For the 16th round of the South Australian Amateur Soccer League Third division, Hahndorf travelled to the western suburbs in a clash with title contenders Adelaide Cougars. In somewhat trying conditions, the hard fought match ended in a late 1-1 draw and a sharing of the points.
The Magpies started with young tearaway Kayne Stubing and the inspirational Matt Norris as focal points in attack with midfield support from John Lawler, Steve Noble, Jack Farrimond and David Grant. Goal custodian Mark McGrath oversaw a defensive unit of Lee Stibbs, Andy Craig, Matt Medley and the wily fox Wayne Forrester.
A stiff breeze going diagonally across the ground aided the home team in the first half and they tried to take advantage by keeping Hahndorf on the back foot. The hard, bumpy ground also added an extra dimension but Forrester marshalled the defence well and the Magpies built their game through the midfield to release Norris and Stubing.
The Cougars were liberal with their shooting but few shots worried McGrath as most were well over or wide of goal and those on target were covered by the ‘keeper’s sure hands. His nearest threat came from his team mate, Forrester guiding a header just wide of the post.
Hahndorf also had their chances, with both Norris and Stubing almost getting a score on the board. Norris fired over from a good position and Stubing beat the Cougars’ ‘keeper to a through ball but poked it just wide of the post to keep the hosts on their toes.
Grant and Lawler started to get into the match with a few telling touches and crosses as the Magpies began to find their way through the Cougars defence. Noble and Farrimond drove the midfield and their industrious work rate blunted the Cougars drive.
After half time, Hahndorf showed more endeavour and the game opened up as the home side pressed forward to find a goal. Stibbs, Craig and Medley battled hard to keep the Cougars goalless in combination with Forrester and McGrath. The Magpies looked to release Stubing and Norris through Noble and Grant, with the midfield becoming highly contestable as both sides found it difficult to break down the opposing defence.
However, a fine ball from Noble split the Cougars defenders and sent Norris in at goal. Sizing up the opportunity, the big forward drew the Cougar ‘keeper out before slotting the ball into the back of the net to Hahndorf’s elation. At 1-0 down with fifteen minutes remaining, the Cougars threw everything at the Hills side, bringing on fresh players to run at the Magpie defence.
Hahndorf were forced to make their own substitution, bringing on Brendan Kilpatrick for the injured goal hero, Norris. The Magpies continued to present a solid defence in the final stages, but were aware a mistake would be costly
The Cougars looked to have scored but a great save by McGrath kept the ball out, parrying it close to goal. Forrester stepped in to clear the dangerous ball off the line as the Cougars desperately tried to get to the loose ball. Minutes from full time the Cougars equalised, a defensive header falling to the home side and they manage to work it into the box before the leagues top scorer found the net from ten metres.
It was a disappointing end to the match for the Hahndorf Magpies who had battled hard all game and really taken it to the second-placed Cougars. In a match where all players stood firm, best on the day was McGrath, with notable contributions from Norris and Forrester.
Reserves
The Hahndorf Reserves played out a solid first half before a fracas reduced the match to a farce, the visitors eventually conceding five goals in an ill-tempered game.
Hahndorf carried a few injuries and absentees into the game and put out a good combination that had some players in unfamiliar roles. Goalkeeper James Nicholson commanded a young defence of Josh Watson, Ben Wells, Rupert Lindon and Sam Gowen. Through the midfield the Magpies had Kyle Eglinton, Kieran Evans, Gary Ledson and the Italian Maestro, Edmondo Palombo to control the Hahndorf game with twin strikers Chris Hyde and Brendan Kilpatrick looking to knock a few goals in.
The Magpies got off to a disastrous start when the Cougars scored in the opening minutes of the match. An innocuous looking free kick was taken by the wind and a savage bounce managed to get the ball past Nicholson to put Hahndorf on the back foot early on.
Hahndorf steadied themselves and began to put their passes together, working into the wind and finding their rhythm. Watson, Wells and Hyde combined to get Kilpatrick into space and he released Eglinton down the flank. Eglinton cut inside to open up the angle but shot wide under pressure from the Cougar defence.
Hyde had a header go wide from an early cross by Watson as the Magpies started to get on an even footing with their opponents. The play went end to end with neither side seriously threatening the goal and the match entered half time with the Cougars up 1-0.
After half time, the intensity increased and the referee did not pick up a few off the ball incidents. This drew to a head minutes later when a corner saw some pushing and shoving that descended into an ugly melee that the referee took some time to calm down.
Both teams left the pitch and the referee consulted team officials before sending off two players from each side, appearing to pick them out at random. Play resumed in the farcical situation with the main instigators still on the pitch and both teams struggling to deal with the large open spaces vacated by the departing players.
Hahndorf tried to take the game up to the hosts and really should have scored, Palombo and Ledson spurning good opportunities. The Cougars were to eventually make the most of the situation, putting a further four goals in a match that had dwindling relevance for the visitors.
The Hahndorf Magpies have a week off before travelling down to Flinders University for their final match of the season on the 5th of September.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Round 15: Hahndorf Magpies V Burundi Eagles
Hahndorf Magpies V Burundi Eagles
On a windswept Saturday, the Hahndorf Magpies withstood a serious test of character to defeat the Burundi Eagles 1-0 in the 15th round of the South Australian Amateur Soccer League 3rd Division.
Buoyed from last weeks success Hahndorf were confident going into the match, having narrowly lost out in their last encounter against the Burundi Eagles. Starting Mark McGrath in goal, the Hahndorf defence enlisted a young back line of Matt Medley, Lee Stibbs, and Mike Lewington guided by the wily fox, Wayne Forrester.
John Lawler, the pugnacious Jack Farrimond, hard man Steve Noble and Ash Oosh drove the midfield engine, while the blend of youth and experience continued up front with the pairing of Matt Norris and Kayne Stubing.
Hahndorf matched their opposition in the early stages, the blustery winds making control difficult but the high bounce suited the Eagles flamboyant style of play with their flicks and tricks. However, it was the hardworking Magpies who should have opened the scoring with Lawler and Norris both having good chances.
Lawler found Norris in the middle of the penalty area with a fine cross but Norris blazed over the bar from a good position. It was a similar story for Lawler, shooting over after a great ball from Lewington sent Norris away down the flank and he supplied Lawler with the cross. Both players had chances to atone for their stray shots but again they both found the target a difficult proposition.
The Magpie defence were kept on their toes by the agile Burundi forwards but were well marshalled by Forrester and they gave the Eagles little operating space. McGrath was solid between the posts and had the angles covered as both sides went into the half time break at parity despite Hahndorf deserving a goal or two lead.
In the second stanza, the Magpies continued to take the game to Burundi, with Stubing and Norris getting into good positions but unable to make space for the shot. The pressure was starting to get to the visitors and a bit of niggle entered the match resulting in a few reckless tackles and terse words from both sides.
The Eagles mood improved soon after when a Hahndorf player was sent from the field for an inexplicable handball while defending a Burundi corner. Their joy was short lived however as McGrath dove to his right and punched the resulting penalty away to the cheers of the Hahndorf faithful.
With a man advantage, Burundi pushed forward with more intent and went close with a shot that flew across the face of goal. David Grant entered the match as the Eagles increased the pressure on the Magpies. Forrester gave the home fans a scare with a defensive header onto the top of the net as both teams battled hard for a goal.
Stubing showed his electrifying pace, latching onto a through ball, but was unable to get a shot away before some frantic Eagle defence cleared the danger. A corner for the hosts brought the reward they were seeking, Stibbs playing it short to Grant who whipped a fizzing ball into the teeth of goal. Stubing expertly used his head to deflect the ball into the net and Hahndorf went into the final ten minutes holding the lead.
Their task was made a little easier when a Burundi player earned an early shower after accumulating two yellow cards. The action went end to end as the spaces opened up and both teams desperately fought for the ball, the Magpies looking to preserve their lead and the Eagles hoping to find an equaliser. However, in the end Hahndorf prevailed and handed the visitors only their third loss of the season.
In an enthralling encounter, Man of the Match was Norris followed by Noble, both players displaying tremendous commitment and determination, and McGrath also in the top three, the penalty save a highlight in a great defensive effort by the team.
Reserves
The Hahndorf Reserves fought valiantly all match, but conceded a late equaliser to share the points against a dogged Burundi side.
The Magpies began with Brendan Kilpatrick and Chris Hyde up front, supported by the midfield talents of Kyle Eglinton, Tyrone Blunt, Gary Ledson and the Black Pearl, Owen Boyce. Veterans Andy Craig and Stuart Thomas anchored the defence, flanked by youngsters Josh Watson and the Italian Maestro, Edmondo Palombo while James Nicholson donned the gloves.
The opening plays saw both teams test out the opposition ‘keepers as each tried to gain the ascendancy. Hahndorf suffered an early loss when Thomas damaged a hamstring, but Rupert Lindon slotted straight into defence and proved to be a very capable replacement.
Kilpatrick worked hard up front, chasing and harassing constantly as the Magpies strung together some good moves involving Boyce, Ledson, Blunt and Hyde. Hahndorf had their opportunities but just went wide or over the target as they sought the opening goal.
Burundi also went close on several occasions, but Nicholson was in fine form to repel their efforts. Craig and Lindon blunted the aerial attacks while Palombo and Watson made timely tackles. The play went end-to-end with both teams getting in some good moves but unable to find the vital touch and the half ended with neither side finding the net.
The second half saw the introduction of Kieran Evans and he played a defensive role before moving into midfield later and putting in a fine display. Ben Wells also entered the fray as Hahndorf continued to push the ball around but found little time to dwell as the Burundi side kept up their harassment for possession. Several Hahndorf attacks broke down due to offside infringements, but the Magpies had a few good chances through Blunt, Hyde and Kilpatrick.
The visitors began to put the Hanhdorf defence under increasing pressure and they survived a clear chance for the visitors when Nicholson made a brilliant double save, diving to parry the original shot before throwing himself at the attacker seconds later to save at the post.
With the match delicately poised, Hyde made his way into the area and shaped for a shot before he was fouled to give Hahndorf a penalty. Craig stepped up to drill home the spot kick and set up a tense final ten minutes. The Eagles threw players forward with abandon as the Magpies withstood a Burundi barrage.
Hahndorf should have sealed the match when Wells found Hyde in the area and Hyde had his measured shot parried by the Burundi ‘keeper. Wells followed up the rebound but could not guide his header past the custodian.
Under pressure, Hahndorf pushed out to catch the visitors offside several times but the trap was eluded in the final minute of the match and the Burundi Eagles equalised.
The late goal a cruel blow to the Magpies who had battled hard throughout the match and were close to making it two wins over their opponents. Best on the day was Nicholson, putting on an outstanding goalkeeping display, with Ledson and Lindon also resolute in their battles.
Next week, the Hahndorf Magpies go up against the title chasing Adelaide Cougars. The Findon High School ground has not been a happy hunting ground for the Magpies in recent times, so they will hope to continue their current good form and change the trend.
On a windswept Saturday, the Hahndorf Magpies withstood a serious test of character to defeat the Burundi Eagles 1-0 in the 15th round of the South Australian Amateur Soccer League 3rd Division.
Buoyed from last weeks success Hahndorf were confident going into the match, having narrowly lost out in their last encounter against the Burundi Eagles. Starting Mark McGrath in goal, the Hahndorf defence enlisted a young back line of Matt Medley, Lee Stibbs, and Mike Lewington guided by the wily fox, Wayne Forrester.
John Lawler, the pugnacious Jack Farrimond, hard man Steve Noble and Ash Oosh drove the midfield engine, while the blend of youth and experience continued up front with the pairing of Matt Norris and Kayne Stubing.
Hahndorf matched their opposition in the early stages, the blustery winds making control difficult but the high bounce suited the Eagles flamboyant style of play with their flicks and tricks. However, it was the hardworking Magpies who should have opened the scoring with Lawler and Norris both having good chances.
Lawler found Norris in the middle of the penalty area with a fine cross but Norris blazed over the bar from a good position. It was a similar story for Lawler, shooting over after a great ball from Lewington sent Norris away down the flank and he supplied Lawler with the cross. Both players had chances to atone for their stray shots but again they both found the target a difficult proposition.
The Magpie defence were kept on their toes by the agile Burundi forwards but were well marshalled by Forrester and they gave the Eagles little operating space. McGrath was solid between the posts and had the angles covered as both sides went into the half time break at parity despite Hahndorf deserving a goal or two lead.
In the second stanza, the Magpies continued to take the game to Burundi, with Stubing and Norris getting into good positions but unable to make space for the shot. The pressure was starting to get to the visitors and a bit of niggle entered the match resulting in a few reckless tackles and terse words from both sides.
The Eagles mood improved soon after when a Hahndorf player was sent from the field for an inexplicable handball while defending a Burundi corner. Their joy was short lived however as McGrath dove to his right and punched the resulting penalty away to the cheers of the Hahndorf faithful.
With a man advantage, Burundi pushed forward with more intent and went close with a shot that flew across the face of goal. David Grant entered the match as the Eagles increased the pressure on the Magpies. Forrester gave the home fans a scare with a defensive header onto the top of the net as both teams battled hard for a goal.
Stubing showed his electrifying pace, latching onto a through ball, but was unable to get a shot away before some frantic Eagle defence cleared the danger. A corner for the hosts brought the reward they were seeking, Stibbs playing it short to Grant who whipped a fizzing ball into the teeth of goal. Stubing expertly used his head to deflect the ball into the net and Hahndorf went into the final ten minutes holding the lead.
Their task was made a little easier when a Burundi player earned an early shower after accumulating two yellow cards. The action went end to end as the spaces opened up and both teams desperately fought for the ball, the Magpies looking to preserve their lead and the Eagles hoping to find an equaliser. However, in the end Hahndorf prevailed and handed the visitors only their third loss of the season.
In an enthralling encounter, Man of the Match was Norris followed by Noble, both players displaying tremendous commitment and determination, and McGrath also in the top three, the penalty save a highlight in a great defensive effort by the team.
Reserves
The Hahndorf Reserves fought valiantly all match, but conceded a late equaliser to share the points against a dogged Burundi side.
The Magpies began with Brendan Kilpatrick and Chris Hyde up front, supported by the midfield talents of Kyle Eglinton, Tyrone Blunt, Gary Ledson and the Black Pearl, Owen Boyce. Veterans Andy Craig and Stuart Thomas anchored the defence, flanked by youngsters Josh Watson and the Italian Maestro, Edmondo Palombo while James Nicholson donned the gloves.
The opening plays saw both teams test out the opposition ‘keepers as each tried to gain the ascendancy. Hahndorf suffered an early loss when Thomas damaged a hamstring, but Rupert Lindon slotted straight into defence and proved to be a very capable replacement.
Kilpatrick worked hard up front, chasing and harassing constantly as the Magpies strung together some good moves involving Boyce, Ledson, Blunt and Hyde. Hahndorf had their opportunities but just went wide or over the target as they sought the opening goal.
Burundi also went close on several occasions, but Nicholson was in fine form to repel their efforts. Craig and Lindon blunted the aerial attacks while Palombo and Watson made timely tackles. The play went end-to-end with both teams getting in some good moves but unable to find the vital touch and the half ended with neither side finding the net.
The second half saw the introduction of Kieran Evans and he played a defensive role before moving into midfield later and putting in a fine display. Ben Wells also entered the fray as Hahndorf continued to push the ball around but found little time to dwell as the Burundi side kept up their harassment for possession. Several Hahndorf attacks broke down due to offside infringements, but the Magpies had a few good chances through Blunt, Hyde and Kilpatrick.
The visitors began to put the Hanhdorf defence under increasing pressure and they survived a clear chance for the visitors when Nicholson made a brilliant double save, diving to parry the original shot before throwing himself at the attacker seconds later to save at the post.
With the match delicately poised, Hyde made his way into the area and shaped for a shot before he was fouled to give Hahndorf a penalty. Craig stepped up to drill home the spot kick and set up a tense final ten minutes. The Eagles threw players forward with abandon as the Magpies withstood a Burundi barrage.
Hahndorf should have sealed the match when Wells found Hyde in the area and Hyde had his measured shot parried by the Burundi ‘keeper. Wells followed up the rebound but could not guide his header past the custodian.
Under pressure, Hahndorf pushed out to catch the visitors offside several times but the trap was eluded in the final minute of the match and the Burundi Eagles equalised.
The late goal a cruel blow to the Magpies who had battled hard throughout the match and were close to making it two wins over their opponents. Best on the day was Nicholson, putting on an outstanding goalkeeping display, with Ledson and Lindon also resolute in their battles.
Next week, the Hahndorf Magpies go up against the title chasing Adelaide Cougars. The Findon High School ground has not been a happy hunting ground for the Magpies in recent times, so they will hope to continue their current good form and change the trend.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Round 14: Mt Barker V Hahndorf
Mount Barker V Hahndorf
The local derby between Mt. Barker Crusaders and Hahndorf Magpies produced some spite and passion before the Magpies took all three points in a 3-1 victory.
Hahndorf got off to a rapid start in the match and looked motivated for the match from the opening whistle. Forwards Matt Norris and young Kayne Stubing caused concern for the Mt Barker defence while the midfield of John Lawler, Jack Farrimond, Steve Noble and Ash Oosh did not allow the hosts to dwell on the ball without a challenge.
The intense opening twenty minutes were matched by the Hahndorf defence, Matt Medley, Todd Newman, Lee Stibbs and the wily veteran Wayne Forrester giving the Crusaders little joy in the attacking department. Goalkeeper Mark McGrath was not nearly as busy as his counterpart, with Oosh, Lawler and Stubing all getting shots at the Mt Barker goal. Norris was a focal point in attack, able to win the aerial contest and supply Stubing and the supporting midfield.
Farrimond was industrious in closing down the midfield along with Noble, the latter putting Hahndorf in the lead with a clever free kick that was taken quickly, catching the hosts with their pants down as his shot sailed into the top corner of the goal. The goal was just reward for the Magpies and they exerted their control of the match for the remainder of the half.
After the break, the Magpies continued to put Mt. Barker under pressure and Stubing showed that Hahndorf wanted more goals with sharp effort that just went wide. The match drifted into a relatively calm patch where neither side could penetrate the defence as the midfields battled it out. Mt. Barker then caught the Magpies napping with a looping corner that was nodded in at the far post.
Hahndorf woke up and answered almost immediately, a piece of individual brilliance punishing some tardy play by the Crusaders. Stubing robbed a defenseman and made his way to the goal line before cutting back inside and rounding two opponents. Opening up the goal, he neatly side-footed the ball past the exposed ‘keeper to restore Hahndorf’s lead in the match.
A good deal of banter on and off the ball saw tensions rise and a petulant display by a Crusader after losing out in a tackle sparked a minor melee. The referee gained control and reduced both teams to ten players for the final twenty-five minutes.
The extra space afforded by the missing players opened up the match and Hahndorf were best placed to exploit it. Hahndorf put Mt. Barker under pressure and soon a throw by Lawler into the box put Oosh in with a chance. The Crusaders’ defence left the ball for some one else to clear and Oosh needed no second invitation, smashing the ball past the statue-like home side to put Hahndorf 3-1 up.
The goal seemed to kill off the Crusaders and Hahndorf continued to press the advantage. Norris and Farrimond combined to give Stubing another scoring chance but the shot went over the bar. Hahndorf brought on Brendan Kilpatrick for the dominant Norris and he also made his presence felt.
Hahndorf almost made it four when Forrester hit the bar with a header, the experienced defender getting on the end of Stibbs’ well-worked corner. Mt. Barker hit back with some long balls, their game plan resorting to some route one football that McGrath had covered.
The “Black Pearl”, Owen Boyce and Stuart Thomas made an appearance late in the game, with Hahndorf in control and the hosts not able to make an impact on the score-line as the match drew to its conclusion.
Best on the day was Noble, his quick thinking and goal getting Hahndorf into a positive frame, with Norris also putting in vital pressure on the Mt. Barker defence. Stubing rounded out the top three with his sublime goal, the ideal response to the Crusaders’ equaliser.
Reserves
With two points separating the two teams going into the round, both sides were expecting a close contest. However, the Hahndorf Reserves let their guard down in the final twenty-five minutes as Mt. Barker took their chances to consolidate their top spot with three goals.
Injury and some late arrivals put Hahndorf a little on the back foot as they fielded a bare eleven at the start of the match, with some players in unfamiliar positions. James Nicholson donned the gloves with youngsters Josh Watson and Sam Gowan flanking veterans Andy Craig and Stuart Thomas in defence.
A new look midfield sported Gary Ledson, Ben Well, the “Italian Maestro”, Edmondo Palombo and the “Black Pearl”, Owen Boyce with Chris Hyde and Rupert Lindon the focal points up front.
The first half was an even affair, both sides having chances but neither able to capitalise. Watson proved to be solid in the back, with Craig and Thomas mainly dealing with the lofted balls. A neat bit of Mt. Barker play opened up Hahndorf but the attacker scuffed his shot with the goal at his mercy. Later, a speculative long shot also hit the bar, almost catching Hahndorf out.
At the other end, Thomas went over the bar with a driving header and several promising moves were halted due to offside. Ledson drove the midfield with some neat work through Boyce and Palombo, putting Hahndorf on the attack. Hyde looked to have scored but again the linesman had his flag raised for an offside infringement and Lindon was also stopped for the same offence.
With the game poised evenly at half time, Hahndorf felt they were in with a chance and continued to play some neat soccer. Brendan Kilpatrick and Andrew Kenny entered the game, looking to inject some finishing spark into Hahndorf’s play. The Magpies had several shots on target through Ledson, Hyde and Lindon but could not find an opening goal. Both sides struggled to create clear chances as their respective defences kept the play out of the danger zone and a draw looked imminent.
However, as the final twenty-five minutes approached, Mt. Barker took the lead, Hahndorf hesitating to clear a loose ball before it was poked at into goal from close range.
Hahndorf tried to hit back but could not find the target as the home side stood firm. Pushing players forward, the Magpies were exposed by a swift counterattack and a solo run down the flank by the Crusader forward ended with a second goal, the shot well finished from an acute angle.
Hahndorf did not lie down and should have scored soon after. A nice build up resulted in Hyde shooting from the edge of the area, the ball deflecting into the path of Kilpatrick, but he could not get a positive contact with the goal beckoning.
With the minutes remaining, a slip at the back post saw a Crusader header hit the post and it fell towards the middle of goal where it was put away for Mt Barkers third.
It was a tough loss for the Magpies and they will need to regroup for the final three matches, two of them against opponents on similar points. Best on the day were Thomas, who put in a great first half, with Ledson solid all game along with Hyde, who was unlucky not to have been on the score sheet.
Next week the Hahndorf Magpies are playing their final home game for the season when they host the mercurial Burundi Eagles at Pine Avenue.
The local derby between Mt. Barker Crusaders and Hahndorf Magpies produced some spite and passion before the Magpies took all three points in a 3-1 victory.
Hahndorf got off to a rapid start in the match and looked motivated for the match from the opening whistle. Forwards Matt Norris and young Kayne Stubing caused concern for the Mt Barker defence while the midfield of John Lawler, Jack Farrimond, Steve Noble and Ash Oosh did not allow the hosts to dwell on the ball without a challenge.
The intense opening twenty minutes were matched by the Hahndorf defence, Matt Medley, Todd Newman, Lee Stibbs and the wily veteran Wayne Forrester giving the Crusaders little joy in the attacking department. Goalkeeper Mark McGrath was not nearly as busy as his counterpart, with Oosh, Lawler and Stubing all getting shots at the Mt Barker goal. Norris was a focal point in attack, able to win the aerial contest and supply Stubing and the supporting midfield.
Farrimond was industrious in closing down the midfield along with Noble, the latter putting Hahndorf in the lead with a clever free kick that was taken quickly, catching the hosts with their pants down as his shot sailed into the top corner of the goal. The goal was just reward for the Magpies and they exerted their control of the match for the remainder of the half.
After the break, the Magpies continued to put Mt. Barker under pressure and Stubing showed that Hahndorf wanted more goals with sharp effort that just went wide. The match drifted into a relatively calm patch where neither side could penetrate the defence as the midfields battled it out. Mt. Barker then caught the Magpies napping with a looping corner that was nodded in at the far post.
Hahndorf woke up and answered almost immediately, a piece of individual brilliance punishing some tardy play by the Crusaders. Stubing robbed a defenseman and made his way to the goal line before cutting back inside and rounding two opponents. Opening up the goal, he neatly side-footed the ball past the exposed ‘keeper to restore Hahndorf’s lead in the match.
A good deal of banter on and off the ball saw tensions rise and a petulant display by a Crusader after losing out in a tackle sparked a minor melee. The referee gained control and reduced both teams to ten players for the final twenty-five minutes.
The extra space afforded by the missing players opened up the match and Hahndorf were best placed to exploit it. Hahndorf put Mt. Barker under pressure and soon a throw by Lawler into the box put Oosh in with a chance. The Crusaders’ defence left the ball for some one else to clear and Oosh needed no second invitation, smashing the ball past the statue-like home side to put Hahndorf 3-1 up.
The goal seemed to kill off the Crusaders and Hahndorf continued to press the advantage. Norris and Farrimond combined to give Stubing another scoring chance but the shot went over the bar. Hahndorf brought on Brendan Kilpatrick for the dominant Norris and he also made his presence felt.
Hahndorf almost made it four when Forrester hit the bar with a header, the experienced defender getting on the end of Stibbs’ well-worked corner. Mt. Barker hit back with some long balls, their game plan resorting to some route one football that McGrath had covered.
The “Black Pearl”, Owen Boyce and Stuart Thomas made an appearance late in the game, with Hahndorf in control and the hosts not able to make an impact on the score-line as the match drew to its conclusion.
Best on the day was Noble, his quick thinking and goal getting Hahndorf into a positive frame, with Norris also putting in vital pressure on the Mt. Barker defence. Stubing rounded out the top three with his sublime goal, the ideal response to the Crusaders’ equaliser.
Reserves
With two points separating the two teams going into the round, both sides were expecting a close contest. However, the Hahndorf Reserves let their guard down in the final twenty-five minutes as Mt. Barker took their chances to consolidate their top spot with three goals.
Injury and some late arrivals put Hahndorf a little on the back foot as they fielded a bare eleven at the start of the match, with some players in unfamiliar positions. James Nicholson donned the gloves with youngsters Josh Watson and Sam Gowan flanking veterans Andy Craig and Stuart Thomas in defence.
A new look midfield sported Gary Ledson, Ben Well, the “Italian Maestro”, Edmondo Palombo and the “Black Pearl”, Owen Boyce with Chris Hyde and Rupert Lindon the focal points up front.
The first half was an even affair, both sides having chances but neither able to capitalise. Watson proved to be solid in the back, with Craig and Thomas mainly dealing with the lofted balls. A neat bit of Mt. Barker play opened up Hahndorf but the attacker scuffed his shot with the goal at his mercy. Later, a speculative long shot also hit the bar, almost catching Hahndorf out.
At the other end, Thomas went over the bar with a driving header and several promising moves were halted due to offside. Ledson drove the midfield with some neat work through Boyce and Palombo, putting Hahndorf on the attack. Hyde looked to have scored but again the linesman had his flag raised for an offside infringement and Lindon was also stopped for the same offence.
With the game poised evenly at half time, Hahndorf felt they were in with a chance and continued to play some neat soccer. Brendan Kilpatrick and Andrew Kenny entered the game, looking to inject some finishing spark into Hahndorf’s play. The Magpies had several shots on target through Ledson, Hyde and Lindon but could not find an opening goal. Both sides struggled to create clear chances as their respective defences kept the play out of the danger zone and a draw looked imminent.
However, as the final twenty-five minutes approached, Mt. Barker took the lead, Hahndorf hesitating to clear a loose ball before it was poked at into goal from close range.
Hahndorf tried to hit back but could not find the target as the home side stood firm. Pushing players forward, the Magpies were exposed by a swift counterattack and a solo run down the flank by the Crusader forward ended with a second goal, the shot well finished from an acute angle.
Hahndorf did not lie down and should have scored soon after. A nice build up resulted in Hyde shooting from the edge of the area, the ball deflecting into the path of Kilpatrick, but he could not get a positive contact with the goal beckoning.
With the minutes remaining, a slip at the back post saw a Crusader header hit the post and it fell towards the middle of goal where it was put away for Mt Barkers third.
It was a tough loss for the Magpies and they will need to regroup for the final three matches, two of them against opponents on similar points. Best on the day were Thomas, who put in a great first half, with Ledson solid all game along with Hyde, who was unlucky not to have been on the score sheet.
Next week the Hahndorf Magpies are playing their final home game for the season when they host the mercurial Burundi Eagles at Pine Avenue.
Wednesday, August 05, 2009
Round 13: McLaren Distrrict V Hahndorf
McLaren District V Hahndorf
A inspired last twenty minutes by Hahndorf saw them defeat McLaren District 2-1 in the13th round of the South Australian Amateur Soccer League 3rd Division.
The Hahndorf Magpies travelled to the Southern Vales looking to build some momentum as they entered the last third of the season. With several players returning to the squad from injury and illness, the Magpies fielded one of their stronger line-ups for the season.
Nathaniel Brooke took his spot between the sticks, with defenders Lee Stibbs, Steve Noble, Todd Newman and the wily fox Wayne Forrester in front of him. Hahndorf put the reliable Jon Lynn in midfield along with Mike Lewington and the gladiatorial Ash Oosh. The Magpies opted for three frontrunners, enlisting young Kayne Stubing to join John Lawler and David Grant in the pursuit of goals.
However it was Mclaren District, going with the stiff breeze and slight slope, that pushed Hahndorf back in their own half for much of the first thirty minutes. Adjusting to their new formation, Hahndorf had trouble linking their passes and constructing an attacking plan.
However the Magpies slowly worked into the match but had to rely on Brooke on occasions to keep the match at parity, the big ‘keeper making two crucial saves to deny what looked to be certain goals.
Oosh and Lewington battled hard in the midfield while Newman and Forrester were solid at the back. Hard man Noble was doing his best to inject some fight into the game via some crunching tackles but it was McLaren District who took the initiative. Five minutes from half time, District opened their account, the home player scoring from a sharp header from a well-placed corner.
The goal did little to improve the mood of the Magpies and at half time coach Steve Handley worked on getting Hahndorf into the ascendancy. When the match resumed, Brooke continued to defend his goal well with some sharp saves and Hahndorf began to carry their possession forward with purpose.
Lynn nearly had Hahndorf on the board with a scorching effort from thirty metres that crashed into the underside of the bar and bounced away to safety. The Magpies followed that up with a free kick but Stibbs could only find the ‘keeper with the chance. Hahndorf began to get on top of the match and Lawler went close when he shot over the bar.
Hahndorf were forced into a substitution when Lynn took a hit to the forehead during a challenge and required a fair amount of bandaging and revived memories of Peter Rathjen’s mummification from Hahndorf’s earlier days. The “Black Pearl, Owen Boyce replaced Lynn and soon after Jack Farrimond also entered the fray.
The Magpies were slowly getting a grip on the match but had few clear chances as they entered the final twenty-five minutes. Hahndorf put Tyrone Blunt on for Grant as both sides battled to get the next score. Farrimond showed his intent with a blazing volley that sizzled over the bar. McLaren District neglected to heed the warning and Hahndorf were soon on level terms when Farrimond found the target with his second effort. The Magpies played a short corner to Blunt and the ball was arrowed to the melee of player in the six-yard box. It fell to Farrimond who needed no invitation to fire it into the net.
The goal set up an intense final fifteen minutes and McLaren Vale threw themselves forward to regain their lead. The Magpies were sturdy in defence, reliable Newman solid in winning the ball and putting Hahndorf into attack. They kept the pressure on the home side and held possession in the McLaren District half but could not find a winning shot at goal as the minutes ebbed away.
In a last foray forward, a long throw to the six-yard box by Blunt was not cleared well by the home side. It fell to Stubing and the young striker made space for himself before lashing home the winner to Hahndorf’s delight. The match had barely restarted when the referee blew for full time and triggered jubilant scenes amongst the players and travelling faithful.
Hahndorf battled hard to get over a resilient Maclaren District and the Magpies will hope to carry their momentum into next week. Best players on the day were Stubing, his timely strike getting the three points and Brooke, who has been a tenacious force in goal recently.
Reserves
In a high scoring affair, the Hahndorf Reserves put in a dominant display before letting McLaren District into the game late in the match. However, it was a case of too little, too late as the Magpies ran out convincing 6-3 winners.
James Nicholson started in goal once again for the reserves with young Josh Watson gaining a start along side veterans Andy Craig, Stuart Thomas and “the Italian Maestro” Edmondo Palombo. Hahndorf started well, pushing the ball around and engaging the midfield talents of Kyle Eglinton, Tyrone Blunt, Gary Ledson and the Black Pearl, Owen Boyce.
Chris Hyde and Brendan Kilpatrick patrolled the forward domain and linked well with the midfield to put Hahndorf on the front foot. In the first twenty minutes the Mclaren players pushed forward but the Magpies defence played the ball out of danger with control. It wasn’t long before a series of passes through Palombo, Blunt, Boyce and Hyde brought about the first goal, Boyce marauding down the flank and picking out Hyde with his cross and the experienced forward slotting the ball into the corner of the net.
Hahndorf continued to play an entertaining game and soon added a second, Hyde on the end of a through ball from Watson and beating the ‘keeper with a well placed shot. The Magpies rounded off a good half with Thomas latching on to a long corner and drilling into the net from an acute angle for a 3-0 lead.
The Magpies made several substitutions around half time, Matt Medley, Rupert Lindon and Ben Wells coming on within five minutes. The Magpies continued to push forward and create opportunities but often the shots went wide or over the target. However Hahndorf were soon back on track through some excellent persistence by Kilpatrick, winning the ball and firing in a pin-point left foot cross to Blunt who made no mistake close in.
Hahndorf had the game well in control, however McLaren resorted to throwing more men forward and putting pressure on the Hahndorf defence but surrendering their midfield to the visitors. Several quick clearances nearly had the Magpies in trouble and on one occasion, Nicholson made a brilliant save to deny the hosts.
Hahndorf could have had a fifth goal when a long throw appeared to skim off the ’keepers hands before going into the net but it was disallowed. Then Hyde had a shot that missed everything and went out for a throw, drawing ironic cheers from the sidelines. However the experienced forward had the last laugh, heading in from a well-delivered long throw from Blunt to bring up his hat-trick.
At 5-0 Hahndorf went to sleep a bit a let McLaren into the match and they scored two goals in quick succession. The Magpies hit back with a sixth, Blunt put through and beating the ‘keeper to the ball as he poked it past to make it 6-2.
With the match almost at an end, Hahndorf let their guard down once again and a good goal by the hosts put the final score at an entertaining 6-3. Best on the ground for the Magpies were Hyde, his hat-trick a highlight, Blunt with two gaols and long bomb throws, and also Ledson, the diesel of the midfield.
Next week both teams will be looking to hold their winning form when they visit Mt Barker for the second leg of the local derby. With local bragging rights on the line it should make for two closely contested matches.
A inspired last twenty minutes by Hahndorf saw them defeat McLaren District 2-1 in the13th round of the South Australian Amateur Soccer League 3rd Division.
The Hahndorf Magpies travelled to the Southern Vales looking to build some momentum as they entered the last third of the season. With several players returning to the squad from injury and illness, the Magpies fielded one of their stronger line-ups for the season.
Nathaniel Brooke took his spot between the sticks, with defenders Lee Stibbs, Steve Noble, Todd Newman and the wily fox Wayne Forrester in front of him. Hahndorf put the reliable Jon Lynn in midfield along with Mike Lewington and the gladiatorial Ash Oosh. The Magpies opted for three frontrunners, enlisting young Kayne Stubing to join John Lawler and David Grant in the pursuit of goals.
However it was Mclaren District, going with the stiff breeze and slight slope, that pushed Hahndorf back in their own half for much of the first thirty minutes. Adjusting to their new formation, Hahndorf had trouble linking their passes and constructing an attacking plan.
However the Magpies slowly worked into the match but had to rely on Brooke on occasions to keep the match at parity, the big ‘keeper making two crucial saves to deny what looked to be certain goals.
Oosh and Lewington battled hard in the midfield while Newman and Forrester were solid at the back. Hard man Noble was doing his best to inject some fight into the game via some crunching tackles but it was McLaren District who took the initiative. Five minutes from half time, District opened their account, the home player scoring from a sharp header from a well-placed corner.
The goal did little to improve the mood of the Magpies and at half time coach Steve Handley worked on getting Hahndorf into the ascendancy. When the match resumed, Brooke continued to defend his goal well with some sharp saves and Hahndorf began to carry their possession forward with purpose.
Lynn nearly had Hahndorf on the board with a scorching effort from thirty metres that crashed into the underside of the bar and bounced away to safety. The Magpies followed that up with a free kick but Stibbs could only find the ‘keeper with the chance. Hahndorf began to get on top of the match and Lawler went close when he shot over the bar.
Hahndorf were forced into a substitution when Lynn took a hit to the forehead during a challenge and required a fair amount of bandaging and revived memories of Peter Rathjen’s mummification from Hahndorf’s earlier days. The “Black Pearl, Owen Boyce replaced Lynn and soon after Jack Farrimond also entered the fray.
The Magpies were slowly getting a grip on the match but had few clear chances as they entered the final twenty-five minutes. Hahndorf put Tyrone Blunt on for Grant as both sides battled to get the next score. Farrimond showed his intent with a blazing volley that sizzled over the bar. McLaren District neglected to heed the warning and Hahndorf were soon on level terms when Farrimond found the target with his second effort. The Magpies played a short corner to Blunt and the ball was arrowed to the melee of player in the six-yard box. It fell to Farrimond who needed no invitation to fire it into the net.
The goal set up an intense final fifteen minutes and McLaren Vale threw themselves forward to regain their lead. The Magpies were sturdy in defence, reliable Newman solid in winning the ball and putting Hahndorf into attack. They kept the pressure on the home side and held possession in the McLaren District half but could not find a winning shot at goal as the minutes ebbed away.
In a last foray forward, a long throw to the six-yard box by Blunt was not cleared well by the home side. It fell to Stubing and the young striker made space for himself before lashing home the winner to Hahndorf’s delight. The match had barely restarted when the referee blew for full time and triggered jubilant scenes amongst the players and travelling faithful.
Hahndorf battled hard to get over a resilient Maclaren District and the Magpies will hope to carry their momentum into next week. Best players on the day were Stubing, his timely strike getting the three points and Brooke, who has been a tenacious force in goal recently.
Reserves
In a high scoring affair, the Hahndorf Reserves put in a dominant display before letting McLaren District into the game late in the match. However, it was a case of too little, too late as the Magpies ran out convincing 6-3 winners.
James Nicholson started in goal once again for the reserves with young Josh Watson gaining a start along side veterans Andy Craig, Stuart Thomas and “the Italian Maestro” Edmondo Palombo. Hahndorf started well, pushing the ball around and engaging the midfield talents of Kyle Eglinton, Tyrone Blunt, Gary Ledson and the Black Pearl, Owen Boyce.
Chris Hyde and Brendan Kilpatrick patrolled the forward domain and linked well with the midfield to put Hahndorf on the front foot. In the first twenty minutes the Mclaren players pushed forward but the Magpies defence played the ball out of danger with control. It wasn’t long before a series of passes through Palombo, Blunt, Boyce and Hyde brought about the first goal, Boyce marauding down the flank and picking out Hyde with his cross and the experienced forward slotting the ball into the corner of the net.
Hahndorf continued to play an entertaining game and soon added a second, Hyde on the end of a through ball from Watson and beating the ‘keeper with a well placed shot. The Magpies rounded off a good half with Thomas latching on to a long corner and drilling into the net from an acute angle for a 3-0 lead.
The Magpies made several substitutions around half time, Matt Medley, Rupert Lindon and Ben Wells coming on within five minutes. The Magpies continued to push forward and create opportunities but often the shots went wide or over the target. However Hahndorf were soon back on track through some excellent persistence by Kilpatrick, winning the ball and firing in a pin-point left foot cross to Blunt who made no mistake close in.
Hahndorf had the game well in control, however McLaren resorted to throwing more men forward and putting pressure on the Hahndorf defence but surrendering their midfield to the visitors. Several quick clearances nearly had the Magpies in trouble and on one occasion, Nicholson made a brilliant save to deny the hosts.
Hahndorf could have had a fifth goal when a long throw appeared to skim off the ’keepers hands before going into the net but it was disallowed. Then Hyde had a shot that missed everything and went out for a throw, drawing ironic cheers from the sidelines. However the experienced forward had the last laugh, heading in from a well-delivered long throw from Blunt to bring up his hat-trick.
At 5-0 Hahndorf went to sleep a bit a let McLaren into the match and they scored two goals in quick succession. The Magpies hit back with a sixth, Blunt put through and beating the ‘keeper to the ball as he poked it past to make it 6-2.
With the match almost at an end, Hahndorf let their guard down once again and a good goal by the hosts put the final score at an entertaining 6-3. Best on the ground for the Magpies were Hyde, his hat-trick a highlight, Blunt with two gaols and long bomb throws, and also Ledson, the diesel of the midfield.
Next week both teams will be looking to hold their winning form when they visit Mt Barker for the second leg of the local derby. With local bragging rights on the line it should make for two closely contested matches.
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