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All Age Men Report – 13^th/14^th May 2022 – Round 1 Catch up

A big thank you to the Crookwell Soccer Club for allowing us to play all 3 men’s games out at Crookwell, as well as referee Dave Shepherd for giving up his Saturday to officiate the games on Saturday, as well as Nick, Jason & Sammy for travelling to Crookwell Friday night to officiate too.

Crookwell Red v Workers FC – Friday 13^th May 7pm – Crookwell 2

A brisk Friday evening welcomed Workers FC to Crookwell’s home ground for a Friday night fixture under lights. Both teams running the bare 11 on the smaller pitch meant we were going to be in for a tight and tense fixture. Crookwell Red fired out of the blocks and went ahead early through Sam Jackson, driving his shot into the top right hand corner from outside the box to give Crookwell the early 1-0 advantage. The score would remain the same thanks to some expert defence on both ends going into the half time break.

The second half started the same as the first, with it only taking 5 minutes for George Zouch to double Crookwell’s advantage. George again repeated his efforts 7 minutes after and gave Crookwell a 3-0 lead heading into the final half an hour of play. The game seemed to be heading towards a foregone conclusion with Crookwell dominating, until the 75^th minute when Workers stalwart Robert Scott Snr flicked his head onto what seemed to be a nothing cross, and the ball ended up in the back of the net. Muted celebrations by Workers as there was still a job to do to claw it back from 3-1, but things started to get louder and more intense 3 minutes later in the 78^th, when Robert Scott Snr bagged his second and the possibility of a draw loomed large for Workers. Crookwell were scrambling and the chances started coming thick and fast for Workers. A free kick from 35 yards out by Robert Scott Jnr floated into the box went through everyone untouched and found its way into the net to tie the game 3-3 with only 6 minutes to play.

A back and forth last 5 minutes of play ensued, and end to end football had it potentially being anyone’s game. It started to become clear that this wasn’t going to be a shared result, one of the sides would come away with the 3 points and it was the young Workers striker Lachlan Handley who popped up with the winner, slotting one in the 89^th minute to hand Workers a 4-3 win and confine Crookwell Red to their first defeat of the campaign. 4 goals in 15 minutes for the Workers side turned this game on its head and showcased why Workers should be a team to fear for this season.

Wollondilly Soldiers v Stags 97 – Saturday 14^th May 1pm – Crookwell 1

Soldiers looking to bounce back from their heavy defeat to Workers last weekend, and Stags 97 looking to build on their upset win over Stags FC had this match looking to be interestingly poised. Soldiers took to the field with 9 players and faced an uphill battle from the start. Stags started to create a few chances using the numerical difference to their advantage, and eventually had the first goal after a clever flick on by Hamish Campbell was smartly finished by Jacob Mutton. Wasn’t long before Jarrod Twaddell had his first for the season with Mitch Moroney whipping in a dangerous cross, and Jarrod climbing high to nod home Stags’ second to make it 2-0. Mitch Moroney then bagged one of his own with a clever 1 on 1 finish past the Soldiers goalkeeper, giving Stags a 3-0 lead going into half time.

The second half started, and it was all Stags with Jacob Mutton bagging 3 goals in the space of 20 minutes to take his tally to 4 for the day and to bring Stags up to a 6-0 lead. Soldiers went down to 8 players and continued to play hard defence not making it easy for Stags and managed to create a few chances of their own showing that when their numbers turn up, they will be a team that challenges any opposition. The explanation point was sealed with 15 minutes to go when Jason Broadbent popped up at the top of the box to pounce on a clearance off a Stags corner, and drove one through a sea of legs into the net to finish the game 7-0.

Goulburn Strikers v Stags FC – Saturday 14^th May 3pm – Crookwell 1

Strikers and Stags FC rounded out the round with a fast, tense, and entertaining fixture. Strikers looking to build on the 2021 undefeated season, as well as their 9-1 victory last weekend, started the stronger of the two sides and quickly went ahead through a smart finish by Lachlan Yeadon. Stags FC, trying to turn it around after a shock defeat to club mates Stags 97 last week, started to gain the ascendency through solid midfield play and winning 50/50s all over the park. Stags began creating chances and after a smart through ball by Josh Finn which put Jose Calle in on goal, Jose took his chance and buried it into the net, clawing Stags back to a 1-1 score line. The intensity of the match lifted another notch and cultivated in a penalty for Stags FC on the stroke of halftime, with a Stags striker being pulled down after a scramble in the box off a corner. Stags captain and stalwart Chad Cosgrove stepped forward and buried the penalty to give Stags FC a 2-1 lead going into the break.

The second half started just as fast and intense as the first, both sides creating chances and committing fouls to slow the pace of the game down. Stags added some cushion to their lead with Jose finally claiming his second after spurning a couple of chances. Not to be deterred, Strikers hit back with less than 5 minutes remaining with a tidy finish at the far post by Jason Dinsmore to give Strikers some hope, a tense final few minutes was finally brought to an end by the referee and Strikers handed their first loss in STFA competitions since the preliminary final back in 2020. Stags FC roaring back to form and making their title intentions clear with a new look squad starting to click.

After 2 rounds and with every team now on the board, Stags 97 and Workers lead the pack tied on points and goal difference, Strikers holding firm in 3^rd, Stags FC climbing into 4^th spot, Crookwell Red and Crookwell Griffins share 5^th and 6^th and Wollondilly Soldiers round out the table in 7^th spot.

This weekend will see Stags 97 and Soldiers travel to Crookwell to play Crookwell Griffins & Crookwell Red respectively. While 2^nd plays 4^th at Cookbundoon with Workers hosting Stags FC in what will be a match that further shapes the top half of the table.

Saturday 14 of may Southern Tablelands United travelled to ANU. it was avery close game in the opening stages but United seemed to have the edge early on with the combinations flowing leading to excited passages of play. Mitch Iredale ,Jake Stephenson, Lachlan Lewin and Wade Mcall all having early chances but the ANU keeper was up for the challenge pulling off some amazing saves to keep scores level.

Midway through the first half a corner came in from Lachlan Lewin aimed for the back post Mitch Iredale managed to keep the ball in play with a header directed back at goal Nathan Hookham making his debut for the club was first to react nodding his header in from close range first half ended 1-0 to United.

The second half started a bit slower with ANU changing tactics to deal with the flair of the United forward pack who were causing all sorts of problems. United retaining belief that they could hold on continued to fight for every ball with the backline standing tall to deal with some early ANU chances and as a result were able to break on the counter and Lachlan Lewin scored a beautifully driven shot which the keeper could only push into his far corner.

With United understanding that they’d almost finished the job the chances began to fall again with Mitch Iredale once again being heavily involved holding up play and laying off for the supporting wingers and managing to get some shots of his own the pressure finally paid off with another Lachlan Lewin corner finding the head of Mitch Fern also making his debut to seal the 3 points all in all the game was very competitive and enjoyable for all with United’s attacking quality being the difference on this day

One of the main stays of women’s football over many seasons has been Donna Eddy, today we take a look at why she loves the game so much

Donna Eddy – Stags AAW Player/Coach

STFA sides will compete in the Final round of the NSW Southern Branch Championships this weekend at cookbundoon.

The STFA will have sides in the 10,12,14,&16 Girls as well as 10,11,12,15 &16 boys.

After the first round held in Nowra over the ANZAC weekend the 12s boys sit in a prime position to follow up on their win last season and bring home back to back championships.

Most sides are still in contention with 4 more games to be played over the weekend and thing can happen.

STFA football manager was very happy with how thing were shaping up “After a long off season it’s great to be back out there, the teams look good and we are just so happy to have these tournaments in Goulburn. The ground look great thanks to Goulburn Mulwaree Council Staff, our teams are ready to go,our referees are ready to go and our amazing volunteers are looking forward to hosting all the visitors.

Games commence at 9am on saturday and will be played right throughout the weekend at Cookbundoon Sports Grounds

Southern Tablelands Referees ranks are changing with a new group of females leading the charge. Today, we profile and celebrate some of our fantastic female referees as we continue Female Football Week.

Name: Chloe Holmes

Age: 13

Playing history (club, reps, how many years)?
I started playing in year 3 when I was 8 and I was playing for my school team St Peter and Pauls up until 2020 then in 2021 I played in an all-girls comp with stags black. Now I am currently playing in all ages women for MBK.

I started to play rep in year 5 and have played since then. I have also been involved with the Catholic Schools trials.

Favourite female player?
Sam Kerr and Chloe logarzo

What got you interested in football?
One of my close friends wanted me to play with her because she was the only girl in a mixed team, and she asked me to play with her and I agreed because I was looking for a sport to play. It was either hocky or soccer and I chose soccer after a season of loving it.

What do you love about the game?
I love getting goals and saving them too, I love playing with a team and meeting people when I play with new teams.

What made you want to become a referee?
I saw a friend that was a game leader doing it and it looked fun, so I tried to sign up and we sent my information to the wrong person, and they asked me to become a junior referee instead of a game leader.

What do you enjoy about being a referee?
I enjoy everything about refereeing it’s something I never thought would happen to me and something I would enjoy.

What have you learnt by being a referee?
I have learned a lot when I ref especially how not to foul someone, and I use what I have learned when I play a game too.

What are your goals-aspirations in football or refereeing?
I want to play for the Matildas but at the rate I’m going I’ll probably end up refereeing them.
For refereeing, I want to ref in the world cup, that’s my biggest goal for now.

If you had to describe yourself in 3 words, what would they be?
Ambitious, energetic, competitive.

What would you say to other females that were interested in football or refereeing?
Playing football is so much fun. I even enjoy playing when it’s snowing.
Referring will be scary to start but when you get into it, I assure you will have the most fun you will ever have. And don’t worry if you make a mistake either, everyone makes a mistake. STFA have been so supportive and encouraging. I had someone with me for my first games until I felt comfortable on my own. If you’re interested in playing or referring, just do it.

Name: Kaysha Scott

Age: 22

Playing history (club, reps, how many years)? I started playing for Toronto Awaba Junior Football Club when I was younger. After a few years at TAJFC, I tried out for a female representative team at Macquarie Football and played with them for a year before going back to TAJFC. I then tried out for Valentine Premier League, but I ruptured 3 ligaments in my ankle, and was unable to play. I then ruptured my ACL and had to take some more time off. In 2020, I moved down to Crookwell/Goulburn and started playing for MBK in 2021/2022.

Favourite female player? Hayley Raso

What got you interested in football? I was super sporty and loved all sports throughout school, always playing soccer, cricket, rugby league, and basically anything that I could. But, soccer was always my favourite.

What made you want to become a referee? My love for the game. I am always wanting to learn more, and be connected to the game in different ways.

What do you enjoy about being a referee? Being involved, and seeing people develop their skills.

What have you learnt by being a referee? Referees do make mistakes. It has helped me be more understanding to the referees that are officiating the games that I play.

What are your goals-aspirations in football or refereeing? To be involved in the game for as long as I can. And to create a safe environment where people can come and learn about the game without fear of being judged.

If you had to describe yourself in 3 words, what would they be? Resilient, Honest & Committed.

What is your favourite inspirational quote? “Success is not final; failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts” – Winston Churchill

What would you say to other females that were interested in football or refereeing? Get involved. Contact your local association or club, and get some more information. It’s fun!

Name: Sam

Age: 30

Playing history (club, reps, how many years)? I’ve been playing football since I was 5 years old. I currently play for Crookwell Soccer Club, and before that I was playing for Cobram Roar FC in Victoria. I actually started playing soccer as a junior in Crookwell, so it’s nice to return to the club I started at.

Favourite female player? Sam Kerr.

What got you interested in football? My parents signed me up when I was younger, and I’ve loved it ever since.

What do you love about the game? So many things! If I had to choose one, it’s the fact that football allows me to maintain my physical and mental health whilst having fun at the same time.

What made you want to become a referee? I felt like it was a good opportunity to get involved in a different aspect of the game.

What do you enjoy about being a referee? I enjoy being able to see the game from a different perspective, as well as the opportunity to learn new skills. We are really lucky to have some great mentors for new referees at the STFA Referees Branch.

What have you learnt by being a referee? There’s a lot of rules in football!

What are your goals-aspirations in football or refereeing? I’d like to still be playing football by the time I’m 50.

If you had to describe yourself in 3 words, what would they be? That’s a tricky one. I guess I’d have to go with motivated, optimistic and stubborn (sometimes!).

What is your favourite inspirational quote? I don’t really have one- sorry!

What would you say to other females that were interested in football or refereeing? Give it a go! As I said above, the STFA Referees Branch provides excellent support and mentorship, and it’s a great opportunity to be more involved in the game.

Female Football week got underway on saturday with the first round of the new STFA Women’s Super League.

All four sides were glad to get this new competition underway with Stags and Crookwell facing of in the first game at 11am. Stags got the better of the young Crookwell side in the end 4-2 but the game was close right throughout with the game being decided only late on.

The other match saw MBK United get the result Goulburn Workers 3-0 due the young workers side took on a very experienced MBK and will learn alot from the run.

MBK UNied and Goulburn Stags will also contest the Highlands womens competition starting this week

Most teams have spots avaliable so if your 15 or older get in contact with one of the clugs or contact us at stfaed@gmail.com

Opening day of the Southern Tablelands Premier League finally kicked of after a long covid induced off season and defending Champions Goulburn Strikers picked up where they left off last season with a strong 9-1 victory over Crookwell. Strikers have shown they once again will be the team to beat.

Goulburn Workers also singled their intentions to be a contented for the title with an equally impressive victory of Soldiers running away with the match 9-1.

The finally game of the round was the Stags derby and while not one for the purists it was an entertaining match with end to end play, the reunited Stags ’97 running over the Stags FC side 7-5

With multiple players out with injury and covid and without a coach due to covid as well a very depleted Southern tablelands United team welcomed Gungahlin United fc to Cookbundoon coming off of 2 strong performances the boys were hopeful of getting a result the first half very tight with both sides contesting well United midfielders Luke downs izzy Golding and Lachlan Lewin linking well with attackers nathan Browne and jack Mathews to create some chances but still at half time sides were locked 1-1 United’s goal scored by downs Veteran defender Troy Mathews coming closest to putting his side in front with his free kick narrowly going wide just before the break the second half as the boys began to tire with no support on the bench the chances began to pop up for Gungahlin captain and stand in coach Mitch Iredale forced to make some big saves and the defence as a whole forced to work very hard making some big challenges CB partnership Liam Mcdade and Lewis Golding standing strong for most of the attack but as  Gungahlin continued to overrun United’s defence the goals came too eventually ending 4-1 and Gungahlin leaving town with the 3 points with players returning next week the boys are in good spirits believing they can bounce back

Former local junior Caolan Hazell will be representing the STFA at the TSP event on Wednesday. Caolan football journey began with Goulburn Stags where he spent 3 season before moving to Southern Branch AYL  and who is now with NPL outfit Camden Tigers.

Caolan has been selected in the  TSP Country Navy team.

The TSP Country Navy teams group will include Sydney FC, Capital Football and Murrary United.

Wednesday 20th April

Games will start at 930am at Cookbundoon Sports Grounds

Football NSW in addition to the TSP tournaments this week at Valentine Sports Park, will be hosting an Under 14 Boys TSP tournament involving Regional TSP teams and Sydney FC, WSW, Murray United and Capital Football

Wednesday 20th April at Cookbundoon Sports Complex, Goulburn

This is a great opportunity for regional players to test themselves against A League Academies and Capital Football

Coaching Staff will also be collecting data on players which will feed back to Football Australia.

St Peters and Pauls Football Club is seeking players aged 11, 12 or 13 to join us in our upcoming 2022 season. You do not have to attend the school to play for us !
Our coach Ben Stephenson is widely known in the Goulburn Football community and welcomes players of all abilities. “This is the first year we are entering a team in the Under 13s – it shows growth not only within our club, but within all clubs under the guidance of the STFA”.
Contact us via our facebook page today to sign up – games start later this month.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/970593083017865