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.
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