and Woodside Warriors in the U17 league. This game was the second encounter to be hosted by Strathalbyn at their Polo Grounds venue. In the second half of the season the Strikers will travel to Woodside Recreation Ground twice, the second of which should be the final game for the season.

For most of the away team it is likely to be the last time they play at Strathalbyn. Most of the Woodside team won’t be competing in junior football after this season so unless Strathalbyn Strikers join the Collegiate Soccer League, or Woodside Seniors join SAASL, it’ll be the last time they need to make the drive.

Despite the two teams sitting second and third, Woodside Warriors were favoured to win and Strathalbyn Strikers were the underdog. It hasn’t always been like that of course. There were years where it was the other way around.

Referee Mostyn Bungey blew his whistle at 10:30am. The temperament between the two teams warranted little additional support. No assistant referees for the sidelines and no mentor required. It was expected to be a clean game.

The Warriors took their time warming up to the game. Once they did it was right-wing Jett Tonkin who opened up the score board. There were some nice shots on target from Eddie Herman and team Captain Gus Wilkins, but Tonkin owned the second goal for the game.

Minutes later Herman found success; a goal. It was a defining moment for him as he’d been feeling a little light on performance for a few games. Both player and parent were relieved.

By half time the score was 3-0 in favour of the away team.

The second half saw a renewed home team, keen to at least get on the score board. On the 53rd minute key striker Kalan Brooks managed to get a header past Woodside’s keeper Samuel Herman. It was bound to happen at some point.

A few minutes later Tonkin responded, his third goal for the game. 

As a side note both Tonkin and Brooks have appeared in the Reps system together for numerous seasons now, possibly even as far back as U12D. They’re both likely to feature heavily in the upcoming State Championships.

The second half saw two penalties awarded to the home team, both stemming from annoying, yet obvious, handballs. The first penalty saw the ball on target, but a slight touch from Herman saw it skim wide of the post. A subsequent scramble for the ball saw it safe in a pair of gloves. The second penalty went unusually high over the cross bar, far from the keeper who had dropped left. Victories in both instances would have seen a much tighter scoreline, and less frustration from both coach and supporters.

The final scoreline was 4-1 in favour of Woodside.

“It was a goodbye game and touching in a way”, said Coach Bruce Tonkin. “Loads of memories, both good and bad, were made playing football at Strathalbyn. Saying goodbye to the place was difficult. We’ll play them again, but it’ll be on our ground.”

The game wasn’t without damage. Samuel Herman busted a thumb saving the penalty and will now rest from his normal duties until recovered.

Assistant Coach Matt Thoday thought Jett Tonkin was deserving of the Best and Fairest whilst Samuel Herman and Casey Godfrey picked up notable mentions.

The next round will see games played at Summit Sports & Recreation Park. Woodside will play Murray Bridge whilst Strathalbyn will play Stirling United.