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.
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