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.
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