Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Round 9: Hahndorf V Murray Bridge

Hahndorf V Murray Bridge

The Hahndorf Magpies fired in a flurry of goals to account for Murray Bridge 5-1 in the 9th round of the South Australian Amateur Soccer League 3rd Division.
Hahndorf got off to a sparkling start against Murray Bridge, the skilful midfield of Aaron Noble, Jack Farrimond with Dan and Tom Holland tore into the match and set strikers Kayne Stubing and Dan Hermel up with early opportunities.

It wasn’t long before Hahndorf made the opening goal from a corner, the ball finding Hermel on the back post and his fierce shot was tipped onto the post, the ball rebounded to D.Holland who had his low shot blocked. The ball fell back to Hermel and he made no mistake the second time, arrowing his drive to the corner of the net.

The Magpies continued to attack with Farrimond striking a piledriver that was palmed away and Stubing’s rebound shot was also blocked. However it was not long before the score was doubled, A. Noble with an exquisite piece of skill to deftly beat two players and curl the ball past the Bridge ‘keeper.

The Hahndorf defence gave the visitors little, Matt Norris, Steve Noble, Scott Taylor and Jon Lynn providing a stable base in front of stand in ‘keeper, the versatile Luke Guest. Hahndorf broke through for a third score when the Holland brothers combined, Tom sliding a through ball for Dan to run in and slot the goal away.

A relentless Magpie team made it 4-0 in twenty minutes when a quick free kick by A.Noble found Hermel and he buried the shot past a shell-shocked Murray Bridge. With the Magpies dominating in midfield, the defence were in a miserly mood, Lynn using his experience to snuff out the forward movement by the visitors and send the Magpies into attack.

Murray Bridge managed to work their way into the match but wasted a good opportunity by shooting wide. The lull in scoring was arrested ten minutes from half time when T.Holland scored a cheeky goal from distance, the low drive bouncing just in front of the ’keeper and skipping under his searching dive.

The half saw some delightful play from the hosts, a number of intricate passes and movement off the ball leaving Murray Bridge chasing shadows as the Magpies dominated the play. Hahndorf suffered their only blemish when they had a player sent off for an early shower just before half time.

Resuming the second half a player down, the Magpies encountered a more resolute Murray Bridge side and the match became a more even affair. Guest saw his first real action, tipping a shot onto the bar before collecting the rebound as Norris led the defence strongly at the back. Lynn was in sparkling form, reading Murray Bridge’s attacking intent and was well supported by Taylor, Norris, Farrimond and S.Noble.

Hahndorf continued to attack and D. Holland hit a good free kick just wide while Hermel squandered another good chance. The visitors worked hard to create an opportunity and finally scored with a good through ball to leave Guest exposed and Murray Bridge pulled a goal back.

Substitutes Jesse Konstantinoff, Chris Sawers and Matt Medley made their appearance in the final 25 minutes, with Hahndorf continuing to press for more goals. Hermel hit the post with a free kick and the home side had a goal disallowed for off side after a series of shots were blocked or hit the bar. Konstantinoff and Sawers almost made it onto the scoresheet but were unable to convert their chances before the final whistle.

The strong win continues Hahndorf’s title challenge, with Dan Hermel gathering the best-on-ground votes with Jon Lynn and Tom Holland also producing some scintillating play.



Reserves

Hahndorf Reserves dug deep and rallied twice before eventually overcoming a stubborn Murray Bridge outfit 3-2 to keep their title hopes alive.

The match got off to an even start with Hahndorf strikers Jesse Konstantinoff and Jordan Webber kicking off up the slope of the Pine Avenue ground. Neither side made much of an impression on their opposition defence with the midfield containing the early action. Max Gordon-Edwards, Colin Hibbert, David Grant and Chris Sawers battled hard but the Hahndorf team struggled to maintain possession against the competitive Murray Bridge side.

Bob Gordon-Edwards marshalled defenders Kyle Eglinton, Rupert “the Enforcer” Lindon and Matt Medley to repel some attacking moves by the visitors and James Nicholson’s goal was not seriously challenged. M. Gordon-Edwards exploited space on the flank and the Magpies created a few good chances, Webber hitting the side netting and Grant finding the Bridge ‘keeper with a sharp effort.

However, the home team was stung by the visitors when they scored, the ball cut back from the by-line to find the Murray Bridge player with plenty of the goal to aim at. Hahndorf hit back through Hibbert, but the bustling midfielder went wide with his shot.

Hahndorf continued to press and found the equaliser through Sawers. Getting a fine pass from Webber, Sawers made a brilliant turn in the penalty area to open up space and he drilled the shot into goal.

Hahndorf almost took the lead soon after when Grant had his free kick tipped over the bar after evading the defensive wall. But it was the visitors who regained the lead after profiting from a moment of hesitation by Hahndorf, a long ball bouncing into the penalty area and Murray Bridge heading over the advancing Nicholson. The Magpies tried to respond but found it difficult to get their passing game going before the end of the half.

The second half saw an improved performance by the hosts and they began to make better use of the flanks, Sawers particularly prolific with some dazzling runs. Hahndorf gained a couple of corners and made one of them count; Hibbert playing short to Sawers and he drove in a low shot that was half cleared to Lindon who smashed it through traffic to the corner of goal.

With scores at parity, Hahndorf gained confidence and pushed up the pitch, M. Gordon-Edwards and Webber getting more of the ball. The Magpies brought on Luke Guest to shore up the backline as the hosts went looking for the next goal. Konstantinoff had a great chance for the winner but scooped his effort over from close in as Hahndorf mounted a series of attacks with Grant, Webber and Sawers all testing the Bridge ‘keeper.

A further substitution saw Sam Heyward enter the match and he made an impact shortly after. Guest burst out of defence and sent a long ball to Webber who charged at the Murray Bridge backline. Webber sent in a fierce shot that was palmed out to Heyward and the tall striker made no mistake to put Hahndorf into the 3-2 lead.

The Magpies had several chances to add further goals but wayward shooting kept the match close. Murray Bridge fought to the end and were almost gifted an equaliser when a defensive mix up gave the visitors a good chance late in the match.

Best on the day was Chris Sawers who created many chances for the Magpies with some searing runs. Others to catch the votes were Rupert Lindon having a very solid game and an equalising goal and M. Gordon-Edwards with his strong midfield efforts.


Super Cs

The Div 4 Super Cs put in a brave performance before being overrun by a well-drilled Old Ignatians side at Mylor, the visitors scoring seven unanswered goals.

The Div 5 Cs fought hard against local rivals Stirling but were unable to recover after going three goals down, the final score of 4-1 not a true reflection of the match. Hahndorf made it 3-1 through Sam Wood and dominated the last 15 minutes but could not bring back the deficit despite club stalwart Stuart Thomas hitting the woodwork twice.

Next week the Hahndorf Magpies visit the ACU Falcons While the Div 4 Cs are at Brahma Lodge and the Div 5 Cs travel to Salisbury Villa.

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Round 8: Hahndorf V Adelaide Pumas

Hahndorf V Adelaide Pumas

In the eighth round of the South Australian Amateur Soccer League 3rd Division, Hahndorf put in a convincing display to win 3-0 and account for title challengers, the Adelaide Pumas.

Both teams started briskly, the Magpies fielding an experienced defensive line with Jon Lynn, Matt Norris, Steve Noble and Luke Guest in front of custodian Nathaniel Brooke.

The Pumas tested Hahndorf early but were unable to make any telling opportunities as the Magpies closed them down. Midfielders Dan Hermel, Jack Farrimond, Aaron Noble and Dan Holland battled hard to give Hahndorf possession and bring forwards Kayne Stubing and Leo Santangelo into play.

The pressure built up on the Pumas and Hahndorf found a way through with Hermel to open the scoring. The fleet-footed winger worked behind the defence and cut the ball back into goal after drawing out the ’keeper.

The midfield cauldron provided most of the action and several rash challenges drew cautions to both teams. Hahndorf pressed forward and Holland forced the goalkeeper into a save and soon after Hermel also caused consternation to the visitors with a fine effort.

Brooke too was called into action as the Pumas made a good chance, the big Magpie ‘keeper diving at full stretch to stop a shot from the edge of the area. The match saw a few more attacking moves by Hahndorf but no-one added to the score line before half time arrived.

An even first ten minutes began the second stanza before either team could manage a telling attack, Hahndorf wasting a free kick from a promising position. The midfield again provided the most interest with Farrimond and Holland particularly industrious and their endeavour helped the Magpies gain a series of corners.

Hahndorf tried with several headers at goal but the ball could not be forced over the line and finally the Pumas ‘keeper claimed the ball after a fourth attempt. A second avenue opened up through Holland and Santangelo and the latter was within centimetres of connecting with the centring pass.

The Magpie backline was holding its own and looked assured with their passing out of defence, Norris and Guest twin towers of strength in the spine. Lynn started an attack from deep, setting A Noble off down the flank and he found Santangelo with a piercing pass. The tall forward took the ball in his stride but went narrowly wide with his shot.

Tom Holland entered the match as the Magpies gained more possession, Stubing going wide after a fine pass from the substitute. T Holland was to go one better soon after, winning a fifty-fifty through ball to run in on goal before tucking it away for Hahndorf’s second score.

The score gave Hahndorf opportunity to bring on Scott Taylor and for the referee to send off a Pumas player for dissent. Hahndorf took advantage with their third strike, Stubing heading at the back post after some skilful approach play by the Magpies.

Hermel could have made it more but his turn and shot passed the wrong side of the post. With the minutes remaining dwindling, the visitors pressed for an answering goal. They could have scored but Farrimond cleared a Pumas’ header off the line and the rebound was put over the bar to preserve Hahndorf’s clean sheet.

In a fine team performance, best on the day was Leo Santangelo, the forward a constant threat in the forward half with Dan Hermel and Luke Guest also putting in excellent games.


Reserves
A persistent Hahndorf effort was rewarded with a fine 5-1 win over the Adelaide Pumas to keep the Magpies in second spot in the league.

Mark McGrath started in goal with Matt Medley, Mike Lewington, Andy Craig and Rupert “the Enforcer” Lindon providing the defensive duties. Kyle Eglinton, Dave Grant, Chris Sawers and Max Gordon-Edwards worked the midfield engine room as the match got off to a fairly even first twenty minutes.

The Magpies played their way up the ground and pushed the ball around well, Gordon-Edwards and Eglinton eager to use the space out wide. The approach brought the reward, the defence switching play along the back to release Eglinton. An accurate ball to forward Sam Heyward was controlled and he drilled it inside the near post for the opening goal.

The Pumas didn’t take the setback lying down and McGrath made a couple of fine saves before the visitors struck the equaliser. An early cross was met by the Pumas forward and he stuck it past the exposed McGrath for 1-1. Hahndorf responded well but could not find a way to goal despite having the majority of possession before half time.

Colin Hibbert entered the match after half time and the Magpies pressed forward looking for more goals. Jordan Webber was making an impact up front with his bullocking runs and his hard work was to pay off with Hahndorf’s second goal, the young striker collecting a pass from out wide and hammering a shot past the Pumas ‘keeper.

More was to come from the exciting forward when a Grant free kick found its way to the back post and Webber collected the loose ball. Turning sharply, he belted the ball to the far corner of the net from the proverbial impossible angle as Hahndorf moved further ahead.

The Magpies began to control the tempo of the match and kept the Pumas to few chances and Ben “Beninho” Wells entered the fray. Some niggle started to creep into the game and the Pumas lost a player for striking out at a Magpie and giving Hahndorf a free on the edge of the area. The home team took the opportunity to bring on John Lawler and he could have scored with his first touch, striking at goal but only finding the post from close in.

He was to make amends minutes later, scoring with his second touch, heading across goal from a well-struck corner kick. Further petulance from the visitors reduced their numbers again and Hahndorf exploited the open spaces afforded them. Several Magpie chances went begging before Gordn-Edwards struck a thunderbolt from distance that flew like a missile past the beleaguered Pumas’ ‘keeper.

Hahndorf switched off a little in the final minutes and the Pumas nearly made them pay but the Magpies regained their composure to consolidate the 5-1. Best on the day was Max Gordon-Edwards with a great performance in the midfield and a fine goal. Also with outstanding efforts were Kyle Eglinton and Jordan Webber, both causing havoc in the Pumas half.


Super Cs
The Div 4 Cs suffered some late absences and a ten man Magpie outfit were no match for the Adelaide University side, going down 7-1 at the Mylor ground.

The Div 5 Cs put in a solid performance in a tight match but were undone by a couple of defensive mix-ups, the Adelaide University taking advantage to put in two goals and cancel out a Sam Wood strike.

Next week the Hahndorf firsts and Reserves are again at their Pine Avenue home, hosting Murray Bridge while the Div 5 Cs play earlier in the day hosting local rivals Stirling. The Div 4 Cs take on Old Ignatians at Mylor in the 3pm kick off.

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Cup round 2: Hahndorf V Elizabeth Grove

Hahndorf V Elizabeth Grove

The Hahndorf Reserves hosted Sunday Div 2 side Elizabeth Grove for the 2nd round of the SAASL Cup, putting in an impressive display to oust their more fancied rivals by 5 goals to 1.

The match got off to a competitive start with both sides eager to press forward and test the respective defences. Hahndorf started with Kyle Eglinton, Michael Lewington, Luke Guest and Andy Craig in front of Magpie custodian James Nicholson.

The back line was steadfast in the face of Elizabeth Grove’s intent and Hahndorf’s midfield of Chris Sawers, Dan Hermel and the brothers Holland, Tom and Dan, began to exert their influence. Jesse Konstantinoff was the focal point in attack along with Leo Santangelo, the pair keen to test Grove’s ‘keeper on the damp surface.

Lewington and Guest were formidable in central defence and did not allow Grove any easy access to goal, while Craig and Eglinton halted moves down the wings. The first twenty minutes were very competitive as both teams had glimpses of goal but accuracy was often absent, Grove had several shots pass wide of goal while Konstantinoff stabbed a good opportunity wide and Santangelo was also astray early on.

However it was the home team that were creating the better scoring opportunities, with the Magpie midfield beginning to fire. Throughout the half, several decisions brought disagreement from the visiting side and soon the referee was dealing out yellow cards for dissent like a practised croupier. Hahndorf got on with the match and were rewarded with the first goal through Konstantinoff when he slotted in Santangelo’s cross from close range.

Sawers and Hermel were prolific on the flanks and several times raced past their markers to deliver low, hard balls to the centre, pinning Grove back with their speed and endeavour. The Holland pair worked well to send Hahndorf into attack and it wasn’t long before the Magpies had doubled their score.

Santangelo lurked outside the penalty area and picked up a short clearance after a period of Hahndorf pressure. He took a couple of strides before sending a searing drive to the top corner of the net.

Elizabeth tried to hit back and should have scored but for a finger tip save by Nicholson to divert the ball past the post. The Magpie ‘keeper was also alert to the through balls and quickly made them his own.

The Magpies kept the pressure on Grove and hit a series of shots at goal before D. Holland stepped up the deliver the goods, picking up the ball and slotting across goal into the net.

Hahndorf were enjoying the match and played some neat football, with Eglinton overlapping down the flanks and the Magpies’ exploiting Grove’s lack of pace at the back through their speedy wingers. The Hahndorf defence remained vigilant and continued to keep the Elizabeth forwards to slim pickings, their best chance from a goal kick interception, but the shot was wasted wide of the mark.

The hosts capped of a fine half with the 4th goal of the game. Santangelo delivered a sterling cross for Konstantinoff and the sharpshooter controlled the ball well before swivelling and smacking it past the despairing Grove ‘keeper.

The second stanza did not carry the same intensity as the first although Hahndorf and Grove continued to battle hard for the ball. Hermel was in terrific form out wide, his marker constantly in jeopardy of twisting his neck as the flighty winger went by.

Hahndorf peppered the Grove goal through Santangelo, Konstantinoff, D and T Holland but the shots were often from distance and lacked direction as the half drew on. Grove hit back with a goal from a free kick, the ball being headed in from an acute angle at the back post.

The goal did little to enliven Grove and the expected fight back was essentially squashed by Hahndorf’s defensive line and hardworking midfield, Rupert “the Enforcer” Lindon brought on to strengthen the Magpies’ resolve.
With little time remaining, Hahndorf killed the match off with Luke Guest striking an emphatic penalty to make the final score 5-1 to the home team.

It was a great team performance by all the players but outstanding on the day was Dan Hermel, with excellent games also from Kyle Eglinton, Leo Santangelo and Dan Holland.

Div 5 Super Cs
The Div 5 Super Cs continued their climb up the ladder with a comprehensive 4-0 victory over Salisbury Villa. Scott Schubert extended his fine goal scoring form with Hahndorf’s first with John Lawler also netting before half time.

Promising youngster Sam Wood put in the Magpies’ third and Lawler scored his second and Hahndorf’s fourth to put the result beyond doubt. Coach Edmondo Palombo was delighted with the effort of all his charges, singling out Tim Staniford as best on the day.

Next week the Hahndorf Magpies host the Adelaide Pumas at the Pine Avenue arena while the Div 5 Cs kick-off earlier in the day at home against Adelaide University. The Div 4 Cs also play Adelaide University, but at Mylor for their 3pm kick-off.

Wednesday, June 09, 2010

Round 7: USC Lion V Hahndorf

Lion mauls Magpies

USC Lion V Hahndorf

Hahndorf suffered their first defeat of the season following a disappointing second half display, conceding 6 goals to nil against an organised and well-drilled USC Lion side for the 7th round of the South Australian Amateur Soccer League 3rd Division.

Playing into a stiff breeze, the Magpies fielded a team with Nathaniel Brooke in goal behind a defensive line of Steve Noble, Jon Lynn, Luke Guest and Scott Taylor. The opening ten minutes saw Hahndorf make most of the possession through midfielders Aaron Noble, Leo Santangelo, Jack Farrimond and Dan Holland, linking up with front men Kayne Stubing and Matt Norris.

Despite their early forays forward, Hahndorf could not produce a clear chance on goal and it was USC Lion who broke through, almost against the run of play, to put the hosts up 1-0 after fifteen minutes.

The Magpies responded through Taylor and Stubing, the fleet-footed player dashing into the penalty area and forcing the Lion ‘keeper to beat the shot away. Guest rose to meet the resultant corner kick but could not find the target with his head.

Norris, A.Noble and Farrimond combined to send Santangelo through with a well-weighted pass but the home goalkeeper was up to the task and held Santangelo’s fierce drive. Hahndorf tried again through Stubing, a solo run eluding most but the finish was not as precise and again the Lion ‘keeper was to deny the Magpies.

Lion were beginning to warm to the match and Hahndorf could have been two goals down but for a great save by Brooke, repelling a rasping drive from the home striker. The battle for the midfield was fierce, neither team given much time on the ball but the Magpies failed to capitalise on their pressure during the half. A good build up presented Norris with a chance but the Lion custodian palmed away his effort to leave Hahndorf trailing 1-0 at half time.

The Magpies got off to a poor start in the second half when USC Lion scored their second goal soon after resumption of play, a stray disposal from Brooke returned with interest. Hahndorf almost replied through Stubing, but he stuck his shot over the bar after a fine run and cross from Holland.

Hahndorf pressed forward searching for a goal but found the Lion defence in a miserly mood and the visitors were saved when Lion found the net after a fast break, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.

Making his return after an injury, Tom Holland was brought on to add impetus to Hahndorf’ effort but this was thwarted by Lion’s 3rd goal, a volley to the corner leaving Brooke no chance.

Hahndorf tried to respond but could not find the breakthrough they desired, the host side determined not to let the Magpies into the match. Pressure from Lion forced their 4th goal, a strong block by Brooke was not cleared and Lion eventually bundled the ball in.

A free kick summed up Hahndorf’s day, the opportunity not finding the target to the frustration of the Hills team. Lion countered with a fast break and their 5th goal as the Magpies continued to make little impression in the attacking third.

Hahndorf persisted however and were unlucky after Norris headed wide after a great cross from D.Holland found the club stalwart in a good position. Lion ended the pain for Hahndorf with a stunning strike from distance, the volley finding the top corner to seal a comprehensive win in which Hahndorf faded during the second half and were largely outplayed.


Reserves

The Magpie Reserves played out a strong, competitive scoreless draw against the 3rd placed USC Lion to maintain second spot in their division.

The Magpies began with Kyle Eglinton, Mike Lewington, Andy Craig and Matt Medley in defence, with James Nicholson donning the gloves. A mixture of youth and experience pervaded the midfield with Max Gordon-Edwards, Chris Sawers, Colin Hibbert and David Grant looking hold the middle ground. Jordan Webber and Jesse Konstantinoff provide a focal point up front and the pair kept the opposition defenders on their guard.

The hosts put Hahndorf under pressure in the first phase of play, trying to make the most of the stiff breeze behind them. The Magpies defence worked hard to shut down their hosts with some timely tackles and defensive blocks as they worked their way into the match. Nicholson made a brilliant save early on to deny Lion a score when they broke through on goal, the custodian snatching the ball from the feet of the advancing forward.

Sawers and Gordon-Edwards found the flanks very rewarding and the Magpies had a great chance when the latter put in a fine cross for Webber to knock on to Konstantinoff, but the striker was off balance when he shot and the ball went wide.

Hahndorf began to make some telling moves forward but were frustrated by a flag-happy linesman who made a few dubious calls for offside. However there was no denying Hahndorf’s intent when Sawers struck a rasping drive from distance that cannoned off the crossbar.

The second half was as combative as the first, the defence of both teams holding sway over the forwards and leaving them with few genuine chances. Lewington and Craig won many of the aerial duels while Eglinton and Medley were sure in their tackles.

Hibbert and Grant continued to battle in the cauldron of midfield while Gordon-Edwards and Sawers found acres of space out wide. The Magpies began to tame the Lion defence and pressed for a goal, bringing on Rupert “the Enforcer” Lindon and Sam Heyward, hoping the injection of fresh legs would tip the match in the visitors favour.

Webber was denied a goal when a Lion arm deflected his volley but the Hahndorf protests held no water with the referee, as the Magpies continued to pin the hosts back in the final twenty minutes. Heyward had a good chance to win it for Hahndorf in the final minutes but could not keep his header down after another great cross from Grant.

In a disciplined display where all players played very well in a hard fought match, among the highlights were Sawers, Webber, Gordon-Edwards, Craig and Lewington.


Super Cs
The Div 4 Super Cs were unlucky in their 3-1 loss to Adelaide Redblue Eagles, equalising soon after the start of the second half but unable to prevent a couple of late goals by the home side.

The Div 5 Cs fared better in a physical encounter, getting over Modbury Jets 3-1, with a fine double strike by John Lawler putting the Magpies in a good frame. An answering goal by Modbury livened up the match before Scott Schubert sealed the win with a clinical finish.

Next week the Hahndorf Reserves host Elizabeth Grove in the Reserve cup and the Div 5 Cs also are at home to Salisbury Villa.

Tuesday, June 01, 2010

Round 6: Hahndorf V Mt Barker

Hahndorf reigns over Mt Barker

Hahndorf Magpies V Mount Barker Crusaders

A torrent of goals brightened up a rainy day as Hahndorf steamrolled Mount Barker 10-0 to maintain their title challenge in the 6th round of the South Australian Amateur Soccer League 3rd division.

Hahndorf got off to a sparkling start, pinning their opponents back from the opening whistle with Aaron Noble, Dan Holland, Jack Farrimond and Kayne Stubing taking charge of the midfield. The talented quartet supplied forwards Leo Santangelo and Matt Norris with plenty of the ball, the latter making his 100th appearance for the club.

The large crowd didn’t have to wait long before Hahndorf got on the scoreboard, defender Scott Taylor showing his striking prowess with rifling shot from the edge of the box after ten minutes. Soon after, Stubing doubled the advantage with a blistering shot that rocketed into the roof of the net, the Magpies eager to dominate derby encounter.

Mt Barker responded with some attacking moves but were unable to pierce the defences of Jon Lynn, Steve Noble, Luke Guest and Taylor. Hahndorf custodian Nathaniel Brooke was rarely troubled but the greasy surface made shots on target a tricky proposition, the ‘keeper getting his big frame behind any of the Crusaders’ efforts.

The third goal arrived via A Noble, the sprightly midfielder having a day out on the wing. Cutting into the box he eluded the Mt Barker defender before slotting the ball into the corner of goal.

Mt Barker tried to get into the match but Farrimond and Lynn were reading the play with authority and neutralised any threats. The visitors’ best chance occurred when a stray disposal by Brooke gave Mt Barker a glimpse of goal but the effort was blazed over the bar.

Hahndorf rounded out the half with their 4th goal, Stubing atoning for an earlier miss with his second after A Noble had done all the hard work to set up the prolific scorer with the simplest of tap-ins.

The second half brought further rain and further pain for Mt Barker as Hahndorf, like the weather, showed no signs of letting up. Farrimond was dominating the centre and released A Noble. The prodigiously talented youngster struck a sweet shot from 30 metres, the ball going over the stranded Mt Barker ‘keeper and finding the net with possibly the goal of the day

Holland highlighted his exemplary game with the Magpies’ 6th, a curled free kick to the top corner as Hahndorf piled on the misery for Mt Barker. The visitors then had a chance but the header went wide to add to their frustration.

Norris had been in the action all match but could not find the back of the net, several times he was denied by the overworked Mt Barker keeper, one a great double save from close in. Working his way back into fitness after a sojourn with Paris Saint-Germain, Norris was replaced by David Grant with the Magpies well on top.

A Magpie short corner brought S Noble in to the attacking play. The experienced defender crossed to the penalty area hotspot and the ball was poked in by Stubing to bring up his hat-trick. An 8th arrived soon after, Grant beating the offside trap to race through on goal and cleanly chip past the advancing ‘keeper, his tumbling celebration ending in a semi-reclined pose to the cheers of the crowd.

Mt Barker almost grabbed a consolation goal but Brooke was cat-like in his acrobatic save, leaping diagonally to tip the well struck shot over the bar and maintain a clean sheet.

Santangelo decided to get on the scoreboard late in the match, taking on a defender and blasting a shot from the edge of the box. The rout was completed minutes from full time when a through ball put no less than four Magpies in on goal. Abandoned by his teammates, the Mt Barker ‘keeper did well to deny Holland’s shot but the rebound fell to Santangelo and he slotted the ball away.

Best on the day was the industrious Jack Farrimond, the driving force of the midfield engine room with an outstanding match. Dan Holland and Aaron Noble also had very productive games to complete Hahndorf’s domination of the midfield.



Reserves

After an entertaining and at times frustrating battle, the Hahndorf Reserves left it late in the game before snatching a 1-0 victory over their local rivals, Mount Barker.

With James Nicholson in goal, Hahndorf selected a flexible defensive line-up comprising of Matt Medley, Andy Craig, Mike Lewington and Rupert ‘the Enforcer’ Lindon. The initial ten minutes saw Mt Barker take the game to the host team and the Hahndorf back line worked hard to prevent any meaningful shots on goal.

Ben ‘Beninho’ Wells, Jordan Webber, Colin Hibbert and Chris Sawers brought the midfield into play as the hosts began to gain more possession. Forwards Jesse Konstantinoff and Max Gordon-Edwards started to find openings in the oppositions defence but the Magpies were largely inaccurate in front of goal.

Several opportunities from corners went begging as Hahndorf had trouble finding the target. Mt Barker also created some openings but Craig, Lindon and Lewinton were resolute in their defence, winning most of the aerial battles and getting in some well timed tackles.

Sawers and Wells provided wide options and the Magpies moved the ball well into the attacking third of the pitch. Many times Hahndorf had trouble finding the right ball to get the opening goal and shots from Konstantinoff, Gordon-Edwards, Webber and Hibbert went astray.

A persistent rain began the second half and the match swung in Hahndorf’s favour when a Mt Barker player was sent off after gaining a second yellow card, a somewhat theatrical collapse in the penalty area not fooling the referee. However, despite the numerical advantage, the Magpies were wasteful with possession and continued to pepper the Mt Barker goal for no reward.

Kyle Eglinton and David Grant entered the fray as Hahndorf pinned the visitors back repeatedly but were not able to penetrate the overworked Mt Barker defence. The Hahndorf defence remained alert to the threat of a counter attack goal with the slick pitch conditions ready to punish a stray pass or missed tackle.

With five minutes remaining, Hahdorf finally got the winning goal after some persistent pressure in the Mt Barker half. Sawers gave a quick throw to Craig who hit a low centring ball to Konstantinoff. Working hard, a quick exchange with Eglinton put Konstantinoff in space and he stuck a fine shot to leave the ‘keeper with no chance and sent the Magpies into frenzied celebration.

Hahndorf held on for the remaining time and should have added a second but for some more errant shots and Mt Barker’s dogged defending. Best for Hahndorf were Craig, Lewington and Lindon, the trio holding Mt Barker to few genuine chances and providing a stable base for the Magpies to launch into attack.


Super Cs

The Div 5 Super Cs started the day off well for Hahndorf, with a comprehensive 6-1 victory over the Sturt Marion Thunder.

Scott Schubert put the Magpies in the lead within five minutes, a fine strike finding the corner of goal for the only score of the mostly even first half.

Hahndorf sparked into life in the second, with a goal to John Lawler before Sturt Marion answered to make it 2-1. The Magpies responded through Luke Jones, Sam Wood and Schubert with his second before Stuart Thomas rounded out the scoring with a trademark header.

Next week the Hahndorf Magpies travel to Grange to challenge the second placed USC Lion with the Super Cs 5th Div team visiting the Modbury Jets. The Div 4 Cs are also at Grange, against the Redblue Eagles.