Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Round 16: Hahndorf V USC Lion

Hahndorf V USC Lion

The business end of the season witnessed the two top teams in the 3rd Division of the SA Amateur Soccer League, Hahndorf and USC Lion battling it out for top honours. When the final whistle was blown, neither team had managed to score in an entertaining encounter, the nil all score leaving Lion on top with Hahndorf a few points behind in second.


The pitch was soft underfoot but with no Reserves match taking place the ground was in pretty good condition considering the rain during the week. Hahndorf suffered an early setback when first team debutant Sam Wood twisted a knee minutes into the match and had to be substituted, Jon Lynn stepping in for the young midfielder.

As could be expected from the two form teams, the opening exchanges were cagey with both sides finding the pace of the pitch. Hahndorf started Mark McGrath in goal with Lynn, Scott Taylor, Matt Norris and Steve Noble taking up the defensive duties. The midfield of Tom Holland, Jack Farrimond, Luke Guest and Aaron Noble were up for a busy day and forwards Kayne Stubing and Leo Santangelo were equally keen.

The midfield was seeing the majority of the action with USC Lion just shading possession, however both teams were looking to impose themselves on the match but despite a number of attacking forays, there were few chances on goal. A couple of speculative shots by Lion gave McGrath no problems while Hahndorf had a good opportunity when Holland set up S.Noble on the edge of the area but the low strike was wide of the mark.

To the delight of the home supporters, the visitors earned a couple of yellow cards in the first half hour after a bit of niggle between the teams, the referee not tolerating any backchat. Another chance fell to Hahndorf when Taylor’s free kick caused concern in the Lion penalty area, but A.Noble couldn’t get enough bend on his shot and it just passed wide of the post.

Lion then had the best chance of the half, a header skimming the crossbar after a good corner. But then the match turned a little sour for the visitors when they had a player sent off after earning two yellow cards in thirty seconds. Both cards were for dissent, the offender not learning after his first yellow and his continued verbal abuse getting him a subsequent second.

The man advantage gave the Magpies a little more space and they put together some nice attacking moves but were unable to threaten the Lion goal before the half came to an end.

Hahndorf started the second half well, using their numerical advantage to good effect and holding possession as they sought to unpick the Lion defence. A good chance fell to the Magpies when A.Noble headed on a lofted pass and the Lion goalkeeper rushed out to clear the ball but missed it. Fortunately for the visitors, a defender was able to hack the ball to the sideline before A.Noble could get to it.

Hahndorf were enjoying more of the play but were finding the Lion defence in good form, the hosts doing well but finding their final passes going astray. The Magpies controlled the tempo, Taylor, S.Noble and Norris starting the moves from the back and building through the midfield.

A free gave Taylor the chance to put the ball in a dangerous position and it drew the Lion ‘keeper out to punch the ball away. Hahndorf gathered the loose ball and after several passes it was Guest who chanced his luck with a shot that passed wide of goal.

Hahndorf brought on Jordan Webber to unsettle the Lion defence as the match entered the final twentyfive minutes. Guest was relishing his midfield role and almost put Santangelo through on goal but the Lion ‘keeper snatched the ball away at the last moment.

The defence of Lion and Hahndorf were dominating proceedings; however a few opportunities kept the match in the balance. A Magpie appeal for handball in the penalty area was turned down and a Lion attack saw a shot go past the post. Hahndorf answered with an effort that went over the crossbar as both teams were finding the goal a difficult target to hit.

A.Noble and Santangelo combined to set up Guest but while the shot was low, it was also wide. A Lion attack put them in a promising position but Lynn cleared the danger with a timely header. The supporters of both teams were in fine voice, urging on the players and engaging in a bit of banter but it was Hahndorf who were making most of the running.

Farrimond went wide with a shot after Hahndorf had built up a period of pressure, the industrious midfielder, together with Guest, getting plenty of the play. In the final minutes a quick free kick put Webber down the flank and he sent in a fine cross for A.Noble but as he shaped to volley in the ball, a slight deflection, appearing to come off the Lion defenders arm, took the ball off his boot.

It was to be the last notable action in the day, the nil-all result keeping the status quo at the top of the table. Man of the match was Steve Noble, his direction and endeavour in defence a stable foundation from which many of Hahndof’s positive moves originated.

Next week the Hahndorf Magpies are away to the Adelaide Pumas while the Div 4 and Div 5 Cs are both visiting Adelaide University.

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Round 15: Mt Barker V Hahndorf

Mt Barker V Hahndorf

Hahndorf completed a comfortable win over local rivals Mt Barker, the 4-0 result giving the Magpies a victorious clean sweep in both meetings this season.

The Hahndorf Magpies took little time to settle into the local derby, intent on attack from the outset and making good use of the space available on the large pitch. Forwards Leo Santangelo and Tom Holland put the Mt Barker defence under pressure with Hahndorf’s midfield of Aaron Noble, Jack Farrimond, Kayne Stubing and Dan Hermel dominating from the opening whistle.

The slick, even surface was conducive to the visitors’ quick passing game and they soon took the lead through Santangelo. Out on the flank, Stubing eluded his marker and put in a centring pass to Holland who set up Sanangelo with a neat layoff. The tall forward needed no second invitation and coolly slotted in the goal to get Hahndorf off to a great start.

Magpie custodian Luke Guest had a few Mt Barker attacks to contend with but a formidable defence containing Jon Lynn, Matt Norris, Scott Taylor and Steve Noble were well on top of the host’s forays forward. Mt Barker were under constant pressure from their local rivals and it wasn’t long before Hahndorf had doubled their lead, A.Noble with a precision finish after Stubing tormented the hosts with a fine cross.

Hahndorf kept up their attack, the midfield battle dominated by the engine of Farrimond and ingenuity of A.Noble with Stubing and Hermel exploiting the spacious flanks and finding Sanangelo and Holland. Hahndorf were patient with the ball, prepared to build from the back and switch play across the defensive line.

The Magpies’ endeavour paid off with the third goal of the match. Stubing again sent in a cross into the penalty box and it was poorly dealt with by Mt Barker, leaving Hermel to smash in the goal from close range. Hahndorf should have added more to their score but a combination of errant shooting and a couple of fine saves by the home ’keeper maintained the 3-0 score line at half time.

The visitors began the second half in the same vein as they left the first, the wingers of Hahndorf asking plenty of questions of the Mt Barker defence. Stubing was a constant threat with his pace and quality of delivery, Hahndorf unable to capitalise on a searching ball that slid across the face of goal.

The Magpie defence was rarely under much pressure, Guest playing as much as a deep sweeper as a goalkeeper with Taylor and Norris solid in the middle. As the half developed, Hahndorf maintained an attacking presence, largely pinning Mt Barker in their own half but unable to prise the home side open.

Holland was a busy figure up forward and set up Stubing with a clever short pass but while Stubing’s shot was true, the Mt Barker ‘keeper made a fine diving save to deny a certain score. Santangelo sent a tantalising pass across goal and it just needed the slightest of touches to send it goal-bound, but Hahndorf were unable to lay a boot on it.

Mt Barker applied some possession forward and almost caught out the Magpies but several attempts failed to find the target and Hahndorf regrouped to fortify their rearguard. Believing the best form of defence is attack, the Magpies moved forward with a combination of passes and possession before a clever through ball found Stubing who had ghosted in behind the defence. Advancing on the ‘keeper, Stubing picked his side and slotted home Hahndorf’s fourth goal.

Jordan Webber was brought on; his direct approach another threat for the hosts to contend with. Hahndorf kept attacking, with Lynn almost adding goal of the day with the match in the final ten minutes. With Hahndorf pressing for goal a half clearance fell to club stalwart Lynn and he hit a rasping half volley from 30 metres that crashed off the corner of bar and post.

Several other opportunities fell to Hahndorf but the visitors had to settle for the four-goal win by the final whistle. Man of the Match was Kayne Stubing, the speedster having had a hand in three of the goals before putting on of his own.


Reserves

The Hahndorf Reserves ran out 5-1 winners against an outclassed Mt Barker unit, the win keeping the Magpies in second spot on the ladder.

Glorious sunshine interspersed with the occasional cloud set the scene at Cornerstone College, the two combatant teams eager to gain victory in the local derby. Hahndorf stared brightly, a few exploratory shots looking to find the range and test out the Mt Barker goalkeeper.

The Magpies started Nathaniel Brooke in goal with a defensive line containing Matt Medley, Luke Guest, Ash Parr and Rupert ‘The Enforcer’ Lindon. They looked to bring the ball to a dynamic midfield of Kyle Eglinton, David Grant, Sam Wood and Mike Lewington.

Starting positively, the Magpies adjusted to the slick pitch quickly and soon had Mt Barker on their heels, forwards Max Gordon-Edwards and Jordan Webber closing in on goal but unable to find the opening score. Parr intercepted a Mt Barker clearance to burst forward on the wing and he struck a fierce shot from distance. The ball cannoned off the crossbar and fell to Webber, but the usually accurate forward poked the ball wide. Soon after Lewington was denied from a corner, his header saved on the line by the home ‘keeper.

Hahndorf were fairly well in control of the game but found the final ball elusive, poor shot selection and some stray passes in the final third of the pitch frustrating their efforts. Grant got on the end of a good move but could not find the target. However Hahndorf eventually broke through, a fine corner met with a diving header by Guest and the ball went flying into the Mt Barker net.

The Magpies followed the goal up with some neat build up play before Webber shot directly at the ‘keeper and soon after Gordon Edwards also squandered a chance. Webber regrouped with Hahndorf’s second, a fine cross giving the silent assassin a bullet header from the edge of the 6-yard box.

At 2 nil up, Hahndorf looked to be in control of the match but the home team restored some hope with a converted penalty to make the score 2-1 at half time.

After the break Hahndorf continued to waste their opportunities, Gordon-Edwards and Webber getting in great positions but unable to finish off the good moves. Wood was having a sterling match in midfield and it was his hard work that set up Webber’s second goal, an insightful pass to the rampant forward giving him the chance to tap the ball past the advancing ‘keeper and into the net.

Wood was once again provider soon after, a surgical pass slicing open the Mt Barker defence to find Webber and he made no mistake, holding his composure to slot the ball into the corner of the net and bring up his hat trick. The Magpies found themselves 4-1 up but in truth they could have easily doubled that score but for their profligate finishing.

Jesse Konstantinoff and Gary Ledson entered the match as Hahndorf continued to keep Mt Barker pinned in their own half but the Magpies found the back of the net a harder proposition. Shots from the visitors continued to threaten the Mt Barker goal but for all their dominance, the Magpies struggled to make it count.

Ledson received a good pass from Wood to force a fine save from the home ‘keeper as Hahndorf kept the attacking pressure on Mt Barker. Wood capped off a Man of the Match performance with the final goal, a fine header finding the net after Konstantinoff delivered a pin point cross to the hard working midfielder.

The 5-1 result was a good win for the Hahndorf team, a dominant performance keeping them at the sharp end of the table.

Super Cs

The Div 4 Cs travelled to Greenock, the trip racking up the frequent flyer points but while the team contested well, it was not enough to prevent a 2-0 loss.

The Div 5 Cs had a shorter trip to Sturt Marion but the result was the same, a 2-0 win for the home side, despite stand in custodian Edmondo Palombo doing his best Dino Zoff impersonation.

Next week Hahndorf are at their Pine Avenue home to take on League leaders USC Lion in a potentially season defining match for the Magpies. The Div 4 Cs hosts the Redblue Eagles at Mylor while the Div 5 Cs are at home to the Modbury Jets.

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Round 14: Adelaide University V Hahndorf Magpies

Adelaide University V Hahndorf Magpies

In difficult conditions, Hahndorf responded well to an early setback to outplay Adelaide University with a 4-1 win to maintain second place in the 3rd Division of the SA Amateur Soccer League.

Hahndorf opened play with Mark McGrath in goal, presiding over a defensive line containing Scott Taylor, Steve Noble, Matt Norris and Jon Lynn. The pitch did the visiting Magpies no favours, boggy areas and puddles making the passing game a lottery at times. The Magpie midfield of Jack Farrimond, Dan Hermel, Kayne Stubing and Aaron Noble adjusted their play give forwards Tom Holland and Jordan Webber a range of attacking options.

The opening exchanges were relatively even but a rare mistake in defence gave Adelaide possession close to goal and they converted their chance to take a 1 nil lead. Hahndorf didn’t dwell on the misfortune and hit back within ten minutes to restore parity. A.Noble made no mistake from the penalty spot after an infringement by the University ‘keeper after some attacking play by the visitors.

Hahndorf kept up the pressure and added a second goal, Webber’s determined run and shot blocked by the University ‘keeper. However Holland followed up with a telling strike, his accurate left foot giving Hahndorf the 2-1 lead.

Hahndorf were providing the better football but the Adelaide side were also putting some opportunities together and kept the Magpie defence on alert. Farrimond was revelling in the conditions, his robust challenges helping to win the midfield battle.

Hahndorf took a 3-1 lead into half time courtesy of a sublime piece of skill from A.Noble. Receiving the ball some 35 metres from goal, the sprightly youngster jinked sideways to create space and then launched an audacious chip that cleared the ‘keeper to nestle in the back of the net. Stubing almost added a fourth, but just failed to get on the end of Holland’s outstanding cross, the ball sliding past the speedster.

The second half started in a fairly even tussle, neither team able to create a clear shot at goal with the respective defences in a miserly mood, Taylor and Norris particularly adept in cutting out attacks.

Hahndorf went looking for goals and could have had a couple more, Hermel’s short corner creating confusion in the six-yard box before it was hacked away to safety by Adelaide. Leo Santangelo was brought into the match to add some glamour to the mudfest and he should have scored soon after his introduction. The tall striker, usually a model of consistency, was presented with a great chance after the ‘keeper could only parry Hermel’s shot into his path but Santagelo slipped at the vital moment and spooned the ball over the bar from close range.

Both teams lost a player each after the referee awarded a yellow card for dissent in the same incident, leaving the play open for the remaining fifteen minutes. Hahndorf brought on Max Gordon-Edwards and the talented midfielder was immediately into the action with Holland setting him up with a great pass; the shot however went straight to the Adelaide ‘keeper.

He was to make amends within minutes however, a long corner giving him two chances to cut the ball back, the second finding Norris and the central defender struck a superb volley across goal into the top corner. Santangelo and Gordon-Edwards combined for a further chance but the shot went wide as Hahndorf finished the match with better options than their opponents.

The 4-1 win was a deserved reward for the Magpies in trying conditions and maintains their second place on the league ladder. Man of the match was Tom Holland who had a brilliant game, a goal and some inspirational passing a highlight on the overcast day. He was ably supported by Aaron Noble, who scored goal of the day and Scott Taylor, a pillar of strength in defence.




Reserves

The Hahndorf Reserves met a determined Adelaide University side on a treacherous pitch with both teams having to settle for a share of the points in a 1-1 draw.

Overnight and morning rain drenched the Adelaide University pitch leaving it like a wetlands rather than the parklands but with the ground having a reasonably firm base, the referee decided play would begin. Both teams spent the opening minutes gauging the conditions, the ball prone to sticking in some areas and skipping through in others.

The Magpies started Nathaniel Brooke in goal, the big keeper making a strong recovery from head injuries a fortnight ago and he was immediately on his game and commanding the penalty area. Sam Heyward and Max Gordon-Edwards formed a potent strike force in front of a dynamic midfield containing Kyle Eglinton, David Grant, Gary Ledson and Ash Parr.

Hahndorf weathered a few University attacks, defenders Matt Medley, Andy Craig, Rupert ‘The Enforcer’ Lindon and Mike Lewington equal to the early examination and adjusting their play to the conditions. Working into the match, the Hahndorf midfield put together some tidy moves with Eglinton and Parr the focus on the flanks, the wide regions more conducive to flowing play.

Both teams had chances at goal but Adelaide had difficulty finding the target while the Hahndorf efforts found the University ‘keeper in good form, diving to save several shots from Heyward, Parr and Gordon-Edwards. However, it was Hahndorf who were beginning to take the upper hand and they capitalised with a goal after a good build up.

Grant pounced on a loose ball to find Heyward and he sent a pass wide to Parr, the bustling winger deceiving his marker before bursting into the penalty area and arrowing a low shot at goal. The University ‘keeper dived left but could only parry the ball and it fell to Gordon-Edwards who drilled it into the bottom corner of the net to give the Magpies the lead.

Hahndorf had more opportunities to add to their score in the half but found the Adelaide custodian the main impediment. A throw to Ledson opened up a chance for Gordon-Edwards but his sizzling shot went just wide with the ‘keeper beaten.

In the second half Hahndorf opened with some scintillating play but while they pinned University back, the Magpies could not generate a clear shot at goal. Grant, Parr, Ledson and Eglinton controlled the play, bringing Gordon-Edwards and Heyward some opportunities but the visitors failed to find a decisive strike.

Adelaide University persevered however and found an equaliser through a quick break, the well-struck shot leaving Brooke little chance. The goal bolstered the home side and they found renewed purpose and put Hahndorf under increasing pressure.

Hahndorf made a couple of substitutions, bringing on Ben ‘Beninho’ Wells and Jesse Konstantinoff. Gordon-Edwards was in sparkling form, his deceptive pace causing Adelaide problems and on one enterprising run he had only the goalkeeper to beat but a good save denied Hahndorf their second goal.

Adelaide had chances of their own but also found their aim astray and despite the attacking intentions of both teams the match ended with a draw, the same result as earlier in the season. Man of the match for Hahndorf was Gordon-Edwards, the young forward showcasing his skills in trying conditions.


Super Cs
The Div 4 Cs enjoyed a 3-1 win over the Dragon Rangers, a great reward for the team after a difficult season. The Div 5 Cs were on the wrong end of a 2-1 score-line against the Vipers, the home referee playing a major role in the result.

Next week the Hahndorf Magpies battle for local bragging rights when they visit Mt Barker at the Cornerstone College ground. The Div 4 Cs are away to Greenock while the Div 5 Cs have a shorter trip when they visit Sturt Marion.

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Cup 1/4 Final: Salisbury Inter V Hahndorf Magpies

Salisbury Inter V Hahndorf Magpies

The Hahndorf Reserves booked a Cup semi-final berth with a resilient 2-1 win over their more fancied Sunday Div 2 opponents, Salisbury Inter.

Travelling away to the far reaches of Northern Salisbury, the Hahndorf Magpies got off to a tentative start against the home side, as Inter used their local knowledge to good effect. The high and uneven bounce put the Magpie defence of Kyle Eglinton, Luke Guest, Andy Craig and Rupert “The Enforcer” Lindon under pressure in the opening exchanges, the match off to a pacy start.

Goalkeeper Mark McGrath was called into action as Inter used their speedy wingers to put in some dangerous crosses but the Hahndorf custodian was in good position to comfortably save the headed Inter chances.

Hahndorf’s midfield of Dan Hermel, Aaron Noble, Mike Lewington and Chris Sawers began to make their presence felt, with some neat exchanges almost unpicking the defence of the hosts. Ball control was a tricky proposition on the large, bumpy pitch and players from both teams were quick to pounce on any loose play as the match developed into a fairly even affair.

Inter relied on the flanks in attack, giving Eglinton and Craig plenty of work while Guest and Lindon were resolute in their defence of the middle. For Hahndorf, Hermel and Sawers exploited the wide spaces on offer and combined with frontrunners Tom Holland and Leo Santangelo to create a few openings for the Magpies.

It was from using the width that Hahndorf took the lead, Noble and Holland getting the ball wide to Hermel. The flighty winger forged a path to the dead ball line before cutting back to Santangelo and he tucked the ball into the net with a brilliant piece of first time skill.

Inter hit back at Hahndorf, a cross almost bringing an immediate reply but, under pressure from the defence, the shot was scythed wide. Hahndorf regrouped and began to take control through midfield, exchanges from Hermel, Sawers, Noble, and Lewington giving Holland and Santangelo more scope.

Hahndorf grew stronger in attack and added a second goal with ten minutes left in the half. Sawers benefitted from some strong play in the middle of the pitch and raced behind his defender before drilling a low ball to the centre. The ball flicked off Santangelo and his marker to carry through to Hermel who was charging in from the corner of the box. Steadying, Hermel drove the ball into the back of the net to give the Magpies a deserved two-goal lead.

After half time, the Hahndorf team expected Salisbury Inter to go on the attack in an attempt to get back into the match. The home side did not disappoint and the Magpies were forced to defend in the opening minutes. Guest and Lindon worked hard to blunt the Inter attacks and in truth, few genuine chances fell to the home side; those shots that did threaten goal were comfortably dealt with by McGrath.

With Inter intent on attack, it left them a little exposed in defence, leaving Hermel, Santangelo, Holland and Sawers to find more space as the match progressed. Several chances from both teams went begging as the intensity lifted, but Inter persisted and eventually scored, the well taken goal a result of some quick movement that caught out the Magpies’ defence.

With momentum beginning to favour the hosts, Hahndorf drew on their team spirit to neutralise Salisbury’s offense. The Magpie defence rallied to keep Inter from getting a clean strike on goal, leaving McGrath to tidy up any through balls. Hahndorf continued to challenge the Inter defence, Holland and santangelo finding openings. The attack on the ball was intense from both teams but in a rush of blood, a home player was shown the red card when he attempted to remove the Magpie players’ head with his arm.

Chasing the game and a man down with twenty minutes remaining, Salisbury Inter throw caution to the wind and pushed forward in search of the equaliser. This left acres of space on the immense pitch and Hahndorf retained their shape and composure to release Inter’s pressure by playing wide.

Several free kicks to Inter gave them a chance or two but they were unable to get a telling touch on the ball, Hahndorf determined to keep them out. The open play gave the Magpies several opportunities to put the match beyond Inter but the visitors too had trouble finding their range; Hermel going closest with his shot just sliding past the post.

Hahndorf made a couple of substitutions, bringing on Ben ‘Beninho’ Wells and the experience of 1996 Cup winner, Bob Gordon-Edwards to cause havoc in the front line. Hahndorf continued to resist the attacks of Inter, the home side getting more desperate as time wound down. Several breaks by the Magpies should have seen them extend their lead, but Santangelo had his solo run halted by the good save of the Inter ‘keeper and last gasp defending denied Holland other chances.

Eventually the referee signalled the end of the match and brought a cheer from the travelling faithful as Hahndorf celebrated a hard fought victory and a step closer to the Cup final. It was a tremendous effort by the Hills side, the entire team giving everything to deservingly advance to the next round, which will be played at Hindmarsh Stadium.

Next week it is back to the League competitions with Hahndorf travelling away to Adelaide University. The Div 4 Cs are away to Dragon Rangers and the Div 5 Cs are also visitors to the Vipers.

Tuesday, August 03, 2010

Round 13: Hahndorf V McLaren District

Hahndorf Magpies V McLaren District

The Hahndorf Magpies returned to the top of the 3rd division of the SA Amateur Soccer League with a comprehensive 6-0 win over McLaren District on Saturday, all the goals arriving in a stunning first half.

With the Reserves fixture forfeited by the visitors, the senior match started a little early and it was the Magpies who responded best by taking the lead shortly after kick off. Playing Leo Santangelo and Tom Holland in tandem up front, it was the former who made the first impression. Creating space just outside the penalty area, Sanangelo fired in at goal and the ball was parried by the McLaren custodian. Undeterred, Santangelo retrived the rebound and picked his corner with precision to get Hahndorf off the mark, lashing in the goal with his left foot.

Hahndorf’s midfield was in sparkling form from the outset, Chris Sawers, Jack Farrimond, Aaron Noble and Dan Hermel brightening the overcast day with their neat passing and clever running. They were supported by a strong defence containing Jon Lynn, Steve Noble, Matt Norris and Scott Taylor, the foursome forming a solid wall in front of goalkeeper Luke Guest.

Hahndorf maintained their dominant start to the match with the second goal within ten minutes, a corner giving Holland the chance on goal but the ‘keeper blocked the strike before Norris buried the loose ball into the net.

The McLaren District side struggled to contain the rampant Magpies, with home team threatening to score with every attack. Hahndorf built a foundation from the midfield, Sawers and Hermel using the width to stretch the visitors while A. Noble and Farrimond controlled the middle.

Farrimond started the move that earned Hahndorf their third goal, a piercing pass from deep dividing the defence and finding Sawers. The flighty winger raced into the penalty box and cut a pass back to Holland and the assured striker skilfully slotted the ball into the corner of the net.

With ten minutes remaining in the half, Hahndorf struck a rich vein of goals, a succession of scores putting the match beyond McLaren District. Taylor started the rout with a fine ball to find Farrimond on the edge of the area. The industrious midfielder slid the ball to Hermel and he made no mistake from fifteen metres, his right footed strike giving the ‘keeper no chance.

Barely a minute had passed when Hahndorf hit their fifth, Lynn’s pass slicing open the District defence with surgical precision and setting Sawers in on goal. Sawers used his speed and control to skip past the goalkeeper before tucking the ball in the net.

The spree continued with the third goal in three minutes when Santangelo put in his second and Hahndorf’s sixth when he drilled an unstoppable shot past the beleaguered District goalkeeper from a forty-five degree angle. It was a stunning conclusion to the half and gave some warmth to the hardy Magpie supporters who braved the frosty, inclement weather.

The second half saw a better display from McLaren District as Hahndorf struggled to reach the heights of earlier. Play was punctuated by a few sharp cloudbursts that drenched the playing surface and caused the ball to skip through on the players.

Holland had a chance to add to the score when two defenders left a through ball for each other, giving the forward a quick break at goal, but his shot passed wide of the mark. Hahndorf continued to press for more goals but despite some exquisite passing and interplay, they failed to find the net, a mixture of desperate defending and errant shooting denying the hosts.

The Magpies were deprived of a score when Sanangelo struck a scintillating volley from the edge of the area that rocketed into the goal, a mystifying offside call robbing Hahndorf of the potential goal of the season.

Substitutes Kayne Stubing, Jordan Webber and Matt Medley made an appearance during the final twenty minutes, helping to carry the Magpies forward as they searched for more goals. Webber had the best opportunity, bursting clear of his marker, the dynamic forward closed in on goal but his tame shot was little reward for the sharp move.

Webber supplied Stubing with a headed chance but the shot failed to find the target, gliding just over the bar as Hahndorf pinned McLaren District in their penalty area for much of the half. The visitors put the Hahndorf defence under pressure with some determined play but they were unable to make the most of it, hitting the side netting from close in.

Hahndorf closed out the match still looking to add to the score but found the visitors in a more resilient mood and had to settle for the first half score line by the time the referee blew the final whistle. Man of the Match for Hahndorf was Tom Holland, a goal complimenting his deft touch and searching passes during his outstanding game.


Super Cs

The Division 4 Cs travelled to Strathalbyn and put up a strong showing before ultimately conceding the match, 3-1.

In Division 5, an exciting match was decided in the final two minutes when an own goal gave the Magpies a 3-2 win over St Peters. The visitors took the lead, somewhat against the run of play, before Sam Wood equalised with a quality strike from just outside the penalty area. Hahndorf moved ahead when Jordi Kane’s well taken free found Wood and he again converted his chance well.

In the second half, St Peters hit back after beating the offside trap to restore parity in the match before Hahndorf secured the win with minutes to spare, the St Peters player unfortunate to turn Jesse Konstantinoff’s cross into his own net.

Next week the Reserves are contesting the quarter finals of the cup, looking to extend their run when they visit Salisbury Inter on Sunday. On Saturday, the Div 4 Cs takes on Old Ignatians down at Glenunga.