Match report

Match report

"A fitting conclusion."

It's been an interesting season for the Woodside Warriors U16 team. In the first half of the season it was very much hit or miss, mostly misses unfortunately. Losses against Stirling United (0-3), Murray Bridge (0-3) and Hahndorf (1-7) hampered their ladder efforts, whilst the occasional win kept them seeking more.

Those conditions lead to a strong second half of the season with five wins over six games, which included a 3-1 win over the ultimate season champion. The only loss was against Stirling United, a single goal the difference (0-1).

The 14th and final round of the season saw Woodside Warriors continue their healthy rivalry against Strathalbyn Strikers. In the 7th round the two faced off at Woodside, with the Warriors taking three points with a very light and competitive victory (3-2).

This time around the game was held at the Polo Grounds at Strathalbyn. The grounds have always been a little ragged, particularly noticeable at the start of the season when other pitches are in their prime. But the wintry weather eventually kicks in and the grounds become desirable. For example Stirling Districts chose to host all of their games at Strathalbyn instead of Bradwood. Strathalbyn, to their credit and with a vast amount of space on hand, was more than happy to oblige.

The U16 game was the first of the day and kicked off at 9am.

Control of the play was very much in Woodside's favour, for the first 25 minutes of the game at least. It wouldn't matter if they couldn't score though. It eventually came via Woodside's BILLY WILSON. Billy was unlucky not to claim multiple goals in that amount of time.

Strathalbyn, spurred on by being a goal down, found their form and reversed control for the last 15 minutes of the first half. Some quality saves from Woodside's keeper, SAM HERMAN, spelt trouble for the home team.

Both teams entered the break, Woodside 1-0 Strathalbyn.

The second half saw both teams deliver some impressive attacks, whilst maintaining some strong defensive lines. Strathalbyn's KALAN BROOKS was as dangerous as can be. Ultimately the sides were balanced, making for some edge-of-seat viewing but with no substance in the form of goals.

The game concluded 0-1 in favour of Woodside.

"It was a fitting conclusion for the season", said Woodside Coach BRUCE TONKIN. "It's also what this season should have been all about. A loss by a goal here. A win by a goal there. Four, five, six plus goal differences isn't exciting for anyone that plays or watches football for the right reasons. We're looking forward to continuing this rivalry with Strathalbyn in the next season."

SAM HERMAN literally saved the game, taking home the nomination for Best & Fairest. BILLY WILSON deserves credit for a strong performance, and JAMES RENSHAW filled in for an absent AIDEN SUTTON in centre-back.

The two teams, Woodside and Strathalbyn, finished the AHJSA 2020 U16 season 4th and 5th.