Monarchs V Hahndorf
For the second round of the South Australian Amateur Soccer League 3rd division, Hahndorf and the Monarchs put on an entertaining display in difficult conditions, culminating in a 2-2 draw.
The Hahndorf Magpies started the match well, playing the ball on the ground and pushing into a strong wind in the first half. Hahndorf built from the back with Matt Norris, Luke Guest and Martin Busch finding their midfield counterparts in Max Edwards, Steve Noble Jack Farrimond, Callum Graham and Aaron Noble.
In the opening twenty minutes, the Magpies made most of the play, Busch and S.Noble finding Edwards and A.Noble out wide with Graham and Leo Santangelo looking to open up the Monarchs defence. Striker Kayne Stubing kept the Monarchs on alert as Hahndorf held possession in the forward half of the wide pitch, however the visitors could not get a serious shot on goal.
The Monarchs pushed forward when they could and a sharp move almost brought the opening goal but good positioning by Hahndorf custodian Mark McGrath saw the danger diffused. Graham then went close for the Magpies after S.Noble put the playmaker through in a good position.
The Monarchs suddenly had the opening goal, somewhat against the run of play, a quick break and a lucky bounce put the Monarchs’ forward in behind the defence. He closed in on goal and neatly found the corner of the goal with McGrath advancing.
The Magpies hit back soon after, a series of attacks putting the hosts on the back foot. A free kick by S.Noble put the Monarchs in disarray, the ball unable to be cleared from the penalty area and Stubing stepped up to slot in through traffic.
The game then opened up with both teams looking to score before half time. The Monarchs went closest, a surging run saw the home forward go past McGrath and he looked score with the goal open but Busch made a desperate dash to clear off the line.
When the teams emerged from half time it was the hosts who seized the initiative, hitting the post and then putting in their second goal, a scramble in the area giving the Monarchs the lead after having multiple shots blocked by the Hahndorf defence.
The wind and occasional shower affected the visitors more and they began to waste their possession, playing narrowly and not finding space on the expansive pitch. It was a frustrating period of play for the Magpies and was not helped by some interesting decisions by the referee, his theatrical style amusing a few observers on the sideline.
Hahndorf pressed forward and brought on David Grant for Guest as the visitors went searching for the equaliser. Santangelo went close with a rebound after Grant had a shot blocked as Hahndorf struggled to get a clear strike on goal.
Chris Sawers entered the match as the Magpies found some form late on, pressing the visitors back and eventually their pressure brought the equaliser. Graham curled in a dangerous ball and Norris rose from the throng to head past the Monarchs’ ‘keeper.
With the momentum turning for Hahndorf, they made their last substitution, Tom Holland brought on for the last ten minutes. The move looked to have paid off when Holland scored after A. Noble opened up the Monarchs, sending in a fine cross. However a dubious offside flag disallowed the goal despite Holland arriving late to the ball.
Hahndorf kept up the pressure and may have snatched it at the death but a free kick failed to get the desired result and the match ended with the points being shared.
Man of the match was Busch, once again the big defender was instrumental in denying the Monarchs many opportunities. He was well aided by Norris, the club stalwart a solid pillar at he back and getting on the score sheet with an important goal. A.Noble also put in a fine display, running hard all day and heavily involved during the first half.
Reserves
The Hahndorf Reserves put on a solid effort to triumph over the Monarchs, three second half goals giving the Magpies full points for the day.
Defending against the stiff wind in the opening half, Hahndorf stood strong in the face of the long ball game employed by the hosts. Nathaniel Brooke commanded his goal area with Matt Medley, Andy Craig and the reliable Jon Lynn keeping the hosts to few opportunities.
The midfield moved into gear with Jordan Webber, Gary Ledson, Mike “the Wanderer” Lewington, Colin Hibbert and Kyle Eglinton using the width well. Chris Hyde and Tom Holland provided a focus up front as the Magpies searched for the opening goal.
Numerous forays forward brought no reward but the visitors were unlucky not to have a penalty when Ledson was upended in the area and Hyde pushed the follow up wide of goal.
It was one of several clear chances the Magpies spurned in the half and they really should have been two or three goals up. Holland and Eglinton combined well to set up Hibbert, his rasping drive unable to be held by the Monarchs custodian but again the rebound went astray.
A stinging shower made the surface slippery and both teams made mistakes with the wind an extra hurdle to contend with, however it was probably Hahndorf who were happier at half time.
Continued pressure in the second half brought Hahndorf reward within five minutes, scoring from a corner by Hibbert, the delivery deceiving the ’keeper and leaving Hyde with a simple headed goal.
Owen “the Black Pearl” Boyce replaced Craig, as Hahndorf looked to double their advantage. The midfield began to take control of the match and it was only some over hit passes that prevented further efforts on goal.
However, the pressure forced a second, with Webber breaking free and beating a couple of defenders before slotting into the net with a fine finish. Holland and Hibbert had chances soon after, both forcing good saves from the Monarchs’ ‘keeper. The pressure was telling on the custodian, and he was clearly irritated by the large presence of Lewington at corners.
Hahndorf were steady in defence, the Monarchs main threat unable to keep his shots down when it counted and Lynn, Eglinton and Medley had many of the attacks under control.
Hahndorf sealed the points with twenty minutes remaining, a good build up by the Magpies releasing Hibbert on the right. He bore down on goal and produced an exquisite chip into the corner of the goal and left the ’keeper grasping at air.
Edmondo “the Italian Maestro” Palombo entered the match and Hahndorf continued to dominate proceedings, producing some fine moves. The Magpies moved the ball from defence to attack with a series of passes, giving Holland the chance to make it four, but the Monarchs’ ‘keeper made a great save from the goal-bound shot.
Best on the day was Lynn, a solid performance in defence keeping the Monarchs to few real chances, with Webber also putting in a fine effort over the day. Hibbert rounded out the top three with a good display, his strike imitated by Nani during United’s 3-1 defeat of Tottenham.
In other results, the Division 4 Cs found the opposition too much, going down 6-1 to hosts Hazara.
Next week the Hahndorf Magpies are at their Pine Avenue home hosting Flinders, with the Division 5 Cs taking on BOSA in the early fixture. The Division 4 Cs are taking on Flinders Uni at Mylor.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Hahndorf start the league season with good wins
Hahndorf V ACU Falcons
Hahndorf began their 2010 South Australian Amateur Soccer League campaign in fine form, scoring a 4-2 win over Division Three new comers ACU Falcons.
In a pulsating encounter, the Hahndorf Magpies found it difficult to break down the visitors defence and were denied a number of scoring chances despite controlling much of the play.
Nathaniel Brooke took the number one custodian position, with Matt Norris, Martin Busch and Scott Taylor the primary defenders and they matched up well against the Falcons’ forwards.
The Hahndorf midfield was a hive of activity, with Dave Grant, Jack Farrimond, Mike Lewington, Aaron Noble and Callum Graham dictating play. Leo Santangelo and Kayne Stubing kept the visitors on the back foot with some driving attacks, but the first twenty-five minutes brought no reward for the Magpie team.
Grant and Stubing combined to free Graham and his blistering effort forced the Falcons’ ‘keeper to tip the shot over the bar. Santangelo then had two successive goal opportunities, the second finding the crossbar from a sharp angle.
Graham was the driving force in the midfield, and was rewarded with the opening score. Hahndorf laid siege to the Falcons’ goal, with numerous shots blocked by the visiting defence, before Graham slotted in from close range.
The Magpies could have doubled their lead soon after, a rasping shot by Noble hitting the bar after he exchanged passes with Grant. However it was the Falcons who struck next, a neat turn exposing Brooke and he had no chance against the well placed shot, the half ending at 1-1.
Hahndorf soon wrested back the initiative early in the second half, Stubing getting on the end of a well delivered free kick and heading past the ‘keeper. The Magpies then enjoyed a period of control, Busch and Norris dealing with the Falcons’ forwards and the industrious Farrimond and Graham holding the middle.
Max Edwards replaced Grant, and the home side looked to increase the pressure on the visitors. A well worked move forced the best out of the Falcons’ custodian after the Magpies turned defence into attack from a Falcons’ corner.
Soon after, a sweeping move by Hahndorf gave them their deserved reward, a cross field ball by Taylor picking out Edwards and he found Stubing out wide. The speedy forward put in a cross for Santangelo to volley home, the fine strike eluding the defence. At 3-1, the Hahndorf Magpies looked comfortable and brought on Matt Medley for Taylor as the home team searched for more goals. Busch’s pass put Medley into space and his cross found Santangelo’s head and drew a good save from the Falcons’ ‘keeper.
The Falcons then began to influence the play and put Hahndorf under a period of pressure, however Busch and Norris were on hand to prevent a score by the visitors. In the final fifteen minutes, Chris Sawers replaced Noble and he made an immediate impact, getting on the end of Stubing’s flick and driving in the shot for a 4-1 score.
Soon after, Sawers was at the other end of the pitch, clearing off the line when the Falcons threatened the Magpie goal. To their credit, the visitors fought to the end and did find a second goal after Brooke blocked a fierce shot, the rebound returned with interest into the top corner.
The final minutes saw Farrimond attempt a quick free kick, but his enthusiasm only drew concern from the koalas as the shot sailed well over the bar. Stubing had a good one on one opportunity but the Falcons’ ‘keeper made a great save to deny the goal.
In an encouraging start to the league season, the Hahndorf Magpies took the three points, putting on an impressive effort and could have added more goals but for some desperate defence by the Falcons. Best on the day was Busch, the big German leading the defence by example, with Graham also outstanding in a dominant midfield aided by the hard working Farrimond.
Reserves
The Hahndorf Reserves put on a convincing display in their 7-0 demolition of the ACU Falcons, four goals to Tom Holland and a brace to Jesse Konstantinoff ensuring the three points went to the Hills team.
The match got off to a frantic start, with both teams a bit skittish in the opening ten minutes of the league season and turning over the ball with regularity. The Falcons pushed forward with purpose but the defence of Kyle Eglinton, Luke Guest and Matt Medley ensured that Magpies ‘keeper James Nicholson had few shots to contend with. Guest was particularly prevalent in shutting down the Falcons forward forays.
Settling into the match, the Magpie midfield began to assert themselves with Shaun Smith, John Lynn, Tom Holland, Gary Ledson and Colin Hibbert dictating the pace of the match. Forwards Jordan Webber and Jesse Konstantinoff looked busy in attack and the latter had a good shot blocked by the Falcons’ custodian. The ball fell to Hibbert who hit a tremendous drive only for the ball to crash into the underside of the bar and Lynn’s follow up passed over the goal.
However, Hahndorf broke the deadlock with Konstantinoff getting in a good position the feed Holland, who made no mistake from fifteen metres. The Magpies followed up with a second soon after, Holland again the scorer, gliding past the defence before deceiving the ‘keeper with a low shot into the corner.
Smith sustained an injury and was replaced by Owen “The Black Pearl” Boyce, as the Falcons tried to mount a challenge before the end of the half, but Nicholson and Guest denied them any chance.
Hahndorf added a third goal minutes into the second half, Lynn crossing for Konstantinoff and his sliced shot fell to Boyce who converted the simple header. Hahndorf added a fourth quickly when Konstantinoff found his range, a bullet header giving the visitors no chance after a fine cross from Lynn.
With the Magpies in control, Holland brought up his hat-trick in tremendous style. Hahndorf moved the ball with fluidity from defence through midfield to the top of the penalty area before finding Holland with space and he hit a sweet, low drive that arrowed into the corner of the net.
The Falcons’ heads dropped further when Konstantinoff added his second, the visitors in disarray in defence and the hard working forward taking full toll. With the Falcons reeling, Hahndorf put in their seventh, Holland playing a short corner and curling in a high ball that found the top corner of the goal.
It was a great result for the Reserves after battling hard for the opening quarter of an hour and the coaching staff were extremely pleased with the style of play and the good start to the season. Best on the day was Guest, a rock in defence early on and dictating the play from the back. Konstantinoff with two goals was also prominent for his industrious work rate and Holland put on a finishing clinic with his four strikes and midfield performance.
In other results, the Division 4 Cs found the away fixture to Brahma Lodge a tough one, going down 9-1 in a fighting display. In an exciting trial game, the Division 5 Cs conceded a couple of late goals to be the wrong side of a 5-4 score line against Sturt Marion.
Next week the Hahndorf Magpies travel to Grange to face the Adelaide Monarchs, and the Div 4 Social Cs take on Hazara at Woodville.
Hahndorf began their 2010 South Australian Amateur Soccer League campaign in fine form, scoring a 4-2 win over Division Three new comers ACU Falcons.
In a pulsating encounter, the Hahndorf Magpies found it difficult to break down the visitors defence and were denied a number of scoring chances despite controlling much of the play.
Nathaniel Brooke took the number one custodian position, with Matt Norris, Martin Busch and Scott Taylor the primary defenders and they matched up well against the Falcons’ forwards.
The Hahndorf midfield was a hive of activity, with Dave Grant, Jack Farrimond, Mike Lewington, Aaron Noble and Callum Graham dictating play. Leo Santangelo and Kayne Stubing kept the visitors on the back foot with some driving attacks, but the first twenty-five minutes brought no reward for the Magpie team.
Grant and Stubing combined to free Graham and his blistering effort forced the Falcons’ ‘keeper to tip the shot over the bar. Santangelo then had two successive goal opportunities, the second finding the crossbar from a sharp angle.
Graham was the driving force in the midfield, and was rewarded with the opening score. Hahndorf laid siege to the Falcons’ goal, with numerous shots blocked by the visiting defence, before Graham slotted in from close range.
The Magpies could have doubled their lead soon after, a rasping shot by Noble hitting the bar after he exchanged passes with Grant. However it was the Falcons who struck next, a neat turn exposing Brooke and he had no chance against the well placed shot, the half ending at 1-1.
Hahndorf soon wrested back the initiative early in the second half, Stubing getting on the end of a well delivered free kick and heading past the ‘keeper. The Magpies then enjoyed a period of control, Busch and Norris dealing with the Falcons’ forwards and the industrious Farrimond and Graham holding the middle.
Max Edwards replaced Grant, and the home side looked to increase the pressure on the visitors. A well worked move forced the best out of the Falcons’ custodian after the Magpies turned defence into attack from a Falcons’ corner.
Soon after, a sweeping move by Hahndorf gave them their deserved reward, a cross field ball by Taylor picking out Edwards and he found Stubing out wide. The speedy forward put in a cross for Santangelo to volley home, the fine strike eluding the defence. At 3-1, the Hahndorf Magpies looked comfortable and brought on Matt Medley for Taylor as the home team searched for more goals. Busch’s pass put Medley into space and his cross found Santangelo’s head and drew a good save from the Falcons’ ‘keeper.
The Falcons then began to influence the play and put Hahndorf under a period of pressure, however Busch and Norris were on hand to prevent a score by the visitors. In the final fifteen minutes, Chris Sawers replaced Noble and he made an immediate impact, getting on the end of Stubing’s flick and driving in the shot for a 4-1 score.
Soon after, Sawers was at the other end of the pitch, clearing off the line when the Falcons threatened the Magpie goal. To their credit, the visitors fought to the end and did find a second goal after Brooke blocked a fierce shot, the rebound returned with interest into the top corner.
The final minutes saw Farrimond attempt a quick free kick, but his enthusiasm only drew concern from the koalas as the shot sailed well over the bar. Stubing had a good one on one opportunity but the Falcons’ ‘keeper made a great save to deny the goal.
In an encouraging start to the league season, the Hahndorf Magpies took the three points, putting on an impressive effort and could have added more goals but for some desperate defence by the Falcons. Best on the day was Busch, the big German leading the defence by example, with Graham also outstanding in a dominant midfield aided by the hard working Farrimond.
Reserves
The Hahndorf Reserves put on a convincing display in their 7-0 demolition of the ACU Falcons, four goals to Tom Holland and a brace to Jesse Konstantinoff ensuring the three points went to the Hills team.
The match got off to a frantic start, with both teams a bit skittish in the opening ten minutes of the league season and turning over the ball with regularity. The Falcons pushed forward with purpose but the defence of Kyle Eglinton, Luke Guest and Matt Medley ensured that Magpies ‘keeper James Nicholson had few shots to contend with. Guest was particularly prevalent in shutting down the Falcons forward forays.
Settling into the match, the Magpie midfield began to assert themselves with Shaun Smith, John Lynn, Tom Holland, Gary Ledson and Colin Hibbert dictating the pace of the match. Forwards Jordan Webber and Jesse Konstantinoff looked busy in attack and the latter had a good shot blocked by the Falcons’ custodian. The ball fell to Hibbert who hit a tremendous drive only for the ball to crash into the underside of the bar and Lynn’s follow up passed over the goal.
However, Hahndorf broke the deadlock with Konstantinoff getting in a good position the feed Holland, who made no mistake from fifteen metres. The Magpies followed up with a second soon after, Holland again the scorer, gliding past the defence before deceiving the ‘keeper with a low shot into the corner.
Smith sustained an injury and was replaced by Owen “The Black Pearl” Boyce, as the Falcons tried to mount a challenge before the end of the half, but Nicholson and Guest denied them any chance.
Hahndorf added a third goal minutes into the second half, Lynn crossing for Konstantinoff and his sliced shot fell to Boyce who converted the simple header. Hahndorf added a fourth quickly when Konstantinoff found his range, a bullet header giving the visitors no chance after a fine cross from Lynn.
With the Magpies in control, Holland brought up his hat-trick in tremendous style. Hahndorf moved the ball with fluidity from defence through midfield to the top of the penalty area before finding Holland with space and he hit a sweet, low drive that arrowed into the corner of the net.
The Falcons’ heads dropped further when Konstantinoff added his second, the visitors in disarray in defence and the hard working forward taking full toll. With the Falcons reeling, Hahndorf put in their seventh, Holland playing a short corner and curling in a high ball that found the top corner of the goal.
It was a great result for the Reserves after battling hard for the opening quarter of an hour and the coaching staff were extremely pleased with the style of play and the good start to the season. Best on the day was Guest, a rock in defence early on and dictating the play from the back. Konstantinoff with two goals was also prominent for his industrious work rate and Holland put on a finishing clinic with his four strikes and midfield performance.
In other results, the Division 4 Cs found the away fixture to Brahma Lodge a tough one, going down 9-1 in a fighting display. In an exciting trial game, the Division 5 Cs conceded a couple of late goals to be the wrong side of a 5-4 score line against Sturt Marion.
Next week the Hahndorf Magpies travel to Grange to face the Adelaide Monarchs, and the Div 4 Social Cs take on Hazara at Woodville.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
A New Season: Magpies off to a winning start
Hahndorf off to a winning start
Hahndorf began their 2010 season with a 1-0 win over Flinders University in the preliminary round of the South Australian Amateur Soccer League Challenge Cup.
With the two teams also league rivals this year, the match was expected to be close, although the opening salvos put the Magpies on the back foot. Hahndorf suffered the first blow when Ash Parr had to be substituted following a crunching tackle and was replaced by Martin Busch, the big German making his official debut for the club.
Hahndorf reorganised themselves to match Flinders’ five man midfield, Matt Norris, Busch and Scott Taylor anchoring the defence behind Matt Medley, David Grant, Callum Graham, Jack Farrimond and Jordan Webber. Max Edwards and Kayne Stubing provided the striking power however Hahndorf were guilty of missing several clear chances to find the net during the first half. Hahndorf’s ‘keeper, Nathaniel Brooke ensured the misses weren’t costly, making a fine save to deny the visitors.
The match developed into an even affair, both sides looking to gain the upper hand but chances went astray as the respective defences did enough to keep parity at half time.
The Magpies lifted their game during the second stanza, Graham, Norris and Stubing leading by example as Hahndorf searched for a goal. Grant chased and harassed a defender to steal the ball but failed to get a meaningful shot away and the hosts were denied a couple of penalty appeals as the pressure mounted on the University side.
Farrimond almost broke the deadlock and the back of the net with a ferocious shot from just outside the area but the Flinders’ keeper threw himself full length to deflect the ball. A short rain shower greased the pitch and a few willing tackles entered to game as time drew on and the intensity lifted.
Brooke made several smart saves to keep Hahndorf’s sheet clean and was fortuitously aided by a disallowed goal, the University side scoring directly from an indirect free kick. The Magpies replied almost immediately, Graham putting in a searching shot after some excellent passing and a patient build up by the home team.
However, it was a long clearance by Brooke that led to Hahndorf taking the lead, Stubing swooping on the ball and unloading a rocket from long range to find the net. The stunning strike was just reward for the speedy forward, his endeavour a feature of the match. Graham almost doubled the advantage soon after, combining with Farrimond but just shooting wide of the mark.
Flinders University battled hard to find an equaliser and had the Magpies under pressure for many of the final minutes but some fine defending by Norris, Busch and Taylor kept the goal cupboard bare for the visitors.
The win was a great way for Hahndorf to kick off the season and get an early advantage over their league rivals. The 2010 edition of the Hahndorf Magpies includes a number of new faces, the club recruiting well during the off-season and the first serious game gave a glimpse a promising year.
Best on the day was Stubing, his strike a winner in any league, with the industrious Graham and impervious Norris also putting in fine performances.
Reserves
The Hahndorf Reserves met league rivals Murray Bridge for their preliminary cup match and the Magpies put in an assured display to run out 3-1 winners. Playing at the riverside venue, the Magpies pushed the ball around well in the opening sequences to dominate possession but had trouble putting a score on the board.
Forwards Jesse Konstantinoff and Chris Hyde were busy early, getting good service from the midfield of Owen “The Black Pearl” Boyce, Colin Hibbert, Leo Santangelo and Jonathon Wirth. Konstantinoff was unlucky not to be awarded a penalty when the goalkeeper flattened him and a number of late tackles by the home team inflamed the visiting coaching staff on the sideline.
However, Hahndorf took the initiative as Andy Craig played a quick free kick to Wirth who raced down the wing before centring to Konstantinoff. The young striker flicked on to Hyde at the back post and the experienced forward had an easy tap in to put Hahndorf in front.
In defence, the Magpies held the Murray Bridge side to few chances, custodian James Nicholson keeping out any shots during the half as the youthful defence of Stuart Thomas, Craig, Bob Edwards and Kyle Eglinton made the hosts work hard for their opportunities.
During half time, Hahndorf made a few changes, bringing on Tim Staniford, Jake Verrall and Shaun Beham as the Magpies looked to retain control of the match. Hahndorf continued to create chances but could not find a second goal and paid the price for their profligacy when Murray Bridge equalised with a well-taken free kick with twenty-five minutes remaining.
The score galvanised the visitors and they responded with a series of attacks, Hibbert unleashing a thunderbolt that drew a full-length dive from the Bridge ‘keeper to deny the goal. However soon after, Santangelo capped a fine display with a surging run from halfway, exchanging one-twos with several Magpie players before finding the corner of the net with a scorching shot from the edge of the area.
Ten minutes from time, Hahndorf made sure of the result with their third goal, Konstantinoff rewarded for a terrific game, getting on the end of a good ball from Verrall, a clever pass from Edwards opening up the home defence.
The result was a fair reflection of the game and Hahndorf put together some fine flowing passes and possession soccer that should reward them in the coming season. Best on the day was the energetic Konstantinoff, followed by the hardworking Hibbert and the resolute Eglington.
The super C’s
The Super C’s continue to build towards the start of the season that begins on the 1st of May. Several trial games have given the “Italian Maestro”, player-coach Edmondo Palombo, reason to believe the team will be very competitive this season.
Hahndorf began their 2010 season with a 1-0 win over Flinders University in the preliminary round of the South Australian Amateur Soccer League Challenge Cup.
With the two teams also league rivals this year, the match was expected to be close, although the opening salvos put the Magpies on the back foot. Hahndorf suffered the first blow when Ash Parr had to be substituted following a crunching tackle and was replaced by Martin Busch, the big German making his official debut for the club.
Hahndorf reorganised themselves to match Flinders’ five man midfield, Matt Norris, Busch and Scott Taylor anchoring the defence behind Matt Medley, David Grant, Callum Graham, Jack Farrimond and Jordan Webber. Max Edwards and Kayne Stubing provided the striking power however Hahndorf were guilty of missing several clear chances to find the net during the first half. Hahndorf’s ‘keeper, Nathaniel Brooke ensured the misses weren’t costly, making a fine save to deny the visitors.
The match developed into an even affair, both sides looking to gain the upper hand but chances went astray as the respective defences did enough to keep parity at half time.
The Magpies lifted their game during the second stanza, Graham, Norris and Stubing leading by example as Hahndorf searched for a goal. Grant chased and harassed a defender to steal the ball but failed to get a meaningful shot away and the hosts were denied a couple of penalty appeals as the pressure mounted on the University side.
Farrimond almost broke the deadlock and the back of the net with a ferocious shot from just outside the area but the Flinders’ keeper threw himself full length to deflect the ball. A short rain shower greased the pitch and a few willing tackles entered to game as time drew on and the intensity lifted.
Brooke made several smart saves to keep Hahndorf’s sheet clean and was fortuitously aided by a disallowed goal, the University side scoring directly from an indirect free kick. The Magpies replied almost immediately, Graham putting in a searching shot after some excellent passing and a patient build up by the home team.
However, it was a long clearance by Brooke that led to Hahndorf taking the lead, Stubing swooping on the ball and unloading a rocket from long range to find the net. The stunning strike was just reward for the speedy forward, his endeavour a feature of the match. Graham almost doubled the advantage soon after, combining with Farrimond but just shooting wide of the mark.
Flinders University battled hard to find an equaliser and had the Magpies under pressure for many of the final minutes but some fine defending by Norris, Busch and Taylor kept the goal cupboard bare for the visitors.
The win was a great way for Hahndorf to kick off the season and get an early advantage over their league rivals. The 2010 edition of the Hahndorf Magpies includes a number of new faces, the club recruiting well during the off-season and the first serious game gave a glimpse a promising year.
Best on the day was Stubing, his strike a winner in any league, with the industrious Graham and impervious Norris also putting in fine performances.
Reserves
The Hahndorf Reserves met league rivals Murray Bridge for their preliminary cup match and the Magpies put in an assured display to run out 3-1 winners. Playing at the riverside venue, the Magpies pushed the ball around well in the opening sequences to dominate possession but had trouble putting a score on the board.
Forwards Jesse Konstantinoff and Chris Hyde were busy early, getting good service from the midfield of Owen “The Black Pearl” Boyce, Colin Hibbert, Leo Santangelo and Jonathon Wirth. Konstantinoff was unlucky not to be awarded a penalty when the goalkeeper flattened him and a number of late tackles by the home team inflamed the visiting coaching staff on the sideline.
However, Hahndorf took the initiative as Andy Craig played a quick free kick to Wirth who raced down the wing before centring to Konstantinoff. The young striker flicked on to Hyde at the back post and the experienced forward had an easy tap in to put Hahndorf in front.
In defence, the Magpies held the Murray Bridge side to few chances, custodian James Nicholson keeping out any shots during the half as the youthful defence of Stuart Thomas, Craig, Bob Edwards and Kyle Eglinton made the hosts work hard for their opportunities.
During half time, Hahndorf made a few changes, bringing on Tim Staniford, Jake Verrall and Shaun Beham as the Magpies looked to retain control of the match. Hahndorf continued to create chances but could not find a second goal and paid the price for their profligacy when Murray Bridge equalised with a well-taken free kick with twenty-five minutes remaining.
The score galvanised the visitors and they responded with a series of attacks, Hibbert unleashing a thunderbolt that drew a full-length dive from the Bridge ‘keeper to deny the goal. However soon after, Santangelo capped a fine display with a surging run from halfway, exchanging one-twos with several Magpie players before finding the corner of the net with a scorching shot from the edge of the area.
Ten minutes from time, Hahndorf made sure of the result with their third goal, Konstantinoff rewarded for a terrific game, getting on the end of a good ball from Verrall, a clever pass from Edwards opening up the home defence.
The result was a fair reflection of the game and Hahndorf put together some fine flowing passes and possession soccer that should reward them in the coming season. Best on the day was the energetic Konstantinoff, followed by the hardworking Hibbert and the resolute Eglington.
The super C’s
The Super C’s continue to build towards the start of the season that begins on the 1st of May. Several trial games have given the “Italian Maestro”, player-coach Edmondo Palombo, reason to believe the team will be very competitive this season.
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