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.