Hahndorf V Flinders University

On a sunny Saturday afternoon, the Hahndorf Magpies were unable to overcome two early goals, eventually going down to Flinders University 3-1.

In the final game of a very long season, Hahndorf got off to a shaky start with custodian Nathaniel Brooke and defenders Tyrone Blunt, Todd Newman and Micheal Stevens under pressure. Flinders University twice exploited some non-existent marking in the area of the pitch to rifle in two goals in the first five minutes.

Regaining their composure, Hahndorf fought back in the midfield, John Lawler, Martin Moran, Craig Cottle, Stephen Ness and Kyle Eglinton looking to establish some authority as they moved the ball forward. It was a hard fought battle in the middle and strikers Ash Parr and club captain Matt Norris found their chances few and far between, with the middle third of the pitch containing most of the action.

Flinders almost went further ahead with a period of sustained pressure that saw them hit the cross bar from a free kick and soon after drew Brooke into some excellent saves. Hahndorf fought back through a blistering shot by Parr, the Uni ‘keeper powerless to hold onto the ball and it arced toward goal. Unfortunately for the Magpies it was cleared of the line by a late arriving defender.

The attempt spurred Hahndorf on and they began to play some better football with Newman and Stevens proving to be very solid at the back. However, the Magpies could not make their possession count and they went into the halftime break rueing their tardy start.

Hahndorf began the second period of play in a positive fashion with Norris running down a through ball and setting up Lawler, but his shot was wayward. Lawler soon had another effort but again could not keep the ball on target from distance.

At the other end Brooke pulled off some acrobatic stops as Flinders looked to increase their lead. Ness battled hard for the ball all game and made several important interceptions before he was substituted with Paul Charles. As Charles settled into the game Uni had a period of dominance but the Magpie defence held firm and Hahndorf slowly wrested possession back.

The tide looked top be turning for the home side as they built up their play and they were given a solid opportunity when the Argentinian Wiz, Moran, was upended in the area, the foul getting extra points from spectators for its South American flamboyance. Cottle stepped up to take the penalty and converted with his usual assured style to make the score 2-1.

The match lifted its intensity and for the next ten minutes it was ended to end action before Flinders added their third. Brooke punched a crossed ball clear but it fell to the visitors and despite Brooke parrying the intitial shot, the ball was poked back into goal, making it 3-1 to the Uni side.

For the remaining fifteen minutes, the Magpies tried to restore parity with Moran and Blunt having a couple of chances along with Parr and Norris. Mark “Studio” Selsey replaced Lawler as late-season coach Edmundo Palumbo added fresh legs in the final minutes.

Charles had a chance for glory but fired over the bar and the skipper did likewise soon after as Hahndorf continued their late onslaught but it was to no avail as the Magpies season was brought to an end.

Reserves

The Hahndorf Reserves continued their late season revival with a well-earned 2-1 victory over the Flinders University reserves, a brace to Jack Goodfellow doing the job for the home team.

Hahndorf were determined to put up a better effort than when the two teams met previously, the 6-1 drubbing a low point in a challenging season. Danny Pace donned the gloves for the Magpies with a rear guard of veteran Andy Craig complimented by the youngsters Ben Wells and Matt Medley. They worked hard for the opening minutes as Uni got off on the front foot, but the trio denied the visitors any real chances.

Hahndorf began to work the ball through midfield, with Alex Oldham, Vin Chow and Luke Jones linking up nicely. Captain Rupert Lindon and the Albino Yeti, Lachlan McQueen, worked on their defensive side early on to close down the Uni’s forward forays.

Up front Mark “Studio” Selsey and young Jack Goodfellow made themselves available as Hahndorf put together some sweeping moves and sought to get the advantage of kicking down the slope. Hahndorf moved the ball well into the last third of the pitch and had several opportunities to score, with Chow, Oldham and Jones all going close before a quick free from Craig also went just wide.

The endeavour shown by Hahndorf upset a few of the Flinders’ players and drew some irritated banter and a few willing challenges, however Hahndorf continued to push hard for the ball and were not taking any backward steps.

Hahndorf’s breakthrough occurred just before half time after a period of sustained pressure. Working the ball down the wing, Craig played a 1-2 with Chow before sending in a dipping cross that moved away from the Flinders ‘keeper. He failed to gather the ball cleanly and it spilled for Goodfellow to place into goal from ten metres, giving the Magpies the lead and a great finish to the half.

Hahndorf then got off to a brilliant start in the second half, adding another goal within five minutes of the kick-off. Pace drove the ball forward and a nod on by Lindon sent Goodfellow clear. The spritely forward turned inside his marker before a jink sent the goalkeeper the wrong way and Goodfellow slotted the ball home.

Despite being two goals up, Hahndorf continued to look for more goals and played with assurety. McQueen was substituted for Andrew Kenny and together with Oldham and Jones, combined with the forward line to create chances.

Flinders fought back and managed to get on the board while Hahndorf were temporarily reduced to ten men. Medley was receiving some medical attention for a hit to the head when Uni beat the offside trap to score. The goal set up an exciting final fifteen minutes as Flinders tried to find an equaliser but found the Magpie defence in a miserly mood, with Brad Francis replacing Wells.

Francis had a great chance to seal the game with minutes left but having been gifted the ball from ten metres out, sent the ball into the upper reaches of the gums and scared the native fauna. A final attack by Flinders was well covered by Pace and Hahndorf celebrated their win with relish as the final whistle was blown.

It has been a difficult year for the Hahndorf Magpies, the twelve team league has been very competitive and early season injuries coupled with a new squad put them on the back foot for much of the year. However, the season has produced some promising young talent, in both Firsts and Reserves, and next year Hahndorf will be looking to build upon this base when they take on Division 3 next season.

MA Hawks V Hahndorf

In gale force winds, Hahndorf could not transfer their chances into goals and a fast finishing MA Hawks unit put in two late strikes to outlast the visitors 4-1.

Buoyed by their recent form, Hahndorf were confident of giving MA Hawks a serious challenge, the hosts flirting with the relegation zone and needing the win. With Nathaniel Brooke in goal, Micheal Stevens, Wayne Forrester and Todd Newman formed a formidable defence for the Magpies and reduced the Hawks opportunities from the start.

Employing captain Matt Norris and John Lawler as the strike force, Hahndorf kicked off with the very strong wind behind them and put the MA Hawks under pressure from the start. Out on the flank, Paul Charles found plenty of the ball early on and the midfield of Tyrone Blunt, Craig Cottle, Martin Moran and Ash Parr looked to make the most of the trying conditions.

Parr went close to opening the scoring after dispossessing a Hawks player and firing just over the bar from twenty metres. Norris also got into the action with two efforts that went wide. Despite creating the better opportunities, Hahndorf had to fight hard for the ball and the first thirty minutes were fairly even in the battle for the midfield. It was the last third of the pitch where the Magpies were dominant but failed to put the ball in the net.

In a rare venture forward, Stevens robbed the Hawks of the ball but with a true defenders strike, sent the ball skywards over the host’s goal. He was not the only culprit with Cottle also doing the same before Norris had a shot cannon off the post as the Magpies peppered the Hawks’ goal. A Magpie corner picked out Forrester but he too was wide of the mark with his header.

Charles exploits on the wing and dangerous crosses drew a foul from the besieged Hawks’ defence just as he broke into a promising position. However, justice was served through the “Argentinian Wiz”, Moran when he guided Cottle’s free into the net with a near post header on the stroke of half time.

After the half time break, the Hahndorf Magpies managed to put pressure on the Hawks as they battled into the wind. Norris again went close with a rasping shot that grazed the post and then Cottle cleverly set up Lawler, but again the resulting shot was astray.

Hahndorf were to rue their chances soon after when the MA Hawks equalised with a deflected, scrambled goal after the Magpies could not clear the ball cleanly. The goal gave the home side impetus and they enjoyed a period of pressure, pushing the defence and having several shots go close. Hahndorf replaced Lawler and Parr with Stephen Ness and Sam Gowan as the wind seemed to increase its ferocity and did not help the visitors in any way.

Despite this, Cottle almost reinstated the lead with a dipping free kick that clattered onto the bar, another chance that did not fall the Magpies way. With Moran tiring, Kyle Eglinton was brought on and the game settled into an even ten minutes of play before the Hawks added a second goal. Hahndorf half cleared a corner and it fell to the opposition who chanced their luck with a long shot that sailed over Brooke into the net.

Hahndorf responded with some fine play but could not find the net, a free kick going close but the Hawks’ ‘keeper keeping the Magpies out. The misses were costly for the visitors when in the final ten minutes the Hawks added two more to the score. The first was a free kick that eluded the Hahndorf wall and the second was a spectacular strike from twenty metres, the ball arrowing into the corner and giving Brooke no chance.

The loss was a disappointing one for the Hahndorf side with the score not a true reflection on how well they had played, with the team putting in a solid effort all game.

Reserves

Hahndorf Reserves were unlucky to concede a single goal in their loss to the MA Hawks reserves, despite creating the lion’s share of chances.

As with the First team, the Reserves kicked of with the stiff breeze and, combined with the concrete nature of the ground, found ball control initially difficult. Hahndorf custodian Danny Pace had little to do for the first fifteen minutes, as youthful defenders Ben Wells and Matt Medley working closely with veteran Andy Craig to keep the Hawks at bay.

Club stalwart, “El Presidente” Stuart Thomas, Alex Oldham and Rupert Lindon anchored the midfield as Hahndorf sought to blunt the Hawks advances. Wide players Lachlan ‘Albino Yeti” McQueen and Luke Jones held their counterparts well, as Hahndorf tried to settle on the ball. With Hahandorf looking to move forward early, some passes were rushed and astray with the wind taking the ball past the Hahndorf forwards, Vin Chow and Jack Goodfellow.

The Magpies slowly took control of large sections of the game but their accuracy in front of goal was lacking, with Craig, Chow and Goodfellow all having chances. The Albino Yeti fought hard for the ball and Lindon often exploited the breakdown of the Hawks play by setting up Hahndorf attacks. Oldham and Jones often found space down the wing as Hahndorf continued to create chances but profligate finishing resulted in no goals for the visitors in the first half.

In the second half, the Magpies defended their goal well and the majority of the Hawks’ chances were from long range, therefore it was frustrating when the MA Hawks scored the only goal from a scramble in the penalty area. Hahndorf failed to get a solid boot on ball and a Hawks player poked it in from two metres. Despite the setback, Hahndorf played well into the wind with sure passing and set up many opportunities.

The substitution of Jones and McQueen for Sam Gowan and Mark Farrant injected some spirit with Hahndorf playing three in attack, Farrant in particular putting himself about. Oldham and Goodfellow sent in some fine crosses that kept the Hawks on their heels and Thomas hit the post with header while Chow also went close.

In the final minutes, Lindon sent Wells on a run that scythed through the Hawks defence and he played a 1-2 with Chow before sending a scorching shot that just scraped over the bar. The Magpies had their final chance when Goodfellow and Craig played a short corner and arrowed the ball to the far post where Thomas just failed to get a touch on it.

The Reserves played a great game for little reward however they will be heartened by the amount of chances they created and will take this confidence into their last match of the season. Both teams will be hoping that their shooting boots are on and accurate next week when they host Flinders University at the Pine Avenue arena.

Hahndorf V Adelaide University

Hahndorf opened the spring season with an entertaining 1-0 win over Adelaide University, the home side playing the tutor on their way to their second win of the season following Martin Moran’s stunning strike..

Showcasing the latest in seasonal fashions, Hahndorf lined up in a new gold strip with Nathaniel Brooke donning the gloves with big Tyrone Blunt, veteran Wayne Forrester and reliable Todd Newman in defence. The Adelaide University side started confidently and were the first to threaten the goal but the Magpies saw off the danger. Soon after the opening parries, Hahndorf’s midfield of Paul Charles, Stephen Ness, Craig Cottle, Ash Parr and Martin Moran began to take charge of the game.

Cottle and Moran exchanged passes to Matt Norris who then fed Blunt, the big man venturing forward but shooting wide. Brooke was then called into action, diving to his right to push the ball away from an Adelaide free kick. The match went end to end with Norris latching onto a through ball and shooting for the near post. Brooke again sprung into action and defended his goal, parrying the shot and then putting in a leopard-like leap to gather in the loose ball.

The Magpies should have scored soon after with Norris, fellow forward John Lawler and Cottle all spurning great chances to put Hahndorf in front. However it was a piece of magic from the Agentinian Wiz, Moran who put in the only score of the game. Gathering the ball in the middle of the park, Moran strolled forward unchallenged before unleashing a 30 metre rocket that blasted over the Uni ‘keeper and into the net. A jubilant Hahndorf celebrated the score along with the home crowd, enjoying the goal and the afternoon sunshine

Hahndorf drew confidence from the audacious strike and continued to put the Adelaide defence under pressure. Norris twice went close to adding a second, a one on one chance snuffed out and soon after having a shot beat the ‘keeper but finding the side netting.

After the half time break, Hahndorf maintained possession for the opening ten minutes and pushed for further goals. Norris and Moran built up some opportunities and Cottle went just wide from 20 metres. Then Adelaide University showed some fight but the Magpie defence was steadfast and kept the visitors to long-range efforts. Hahndorf wrested possession from Uni but wasted their chance after another promising move.

Hahndorf made a series of substitutions with Kyle Eglinton and Scotty Farrant replacing Parr and Lawler. While the Magpies were getting used to the changes, Adelaide had a period of pressure but Brooke kept his area tidy and his sure hands grabbed every ball that was played through.

The Magpies again put in some fine attacks but were let down by wayward shooting, Blunt and Cottle both going wide before Newman was substituted with Luke Jones.

Jones got immediately into the fray, combining with Cottle, Eglinton and Farrant as Hahndorf held possession around the Uni penalty area. Despite their chances in front of goal and territorial dominance, Hahndorf remained vigilant against a Uni score with the defence working hard all game to keep Adelaide to few real opportunities.

In attack, the Magpies profligacy in front of goal continued with Adelaide’s ‘keeper deflecting Jones’ shot after being set up by Farrant and then Jones later shooting wide. Hahndorf continued to control the tempo of the game until the referee blew the final whistle and the Magpies celebrated their second win of the season. It was a terrific performance from all the Hahndorf players and with better finishing, they could have had a hatful of goals.

Reserves

The Hahndorf Reserves notched up their second win in as many games, their latest assignment a distinctive 2-0 defeat of Adelaide University reserves, a brace coming from Jack Goodfellow.

From the kick off, the defence of Ben Wells, veteran Andy Craig and Matt Medley was put to the test, with the visitors looking to get on the board in the first fifteen minutes. Hahndorf custodian Danny Pace got in some important touches to keep Uni out and the hosts began to develop their midfield play through “El Presidente” Stuart Thomas, Alex Oldham and Rupert Lindon. Wide players Andrew Kenny and Lachlan “the Albino Yeti” McQueen were both defensively minded from the outset but eagerly supported front runners Vin Chow and Jack Goodfellow when the opportunity arose.

Hahndorf slowly worked their way into the match with Chow and Goodfellow garnering the bulk of the scoring chances. Goodfellow was keen to exploit the Adelaide University fullbacks and sent in many fine balls to the danger area just outside the six-yard box.

The Magpie midfield worked hard to keep the visitors under pressure with McQueen and Oldham working to release the forwards while Thomas and Lindon held their opponents well. Goodfellow opened up the scoring with a blazing shot from the edge of the area, the rapid velocity forcing the ball past the surprised University ‘keeper.

Hahndorf continued to press for more goals but found their efforts going astray and presenting Uni with a chance to get back into the game. They were lucky not to concede an equaliser when Pace made a great save and held on to a goal-bound shot that almost squeezed under him.

After half time, Luke Jones replaced McQueen and Hahndorf began to take strangle hold on the game as Chow, Thomas and Oldham all had great chances to add to the score. With the Magpies squandering opportunities it was a relief when Goodfellow added the second, a break through run ending with a composed finish.

Brad Francis replaced Wells with the Magpies on top, although the Uni side were still keen to get on the scoreboard. Throwing players forward they were exposed at the back and only poor finishing from the Magpies prevented further goals being added, Goodfellow throwing away a great chance for a hat trick. The Hahndorf team ran out the match well and their win was thoroughly deserved.

The results in the past month have been encouraging with the Magpie Reserves really starting to play as a cohesive unit under the guidance of coach Bob Oldham and the team is looking forward to finishing the season with a couple more victories.

The day was memorable for Hahndorf as earlier on the Super C’s beat the Adelaide Monarchs 2-0, making it a triple triumph of Magpie magic

Next week the Hahndorf Magpies travel to the Kings Reserve ground of MA Hawks, looking to maintain their present form and finish off the season strongly.

Hahndorf push title contenders

Adelaide Villa V Hahndorf

Visitors Hahndorf rediscovered their fighting spirit against title contenders Adelaide Villa and pushed hard for a late equaliser before time beat them and the hosts took the points with a 2-1 win.

Making the trip down to the inner Western suburbs, Hahndorf welcomed back defenders Todd Newman and Michael Stevens from injury and they slotted beside Tyrone Blunt with Danny Pace between the sticks. Flanking the midfield trio of Stephen Ness, Craig Cottle and the Argentinian Wiz, Martin Moran, were wide players Kyle Eglinton and Paul Charles.

The Magpies started well, matching Villa with their intent as both sides tested the respective goalkeepers early, the uneven surface making some shots unpredictable. Strikers John Lawler and Ash Parr put several attempts on goal that had the Villa ‘keeper stretching while at the other end Pace was kept on his toes by some sharp efforts from the opposing forwards.

Ness was at his fighting best with a clearing tackle as Villa stepped up a gear to put Hahndorf under pressure for a sustained period. However, the Magpie defence stood firm with Blunt, Newman and Stevens foiling Villa’s attacks. Pace found himself the focal point as he repeatedly denied Villa a score with some acrobatic saves, including a one on one chance gifted to the hosts from a defensive lapse.

Hahndorf hit back through Moran, Cottle and Eglinton, the three involved in a flowing move and shot that put the Villa custodian in difficulty but Hahndorf could not find the net. Moran then put Parr through and his cross had Villa scrambling to clear the ball before Lawler could close.

Emerging from half time, Hahndorf continued to challenge Adelaide Villa but suffered a setback when the home team managed to find a way past Pace within ten minutes of the restart. Not deterred, the Magpies battled hard for the ball in midfield with Moran and Cottle showing some deft moves and putting through the hard charging Parr.

With regular coach Peter Cottle off on a European talent spotting tour, Reserves top man Edmundo Palombo took over the senior team duties, working closely with the brains trust of Club captain Matt Norris and Bob Oldham and they began to make some substitutions. Roly Tobar and Andy Craig went on for Lawler and Newman and both players were straight into the action, Tobar making an enterprising run through midfield.

Parr’s attack on the ball and willingness to take on the Villa defenders saw him make inroads into the forward line and he was the Magpies most dangerous forward despite being stopped for some debatable offside decisions. Young Jack Goodfellow was brought on for Charles and made some good forays forward, working well with Moran, Stevens and Cottle

In goal, Pace continued to make some outstanding saves to keep Hahndorf in the game but he was powerless to prevent a second Villa goal after seventy-five minutes. The Magpies dug deep to press forward and were finally rewarded for their efforts when Parr was brought down in the Villa area. Cottle stepped up to bury the penalty into the corner and the game lifted in intensity with ten minutes remaining.

Both teams had opportunities to add to the score with a desperate Hahndorf defence frustrating the Villa attacks and Villa having an obliging linesman to help keep the Magpies at bay. In the final minutes, Moran was cynically brought down to give Hahndorf a last chance at the equaliser. Cottle drifted the free kick in and Craig, challenging the ‘keeper, had his header go just wide of the target.

It was a much improved effort by the Magpies and despite being under defensive pressure for much of the game, they put together some fine moves. Best on the day was the exceptional ‘keeping skills of Pace, with tremendous games from Moran and Stevens. The Magpies will be looking to carry this form into next week when they battle the Adelaide Monarchs at Pine Avenue.

Reserves

The Magpie Reserves put up a brave display before being over run by the top of the table Villa Reserves.

Hahndorf got off to a poor start, conceding a goal within the first ten minutes, defenders Sam Gowan, Wayne Forrester and Matt Medley still adjusting to a new formation and particularly uneven surface when Villa put one past Magpie custodian Nathaniel Brooke. Employing a five man midfield of Ben Wells, Andrew Kenny, Stuart Thomas, Lachlan McQueen and Gus Coulls, Hahndorf made Villa fight for every possession as the Magpies worked their way back into the match.

The action was end to end, with Vin Chow and Jack Goodfellow finding plenty of the ball, but having trouble getting past the experienced Villa defence. Despite Villa getting the better shots on goal, some tremendous saves by Brooke kept the score to one by the end of the half.

In the second stanza, Villa again scored early in the half, when Hahndorf was caught looking at a loose ball in the area before a Villa forward poked it home. The Magpies continued to battle but as the half progressed, Villa made their attacks more telling. Hard work in the midfield resulted in some nice Magpie moves forward but the final shot or pass was not able to impact the score.

Villa returned fire with varied attacks and managed to put a further three goals past a tiring Hahndorf defence. The score may have been more but for some crucial saves by Brooke. Coulls and McQueen tried to lift the Magpies late on but crosses from out wide often fell to the Villa defence and Hahndorf were kept out of the scoring zone.

Next week the Hahndorf Magpies return to the more familiar surrounds of Pine Avenue when they host the Adelaide Monarchs for round 15 of the SAASL Second Division. Earlier, the Super Cs take on local rivals Stirling, the two teams on similar points in the division.

Hahndorf in second half capitulation

Adelaide Cougars V Hahndorf

Hahndorf suffered a second half fade out against a fired up Adelaide Cougars and wound up on the wrong side of a 7-0 score line.

With both teams at the foot of the SAASL 2^nd division, round 12 was expected to provide a tight contest, however battling the high winds and some uneven bounce, Hahndorf could only provide a challenge for the first half.

The team got off to a reasonable start with regular custodian Danny Pace between the sticks and the defensive core of Tyrone Blunt, Andy Craig and Wayne Forrester. Hahndorf kicked off with the wind and midfielders Ash Parr, Craig Cottle and young Jack Farrimond immediately got into the fray as they sought to use the flanks with Kyle Eglinton and Stephen Ness.

The Cougars also looked to exploit the flanks and had several sorties into the Magpie penalty area where Pace was alert to the threat. Using the long ball into the wind, the Cougars found space behind the defence, who were not at their cohesive best, however Blunt maintained his assured form from last week and led the way in the back line.

Up front, the strike force of the Agentinian Wiz, Martin Moran and John Lawler found the long ball was mostly eluding them and going through to the Cougars ‘keeper. However, the Magpies put together the best chances of the opening twenty minutes through Parr and Farrimond, both with rasping shots that went just wide. In another build up through midfield, Parr turned provider for Ness, a sweeping cross met at pace by Ness and he drove his shot inches wide of goal.

On the half hour the Cougars broke the deadlock with a through ball that left Pace one on one with the nippy forward and he put the ball past the diving Magpie ‘keeper. Undeterred, the Magpies regrouped and put pressure on the Cougars backline. Moran worked the ball with Cottle but could not find space for the shot as Hahndorf tried to find the equaliser.

It was to never arrive as the Cougars again latched onto a through ball and added their second with five minutes left in the half. It was a disappointing end to a half where Hahndorf should have put a score on the board.

The second stanza was painful to watch for the travelling faithful as the Magpies rarely showed glimpses of a team up for the contest. Throughout the half the Cougars added to the score with regularity and possibly could have had many more but for some outstanding saves by Pace.

Driven onto the backfoot by the wind and the Cougars desire for the ball, the Magpie defence struggled to build on their previous half. The Cougars continued to attack in numbers and often found a man free as Hahndorf failed to mark up and follow their players.

After the Cougars went 4-0 up, substitutes Roly Tobar, Paul Charles and Michael Stevens came on to inject some fight and fresh legs. Charles immediately went on the attack and made some promising moves down the wing. One of these picked out Tobar in the middle of the area but he could not put the ball on target with the Cougars ‘keeper out of position. Stevens made some solid contributions, while Farrimond continued to battle for every ball, his efforts an example to most of his more senior teammates.

The referee’s whistle finally ended the Magpies torment and they now have a weeks rest to find the form that looked so promising just a week ago. Outstanding efforts for the day went to Pace, Farrimond and Blunt, the shining beacons in a sea of Magpie mediocrity.

Reserves

The Hahndorf Reserves put in a fine fighting display but could not pull back an early Cougar goal, resulting in a 1-0 loss.

Starting with a familiar back line of Matt Medley, Ben Wells, Sam Gowan and Skipper Rupert Lindon, the Magpies were stunned by a freak goal inside the first twenty seconds. From the kickoff, the Cougars pushed down the flank and hit a speculative shot from a wide position. Aided by the strong wind, the shot flew into the top far corner, giving Nathaniel Brooke no chance and putting the only score on the game on the board.

The Magpies fought back through the midfield of Angus Coulls, Luke Jones, Lachlan McQueen and the Italian Maestro, Edmondo Palumbo. Combining with forward Vin Chow, McQueen and Jones set up Coulls on the edge of the area but he hit his shot wide. Jack Goodfellow continued with fine form up front, his fleet feet gliding past several defenders.

In defence, Wells drew an unwarranted swinging arm which should have seen the culprit sent off but with the referee not venturing outside the centre circle, the incident was put aside.

Hahndorf flirted with danger, pushing players forward and found themselves outnumbered four to two on a counter attack. Fortunately for the visitors, the player blasted his shot wide as he met the cross at the far post.

In the shadows of half time, McQueen found space down the wing and the “Albino Yeti” put in a tantalising cross that forced the Cougars ‘keeper into a clearing punch.

After half time, Stuart Thomas made a return from injury and partnered Medley in defence and they both put in some timely tackles to deny the Cougars a further score. Hahndorf continued to play some good passing football and created scoring opportunities, however they lacked the finishing touch to find the equaliser.

Goodfellow made an excellent run into the Cougars penalty area but frustratingly hit his shot at the ’keeper. Chow was finding plenty of the ball and worked well with the midfield, but Hahndorf often failed to find the vital touch in the final third of the pitch.

The game progressed along with both sides getting their chances but firm defence combined with the difficult conditions saw no addition to the scoreboard in the half.

Hahndorf have a week off due to their scheduled opponents, Cove, playing in the Cup, so they next face the third placed Adelaide Villa away.

Hahndorf rue final minutes

Flinders University V Hahndorf
In an exciting encounter that had the fans on the edge of their seats, Hahndorf ultimately let Flinders Uni off the hook as two late goals by the hosts resulted in a 3-3 final score.
The SAASL11th round of Division 2 pitted the 4th placed Uni against an improving Hahndorf unit looking to pull itself up the league table. With injuries again a concern for Hahndorf, Coach Peter Cottle gave starts to Kyle Eglinton and Stephen Ness on the flanks, with youngster Jack Farrimond put into central midfield.
The defence centred on the settled line up of Danny Pace in goal with veteran Andy Craig, the in-form Tyrone Blunt and experienced Wayne Forrester providing cover. Midfielders Ash Parr and Craig Cottle supplied the linking balls to forwards John Lawler and the Argentinian “Wiz”, Martin Moran.
Flinders got off to a confident start, pushing the ball around well on their home turf and showed a few genuine threats in the final third of the ground. The Magpie defence weathered the early storm and Hahndorf began to push the ball wide to Ness and Eglinton with support from Parr and Cottle.
Hahndorf drew reward for their endeavour with a sustained move involving five players that moved the ball across both sides of the pitch. The penultimate pass arrived with Cottle and he fired in a dipping cross for Lawler to head at goal. The Flinders’ goalkeeper stretched to prevent to ball going inside the post but could not hold the ball. Following up, Lawler won the loose ball and bundled into the net to the joy of the visiting faithful.
Flinders Uni bounced back with some attacking moves but often over hit their passes and they were forced to take long shots as the Magpies worked hard to deny them space near goal. Parr and Farrimond applied pressure to the midfield and Cottle was able to release Ness and Moran with regularity.
With fifteen minutes left in the half, Flinders were handed a goal as Pace parried a good shot. In an attempt to clear the ball, a defender belted the ball against a team mate and it ricocheted into the Magpie goal. The score was a setback for Hahndorf but they battled on for the rest of the half, looking to add to their tally.
With scores locked at 1-1, Hahndorf continued to push their higher placed opposition after half time. Ness was in outstanding form and worked well with Cottle and Craig to forge attacks down the flank while also putting in his defensive duty. Blunt was also having a fine game, intercepting the Uni attacks and distributing the ball to midfield and forward options.
Cottle commandeered the midfield, working well with Moran and Lawler as Hahndorf were looking the better team. Despite this, Uni remained a threat but their wayward shooting let them down. In perhaps a lucky break for the Magpies, when Flinders did get the ball into the net it was disallowed for a foul on Pace.
Twenty minutes into the half, Hahndorf struck a second goal. Employing some Route One football, Pace launched the ball forward and it was poorly dealt with by the Uni defence. Moran latched onto the long ball and pushed it past the advancing ‘keeper just before he was cleaned up by a desperate defender. The ball finished in the net with Moran on his back, and he needed medical attention before he could retake the field.
At 2-1, Hahndorf were full of belief and needed to be as Flinders started to throw players forward searching for a second goal. They missed several chances as the intensity picked up and both teams were desperate for possession. Hahndorf made a change, bringing on Vin Chow for Farrimond who had battled hard all game.
With the play going from end to end, Hahndorf looked to have sealed the three points when Cottle added a third with a great strike directly from a corner, the ball curling inside the far post. The Magpies were jubilant but in the remaining ten minutes faced a determined University side. Both teams made substitutions, Hahndorf bringing on the raw running of “the Albino Yeti”, Lachlan McQueen and Uni throwing a towering beanpole up front.
Hahndorf were defending deeply as Flinders pumped long, high balls into the Magpie penalty area and with minutes left the hosts scored, the tall forward getting enough on his header to breech the Magpie goal. Uni continued to attack, throwing everyone forward and gained a corner. Again Hahndorf could not counter the tall Uni player and with his header they equalised with seconds to go.
A shocked Hahndorf then had a chance to score in the final few seconds but with Parr putting the ball in the net, the referee found a push off the ball and ruled out the goal.
The result was a bitter sweet moment for the Magpies, playing well to lead their more fancied hosts all game but falling just short of getting a valuable three points. In a match where the Magpies gave their all, best player votes went to Cottle, Blunt and Ness, all outstanding on the day. Hahndorf have continued to improve and no doubt will upset a many of their rivals as the second half of the season gets underway.

Reserves
The Hahndorf Reserves struggled to cope with form and injuries in the first half and conceded six goals but redeemed themselves with the only score of the second to finish 6-1 down.
The Magpie Reserves went into the match with regular goalkeeper Nathaniel Brooke and a young defence of Ben Wells, Matt Medley, Captain Rupert Lindon and Sam Gowan. In midfield, Andrew Kenny, Luke Jones, Angus Coulls and Lachlan “the Albino Yeti” McQueen battled for control but found the wet, wide pitch a little slick and struggled to hold on to the ball.
Young forward Jack Goodfellow joined Vin Chow up front and they had a few opportunities but could not put the score on the board. Uni opened the scoring after a back pass was not adequately dealt with and fell two goals down soon after when Brooke was caught out of position, allowing a simple tap in.
Hahndorf tried to put Flinders under pressure but the bounce of the ball did them no favours as their hosts hit long balls wide and forward looking to exploit the height advantage they had up front.
Jones smashed a free kick from distance that the Uni ‘keeper struggled to hold but the ball was cleared before Hahndorf’s forwards could put in a challenge.
At the other end everything was going the host’s way, a cross from out wide dropped into goal and a fourth added when a great double save by Brooke saw the loose ball knocked in. A further two ended in the Hahndorf net as the half concluded.
Rising from the previous half’s carnage, the Magpie Reserves applied themselves and started to make inroads to the Uni goal. Chow won a ball from a corner and skipped past a defender but blasted his shot over the bar.
Substitutes Edmondo Palombo and Michael Stevens, the latter making his return after a long injury spell, added some assured touches and Hahndorf retained some midfield possession.
Goodfellow showed some nice touches and beat several opponents in one of many forays forward for the Magpies and was rewarded for his persistence with the only score of the half. A good build up through Stevens sent the ball wide and deep where Goodfellow won the challenge. Opening up the goal as he moved toward the middle, Goodfellow struck the ball with the outside of his foot to beat the ‘keeper at the near post.
The goal was a just reward for the Reserves as they put their best foot forward in the second half. Best on the day were Lindon, Medley and Goodfellow.
There is a feast of football with a triple header on next week at Pine Avenue. Hahndorf will be looking to put a score past the Cougars at the Magpies Nest and the Super C’s host the second placed Sturt Marion. Action starts at 11.30am.

Hahndorf V MA Hawks

Hahndorf and the MA Hawks put on a fierce contest for the tenth round of the SAASL Division 2, a single goal to the visitors giving them the points despite the Magpies having the better chances.

The Magpies got off to a poor start with goalkeeper Danny Pace and the defence of crafty Wayne Forrester, veteran Andy Craig and towering Tyrone Blunt put under early pressure. The Hawks midfield moved the ball through the midfield well and their movement troubled Craig Cottle, Ash Parr and Todd Newman with wide players Brad Francis and Paul Charles also starting on the back foot.

After seven minutes, the Hawks sprayed a diagonal ball wide as the defence pushed out, leaving them exposed in the middle and a simple cross picked out an unmarked striker who gave Pace no chance from close in.

The goal awoke the lethargic Magpies and they started to build their game, with the Argentinian Wiz, Martin Moran dropping deep to help out the midfield and John Lawler making some runs up front.

Charles collected a wide ball from a Cottle - Moran combination and took it to the goal-line before whipping it into the middle with his left foot. Lawler ran to the cross but could not get a firm head on the ball and it glanced past the post with the goal beckoning.

Lawler soon had another excellent opportunity, running on to a through ball and bearing down on goal before he fired the shot just over the bar. The Magpies kept up the pressure with several corners but their best effort fell to Craig who volleyed from just inside the box and his shot was stopped on the line.

At the other end, the Hawks attack also had a few chances but good defence by Hahndorf denied them shots on target and ‘keeper Pace was relatively untroubled. Cottle put in two sharp free kicks but the Hawks ‘keeper was able to neutralise the threat of the inswinging ball as half time drew close.

In the second half, Hahndorf continued to push for an equaliser and, urged on by the local support, began to take control of the match. Moran was dominating possession and Cottle, getting back into form, found his passing range with Newman and Parr working hard in the midfield cauldron.

The MA Hawks found themselves launching long balls forward in a bid to break down the Hahndorf defence, but Pace and Forrester cleaned up most of the Hawks’ loose deliveries with Blunt injecting some assured passing. The run of flankers Francis and Charles remained a threat to the Hawks, until Francis ran out of legs and was replaced by Stephen Ness.

Ness got immediately into the match with some good defensive work and the fresh player helped open up the midfield. Mercurial Chilean, Roly Tobar entered the fray, his unpredictable style a handful for the Hawks midfield.

Minutes later, an injury to Newman forced Hahndorf into their last substitution, with Lachlan McQueen injected up front.

In the remaining twenty minutes, Hahndorf desperately sought the equaliser, the players lifting as the Hawks hung on to their slim lead. Charles and Lawler made blazing runs down the wing before putting in promising crosses. McQueen charged forward, intent on the ball and just missed one cross before going wide with his header with a second.

The minutes slid by as the Magpies renewed their attack, Moran working his way into the box before he was seemingly cut down, the calls for a penalty falling on deaf ears as the referee waved play on. With the Hahndorf side still pushing for goal they were denied by time as the final whistle was blown.

It was a tough result for the Magpies who created the better chances but paid dearly for their tardy start and profligacy in front of goal. However, it was a good performance by the team and the Magpies will be encouraged in the way their new formation is working with every player putting in a fine effort.

Reserves

The Hahndorf Reserves put together some impressive football but ultimately could not get the goals it deserved in a 4-1 defeat to the MA Hawks resreves.

After a sketchy opening ten minutes, the Hahndorf Reserves took control of the midfield and created many good exchanges of play. Goalkeeper Nathaniel Brooke presided over a young but improving defence of Ben Wells, skipper Rupert Lindon, Sam Gowan and Matt Medley, celebrating his 18^th birthday.

Jack Farrimond made a return from injury in midfield along with Angus Coulls, Kyle Eglinton and Luke Jones. The midfield combined well to support frontrunners Jack Goodfellow and Vin Chow however it was in the last third of the pitch that the Magpies had the most trouble.

They built up play well but could not get a telling shot in the back of the net, the best chance falling to Coulls. In central defence, Medley and Lindon ensured the Hawks worked hard for every glimpse at goal, the captain leading from the front and putting in a stellar game.

Both teams entered the second half looking for the leading goal, but it was Hahndorf who dominated the first fifteen minutes, some crisp passing between Wells, Eglinton, Jones and Chow working the ball down the flank. However, the shots at goal did not eventuate and it was Gowan who pushed forward with some enterprising play resulting in two long range shots that had the Hawks’ ‘keeper scrambling to keep the ball out.

Despite their possession, the Magpies went down by two quick goals taken against the run of play, the first catching Brooke out of position and the second the result of the striker taking his chance well. The Magpies continued to battle and brought on the Italian Maestro, Edmondo Palumbo, Lachlan McQueen and Andrew Kenny to bolster their chances.

The move nearly paid off but again Hahndorf was found lacking in front of goal despite a good build up. The Hawks countered with another two goals before the Magpie Reserves were awarded a penalty. Jones lashed the ball into the net for a consolation goal but the Magpie Reserves will feel that they should have added more as they moved the ball well for large periods of the game. All players put in a great effort with Lindon outstanding on the day.

Next week the Hahndorf Magpies are on the road visiting Flinders University, where they hope to hand out a footballing lesson, while the Super Cs are also away at FC Adelaide.

This weeks report on the match between Adelaide University and Hahndorf, enjoy.

Adelaide Uni V Hahndorf

Hahndorf travelled to the North Adelaide Parklands to face the Adelaide University Blacks for the ninth round of the SAASL second division, but came up short in a 2-0 defeat.

Retaining their formation from last week the Magpies got off to a busy start with the core midfielders Ash Parr, Todd Newman and Craig Cottle, looking to take control. Wide players Paul Charles and John Lawler had plenty of ground to cover on the wide University pitch as the home side pushed for ascendancy early on. However the defensive unit of Wayne Forrester, Andy Craig and Tyrone Blunt were cohesive and goalkeeper Danny Pace had few meaningful shots to keep out.

In attack, Hahndorf favoured a South American flavour with mercurial Chilean Roly Tobar and the Argentinian Wiz, Martin Moran putting the Blacks defence under notice with a few early attempts.

The battle for the midfield contained the most interest and it was Uni who made their possession count after twenty-five minutes, getting an untracked player forward and creating an extra man as they opened the scoring from a cross that was knocked in from close range.

The goal was a setback for the Magpies but proved to be a catalyst in tightening up the midfield. Hahndorf pressed forward but lacked the vital shot or pass to get them the equaliser. Tobar and Moran at times combined well and had support from flanking runs by Charles and Lawler. As the half wound down Adelaide caused some late panic in the Hahndorf penalty area but could not find the target.

After the break, it was again an arm wrestle for midfield dominance with both teams showing a determined spirit. Blunt was having an outstanding game in breaking down the Uni attacks and Craig dealt with the aerial balls sent forward with Forrester cleaning up the loose ball.

Hahndorf had several promising free kicks but Cottle’s radar was unusually askew, although he had one effort just go wide with the ’keeper stranded. The Magpies kept up the pressure and earned several corners, however none were able to be capitalised on.

It was during a period of sustained Hahndorf possession when Adelaide were able to add to their tally, a sweeping counterattack that exposed the Magpie backline. With the Uni forward under pressure from Blunt, he managed to squeeze a shot in past Pace and consolidate their lead.

Hahndorf regrouped and substituted Tobar and Parr for Brad Francis and Stephen Ness. Francis was immediately a threat forward, his unique style making life difficult for the Blacks defence and Hahndorf were unlucky not to open their account. Ness too added some midfield energy as the Magpies, urged on by some vocal support, tried to break through on goal.

Adelaide almost sealed the game with a third goal but Pace stretched out to push a sharp effort past the post. With ten minutes remaining Hahndorf brought on Rupert Lindon for Craig as the Magpies pushed more players forward. Late on, Uni were awarded a penalty but Pace was at his acrobatic best to deny the Blacks a third score. The Hahndorf side went close on several more occasions but again lacked a telling shot as Uni held on to their lead in the dying minutes.

Blunt was outstanding as best on ground, followed by the solid contributions of Forrester, Newman and Craig. The Hahndorf side will take many positives out of the game as they develop their new formation and just need to put some goals away to turn around their season.

Reserves

The Hahndorf youth policy was evident this round as the youngest ever Reserves side was put out on the park, with no player over the age of 22. Despite the exuberance of youth, the Magpies were a touch unlucky to go down two goals to nil.

Hahndorf resorted to a traditional 4-4-2 line up behind regular custodian Nathaniel Brooke. Ben Wells, Rupert Lindon, Matt Medley and Sam Gowan formed the defensive line with the midfield comprised by Luke Jones, Lachlan McQueen, Alex Oldham and Kyle Eglinton. The strike force of Vin Chow and Jack Goodfellow carried Hahndorf’s hopes up front and they began in bright fashion, receiving strong support from the midfield.

Both sides worked hard in the midfield to supply the forwards but it was the Uni side that created the better opportunities in the opening twenty minutes, Brooke called into action several times. Medley, impressing each week in central defence and Lindon were industrious in containing the home sides’ forwards and were aided by Wells and Gowan.

Goodfellow and Chow found the Blacks defence a difficult proposition, but managed to find openings that kept the opposition ‘keeper on his toes. However, it was Uni that opened the scoring on the half hour, a sharp move catching out the Magpies and exposing the goal.

The Reserves countered with a period of possession which resulted in Oldham almost equalising with a header, the shot just sliding wide of goal. As the half drew to a close, Gowan made two valuable contributions, putting in a recovering tackle and on hand to clear from Brooke’s great save as Uni looked to add to the score.

On the resumption of play, Uni picked up where they left and put the Magpie defence under pressure. Medley and Wells blunted the attacks and Hahndorf took more control of the ball. Angus Coulls was brought on for Gowan as Hahndorf had opportunities to score. Lindon put a fine ball through to Chow but it was deemed offside and Jones put in a great effort to get a shot in that was tipped away for a corner. McQueen added to the pressure with a volley that unfortunately was aimed straight at the Uni ‘keeper.

It was surprising then when the Blacks added their second, an unlucky bounce catching Brooke short and his tapped clearance was headed back past him. Hahndorf answered the goal with Medley getting an incisive pass to Goodfellow and he drew a full length save from the host’s ‘keeper to earn a corner.

The Magpie Reserves had several more opportunities to score but even from close range could not find the net. In the remaining minutes Hahndorf continued to play well but could not prise open the Uni defence. Best on the day were Medley and Brooke.

It was another frustrating match as Hahndorf looked likely to score but lack of experience is proving to be a challenge in the final third of the pitch.

The Hahndorf Magpies have a week off before taking on MA Hawks at Pine Avenue and the Super C’s host Adelaide Uni on the 28^th of June.

Super C’s

The Super C’s fought out a titanic battle with long-term adversaries Adelaide Monarchs down on the Grange ground. With scores locked at 4-4, Hahndorf fought hard to grab a winner in the dying minutes to run out 4-5 winners.

Budapest edge out Hahndorf

This weeks report on the game between Budapest and Hahndorf SC

Budapest V Hahndorf

The Hahndorf Magpies travelled to Kilkenny to take on fierce rivals Budapest in the 7th round of the SAASL 2^nd Division. After a highly contested match, the home side managed to put in two goals to nil to take the three points.

Hahndorf shuffled the side once more in a bid to find a formation for their depleted team. They were bolstered by the return from injury of Todd Newman and the Magpies lined up with the experienced player in a deep midfield role, with the core midfield comprised of Stephen Ness and Craig Cottle, aided by flanking players Paul Charles and John Lawler, another player resurrected from injury. Dual strikers Ash Parr and Roly Tobar gave variety up front and goalkeeper Danny Pace oversaw an experienced defensive line of Tyrone Blunt, wiley fox Wayne Forrester and veteran Andy Craig.

Budapest started the game with intent and put the Magpies on the defensive, with Budapest talisman Zelko Popovic creating havoc and the Hahndorf players adjusting to the new formation. After ten minutes the Magpies found themselves a goal down, a run and cross met by a sprightly Budapest forward and he tapped in from close range.

The goal drew Hahndorf’s game into focus and they began to move the ball around well on the wide expanses of the Budapest pitch. Charles and Lawler found spaces down the flanks to provide crosses to Tobar and Parr as the Budapest defence was put under pressure. Ness, Newman and Cottle worked hard to challenge in the middle of the park and the defence began to get on top of the Budapest forwards.

With Hahndorf pressing forward, Tobar found himself with scoring opportunities but close marking prevented clear shots at goal and Parr was a constant threat with his bustling runs, often drawing crude tackles from the defence.

At the break the Magpies took stock of their situation and began the second stanza intent on squaring the ledger. Tobar worked hard without reward but supported Parr in his endeavour to get the equaliser.

A worsening muscle strain forced the substitution of Charles and he was replaced by utility Kyle Eglinton, and he looked to exploit Budapest on the right. Lack of recent games also began to hinder Newman and Alex Oldham was called on with fifteen minutes remaining to shore up the midfield while Tobar made way for Vin Chow.

During the second half, the defence of Craig, Forrester and Blunt continued to make vital tackles as Budapest looked to add to their score. However, they were unable to cover a loose player emerging from midfield and in the ensuing penalty area scramble, a poke at goal caught out the unsighted Pace to give Budapest their second.

In the remaining ten minutes, the Magpies pushed forward looking for a goal and should have been rewarded when Parr was cut down in the penalty area but Hahndorf’s protests were waved away by the referee and the game ended with the Magpies still committed to the game.

This week was a much-improved performance by the Hahndorf side and they will rue the slips in concentration that allowed Budapest to score. However, the Magpie’s new system has produced some nice passing football that will improve in the next few weeks as they get back some fit players and adjust to the style.

Reserves

The Magpie Reserves missed a golden opportunity to grab a much sought after win, eventually conceding a late goal to be on the wrong side of the 2-1 score line.

With the continuing injury troubles plaguing the club and several reserves players recruited for the First team, Coach Edmondo Palumbo balanced the remainders to put out a very competitive side. Goalkeeper Nathaniel Brooke was behind the defence of Ben Wells, the returning Stuart Thomas and youths Matt Medley and Sam Gowan. The Magpies began sharply and pushed the ball around well with midfielders Jamie Brice, Brad Coleman, Vin Chow and Rupert Lindon using the spaces well, bringing front runners Jack Goodfellow and Luke Jones into the game.

Brice had the first clear chance but pushed his header wide after some good build up play. After thirty minutes Gus Coulls replaced Coleman, the midfielder ranging far and wide on the big pitch and feeling the strain after returning from injury. In defence Gowan was putting in some timely tackles and building on his good form over the recent weeks.

With half time looming, Hahndorf had a perfectly good goal disallowed, Wells crossing from deep and Brice’s header fumbled by the Budapest ‘keeper. Coulls pounced on the dropped ball and slid it into the net but the referee, who rarely strolled far from the centre circle, did not award the goal.

At nil all going into the second half, the Magpies put in a series of attacks, Jones having a angled cross just kept out by the home ‘keeper. Chow and Coulls combined to get Goodfellow into a scoring position but he could not keep his shot on target.

The pressure on Budapest took its toll however and a goalkeeper error saw a loose ball hammered home by Jones, his effort taking a deflection before getting in the net.

As the game progressed, a tiring Gowan was replaced by Palumbo as Hahndorf battled to maintain their lead. They were dealt a blow when Budapest equalised with fifteen minutes remaining and struggled to contain a now buoyant Budapest side. With just minutes left Budapest added a second to deflate the Magpie side. They pushed hard in the remaining minutes but the experience of the home side saw them take the points.

It was a cruel end to the match for Hahndorf with many players giving a good account of themselves, Chow especially outstanding in midfield and player of the day for the Magpies.

Next week both sides will have to pick themselves up for a crucial match away at Adelaide University, another team also struggling at the wrong end of the table.

This weeks report on the game between Hahndorf and Sturt Marion Thunder

Hahndorf V Sturt Marion

A depleted Hahndorf hosted league leaders Sturt Marion Thunder on a fine Saturday for the 7^th round of SAASL division 2. In a brave effort, the home team battled hard before Sturt prevailed 7-0.

With injuries still devastating the club, Coach Peter Cottle found his options limited and had to play a few players in unfamiliar positions against the imposing Sturt Marion side.

Regular custodian Danny Pace found himself behind a defensive line of Kyle Eglinton, Ash Parr, hard man Wayne Forrester and veteran Andy Craig alongside the towering Tyrone Blunt.

The Magpie defence were in the action early as Sturt Marion pushed players forward looking for a quick score, but their opening forays were repelled as the new formation held their own. Midfielders Craig Cottle, Stephen Ness, Paul Charles and young Alex Oldham put pressure on the Thunder, winning some valuable balls but unable to link effectively with the Argentinian Wiz, Martin Moran.

The opening goal for the visitors came courtesy of a cheeky free kick, quickly taken while the Magpies were organising their wall and the ball was curled into the far post. Despite the setback the Magpies should have equalised a short time later, but after creating the space and opportunity, the final pass was over hit.

Many of the Sturt Marion attacks relied on the long throw, a potent weapon when it was delivered into the 6 yard box and Craig and Forrester had their work cut out in dealing with the aerial threat. When the visitors did get a header on target, Parr was on hand with a timely clearance off the line.

The pressure by the Thunder eventually paid off, some neat passing working the ball into the area and finished with a close range shot that just crept inside the post. Hahndorf continued to battle for the ball but struggled to get shots on target as half time drew near. The Magpies were unlucky to concede a third just before the break when a long range effort found the net after Hahndorf had denied the visitors closer access to goal.

The resumption of play saw Hahndorf on a more even footing with Sturt Marion with Ness and Oldham winning some midfield tussles and forcing the visitors to reassess their options. Forrester was marshalling the defence well and Hahndorf made several forays forward but consistently lacked a convincing finish in the final third of the pitch.

Hahndorf soaked up the pressure but Sturt Marion were relentless in their attacking endeavour and added two more goals after twenty minutes, one a rasping effort from distance that found the top corner of the net.

At the other end, Moran and Charles combined down the flank to earn a corner but the Magpies couldn’t capitalise on the opportunity. Their predicament worsened when a Hahndorf player gained two fairly soft yellow cards, leaving the Magpies to negotiate the remaining twenty minutes with ten men. Cottle made two substitutions, bringing on Vin Chow and Luke Jones for Charles and Eglinton.

Pace faced more pressure in goal and continued to do extremely well making some important saves. He made a great double save and was most unlucky to see the ball roll to a Sturt Marion forward and he tapped in from two metres. With five minutes remaining the Thunder added their seventh from what looked to an offside position, a one on one that Pace was unable to keep out.

Despite the result, the Magpies made the league leaders earn their three points by battling hard all day. They need to finish off their attacking moves with more conviction and then they may see some more favourable results in future weeks.

Reserves

The Hahndorf Reserves faced the same selection problems as the first team but managed to put out a competitive side that was undone by the Sturt Marion side 5-0.

With several players elevated to the first team squad, the Magpie Reserves started with Nathaniel Brooke in goal presiding over a defence containing Mark McGrath, Ben Wells, Sam Gowan and Matt Medley. Jamie Brice returned after an absence to line up alongside Jack Goodfellow, Lachlan McQueen, Vin Chow and Reserves captain Rupert “the Enforcer” Lindon. Live wire Luke Jones filled out the attacking role and Hahndorf started the game with spirits high.

The more fancied Sturt Marion tried to dominate the Hahndorf defence from the start, however Medley and McGrath were up to the challenge early on. The Magpie midfield more than matched the visitors and Hahndorf created some good opportunities in the opening exchanges.

However, Hahndorf soon found themselves of the back foot after conceding the first goal. The Magpies recovered well and went on several attacks but lacked penetration at key moments. A substitution saw Angus Coulls replace Goodfellow after thirty minutes.

Sturt Marion added a second with a fine drive from twenty-five yards that arrowed into the top corner, giving Brookes no chance. In the shadows of half time, Hahndorf conceded two more goals to go into the break four goals down.

As has often occurred this season, the Magpie reserves were a much better team in the second period. They tightened up in midfield and their passes began to hit their targets.

Medley was proving very hard to get past and along with Brooke they shut down Sturt Marion’s chances. A flowing move from one end to the other saw the ball pass from Lindon to Chow who squared it for Coulls and he pushed a through ball for McQueen. Driving in from the left, McQueen hit his shot well but it flew just the wrong side of the post.

As the game drew on Sturt scored a fifth and a little later Coach Edmondo Palumbo brought himself on for the tiring Gowan. The Italian Maestro made some key interceptions as Hahndorf fought back in the later stages. Wells showed his trickery down the flank and the midfield were winning the hard ball. They had chances to get on the board but time escaped them before they could get one past the Sturt Marion ‘keeper.

It was a good performance in the second half by the Magpies, they just need to keep the intensity up from the start and the results will turn their way.

Next week the Magpies travel down to the far reaches of Torrens road to visit Budapest, a team that was promoted last year along with the Hahndorf side.

Hahndorf report

I've decided to post the reports I write for the Hills Courier and Hahndorf Soccer Club website about the matches we play. You'll be able to get the reports here first for all your Magpie action.

Southern Breakers V Hahndorf

In round 6 of the SAASL Div 2, a depleted Hahndorf battled gamely before going down 4-1 against a controlled performance by Southern Breakers side.

Hahndorf’s horror run of injuries continued this week, with coach Peter Cottle reaching deep to put out a side that contained only two players from last years regular first team. The line-up saw a few players in unfamiliar roles with the improving Danny Pace donning the gloves behind a makeshift defence of Ash Parr, Paul Charles, Stephen Ness and cagey veteran Wayne Forrester.

The Magpies opted for a five man midfield of Tyrone Blunt, Craig Cottle and John Lawler alongside young improvers Jack Farrimond and Alex Oldham with the Argentinean Wiz Martin Moran the focal front man.

The Breaker’s pitch was in fine condition, showing little signs of the recent rains and the home team opened proceedings in attack mode. The new-look Magpie defence was tested early and after fifteen minutes the Breakers prised it open with a player able to advance unchallenged. He put in a cross that found a teammate who made no mistake from close range.

To Hahndorf’s credit they hit back within five minutes, Forrester using his guile to get on the end of Cottle’s deep free kick, his first touch taking him past the defender before burying the ball into the net with his left foot.

With both teams on the board, the game settled for a period with neither team able to get an advantage as the narrow pitch made for a congested midfield and both teams struggled to retain possession. However, the Breakers took an opportunistic lead when Hahndorf failed to mark up at a corner. The Breaker’s header fell to the near post and a striker lashed it home from close range.

At 2-1 the Breakers had their tails up and Pace was called into action soon after the restart, making several fine saves, in one instance doing well to keep out a fiercely hit shot before pouncing on the rebound. The stretched Magpies were defending with fortitude but an errant challenge drew a penalty call for the Breakers. Journeyman Glen Higgins used his experience to send Pace the wrong way and made the score 3-1 with a textbook penalty shot.

However it wasn’t all one-way traffic, Moran created several opportunities but often lacked support at crucial times. Farrimond worked extremely hard and linked with Moran to set up Blunt, his shot forcing a corner after some emergency rearguard defence by the home side. As the half drew to an end Pace made great save from Higgins’ volley, the young Hahndorf custodian continuing his outstanding year between the posts.

After the break, the home side were intent in increasing the score and Hahndorf weathered the pressure, the Breakers’ big striker Craig Baker shooting wide following a progressive build up.

Hahndorf then put together some nice football, Moran, Farrimond and Oldham moving the ball well but lacking the final pass to open the breakers defence. As the match progressed it was the Breakers who had more opportunities and possession but they also found it difficult to score.

The run of the day resulted from Parr, emerging from defence and going on a bustling run that left four Breakers in his wake as he arrowed toward goal. His fifty metre dash culminated in a terrific point blank save by the home sides ‘keeper as he managed to get an arm in the way of Parr’s shot.

The Magpies made a substitution, bringing on Rupert Lindon for Lawler and soon had to make another as the injury curse hit the Magpies again. Farrimond made a telling intercept in midfield but twisted his knee in getting the ball to Moran whose shot was cleared by the Breakers. Kyle Eglinton replaced Farrimond, who had been industrious all game and Hahndorf were down another key player.

The Breakers mounted further attacks but Ness and Forrester combined well to deny the hosts and set up a counter attack that resulted in a Magpie free kick.

Cottle’s free eluded everyone and it fell to Oldham, who was perhaps surprised it reached him and his shot at goal went wide. With players tiring, the Magpies made their final change, putting on livewire Luke Jones for Charles and moving Blunt into a defensive role, which he played well.

With Jones running up front with Moran, the Magpies created a few more chances but luck deserted them in the final minutes as the Breakers scored their fourth. A long ball fell into the penalty area among four players and bounced off a wayward leg to deflect past the stranded Pace.

The injury ravaged Hahndorf will be hoping to get some more of their senior players back on the park before it runs out of able bodies in the next few weeks, with games against league favourites Sturt Marion and Flinders Uni looming soon.

Reserves

The Reserves were unlucky to concede two first half goals before rallying in the second half to eventually go down 2-1 against the Southern Breakers Reserves.

With fit players at a premium, reserves coach Edmundo Palumbo came out of retirement to slot into his favoured full back position. The Italian Maestro didn’t disappoint his fans, getting into the action early and keeping the Magpies going forward with some incisive passes.

Hahndorf controlled the play from the start, with midfielders Vin Chow, Lachlan McQueen, Rupert “the Enforcer” Lindon, Stuart Thomas and Reserves debutant Sam Gowen pushing the ball around well and putting the hosts on the back foot. Luke Jones prowled the frontlines but couldn’t make the Breakers pay for Hahndorf early dominance.

The backline of Matt Medley, Mark McGrath and Andy Craig defused the Breakers forays forward and it was a shock when the hosts went ahead with their first entry into the penalty area. A square ball catching Hahndorf out and an unmarked Breaker fired past the exposed Nathaniel Brooke from ten metres.

The frustration continued for the Magpies ten minutes later as the hosts doubled their lead, a run into the box resulting in a shot past the Hahndorf custodian as he showed a little too much of his front post. Hahndorf continued to push forward but for all their possession could create few chances on goal.

In the second half, the Breakers took hold of the game and the Magpies had trouble putting their foot on the ball and stringing passes together. However, they worked their way back into the match as the Breakers dropped in intensity. The versatile Kyle Eglinton came on for Lindon and Ben Wells replaced Gowen, who had put in a fine effort.

Hahndorf pressed forward with McQueen, Eglinton and Medley putting in the hard yards and the Magpies scored with fifteen minutes remaining. Chow benefited from some excellent build up and created space just outside the area and let fly with a rocket into the Breakers net.

Medley, Wells and Craig combined fluidly at the back to deny the Breakers further chances and set up many forays forward. Jones had a great chance to equalise but found himself on his non-preferred foot after a circuitous route to goal and fired wide. It was to be the Magpies best effort as time ran out.

Medley put in another outstanding game and all players put in a great effort as the Magpies were unlucky not to get a point from the game.

Next week is a cup round with both sides at home, providing they can get enough fit players. The First team are hosting the Sunday Div. 2 team, the ISC Raptors while the Sunday Div. 1 team, the Pontian Eagles will be the Reserve Magpies prey.