Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Round 12: Hahndorf V MA Hawks

Hahndorf V MA Hawks

Title contenders MA Hawks outplayed an injury-hit Hahndorf Magpie unit on Saturday, running out 3-0 winners in the 12th round of the South Australian Amateur League 3rd Division.

The Hahndorf Magpies lined up with man-mountain, Nathaniel Brooke between the sticks and before him were the defensive talents of Matt Medley, and the Trio of Bald Brothers Matt Norris, Todd Newman and wily fox Wayne Forrester.

The midfield engine room consisted of John Lawler, Steve Noble, Jon Lynn and Ash Oosh and Hahndorf also started new recruit Kayne Stubing up front with big man Tyrone Blunt.

However it was the MA Hawks who had their forwards in the spotlight within a minute of kickoff. A quick move down the flank and an angled ball over the defence exposed Magpie ‘keeper Brooke and the Hawks went 1-0 up while most of the spectators were still getting their cups of tea from the canteen.

The early goal set out the Hawks’ intentions and they exerted their control from the start while Lynn, Noble and Oosh worked overtime to bring Hahndorf back into reckoning. Norris and Forrester marshalled the defence with MA pressuring the Magpies at every opportunity and Brooke called upon fairly often to keep out the visitors shots.

The pressure eventually took its toll, a ball was worked to the top of the penalty area to a Hawks forward. He turned and arrowed a shot into the top corner, giving Brooke no chance and the MA Hawks took a 2-0 lead.

Hahndorf recovered a little but lacked a striking punch where it counted, their efforts on goal sporadic and well covered by the MA defence. At the other end the Hawks could have extended their lead but for an acrobatic save by Brooke, fully extended to tip a goal-bound shot over the crossbar.

Hahndorf were dealt a blow just before half time when captain Norris landed awkwardly after an aerial challenge and Mike Lewington replaced him.

After half time things did not get much better for the Magpies despite the efforts of Oosh and Noble, the pair outstanding in their endeavour but finding few co-contributors. A third goal to the visitors effectively killed off the match but to Hahndorf’s credit they battled to the end and created the better chances in the final twenty minutes.

Brendan Kilpatrick replaced Medley and with Lewington, added some verve up front. Newman had his header from a corner go over the bar as did Oosh with a curling free kick from outside the area.

Brooke made a great one on one save to deny the Hawks their fourth, before Hahndorf made a late charge to get on the scoreboard. A free kick was wasted wide of the goal and Lynn could not find the target after Kilpatrick flicked on the ball to give Lynn a clear run into goal.

Young Stubing almost made it a notable debut but a spectacular save by the MA ‘keeper denied him and Hahndorf of a certain goal. Oosh followed up soon after from the corner but his rasping shot flew just past the post with minutes left in the game. Best on the day were Oosh and Noble, the two putting in a great effort all day with Brooke also putting in a fine performance

It was a disappointing result for the Magpies and they failed to hold possession when it counted but hopefully it was an aberration after a number of weeks of solid performances.

Reserves
The Hahndorf Reserves played out a frustrating 1-1 draw after dominating the majority of the play but failing to convert their chances.

Promising ‘keeper James Nicholson anchored the defence forged from veterans Stuart Thomas and Andy Craig combining with Sam Gowan and the Italian Maestro, Edmondo Palombo. The defensive unit had little to do early on with the Magpies putting MA Hawks under pressure from the start.

Ben Wells got the ball rolling with a shot in the first twenty seconds and forwards Chris Hyde and Mike Lewington kept up the pressure with a few more chances early on. Kyle Eglinton, Gary Ledson and the Black Pearl, Owen Boyce controlled the midfield as Hahndorf tried to make their dominance count. Craig had two good chances but put his headers wide of the target and Hyde hit the bar with a sharp effort.

After some neat interplay, Wells nearly broke the deadlock with a stunning strike that cannoned of the crossbar and followed up soon after with good effort that slid wide. Hahndorf peppered the Hawks goal and it looked like it was only a matter of time before the Magpies scored. However, minutes from half time, a dubious free kick let the Hawks in for their first clear chance and they took full advantage to take the lead with a precise header.

Resuming from half time, the Magpies exchanged Wells for Rupert Lindon due to a recurring injury. The Magpies continued to create chances but again could not find the back of the net despite their territorial advantage. Ledson was in dominant form, controlling the midfield and often the origin of Hahndorf’s attacking play. Lewington made his presence felt in the forward line and was rewarded for his endeavour with the equalising goal. Collecting a poorly distributed goal kick, Lewington quickly brought the ball under control and fired it past the scrambling Hawks ‘keeper into the corner of the net.


Hahndorf went searching for the next score and sustained the pressure on the visitors. Eglinton made way for the Albino Yeti, Lachlan McQueen and combined with Boyce and Craig to create a chance. Ledson exchanged passes with Hyde and Lewington before lashing a shot that skimmed the crossbar. Kieran Evans made an appearance as the Magpies continued to hold possession but could not get the decisive strike.

Further frustration plagued Hahndorf when Hyde was severely impeded by the MA custodian but did not get the clear penalty decision, the ‘keeper octopus-like in preventing the Hahndorf forward reaching a loose ball. In the end, time ran out for the Magpies and they were left to rue their missed opportunities after a dominant display.

Best on the day was Lewington putting in a valuable goal during his impressive game, along with Ledson commanding the middle and Wells looking sharp on the flank.

Next week the Hahndorf Magpies travel to the Southern Vales, hoping not to be distracted by the regions fine wineries when they take on McLaren District.

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Round 11: Adelaide Redblue Eagles V Hahndorf

Adelaide Redblue Eagles v Hahndorf

Hahndorf travelled down to Grange for the 11th round of the South Australian Amateur Soccer League 3rd division, a match against Adelaide Redblue Eagles on the agenda. In difficult conditions, neither side were able to break down their opposition and a scoreless draw was little consolation for the Hahndorf Magpies, who were seeking full points.

Hahndorf went into the match with injury and illness forcing some changes to the previous weeks team but the loss was covered by the inclusion of Matt Medley and Tyrone Blunt from the Reserves. Nathaniel Brooke donned the gloves for the Magpies with Medley, Todd Newman, Captain Matt Norris and the wily fox Wayne Forrester forming the defence.

Kyle Eglinton, Jon Lynn, Steve Noble and John Lawler patrolled the midfield as Hahndorf sought to control the tempo of the match from the start. A blustery wind blowing across the pitch made life difficult for both teams but the surface in general was reasonably good considering the recent rains. Ashley Oosh made the running up front with Blunt playing in the “Cantona role’ just behind, with both keen to put a score on the board.

After an even start, Brooke entered the action with a strong save to his left, stopping a long shot that was headed toward the corner of goal. The Eagles put further pressure on Hahndorf with the defence working hard to keep out the hosts and one challenge left Newman with a twisted knee. The “Black Pearl”, Owen Boyce was brought on to replace Newman and Hahndorf worked their way into attack.

Norris latched onto a corner from Oosh and sent a solid header just wide of the target as the Magpies stepped up their game to keep the Eagles on the back foot. Oosh was involved soon after, drawing Lawler into the game and his lofted cross fell to Eglinton who slipped the ball onto Oosh. Oosh held off a challenge close to goal but losing his balance was unable to get any power behind his shot and the Redblue ‘keeper made a comfortable save.

Hahndorf took their foot off the pedal as half time approached and nearly paid the price, as Brooke smartly saved another long-range shot. Both sides were capable holding possession in the first two thirds of the pitch but the respective defences made shooting opportunities a rarity.

After the break, the Adelaide Redblue Eagles seized the initiative and the defence of Medley, Forrester, Norris and Boyce were put to the test. The lads held firm for the opening minutes and Hahndorf began to get their midfield working. Lynn and Noble closed down the opposition and the Magpies turned up the heat on the Eagles, Blunt, Eglinton and Oosh combining well to force the home ‘keeper into some smart saves.

The Eagles hit back with a free kick on the edge of the area but could not capitalise on the chance and should have done better. Lynn nearly made them pay with a sharp effort that slid wide of the goal and Oosh could not exploit some good build up play by the Magpies when his effort also went astray.

Brooke remained steadfast at the back and had the attacking forays of the Eagles covered, Norris and Forrester chipping in with some timely interceptions. With twenty minutes remaining, Hahndorf opted to put on Mike Lewington in place of Oosh, the bustling forward having run himself into the ground while keeping the Eagles defence under pressure.

Norris almost opened the scoring with a quick free kick that had the ‘keeper scrambling to get to the ball as he was organising his wall. Hahndorf kept the intensity up through Lewington, the big forward stretching the Eagles ‘keeper with a well-directed header after a fine build up through Lynn and Boyce.

At the other end, Brooke made a great save to keep the scorekeeper unemployed as the Eagles made a sharp counter attack. A second free to the Magpies almost brought joy to the visitors, Lynn hitting the defensive wall and Norris driving the rebound hard and low towards goal, but the scorching shot skimmed past the post.

With the minutes winding down, Stuart Thomas entered the game, the senior player hoping to show the young guns how to finish as Hahndorf put on a late period of pressure. However, it was the Redblue Eagles who almost stole the match with a late free kick in a threatening position. Fortunately for the Hahndorf side, the taker of the free went for glory himself and wasted his shot over the bar in what was to be the penultimate kick in the match.

The game was a frustrating one for the Magpies, but their wayward shooting was tempered with good display in defence and they kept a clean sheet. Best on the day was Brooke, producing some outstanding saves, with Oosh and Norris putting in solid performances.


Reserves

The Hahndorf Reserves persisted in a niggly game to run out 3-0 winners on a wind swept Redblue Eagles pitch and kept the top of the table within their sights.

Hahndorf called up James Nicholson from the Super Cs to deputise in goal as veterans Andy Craig and Stuart Thomas took their regular positions in the heart of defence alongside flanking defenders Sam Gowan and the “Italian Maestro”, Edmondo Palombo.

Rupert Lindon, Gary Ledson, Ben “Beninho” Wells and the “Black Pearl”,Owen Boyce held the pivotal midfield positions with striking duo, Mike Lewington and Chris Hyde on the hunt for goals.

The opening minutes were fairly frantic as both side looked to assert their authority in testing conditions. Wells and Gowan exploited the Eagles on the flank, the wind helping to keep the ball toward that side of the ground. Hyde and Lewington worked with Ledson to drive the Magpies forward and created shots on goal but they failed to find the net. A number of Hahndorf corners kept the pressure on the hosts and at one point the Magpies looked to have scored but the ball was hacked off the line.

At the other end, the Hahndorf defence restricted the Eagles to a few hopeful shots that did not trouble Nicholson. Craig and Thomas marshalled the troops as Hahndorf built from the back and the midfield began to dominate.

Minutes from half time, Hahndorf opened the scoring through Boyce. An extended period of pressure saw some good interplay between Wells, Hyde and Ledson to put Boyce in on an acute angle. The Eagles ‘keeper expected a cross and left a huge hole through which an ecstatic Boyce drove the ball into the net.

Resuming from the break, Hahndorf kept the match under control as the opposition began to argue among themselves and concede needless free kicks. A strange piece of play ended a yellow card to an Eagles player after Lindon was wrestled to the ground with the ball out of play. Palombo expanded his range with a searching run to elude three Eagles and forge his way into the box, the final touch not quite matching his intent.

Luke Jones was brought into the match and made his mark ten minutes from time, his throw freeing Hyde and the forward strode into the penalty area. His shot went past the ‘keeper and found late arrival Wells, who blasted in from a full thirty centimetres. Wells celebrated in unique fashion with the corner flag, leaving his teammates with more questions than answers. At two goals down, Eagles tempers flared and they lost a player for a second bookable offence.

Youngsters Kieran Evans and Josh Watson were brought on and minutes from full time they combined to put Ledson through on goal. Ledson made up for all his misses during training to put the game beyond the Redblue eagles, slotting home for Hahndorf to run out comfortable 3-0 winners.

Best on the day was Boyce, getting the opening goal and playing a fine game, along with strong contributions from Wells and Gowan. Next week Hahndorf are at their Pine avenue home, hosting the MA Hawks, a challenge for both teams as this fixture has developed into fiercely contested matches in recent history.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Round 6 Catch up: Burundi Eagles V Hahndorf

Burundi Eagles V Hahndorf

In blustery conditions, Hahndorf played a catch up match on Saturday, taking on the undefeated Burundi Eagles. The Magpies were unlucky to concede a late winner in the entertaining game, the 2-1 score keeping the Eagles at the top of the South Australian Amateur Soccer League’s 3rd Division.

Nathaniel Brooke took his place between the sticks as Hahndorf kicked off with the wind. In defence, Todd Newman, Matt Norris, Lee “Collagen” Stibbs and the wily fox Wayne Forrester were prepared for a torrid time from Burundi side. Through the centre of the park, David Grant, Steve Noble and John Lawler joined Jack Farrimond, the young dynamo returning to midfield duties after a fractured arm.

Forwards Ash Oosh and Mike Lewington got straight into the action with Oosh having a chance to score in the opening minutes. However, soon after it was Burundi who opened the scoring, a scramble in the penalty area eventually ending with the ball in the net.

Hahndorf recovered well from the early blow and kept the pressure on the quick Burundi side as the Magpies midfield battled for possession. The windy conditions made play difficult but both sides produced some quality touches as the play went end to end. Brooke was alert to the Burundi threat and made some vital saves with the defence of Hahndorf working hard to repel the home team.

With ten minutes remaining in the half, Hahndorf hit back through Oosh, the combative forward running on to a missed header by the Eagles’ defender. Picking his spot, Oosh coolly slotted the ball past the advancing ‘keeper to restore parity in the match. It was a fair result for the half, both sides keeping the play open and each team getting a reward for their endeavour.

After the half time break, the Burundi Eagles came out firing and should have scored a second but for a brilliant save by Brooke, the Burundi forward running into Hahndorf’s area and striking a low drive that Brooke tipped past the post. Minutes later, captain Norris was on hand to clear a rasping shot off the line as the home side attacked with the strong wind at their backs.

Hahndorf defended well and built up their attack, looking to get behind the Eagles’ defence as they pushed well up the ground. The period of possession by the Magpies was not rewarded, the Burundi defence doing enough to prevent Hahndorf getting a second score on the board. One chance almost broke the deadlock, Stibbs unleashing a sharp effort from the corner of the area but the Burundi ‘keeper just managed to tip the shot over the bar when it looked to have found the top corner of the net.

The match lifted in intensity with both teams putting in some tough tackles and tempers began to fray. Farrimond, Norris, Noble and Forrester were prominent during the robust period of play and emotions threatened to spill over. However, the referee stepped in to retain control and soon after Hahndorf enjoyed some good moves that put them into scoring positions. Lawler and Oosh worked down the flank and into the area before Oosh centred to Grant. With his back to goal, the attacking midfielder laid off the ball for Noble but his scorching shot went over the bar.

Burundi countered with some quick play that earned them one of several free kicks outside the penalty area. Somewhat surprisingly, the Eagles’ custodian ran up to take the kick, which went over the bar. Burundi kept up their free style of play, often not appearing to look where they were kicking the ball but finding their players with regularity.

A second Burundi free by the ‘keeper was tipped over the bar by Brooke as Hahndorf looked to wrest control from the home team. Forrester, Newman, Norris and Stibbs fought well to force the nippy Eagles players into rushing their shots, the Magpies doing it tough into the gusting wind. A Magpie substitution brought on Brendan Kilpatrick for Lewington, the big forward having ran and harassed all day.

Oosh found an opportunity to get at goal but the quick defence of the Eagles did enough to deny the bustling forward a clear shot as he bore down on the opposition’s penalty area. With five minutes remaining another free kick to the Eagles undid Hahndorf’s hard work. The Burundi ‘keeper finally found his range with a shot that left Brooke no chance as it sailed on the wind into the top corner from thirty metres.

With minutes remaining, Kyle Eglinton joined the final frenzy as Hahndorf pushed forward but could not grab a second equaliser. Oosh had a shot missing to the right and a late free to the Magpies was flicked just wide before the match was ended.

Despite the loss, it was an encouraging game for the Magpies, matching the undefeated Eagles for the majority of the game in difficult conditions. Best on the day was Oosh, the gladiatorial forward spearheading the Magpie attack and continually putting Burundi under pressure. Norris and Brooke also were exemplary, their defensive efforts curtailing one of the best attacks in the league.

Next week the mighty Hahndorf Magpies will look to build on their form when they visit another team of Eagles, these of the Adelaide Redblue variety.

Round 10: Hahndorf V Adelaide Uni

Hahndorf V Adelaide University

Hahndorf survived a dour contest and grabbed a late winner to take the points from Adelaide University on Saturday for the 10th round of the South Australian Amateur Soccer League Third Division.

The Magpies took to the field with Mark McGrath in goal, behind a back line of Kyle Eglinton, Lee Stibbs, Todd Newman and the wily fox, Wayne Forrester. Steve Noble, Jon Lynn, David Grant and John Lawler made up the engine room of the midfield with Ash Oosh and Brendan Kilpatrick making the running up front.

Hahndorf started the match well and looked to have the measure of their opponents, but like recent games, failed to register their dominance on the scoreboard. Lawler, Grant and Oosh put together some great passes to have University under pressure but getting shots on target eluded the Magpies.

The defence largely had the visitors under control, two of the ‘Bald Brothers” Forrester and Newman comfortable in denying Adelaide any chances while Stibbs and Eglinton worked hard to keep the flanks free from University’s forays forward.

Noble and Lynn were dominant in the midfield, breaking up the play of Adelaide and did not allow them to get any consistent possession. Lynn went close with a fine effort as did Oosh after a defence-splitting pass from Noble. Kilpatrick kept up the forward pressure with some hostile attacks on the ball as Oosh closed the half with a great shot that brought out a terrific save by the University ‘keeper.

The start of the second half was nearly a disaster for Hahndorf as Adelaide almost scored after appearing the catch the Magpies napping. With University beginning to create more, Hahndorf made some substitutions, Lawler and Kilpatrick making way for Mike Lewington and Jack Farrimond.

Oosh intercepted a lazy ball from the defence but put his shot over the bar with the goal beckoning. Stibbs tried a little fancy footwork to get the Magpies going and the home team responded with some good build up play, however again turning possession into a score proved difficult.

Adelaide University had their ‘keeper to thank when he made a great double save, first denying Oosh from close range then getting a touch to push the follow up shot by Lewington wide. Hahndorf continued to push but Adelaide also created some chances as the match looked to be headed for a draw, neither side able to make an impression on the scoreboard.

Luck finally went the Magpies way when Forrester took a quick free kick to send Grant charging down the wing. The experienced Grant took the ball to the by-line before rifling in a scorching low cross to for the onrushing players. Under pressure, an Adelaide defender lunged at the ball but only managed to find the top corner of the net, to Hahndorf’s delight and relief.

The Magpies tried to press for more goals and really should have added a second when a flowing move from Stibbs and Farrimond set up Oosh but again the Adelaide ‘keeper was equal to the task. With minutes remaining Owen Boyce entered the fray as both teams searched for a score. Hahndorf remained composed as they passed the ball from defence to attack, keeping possession as time run out.

The win was welcomed by the Magpies, having battled for little reward for the majority of the match and keeps them within striking distance of the league leaders. Best on the day were Noble, Oosh and Lynn, the trio industrious in their workrate and drawing accolades for their commitment to the ball.


Reserves

The Hahndorf Reserves put away second placed Adelaide University, with three first half goals giving the Magpies a well-deserved three points.

Looking to improve on their recent efforts, the Magpie Reserves pushed forward on the Adelaide side from the opening whistle. Mike Lewington and Chris Hyde put the Uni defence under pressure as the midfield of Rupert Lindon, Gary Ledson, big man Tyrone Blunt and the “Black Pearl” Owen Boyce took control of the game from the outset.

Going with the slope, Hahndorf pinned Adelaide back in their own half and made opportunities for the opening goal, shots from Hyde and Lewington an early warning for the visitors. Ten minutes into the match the Magpies made their possession count with the opening goal. A series of passes put Hyde on a tight angle but his shot was not held by the Uni ‘keeper and Boyce pounced at the back post to slot the ball home.

The visitors tried to hit back but the defensive triangle of custodian Nathaniel Brooke, defenders Andy Craig and Stuart Thomas with Matt Medley and the Italian Maestro, Edmondo Palombo held the University attack well. Hahndorf continued to build from the back and attacked Adelaide constantly, shots coming from Lewington, Blunt and Hyde going close.

Defenders Medley and Thomas got into the action, Medley hitting a pile driver from distance that almost got past the ’keeper and Thomas having two chances, one a header over the bar and then minutes later having a spectacular bicycle kick cleared off the line.

The Magpies second arrived via Blunt, the big midfielder reacting quickly to Craig’s ambitious drive to latch onto the loose ball and coolly slot it past the stranded University ‘keeper. The visitors were clearly rattled and Hahndorf controlled the game, passing the ball around and restricting Adelaide’s chances to long shots that Brooke confidently dealt with.

The Magpies made it their best start to a game with a third just before half time, Lewington put through by some great interplay from Blunt and Ledson. The big forward advanced on goal and picked his spot, driving the shot past the exposed Adelaide ‘keeper.

After half time, a knock to Ledson started a series of substitutions with Brad Francis, Luke Jones and the “Albino Yeti”, Lachlan McQueen making an appearance. Hahndorf controlled the tempo of the match, keeping University at arms length while creating more chances. Hyde had a header going in before the Adelaide ‘keeper made a vital save.

Craig, Palombo, Thomas and Medley gave the University attack little joy, keeping the visitors out of the penalty area and giving the ball to the midfielders. Jones, Lindon and Mcqueen worked the flanks to keep Adelaide under pressure with some searching crosses but the Magpies were unable to add to the score. As the match entered its final stages, Hyde displayed his control and finesse, holding possession despite the attentions of several opponents.

The win was a great start to the second half of the season and keeps the Reserves in touch with the league leaders. In a great team effort illustrating intensity for the ball and dynamic soccer, among the best on the day were Craig, Medley and Blunt.

Next week the Reserves have a week off due to a cup round while the First team take on league leaders Burundi Eagles in a catch up match down at League headquarters, Grange.

Wednesday, July 01, 2009

Round 9: Hahndorf V Flinders University

Hahndorf V Flinders University

The Magpies hosted Flinders University for the 9th round of the South Australian Amateur Soccer League, looking to keep the pressure on the three sides above them. However, Hahndorf failed to take their opportunities and found themselves on the wrong side of a 2-0 score line.

Todd Newman, Lee Stibbs and the wily fox, Wayne Forrester, lined up with Club Captain Matt Norris in defence, keen to repeat last weeks clean sheet with Mark McGrath in goal. Steve Noble returned from injury to take a place in midfield alongside Ash Oosh, Shaun Smith and the reliable Jon Lynn.

Up front, the experienced David Grant paired with Mike Lewington as both teams tested each other from the start. Several crunching tackles from both sides showed this was going to be a constant battle and the referee stepped in with a couple of cautions early to settle the teams down.

In the first half an hour the play was mainly in the Flinders half, the Magpies pressuring through Oosh, Noble and Grant to have the visitors on the back foot. Lewington had several opportunities to open the scoring, Forrester finding Grant from the back and Grant putting Lewington through on goal, but the shot was blocked by the Flinders defence.

Flinders also had some chances but with their aim also astray, McGrath was not troubled. Norris made a run forward and let rip with an ambitious attempt to score, but the shot passed just to the left of goal. Lynn and Forrester battled hard for the ball as Hahndorf tried to find an opening in the visitors defence. Often the Magpies would make good progress to the edge of the Flinders penalty area but then play would break down.

Flinders wrested back some of the initiative from Hahndorf late in the half and started to created more chances for themselves. A sharp through ball, forced McGrath into a rushed clearance and Flinders took full advantage, opening the scoring from the throw, minutes from half time.

After the break Hahndorf, battled to get into the game, Lynn and Newman prominent with Norris as the Magpies set about restoring parity. Both teams were up for the points but Flinders appeared to want it slightly more, getting to the ball before the Magpies on several occasions.

This was exemplified when Flinders scored their second, a late run at the near post getting a flashing header past McGrath after some good play by the visitors. However, Hahndorf continued to create and Lewington had two good opportunities to score, the best a one-on-one chance that the big forward hit over the crossbar when clear through on goal. The Magpies made a couple of substitutions, bringing on John Lawler and Brendan Kilpatrick for Oosh and Smith.

Kilpatrick continued his bustling form from the Reserves game and connected with cracking header from a corner that smashed into the crossbar and away to safety. The effort was to sum up the day for Hahndorf, battling well in the game and putting together some great moves but unable to get shots on target.

The Magpies fought to the end but ultimately could not find the combination to unlock the Flinders defence as time ran out. Best on the Day was the reliable Jon Lynn, with captain Matt Norris and Todd Newman putting in solid performances. The result leaves the Magpies in fourth position in the league and they will need to pick up points on the teams above them to have a chance at promotion.


Reserves

The Hahndorf Reserves rallied from being two goals down late in the game to share the points in a 3-3 draw.

Nathaniel Brooke took his usual spot between the sticks as Hahndorf’s defence of Matt Medley, Andy Craig, Stuart Thomas and the” Italian Maestro” Edmondo Palombo found themselves under pressure early on.

Despite a star-studded midfield of Rupert Lindon, Tyrone Blunt, Gary Ledson and the “Black Pearl” Owen Boyce, the Magpies lacked cohesion and Flinders pushed forward at every opportunity. Forwards Brendan Kilpatrick and Chris Hyde worked hard for possession as Hahndorf struggled to find their rhythm and had few sights on goal.

Flinders opened the scoring with a well-taken shot that gave Brooke no chance, the opposition forward unpicking the Hahndorf defence. Down a goal the Magpies slowly dragged their play up to standard and began to push the ball around and create some chances of their own.

Ledson and Blunt worked the engine room of the midfield and linked with Hyde, the experienced forward laying off short passes as Hahndorf’s confidence grew. With minutes remaining in the half, Boyce split the Flinders defence with a precision ball to Ledson and he strode into the penalty area with only the ‘keeper to beat. Ledson had the Flinders custodian grasping at air as he shimmied his way past and stroked the ball into the empty net.

Emerging from the half time break at 1-1, Hahndorf felt they were back in the game and passed the ball well. Lindon and Boyce worked the flanks and Hyde dropped deeper to pick up the ball. However, the Magpies could not get a sight on goal and paid the price when a high ball from Flinders let in their forward who smashed a shot past Brooke.

Luke Jones was brought on for Kilpatrick and later an injury to Lindon resulted in Josh Watson taking to the field. Boyce also made way for the “Albino Yeti”, Lachlan McQueen, the enthusiastic substitute keen to get into the action. Hahndorf pushed for an equaliser but again they were punished when a slip in the back line gave Flinders a third goal.

With twenty minutes remaining, Hahndorf still had belief and a corner by Jones brought reward, Craig putting in a header that Hyde cleverly deflected past the Flinders ‘keeper. The intensity lifted as the Magpies went searching for a third score, the team pushing forward at every opportunity. The pressure built and after a series of Magpie corners the ball was forced into the net, a stab by Ledson wrong-footing most players and Blunt seeming to get a toe on it before it went it.

With five minutes remaining both teams threw everything at getting the winning goal but time was to prevent any further addition to the score. Best on the day was Gary Ledson with two goals and an industrious battle in midfield, and another who played well was Brendan Kilpatrick, showing intensity for the ball. The result leaves the Hahndorf Reserves in fifth spot on the table but only six points from the top midway through the season.

Next week, the Magpies are again at home for the visit of Adelaide University, sure to be another tightly fought contest with all teams competitive this year. Hahndorf players will be donning yellow armbands in their match against Adelaide University on Saturday in support of Cancer Council SA’s Call to Arms campaign.

Call To Arms is Cancer Council’s annual national event to raise funds and awareness of men’s cancers.

Sporting clubs are invited to participate by nominating a day in July to hold a Call To Arms match where players wear a yellow armband in a show of support to men who have survived cancer, those currently facing the cancer fight and to remember mates who have lost their lives to cancer.

Funds raised will help prevent and detect cancers in men, find new treatments, as well as support men in need by funding the Cancer Council’s important cancer research, education and support programs.