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.