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.
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