Tag: matchreport

07/09/2013: Aces up but Stay Down

Stirling ventured down to Pooraka to face a physical Gleeson side in a must win game to keep promotion hopes alive.  The starting line-up remained unchanged after a dominant display the previous weekend against Southern Breakers.

The opening stanza was fast and furious, with both teams trying to gain ascendancy on a bobbly Gleeson pitch. As the half wore on Stirling begun to gain control and threaten the Gleeson goal with long runs down the wing from Daniel Wilby. In the 20th minute mark Gleeson’s defence was breached with a low cross from Josh Lushington met by Sean Lang for an easy tap in. Celebrations were short lived however as the goal was ruled offside. Not long after Tim Cookes cracked a left footed half volley from 35 yards out, only to be denied by the top corner of the crossbar. The breakthrough finally came after Lang played a ball to Lushington, who turned passed the defence and calmly slotted the ball past the keeper. Ten minutes later is was 2-0, with an Adam Gore tap in after a ball was whipped in from Matt Hawker and the keeper was forced to make a save after the ball pinballed around the six yard box.

Lang finally got is goal not long after the restart as he weaved his way through the defence before poking the ball underneath the keeper from a tight angle. Ten minutes into the half Lang was replaced by Ryan Gore who made an immediate impact down the right hand side of the midfield. The Aces defence of Simon Dawe, Josh Goldsworthy, Jean-Pierre Bastouil, James Laughton and keeper Danny Prince were solid all game and did not have a great deal to do in the second half. Gleeson were pinned in their own half for the majority of the second half with the Aces applying a lot of pressure, making it hard for Gleeson to keep possession for an extended period of time. This then allowed Stirling to maintain possession and create a number of chances to increase their lead even further, however this did not occur and Stirling had to settle for a 3-0 triumph.

With results not going Stirling’s way, it meant that the chance of promotion back into division 1 will have to wait another year. The Aces will still have to face Modbury in one of their catch up games next weekend to decide the title. Modbury need to win to take the title and be promoted, anything less than this will result in division 2 football again next year as Vipers and Cougar’s remain locked on 38 points, 2 clear of Modbury and seven clear of Stirling. A large crowd is expected at Bradbury Park next weekend for this title deciding clash.

 

 

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Ryan Gore looks to play a diagonal ball into the box during the encounter with Gleeson FC at Pooraka.

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Adam Gore stretches to intercept a attacking pass from a Gleeson opponent.

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Daniel Wilby quickly closes down his opponent.

20/07/2013: Double Header Dents Title Hopes

Stirling Districts title hopes look dashed after only taking one point from two games within the space of five days.

A rescheduled match against the Adelaide Pumas was played at Grange on Tuesday evening with Coach Alan Evans expecting nothing less than a win. This however was not the case, with the match ending in a three all draw.

Stirling started the game on the front foot and continued to press in the opening 20 minutes, putting large amounts of pressure on the Pumas defence. This hard work was undone by a Pumas counter attack, which resulted in a free header into an open net. This however was quickly cancelled out as some good combination play on the left hand side from Adam and Ryan Gore, lead to R Gore’s cross being deflected into the top corner of the net. With Stirling’s defence looking increasingly shaky a second goal for the Pumas followed after the ball was not properly cleared. Stirling went into half time break at 2-2 thanks to a sublime volley from A Gore, after a pin point cross from a Matt Hawthorn free kick.

Mid-way through the second half the Pumas went ahead for a third time, this time via an unlucky own goal. Once again Stirling had to play catch up again and were unlucky not to level the scores after an incorrect offside call was awarded after the ball hit the back of the net. However with less than ten minutes remaining Sean Lang picked up the ball just inside the box and drove his shot past the keeper and into the roof of the net to levels the scores. Evans expected a much improved performance in the following match against the Vipers.

 

Stirling started the game against the Vipers with one of their strongest line-ups of the season and were looking to take all three points to remain near the top of the table. The game was played in two half’s, with the opening half dominated by the Vipers as they attacked downhill with the wind. The new defensive line up of Simon Dawe, Chris Winters, Ryan Gore and James Laughton soaked up large amounts of pressure as the home side looked for a way through. The Vipers persistence paid off half way through the half as a defensive error caused the ball to fall to the Vipers striker, who opportunistically took one touch and fired a shot over keeper Steve Jansen from 30 yards out. Going into the break Stirling knew they had to keep persisting in the second half knowing they were well in the game and would have the wind at their backs.

The second half was all Stirling with penetrating runs down both wings from Michael Henn and Adam Gore. The Vipers were able to absorb the constant bombardment from Stirling as they looked to play on the counter attack.  Whilst Tim Cookes and Matt Hawthorn were pulling the strings in the midfield Sean Lang and Josh Lushington came close to levelling the score on a few occasions but to no avail. As the half wore on an injured Winters was replaced by Martin Nitschke as the tackles begun to fly in with an number of Vipers players coming off second best. With 20 minutes remaining A Gore received his first caution of the game after a miss timed challenge. Minutes later he received his marching orders after a dubious second yellow card. This caused a change in formation as Stirling still pushed for an equaliser. With every persistent attack, the threat of a counter attack from the Vipers remained a constant threat. Daniel Wilby replaced Henn in the closing stages and was soon launching one of his trademark long throws into the box which was inches away from being put into the net. A draw would have been a fair result as Stirling put in one of its better performances for quite some time, however that’s football. Stirling need to bounce back next week against the Red Blue Eagles at home.

15/06/2013: No Reward on the Road against Southern Breakers

Stirling Districts made the long journey south to take on the Southern Breakers but failed to bring home all three points in a disappointing affair. Stirling started off the game well with intricate passing moves in the middle of the park from the likes of Josh Lushington and Gary Thwaites. Attacking runs down the wings from Ed Vann and Michael Henn put pressure on the home side and as a result created a number of chances for strikers, Sean Lang and Matt Fairhead.

 

The Breakers gained ascendency as the half wore on and were unlucky not to score on a number of occasions after defensive lapses from the back four of Matt Norris, Simon Dawe, Ivan Clark and Martin Nitschke. However Danny Prince came to the rescue as he pulled off a top class save by tipping a deflected ball onto the cross bar from a Southern Breakers cross. Late in the half Clark went for a stroll down the left wing, beating a number of players only to have his cross deflect out for a goal kick after smashing into the upright.

 

After the break the game ebbed and flowed with chances few and far between until Stirling’s discipline went right out the window.  This resulted in a number of cautions which ultimately led to the sending off of Henn, with still half an hour to play. Immediately coach Alan Evans replaced Vann with Ryan Gore, still with the intention of taking all three points to keep Stirling at the pointy end of the league table.

 

As Stirling lifted in intensity, it appeared as though they no longer had a one man disadvantage, however gaps were left as they pushed on to find a winner. The Breakers took advantage of this as they got behind the defensive line and crossed the ball in, resulting in an easy tap in. Daniel Wilby entered the fray to add more pace to the attack as he replaced the tiring Lang.  Stirling continued to put pressure on the Breakers defensive line and almost leveled from a set piece, with a header from Gore which sailed just wide of the post. With less than ten minutes remaining, Gore received a long throw from Clarke, turned the defender and with the aid of a deflection put the ball past the keeper to level the score. Stirling was unlucky not to take all the points in the end however the one all draw was a fair result. Stirling will need to put in a much better display against Gleeson at home next week to get their season back on track.

30/08/2014: Aces Shoot Down MA Hawks

In the penultimate round of the SA Amateur Soccer League Division 2 fixture, Stirling Districts faced MA Hawks in a must win game to keep promotion hopes alive. The Aces proved to be up to the task by crushing the Hawks 8 – 1. Results in the Villa derby also had to go Stirling’s way to ensure promotion back into division one will go down to the final game of the season. Adelaide Villa did just that by defeating Salisbury Villa 2 – 1, which means 3 points this week should secure Stirling promotion due to a superior goal difference compared to Salisbury Villa.

Coach Peter Cottle opted to keep the same starting line-up after a brilliant team display the previous week against Adelaide Villa. Stirling started off the game with real intensity and early attacks were created from the midfield duo of Tim Cookes and Gary Thwaites. Stirling begun to look dangerous down the left hand side through Ryan Gore, Daniel McKenna, Sean Lang and Josh Lushington. The early pressure eventually paid off with a quick move down the left side which resulted in Lushington picking up the ball and placing the ball into the far corner of the net from a very tight angle.

Less than ten minutes later Stirling doubled the score after McKenna picked up the ball from a throw-in, made his way to the by-line and cut the ball back to S.Lang who placed his left footed shot neatly into the far corner. Stirling looked comfortable two goals to the good and were relatively untroubled at the back, allowing for the defensive unit of Daniel Wilby, Karl Paterson, Simon Dawe, Gore and keeper Josh Clifford to comfortably play the ball out from the back. The Hawks got back into the match after an unnecessary challenge in the box from Wilby allowed the visitors to score from the penalty spot, leaving Clifford stuck to his line.

Stirling responded positively after conceding and continued on the attack down the left hand side with a run from Gore. Gore was fouled on the edge of the box and S.Lang stepped up to take the set piece. With a two-step run up he curled the ball over the wall and into the back of the net, giving the diving keeper no chance what so ever. Soon after goal number three, the Aces counter attacked through Gore who dribbled from within his own half and into attack. He was ultimately cut down outside the area after doing a roulette turn on the Hawks defender, which in turn ended the captain’s game with an ankle injury. Veteran midfielder Matt Hawthorn took charge of the resulting set piece and delivered a typical Hawthorn pin point cross to the head of Lushington who made it 4 goals with 35 minutes. Andrew Wendelborn replaced Gore at left back and helped consolidate the 3 goal margin leading into half time.

Knowing goal difference could be crucial at the end of the season, Stirling continued to attack after the half time interval with their simple pass and move style of game implemented by Cottle at the beginning of the season. Early into the second half, Lushington completed his hat-trick with a dink past the keeper after a slick through ball from McKenna. As the game wore on Stirling continued to control more and more possession and Clifford in goal saw more of the ball from his defenders rather than the opposition.

Number six came from a Rory Delap like throw-in from Wilby to Cookes, who rose the highest and headed the ball into the far corner. The lenient referee produced the game’s first yellow card to a Hawks player after 65 minutes, with many Stirling players and spectators believing it should have been produced much earlier in the game. S.Lang was tiring due to lack of recent match fitness and was replaced by Martin Nitschke who made an immediate impact with his fast feet around the box. Not long after coming on, Nitschke fed the ball to Hawthorn’s feet, then onto Lushington who found himself one on one with the keeper once again. Lushington’s finish was all class, slotting the ball into the far corner with the outside of his non-preferred foot. Alex Lang replaced Lushington with 15 minutes remaining and looked right at home playing in his second senior game. It wasn’t long before A.Lang could celebrate his first senior goal as Nitschke made a run down the left hand side, put in a low cross and Lang met the ball by poking it into the next to complete the demolition of the Hawks.

Stirling will be full of confidence heading into the final game of the season away to Flinders this weekend. A win should give the Aces promotion back into the top flight (Division 1) after two seasons down in Division 2.

 

Stirling Districts pair Sean Lang (left) and Daniel McKenna (right) battle for a loose ball against an MA Hawks opponent at Bradwood Park.

 

Daniel Wilby jumps highest as he contests an air ball close to the dugout against the MA Hawks.

28/6/2014: Cougars Drowned by Aces (A’s)

A waterlogged Bradwood Park greeted Stirling players last Saturday for the SA Amateur Soccer League Round 10 clash with Croydon Cougars. Heavy rain leading up to game day caused the Reserves fixture to be postponed, which gave the first team every chance of playing the fixture on a pitch that had not been chopped up. Stirling were after revenge following a poor showing against the Cougars in the opening game of the season.

After winning the coin toss, Stirling kicked away from the clubroom end and immediately looked good on the ball in testing conditions. After only five minutes of play, new signing Karl Paterson delivered a pin point pass from defence to Craig Fraser who calmly slotted the ball past the keeper. The Aces looked sharper and hungrier than the Cougars as Daniely Wilby, Daniel McKenna and Ryan Gore looked threatening down the wings early on. The pressure paid off five minutes later, as Fraser claimed his second from close range after the ball was crossed in by Josh Lushington.

The defensive unit of Ashley Norton, Scott Sillence, Simon Dawe, Paterson and Gore had things under control at the back except for one silly moment which sent Coach ‘Peter Cottle’ into a fit of rage on the sidelines. Soon after the scare Lushington claimed the third goal of the day as his low shot from a tight angle was deflected into the net by the Cougars goal keeper. By this stage Stirling were walking all over the traveling team and the Aces confidence was increasing by the minute.

A dominant first half display was capped off with two more goals later in the half, with both coming from corners. The first was scored by Gore after Tim Cookes headed the ball to the back post, which allowed the left back to fire the shot through the keeper’s hands and into the net. While the second was a beautifully delivered ball from Matt Hawthorn that was powerfully finished by Lushington at the near post.

After the half time talk, players returned to the pitch in temperatures only hovering around the six degree mark. However Stirling didn’t need warming up as Fraser scored early on and claimed his first ever hat-trick for the Aces by smashing his shot straight past the keeper. From that point on the game became scrappier as the pitch continued to deteriorate and the Cougars began to break up the game with persistent fouls.

Cougars did manage to find the back of the net with a cool close range finish with 25 minutes to play. Martin Nitschke and Martin Moran were introduced part way through the half and immediately had an impact down both wings. Stirling’s seventh goal went to Fraser in comical circumstances. After heading the ball into the cross bar, the rebound then bounced straight back to the striker’s feet and with little time to react, he bundled the ball into the net. A number of other chances from Nitschke, Lushington, Hawthorn and Fraser went close late in the game but could not beat the keeper. The Cougars grabbed another late consolation goal via a well taken quick fee kick to the Aces disgust. Paul Teteris replaced Dawe in the closing stages and at full time Stirling prevailed seven goals to two.

On another day Stirling could have had ten goals as a number of good opportunities were not converted throughout the second half. However Stirling were very happy with another big result for the second week in succession and will be looking to do the same when they travel to One Tree Hill this weekend.

 

 

Aces Striker Josh Lushington troubled the opposition with his surging runs and presence around the box. Lushington scored twice in what was a comprehensive 7-2 win for the Aces.

Karl Paterson was cool on the ball in tough conditions as he made his debut for the senior team in what was a about 10 game stint at the club.

14/6/2014: Aces Stumble Away to MA Hawks

Round 8 of the SA Amateur Soccer League saw Stirling Districts face an in form MA Hawks at Kings Reserve. The starting line-up was tweaked slightly from the previous match and this allowed Andrew Wendelborn to slot into right back, Martin Nitschke started on the right side of midfield and Gary Thwaites to return to the center of the park.

The game kicked off in near perfect conditions as Stirling controlled the early tempo and were exposing the Hawks on a numbers of occasions down the right hand side. An early chance via a free kick from 25 yards out was struck sweetly over the wall by Martin Moran and just when it looked goal bound, the keeper pulled off a spectacular save the deny the Aces an early lead.

The backline of Ryan Gore, Simon Dawe, Paul Teteris and Wendelborn were quite comfortable up until a wayward pass from the back went straight to an opponent, who hit it first time from outside the 18 yard box. Ashely Norton in goal did not stand a chance of saving the wonder strike which cannoned in off the far post.  It was a bitter blow for Stirling after controlling the early stages and the fact it was the Hawks first shot on goal. Things went from bad to worse ten minutes later as Stirling conceded another after a cross was not cleared properly. The Aces could have grabbed a goal back before the break with the clearest chance of the half falling to Craig Fraser who had his shot saved from close range.

During the break the team were urged to continue playing the ball around in the second half and to have a little more composure in front of goal. The beginning of the second half was very even contest between the two sides as Daniel Wilby and Tim Cookes were working overtime in the midfield, trying to create something in the final third. Just as Stirling were starting to look dangerous a Hawks goal put the game virtually out of reach. Josh Lushington and Danny McKenna were substituted on with half an hour remaining and made an immediate impact and shortly after Stirling grabbed a goal back. Wilby’s positive run through the defence allowed him time to put in a cross to the back post were Wendelborn finished off the fine move.

Gore was soon substituted due to a niggling knee injury picked up during training and Scott Sillence filled the hole at the back left by the skipper. The pressure on the Hawks defence was growing with each attack and finally a poor foul from a Hawks defender awarded Stirling a spot kick which was not converted. Numerous other chances went begging as Stirling rued missed opportunities after having a far greater amount of shots on goal and more possession than their opponents.  After four away fixtures in a row Stirling will be looking forward to playing back at Bradwood Park this week.

7/6/2014: Cup Woes for Aces (A’s – Challenge Cup Round 2)

Last weekend Stirling traveled down to Lloyd Oval to take on Division 1 side Saint Peters in the second round of the SA Amateur Soccer League Challenge Cup. Last time these side met St Peters clearly had the upper hand in a preseason friendly but Stirling were out to prove they had vastly improved from earlier in the year.

Both clubs have had close encounters against one another in the league over a number of years and from the opening 30 minutes it appeared to be the following the script. Neither team were able to gain ascendancy with Stirling applying pressure on the ball carriers which in turn caused St Peters to turn over the ball. This allowed Stirling to keep possession and bring wide players Martin Nitschke, Daniel McKenna and striker Craig Fraser into the game. However both teams attacking moves were breaking down in the final third, with the final ball not hitting its mark.

Everything was going to plan until a defensive error gifted St Peters an easy opener. Stirling continued to play the ball out of the back line through to the midfielders of Matt Hawthorn, Tim Cookes and Daniel Wilby. Stirling we unable to produce any clear cut chances in the first half, much like the St Peters outfit. After keeping possession for some time, Stirling turned the ball over and from the subsequent throw in, St Peters managed to get the ball to the top of the box and an oncoming player threw a boot at it. The shot was miss hit through a large number of bodies in the box and an unsighted Ashley Norton could not prevent the ball settling into the corner of the net.

Going into the break Stirling didn’t feel they deserved to be two goals down as the game was very even all over the park. Knowing it was a cup game it was do or die for Stirling in the second half. From the outset of the second half Stirling began to take more shots on goal and ask questions of St Peters defence. The aging backline of Scott Sillence, Simon Dawe, Paul Teteris and Ryan Gore were breached on the 55 minute mark as a shot from distance was parried into the path of an attacker who made it 3-0.

Stirling continued to attack with overlapping runs down the right hand side and began to find themselves in more advanced positions. With 25 minutes remaining, Hawthorn delivered an inch perfect corner to the back post and against multiple defenders, Gore rose the highest and headed home his first for the season. The goal sparked more life into the Aces and shortly after Josh Lushington and Gary Thwaites were introduced into the middle of the park which helped the attacking cause. This ultimately caused Wilby to be pushed out to right midfield and he was able to use pace to attack St Peters defence. St Peters were under the pump and some last ditch defending off the goal line kept their two goal lead intact.

Stirling looked most dangerous from set pieces and this time it could have been a second if not for friendly fire in the box as Gore was apparently held back by an unknowing team-mate as he was about to header the ball from six yards out. Martin Moran was introduced late on but it was not going to be Stirling’s day and the final result stood at 3-1.

Coach ‘Peter Cottle’ was pleased with how the team played and how far the team has come since the last time these side met but unfortunately some small mistakes and a bit of luck saw St Peters prevail by two goals. The focus will return to the league this week as Stirling travel away to the MA Hawks.

10/5/2014: District Battle to Aces (A’s – Challenge Cup Round 1)

This week the focus turned away from the league and onto the first round of the SA Amateur League Challenge Cup. Stirling Districts were drawn at home against a lower ranked McLaren Districts side and we able to keep their home record intact by securing a 3 – 1 victory.

Within a minute of the kick off Stirling should have gone a goal up after early pressure caused a mistake at the back for McLaren Districts but Craig Fraser was unable to slot the ball past the oncoming goal keeper. Early pressure applied by the Aces passing game created a number of opportunities for the home team and one of these chances fell to Tim Cookes, who poked the ball into the net. The decision was quickly overturned as Cookes was adjudged offside, albeit being clearly onside to many onlookers.

Not long after Sean Lang went down clutching at his ankle just outside the eighteen yard box as he was tackled whist attempting a shot on goal. Lang could no longer continue and had to be replaced by Daniel McKenna. After being denied a goal moments earlier, Stirling went behind after a set piece was not dealt with by the Aces defence of Scott SIllence, Matt Norris, Daniel Wilby and Ryan Gore. The ball was lofted over the defensive line to an oncoming, unmarked McLaren Districts player who unconvincingly put the ball into the net.

The set back from conceding did not deter Stirling who continued to play the ball around in triangles and use the over lapping full backs of Gore and Wilby.  The equaliser finally came from a good move down the left had side of the pitch. Martin Moran was able to get to the by-line and cut the ball back across goal, which ended up hitting a McLaren District defenders hand. Fraser stepped up and calmly slotted the penalty kick into the bottom right corner. The sides went into half time locked at 1 – 1.

The second half started similar to the first with Stirling maintaining most of the possession and looking to unlock McLaren Districts defence. McLaren Districts were playing off pure emotion, much like in the first half but would not be able to match the technical ability of Stirling all over the park. As Stirling looked for the lead, McLaren Districts hit on the break and almost an a few occasions took the lead, if not for some great saves from Norton. Another howler of a decision denied Fraser a second goal as he was called for offside. Moments later Gore played a one-two with Moran and continued his run into the box and was blatantly pushed over right in front of the referee but to everyone’s amazement no penalty was given. Gore later had a chance to put his name on the score sheet but hit his shot over the crossbar, knowing he should have at least hit the target.

Half way through the half the Aces had their second goal with a good move following a short corner. From the corner, the ball was played to Thwaites on the top of the box. Thwaites picked out McKenna who powered his shot past the near post. Martin Nitschke was replaced by Andrew Wendelborn who made a big impact on the right hand side after coming on and Simon Dawe soon replaced Fraser in the closing moments.

The third goal came from the right hand side after a surging run from Wilby, which ended in the ball hitting the roof of the net at the near post. Stirling ran out the game better than the visitors and were comfortable and content with a 3 – 1 score line.

Stirling showed a lot of fight and character as many refereeing decisions throughout the game did not go their way. Coach Peter Cottle was more interested in the performance rather than the result against McLaren Districts and his team did not disappoint, with the result being a bonus. McKenna had an outstanding game after coming off the bench early on and deserved best on ground honours, followed by Norris, who nullified McLaren Districts most potent goal scorer and Thwaites for his role in the midfield. Stirling will host Gleeson at Bradwood Park on the 17th of May.

 

Ryan Gore (Captain) battles for the ball against the McLaren Districts Captain

Defender Scott Sillence slides in to clear a a ball

05/04/2014: Chances Missed by Aces

Stirling District’s senior men’s side travelled to the western suburbs to take on the Croydon Cougars. Stirling looked a different side from the previous year with a fresh new kit, new playing style and new coach Peter Cottle.

From the outset Stirling were on top, displaying their new possession style of game and within minutes had their first real opportunity from a set piece just outside the box. The Cougars continued to chase shadows as Stirling created a number of opportunities through new signing Craig Fraser. Stirling’s dominance was going unrewarded until Tim Cookes stepped up and nodded home his header from a well taken corner after 21 minutes. Stirling continued dictating play but as the half wore on the momentum began to swing in the Cougars’ favour. Consistent pressure on the Aces defence took its toll as a missed timed challenge on a Cougars forward awarded the home team a penalty. New recruit Ashely Norton, who had a relative quiet first half in goals was sent the wrong way as the Cougars equalised.

After the break Stirling looked to up their passing game and gain more control of the game. However fifteen minutes into the half the Cougars whipped in a corner which took a slight deflection at the near post. This left Norton out of position and subsequently the ball deflected off the keeper and into the net. Stirling began to press of an equaliser as Sean Lang and Richard Dawes were substituted for Matt Norris and new recruit Andrew Wendelborn. Daniel Wilby and Norris linked up a number of times as Wilby sent in his long throws into the box. Stirling were then denied an equaliser as Wendelborn was wrongfully adjudged of handling the ball before putting it into the net. As full time approached the Cougars hit on the counter attack to make the final score 3-1.

Stirling left disappointed with the result, feeling as though they were the better team but did not execute their possession game well enough and for long enough periods. The Aces look to bounce back at home next week against One Tree Hill.

15/06/2014: Diamonds Douse Flames

Sunday saw the Stirling Diamonds Division 3 team take on Flinders Flames away in Round 9 of the FFSA Women’s competition. With the Flames abandoning their Division 1 team, many of their Division 1 players had moved down into the Division 3 team. Aware of this prior to kick-off, Stirling were even more determined to take home the win.

 

With Captain Rosie Coleman securing the preferred half to start the game in, Stirling was excited to start moving the ball around after a week off. Midfielders Tess Wohling and Alana Humphris got straight into the game, putting pressure on the Flames as soon as the whistle blew. The Flames lack of formation started to prove frustrating for Stirling, who were getting pulled out of position and finding it challenging to maintain their structure.

 

The first half saw many scoring opportunities for Stirling, however attackers Lauren Taylor, Rosie Jarvis-Lemm, Hanna Marteinsdottir and Eilis Toth were unable to find the back of the net. Flinders had one shot at goal, which was effortlessly saved by goal-keeper Rosie Coleman.

 

With the score nil-all at half time, the Stirling girls were eager to get further direction from Coach Luke Hancock to get their groove back. Firing up the girls with confidence, the second half saw a few key changes and the strength Stirling usually displays on the pitch. With the bold move to play 3-across the back, pushing Rebekah Allen into midfield and launch Stirling into full attack, it wasn’t long before the Flinders defence line were chasing their tails.

 

In their usual stride, Stirling started to move the ball around the pitch, using fullbacks Carolyn Radford and Millicent Warne to start plays moving down the lines. Radford used midfielder Elise Gruttner for an overlap which she then sent a quick ball down the line to Jarvis-Lemm’s feet, who flicked a cross into Toth on the penalty spot for a strike at goal. Unfortunately, the ball hit the wrong side of the post and went out for a goal kick, but it further fuelled Stirling’s drive to get on the scoreboard. Mahalia Booth-Remmers intercepted the goal kick and setup a returning from injury Ash Fairhead, but the Flinders keeper was dominating her zone and reading Fairhead’s placement choices whilst making some great saves.

 

Finally Stirling’s efforts were about to pay off, with sweeper Anita Smith collecting the long ball from the Flames keeper after Fairhead’s last scoring attempt, and launching it straight back down to Fairhead in the forward line. Fairhead took her time in controlling the cross, waited for the Flames keeper to make her move and then with World Cup composure, placed the ball in the back of the net. With 10 minutes to spare, Stirling continued to attack however the Flames goal-keeper was not letting another one through.

 

Happy to walk away with the 3-points, Stirling is still sitting third on the ladder and look forward to hosting the Adelaide Uni All Blacks at Bradwood Park on Sunday 22 June at 11:00am.