Stirling Districts senior men’s side headed into the SAASL Premier Division Round 2 fixture away to Adelaide Uni. The Aces were confident after last week’s performance and looked to bank the team’s first points of the new campaign.
From kick off the home team dominated the opening twenty minutes of the game with the Aces on the back foot and looking very flat. Uni took advantage of this and capitalised with an early goal after the ball was cheaply given away. Soon after it was 2-0 with the defensive unit of Simon Dawe, Lewis Coulls, Brian Stephens and Kaylem Short left exposed once again. Keeper Gareth Butler pulled off a great penalty save after a weak penalty was awarded to Uni, however the referee ordered the spot kick to be retaken and the Uni striker hit his shot wide. Still lucky to be in the contest, Stirling woke from its slumber and begun to get into the game but lacked possession up front with Jonathon Gomez constantly dealing with multiple defenders. A passing error as the ball was played out of defense late in the first half was punished by the home team, which now led 3-0 going into the break.
The second half was a much closer affair with Gomez replaced by Luke Marquis, and Josh Lushington spear heading the attack. The half time change saw the Aces mount a lot more defensive pressure on the home team and it finally took its toll halfway through the half with Burden being fouled in the box. Josh Hill took the responsibility and calmly converted the spot kick. Michael Henn and Martin Nitschke worked up and down the pitch all game and B’s captain Josh Goldsworthy entered the game with 15 to go. Chances were created up at both ends in the final 15 minutes but to no avail.
A good second half for the Aces but work needs to be done on maintaining consistency for the entire 90 minutes which has hurt the team in the opening two rounds. This week the Aces will look to open their account when hosting the Modbury Jets at Bradwood Park, who have also lost the opening two rounds of the 2016 season.
