Hahndorf V Adelaide Redblue Eagles
Hahndorf played a catch-up game on the weekend against Adelaide Redblue Eagles and found the visitors in a feisty mood. The Magpies wasted many opportunities to put the game beyond the Eagles but succumbed to a late equaliser for both teams to share the points.
Hahndorf started off brightly, the midfield of David Grant, John Lawler, Gary Ledson and inspirational captain Matt Norris moving the ball confidently under the leaden skies. Mike Lewington and Ash Oosh made their presence felt up front with some robust challenges and kept the opposition defence on their toes.
Nathaniel Brooke donned the gloves for the Magpies, with a familiar defensive line up of Kyle Eglinton, Todd Newman, Wayne Forrester and Lee Stibbs stifling the attack of the visitors. Hahndorf were forced into an early substitution when Lawler sustained an injury and Jon Lynn stepped in to cover the loss. Soon however the Magpies broke open the game when Forrester smashed in a volley from the edge of the area, the wily veteran pouncing on a loose ball after a corner.
The goal gave the hosts inspiration and they created more chances but were unable to find the net. Grant rolled back the years with a scything run that left three Eagles trailing in his wake and he raced into goal with only the ‘keeper to beat. His shot was chipped over the advancing custodian but unfortunately for the home side, also just over the crossbar.
The Redblue Eagles managed several attacks but the defence of Hahndorf stood fast, Forrester and Newman commanding the middle while Stibbs and Eglinton held the forays on the flanks to a minimum.
Oosh and Lewington combined for a chance as Hahndorf stepped up the attacks on goal but despite their endeavour, could not add to the score, the Eagles ‘keeper making some crucial saves. Lynn went just wide with a fine strike while Oosh also was off target before half time.
The resumption of play in the second half also signalled for the rain to start and soon the slippery pitch was another obstacle for both teams. It was an even opening as both sides adjusted to the changing conditions. The visitors gained the first of several free kicks from outside the penalty area but the resultant shot was too high to trouble Brooke.
Oosh countered with another chance before the Eagles went wide with another free kick. The visitors were not allowing the Magpies to get their own way and worked into the match with some nice passes through midfield. Hahndorf’s defence remained defiant as the Redblue Eagles sought an equaliser.
Oosh was having a fine game, rampaging at the Eagles defence for most of the game and it was a fine pass by him that nearly gave the Magpies a second score. Grant met the cross with a clean volley and with the keeper beaten the ball unfortunately struck the bar and bounced away from danger. The woodwork was again to save the Eagles when Lewington had his goal-bound shot deflected onto the post by the Redblue ‘keeper at full stretch.
The visitors however did not give up and it was Brooke called into action next, a strong diving punch keeping the Eagles score bare. Brooke soon after launched a clearance to Oosh and again the Eagles’ custodian made a great save to prevent what looked to be a certain score.
Oosh had run himself ragged and was replaced by Luke Jones, the young forward keen to make an impression on the game. He was soon involved with a build up with Lewington to create another chance and Lynn also had an effort pass by the post.
Hahndorf’s profligacy in front of goal was to haunt them once again as the Eagles gained the last of their numerous free kicks from a dangerous area. This time their aim was true and the shot squirmed under the Hahndorf ‘keeper to make the score even with minutes remaining. Hahndorf desperately sought the winning goal and laid siege to the Eagles goal but their shooting was off, Jones pouncing onto a rebound before finding the ‘keeper in the way of the goal.
It was a disappointing end to the match and Hahndorf will feel they let the three points slip away at the last moment. Best on a frustrating day was Forrester, his defending exemplary, with Stibbs and Norris also putting in fine performances.
Reserves
The Hahndorf Reserves survived a late scare before outlasting the visiting Redblue Eagles 2-1 in a match full of chances but neither side able to take advantage.
A late arriving goalkeeper for the home side saw Luke Jones volunteer to get between the sticks. Before him, the defence of Matt Medley, veterans Andy Craig and Stuart Thomas along with the “Italian Maestro”, Edmondo Palombo combined to protect the stand-in during the early phases of the game.
Andrew Kenny, Tyrone Blunt and the “Albino yeti”, Lachlan McQueen joined the “Black Pearl”, Owen Boyce in midfield as the Magpies got off to a tardy start, the opening period of play not one for the highlight reel. Up front, Chris Hyde and Sam Heyward made themselves available but Hahndorf’s disjointed play did not create many opportunities for the forward line. After ten minutes, Jones was replaced by regular ‘keeper, Mark McGrath.
It was the Eagles who made the opening running and the scoring, a low cross missed by a plethora of Hahndorf players before an Eagles attacker prodded the ball in to put the visitors ahead.
The goal sparked the Magpies and they began to create chances of their own and get on top of the game in midfield. Blunt and Boyce were particularly industrious as Hahndorf held possession in midfield for long periods of play.
However, it was until minutes from halftime before the Magpies turned their control into a score. Good lead up work but Boyce, Hyde and Heyward gave McQueen an opportunity and the Albino Yeti did not disappoint, blasting in from six yards for the equaliser.
After the break the match evened out somewhat, the defence of Craig and Thomas winning the high balls while Medley and Palombo were solid at the back as Hahndorf pushed forward. Blunt created attacking moves from the middle, giving Hyde and Heyward chances but Hahndorf could not capitalise from their better field positions.
The Eagles fought back, giving the Magpies a scare until Blunt put Hahndorf into the lead with a phenomenal strike, the ball travelling like an exocet missile as it rocketed into the bottom corner from thirty metres. Hahndorf continued to go for more goals but found their aim wayward.
Ben Edwards and Kieran Evans completed the Hahndorf substitutions, as the Redblue Eagles showed fight to the end. The home side were almost to regret all their missed opportunities as the visitors hit the post and had another great chance to equalise minutes before the match concluded.
In a tight finish, the Magpies were happy victors with man of the Match honours going to Blunt, the big man producing a stunning goal and some pivotal play. Medley, Craig and Boyce also put in solid contributions in a game that could have slipped away in the final minutes.
Next week, the Magpies travel to the northern suburb of Para Vista, with only the Hahndorf first team playing the SA Bullets away, the hosts not having a reserve side.
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