Hahndorf V Vipers
Hahndorf suffered their first defeat of the SAASL Division 2 season when the visiting Viper side proved to have the finishing touch in the final 3-1 score.
The Magpies brought Kieran Guest in at the back with Dan Holland, also starting his first match of the season. Full backs Steve Noble and Ash Parr complemented the defensive line with Hahndorf shot stopper Nathaniel Brooke in goal. The midfield of Chris Sawers, Mike Lewington and Scott Schubert were busy early and matched up well against the Vipers, both teams pushing the ball around on the superb Pine Avenue surface.
A pretty even opening twenty minutes saw few genuine chances, forwards Tom Holland, Kayne Stubing and Jordan Webber unable to really threaten the Viper goalkeeper. The visitors had a couple of opportunities, one shot flashing over the bar and another going wide after a good build up. Lewington and Schubert battled hard and made the middle of the park a real contest with neither team dominating.
Hahndorf launched a quick counter attack and ran at the Vipers before Stubing was brought down on the edge of the penalty area. D.Holland drilled the resultant free kick around the defensive wall and into the far bottom corner of the net, a little piece of brilliance giving Hahndorf the lead.
The Vipers hit back with some determined possession and forced the Hahndorf defence to work hard, Guest in particular doing well. However, a solo run into the penalty area by a Viper forward gave them the equaliser. The visitors looked to double their tally soon after with a free just outside the penalty area, but Guest in the Magpie wall repelled the shot and the teams went into half time at one goal apiece.
Kicking down the slope, the Vipers took the attack up to Hahndorf and soon gained a free kick, the ball aimed to the middle of the penalty area. Brooke punched the ball away but it went straight to a Viper who hit a lobbed volley that Brooke did extremely well to tip over the bar as he scrambled back to his line.
More pressure from the Vipers drew Brooke into more action, a Guest tackle taking the sting out of the shot before Hahndorf brought on Shaun Smith for his first run of the year. The intensity lifted with both sides getting in a few willing tackles.
Hahndorf put together a great move that resulted in Stubing finding the net for the Magpies, but a late offside call saw the goal controversially disallowed. The Vipers made a substitution, bringing on a Ron Jeremy look-alike and the move paid immediate dividends, the substitute scoring despite what looked to be a legitimate offside appeal by the Hahndorf back line.
The Vipers made it 3-1 soon after, the hosts caught short at the back post and a Viper header cannoned off Brooke into the net. The Vipers looked rampant at this stage, only Parr’s clinical tackle and another good save from Brooke prevented further addition to the score.
Hahndorf brought on Rupert Lindon and Jesse Konstantinoff in the final ten minutes in an attempt to wrest back the initiative but the Magpies struggled to put together any cohesive moves. A few late opportunities fell Hahndorf’s way, Sawers going closest with a header just past the post, while Parr put in a good cross that went unmet by the Magpie forward line, a move that underlined Hahndorf’s lack of efficiency in the forward third of the pitch.
Best on the ground for Hahndorf were Kieran Guest, who had an impressive day in defence, with Mike Lewington and Scott Schubert working hard all day in the midfield.
Reserves
The Hahndorf Reserves endured a frustrating day against the visiting Vipers, squandering many chances and unable to recover from a 2-1 deficit.
Hahndorf started brightly, finding their passing rhythm from the first whistle with forwards Jesse Konstantinoff and Chris Hyde ably supported by Kyle Eglinton, Tom Stevens, Steve Ness and Rupert Lindon. A few early shots at goal kept the Vipers on alert while their forward line was kept in check by defenders Tim Staniford, Andy Craig and Stuart Thomas with Alex Robson particularly good form.
The Magpies pushed hard for the opening goal and should have scored when Hyde’s header hit the crossbar. Soon after, Konstantinoff lashed a shot against the post and Lindon worked a short corner into the penalty area and he too hit the post with a rasping shot.
Hahndorf had numerous corners but failed to capitalise, their profligacy producing a sting when the Vipers lumped the ball forward and Hahndorf failed to deal with it, the visitors opening the scoring with a lob over ‘keeper Mark McGrath.
Hahndorf continued to look for goal, several more corners offering the chance to equalise and eventually they broke through. Stevens collected his rebounding corner and picked out Hyde at the near post with a fine cross. Hyde nodded in from close range to mark his return to the club after a year hiatus and to restore parity just before half time.
Resuming the play after the break, the Magpies pushed for the leading goal, Lindon and Stevens finding plenty of the ball and giving some good service into the forward line. However, it was the Vipers who struck, catching the Hahndorf defence napping with a quick free kick chipped over the back line and the Viper forward shooting the ball past the exposed Magpie custodian.
Hahndorf fought back, driving at the Vipers defence but their shots were astray and despite some fine build up play, the Magpies had trouble converting their chances. With the hosts pushing forward at every opportunity, the Vipers found space to create a few chances but neither side was able to trouble the scoreboard.
With a the two teams playing a fairly even second half, Hahndorf lifted their intensity in the last fifteen minutes, pinning the Vipers back in their half for long periods. Lindon was in the thick of the action and sent fierce shot in towards goal, but the goal-bound ball struck Hyde as he tried to evade the shot and it just looped past the post. The play summed up the Magpies afternoon, the team creating some fine football but unable to capitalise with a score.
Man of the Match was Alex Robson, a rock in defence, with sterling contributions from Tom Stevens and Rupert Lindon.
Hahndorf has the Easter break off to get some injured and returning players back to fitness before an away match against the Comets, while the Super Cs host Flinders University in their Division 6 clash.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Round 2: Adelaide Budapest V Hahndorf
Adelaide Budapest V Hahndorf
On a blustery day Hahndorf travelled to the far reaches of Kilkenny to battle with Adelaide Budapest, the visitors showing great determination for their first win of the season, scoring twice in the final minutes to triumph 3-2.
With a few injuries and absences, Hahndorf had their depth tested and mananged to to field a very competitive team against their more experienced opposition. Nathaniel Brooke led the defence from goal with Mike Lewington, Steve Noble, Matt Norris and Ash Parr in the backline. Hahndorf were immediately on the front foot and looked to exploit the flanks with Dan Hermel and Tom Holland pushing past the Budapest fullbacks. The first clear chance fell to forward Kayne Stubing after striking partner Jordan Webber used his bustling pace to centre the ball. Stubing did the hard work in getting past the advancing ‘keeper but with the goal beckoning, he shot weakly and it was intercepted before finding the net.
In the early running, Hahndorf largely had the bulk of the play, Luke Guest and Scott Schubert doing the hard graft in midfield and the Magpie defenders on top of their opponents. Hermel and Holland were stretching Budapest wide to extent that Holland was brought down in a cynical challenge as he stepped past his marker, the foul earning the Budapest player a yellow card. Stubing and Webber were a threat up front and the former almost scored, forcing the home ‘keeper to tip a fierce shot past the post.
Budapest also had an opportunity from a free kick, however Brooke made good ground to effect the save. Soon after the hosts had a good chance to score but with the goal on offer, club stalwart Norris was at his defensive best to clear off the line as the home team began to assert themselves on the match. With half time fast approaching, Budapest enjoyed some possession and headed past the post from a good position while Noble made an excellent tackle when Budapest were building up a good attack. The half ended with both teams having a few opportunities but neither could take advantage as a several willing tackles punctuated the play.
After half time, Hahndorf brought on Chris Sawers and the teams resumed battle as the wind increased in strength. Budapest adapted better to the conditions as the Magpies struggled to get into their passing rhythym, the host defence cutting off the Handorf forwards. The pressure eventually resulted in Budapest scoring, a cross giving the home side a sight at goal and despite Brooke’s initial parry, the ball came back with interest for the first score of the match.
Hahndorf continued to battle and drew level when a good Brooke clearance found Hermel out wide. Streaking down the flank, Hermel skipped past a couple of defenders before picking out Stubing in the middle. Stubing sized up the goal and struck a solid shot past the outstretched ‘keeper.
Aiming to double the score, Stubing and Hermel combined soon after but the shot went astray, the Magpies speed on the wings really having and impact on the tiring Budapest players. However it was the home team that hit back to take advantage of some poor defending by the Magpies, giving up possession in their own penalty area and paying the price as Budapest went 2-1 up with fifteen minutes remaining.
The match looked to be within Budapest’s grasp; despite Hahndorf having a younger and quicker team, they had trouble finding the right combination of passes, often choosing the wrong option. Webber carved out an opportunity after Holland played him in to space but the effort was fired wide.
Hahndorf went looking for an equaliser, bringing on Jesse Konstantinoff as the minutes ebbed away. A break down the wing set up another chance for Hahndorf, Hermel sending Stubing racing past his marker. Looking up, he centred to Webber who guided his header back across goal and found the corner of the net.
The equaliser seemed to suck the wind out of Budapest’s sail and Hahndorf went on the attack down the wing. Hermel weaved his way down the sideline and drew level with the penalty area before putting in a tantalising cross that drew out the Budapest custodian. Racing in, Webber reached the ball before the ‘keeper and went past him, pushing the ball across goal for Stubing to smash into the net from two metres.
The winning goal sent the travelling fans into frenzied celebration, the Magpies completing a great escape in the final four minutes of the match. Man of the Match was Kayne Stubing with Jordan Webber and Scott Schubert also putting in great performances.
Reserves
The Hahndorf Reserves put in a good team effort under trying conditions and ran out 3-1 winners against Adelaide Budapest, goals to Jesse Konstantinoff and Rupert Lindon giving the Magpies the three points.
Making a guest appearance in goal was Luke Guest with Kyle Eglinton, Andy Craig, Kieran Guest and Daniel Mardle in defence. Rupert Lindon, Stephen Ness, Tom Stevens and Angus Hambrook filled out the midfield, supporting front-runners John Lawler and Jesse Konstantinoff.
Hahndorf almost made a perfect start, passing the ball around well and finding some early gaps in the Budapest defence. They were denied a legitimate penalty when Konstantinoff was brought down in the box, but the referee had trouble with his whistle and the appeals went unheeded.
The Magpies continued to use the wide space on offer, Hambrook being particularly productive on the left side. Stevens and Lindon distributed from the middle and Konstantinoff benefitted when he opened the scoring after twenty minutes.
Konstantinoff received the ball in the right channel, stormed into the penalty area and blasted the ball past the home ‘keeper to put Hahndorf one goal up.
Ten minutes later the Magpies doubled their lead, an incisive through ball by Hambrook releasing Lindon and his Thursday night training paid off as he beat the goalkeeper one-on-one and slotted the ball into the net.
The second half began with Hahndorf looking to increase their goal tally but some wayward finishing kept the hosts in the match, Lindon and Stevens unable to find the net from good positions. The Magpies then went through a period where their passing game deserted them and Budapest upped the pressure. Tim Staniford and Alex Robson entered the fray as Budapest sensed an upset was in the offing. A clearance off the line saved Hahndorf once but soon after a chip arced over L.Guest to give Budapest hope at 2-1.
Hahndorf held their nerve and continued the press for another score, Lawler bringing a top save from the Budapest ‘keeper when his curling shot looked to have found the top corner. With time running out, Hambrook went on another of his countless forays down the wing, easily breaking clear of his marker and putting a pin-point pass to Konstantinoff. One-on-one with the ‘keeper, Konstantinoff blasted the ball into goal to seal the win with what was the last play of the match.
Man of the Match for Hahndorf was Rupert Lindon with Steve Ness and Angus Hambrook also having outstanding contributions.
Next week the Magpies will look to make it consecutive wins when they take on the undefeated Vipers at the Pine Avenue Arena. The Super Cs have the long trip to Elizabeth East where they will visit the Northern Wolves.
On a blustery day Hahndorf travelled to the far reaches of Kilkenny to battle with Adelaide Budapest, the visitors showing great determination for their first win of the season, scoring twice in the final minutes to triumph 3-2.
With a few injuries and absences, Hahndorf had their depth tested and mananged to to field a very competitive team against their more experienced opposition. Nathaniel Brooke led the defence from goal with Mike Lewington, Steve Noble, Matt Norris and Ash Parr in the backline. Hahndorf were immediately on the front foot and looked to exploit the flanks with Dan Hermel and Tom Holland pushing past the Budapest fullbacks. The first clear chance fell to forward Kayne Stubing after striking partner Jordan Webber used his bustling pace to centre the ball. Stubing did the hard work in getting past the advancing ‘keeper but with the goal beckoning, he shot weakly and it was intercepted before finding the net.
In the early running, Hahndorf largely had the bulk of the play, Luke Guest and Scott Schubert doing the hard graft in midfield and the Magpie defenders on top of their opponents. Hermel and Holland were stretching Budapest wide to extent that Holland was brought down in a cynical challenge as he stepped past his marker, the foul earning the Budapest player a yellow card. Stubing and Webber were a threat up front and the former almost scored, forcing the home ‘keeper to tip a fierce shot past the post.
Budapest also had an opportunity from a free kick, however Brooke made good ground to effect the save. Soon after the hosts had a good chance to score but with the goal on offer, club stalwart Norris was at his defensive best to clear off the line as the home team began to assert themselves on the match. With half time fast approaching, Budapest enjoyed some possession and headed past the post from a good position while Noble made an excellent tackle when Budapest were building up a good attack. The half ended with both teams having a few opportunities but neither could take advantage as a several willing tackles punctuated the play.
After half time, Hahndorf brought on Chris Sawers and the teams resumed battle as the wind increased in strength. Budapest adapted better to the conditions as the Magpies struggled to get into their passing rhythym, the host defence cutting off the Handorf forwards. The pressure eventually resulted in Budapest scoring, a cross giving the home side a sight at goal and despite Brooke’s initial parry, the ball came back with interest for the first score of the match.
Hahndorf continued to battle and drew level when a good Brooke clearance found Hermel out wide. Streaking down the flank, Hermel skipped past a couple of defenders before picking out Stubing in the middle. Stubing sized up the goal and struck a solid shot past the outstretched ‘keeper.
Aiming to double the score, Stubing and Hermel combined soon after but the shot went astray, the Magpies speed on the wings really having and impact on the tiring Budapest players. However it was the home team that hit back to take advantage of some poor defending by the Magpies, giving up possession in their own penalty area and paying the price as Budapest went 2-1 up with fifteen minutes remaining.
The match looked to be within Budapest’s grasp; despite Hahndorf having a younger and quicker team, they had trouble finding the right combination of passes, often choosing the wrong option. Webber carved out an opportunity after Holland played him in to space but the effort was fired wide.
Hahndorf went looking for an equaliser, bringing on Jesse Konstantinoff as the minutes ebbed away. A break down the wing set up another chance for Hahndorf, Hermel sending Stubing racing past his marker. Looking up, he centred to Webber who guided his header back across goal and found the corner of the net.
The equaliser seemed to suck the wind out of Budapest’s sail and Hahndorf went on the attack down the wing. Hermel weaved his way down the sideline and drew level with the penalty area before putting in a tantalising cross that drew out the Budapest custodian. Racing in, Webber reached the ball before the ‘keeper and went past him, pushing the ball across goal for Stubing to smash into the net from two metres.
The winning goal sent the travelling fans into frenzied celebration, the Magpies completing a great escape in the final four minutes of the match. Man of the Match was Kayne Stubing with Jordan Webber and Scott Schubert also putting in great performances.
Reserves
The Hahndorf Reserves put in a good team effort under trying conditions and ran out 3-1 winners against Adelaide Budapest, goals to Jesse Konstantinoff and Rupert Lindon giving the Magpies the three points.
Making a guest appearance in goal was Luke Guest with Kyle Eglinton, Andy Craig, Kieran Guest and Daniel Mardle in defence. Rupert Lindon, Stephen Ness, Tom Stevens and Angus Hambrook filled out the midfield, supporting front-runners John Lawler and Jesse Konstantinoff.
Hahndorf almost made a perfect start, passing the ball around well and finding some early gaps in the Budapest defence. They were denied a legitimate penalty when Konstantinoff was brought down in the box, but the referee had trouble with his whistle and the appeals went unheeded.
The Magpies continued to use the wide space on offer, Hambrook being particularly productive on the left side. Stevens and Lindon distributed from the middle and Konstantinoff benefitted when he opened the scoring after twenty minutes.
Konstantinoff received the ball in the right channel, stormed into the penalty area and blasted the ball past the home ‘keeper to put Hahndorf one goal up.
Ten minutes later the Magpies doubled their lead, an incisive through ball by Hambrook releasing Lindon and his Thursday night training paid off as he beat the goalkeeper one-on-one and slotted the ball into the net.
The second half began with Hahndorf looking to increase their goal tally but some wayward finishing kept the hosts in the match, Lindon and Stevens unable to find the net from good positions. The Magpies then went through a period where their passing game deserted them and Budapest upped the pressure. Tim Staniford and Alex Robson entered the fray as Budapest sensed an upset was in the offing. A clearance off the line saved Hahndorf once but soon after a chip arced over L.Guest to give Budapest hope at 2-1.
Hahndorf held their nerve and continued the press for another score, Lawler bringing a top save from the Budapest ‘keeper when his curling shot looked to have found the top corner. With time running out, Hambrook went on another of his countless forays down the wing, easily breaking clear of his marker and putting a pin-point pass to Konstantinoff. One-on-one with the ‘keeper, Konstantinoff blasted the ball into goal to seal the win with what was the last play of the match.
Man of the Match for Hahndorf was Rupert Lindon with Steve Ness and Angus Hambrook also having outstanding contributions.
Next week the Magpies will look to make it consecutive wins when they take on the undefeated Vipers at the Pine Avenue Arena. The Super Cs have the long trip to Elizabeth East where they will visit the Northern Wolves.
Thursday, April 07, 2011
2011 Round 1: Hahndorf V Adelaide Titans
Hahndorf V Adelaide Titans
Newly promoted Hahndorf kicked off their 2011 Division 2 campaign with an engaging 1-1 draw, a clinical strike by Kayne Stubing cancelled out in the second half by the Adelaide Titans.
After a solid preseason, Hahndorf were confidant going into the first round of the South Australian Amateur Soccer League 2nd Division, hosting the Adelaide Titans, a rebadged incarnation of Navarino FC. The Magpies started with Nathaniel Brooke in goal, commanding the defensive line of Steve Noble, Michael Lewington, Matt Norris and Dan Hermel. The quartet were tested but a genuine threat was not forthcoming from the Titans in the early running.
The Magpie midfield were into the action from the outset, wide players Chris Sawers and Ash Parr working the flanks while the central battleground was embraced by Luke Guest and Jack Farrimond. Tom Holland and Kayne Stubing formed an adroit and swift pairing up front and after twenty-five minutes it looked to pay immediate dividends with Stubing escaping and shooting past the Titans goalkeeper before a late offside call ruled out the goal.
The warning went unheeded by the Titans and soon after Farrimond and Guest combined to win a contested midfield ball and send Holland into space. Drawing a couple of Titan defenders, Holland pinpointed his pass to Stubing who rounded his marker and fired a shot into the far corner to put Hahndorf into the lead.
The Titans almost equalised soon after but a goal-bound shot was cleared off the line by Noble’s timely header. Both teams fought for the next score but clear chances were rare, Guest going closest with a stinging free kick that flew past the post.
In the closing stages of the half, Stubing had a great chance to extend Hahndorf’s lead after Holland had centred but the Titans’ ‘keeper made a good block to deny the speedster. At the other end, Noble was called on to repeat his defensive skills with a second clearance off the line after the Titans went close to restoring parity.
The second half started well for the hosts when Stubing passed to Holland on the flank and he picked out Sawers at the back post with a fine cross. Sawers met the header at pace but the ball flew inches over the bar. The Magpies created further chances with Guest going just wide from distance before Hermel made a storming run down the wing, exchanging passes with Guest before darting past the Titan defence. However the opposing ‘keeper stood firm to deny Hermel’s shot.
The Titans answered with a good chance of their own, but Brooke was in fine form to halt the play, one of several good saves by the big Hahndorf custodian as the intensity of the match increased. A period of pressure by the Titans eventually resulted in a score, Hahndorf failing to sufficiently clear the ball before a couple of sharp passes put the ball in the net.
The Magpies almost restored their lead soon after when Stubing lashed a ball just over the bar from thirty metres, his strike gaining him some attention from a Titans defender who was minutes late with his tackle and he earned a yellow card from the referee.
A Parr free kick found Lewington in the box but his shot crashed off the Titans ‘keeper as the visitors found themselves under increasing pressure. The Titans hit back with a great chance, their striker clear through on goal and he unleashed a fierce shot from close range that Brooke beat away with a stunning save.
Hahndorf showed its intention in going for the win by bringing on forward Jesse Konstantinoff for a midfielder as both teams strove for the winning combination. Sawers got into a good position but skewed his shot and Stubing burst through to go one on one with the goalkeeper but had his shot parried away.
Hahndorf though they had broken the deadlock when Farrimond arrowed a powerful header to the corner of goal but a terrific save tipped the ball over the bar. Hahndorf continued to create the better chances and late in the match Parr weaved his way past several Titan players. In the motion of shooting he became entangled with Konstantinoff and the ball passed harmlessly wide of goal.
Hermel had the last clear chance of the match when put through by Konstantinoff, but again the Titan’s ‘keeper was able to deny the effort to ensure the match ended with the points shared.
Man of the Match for Hahndorf was Nathaniel Brooke, making several crucial saves to repel the Titans, with Tom Holland and Jack Farrimond also outstanding with their contributions.
Reserves
The Hahndorf Reserves fought out a well-contested match against the Adelaide Titans, the 1-1 score line giving both teams a point despite a strong finish by the hosts.
Hahndorf went to an early lead, courtesy of a well-struck penalty by Jesse Konstantinoff, the Magpie forward converting the chance after Steve Ness was deemed to have been illegally impeded in the Titan penalty area.
Hahndorf did not make the most of their quick start and the Titans forced the defence of Scott Breaker, Andy Craig, Kieran Guest and Daniel Agger onto the back foot as the visitors pushed hard for an equaliser. Magpie goalkeeper Mark McGrath made several important stops as Hahndorf struggled to meet the determination of the Titans.
Kyle Eglinton, Rupert Lindon, Ness and Angus Hambrook battled hard in the midfield with Tom Stevens looking to support Konstantinoff, however Hahndorf had trouble stringing passes together with their rivals pushing forward with regularity.
The Magpies mounted a few attacks but despite some good opportunities, they could not add to their score. The Titans engaged the long throw to put Hahndorf under pressure in the penalty area and with half time beckoning, their persistence paid off, a looping header from a throw-in just nestling inside the post.
With scores level, Hahndorf picked up their game in the second half. Guest and Breaker worked hard in defence and were often the start of counter attacks as the Magpie midfield began to find more space. Hambrook and Eglinton offered an attacking force on the flanks and the hosts were able to get better service into the forward third of the pitch. Konstantinoff, Ness and Stevens had their opportunities but could not make them count as Hahndorf began to take control of the midfield.
John Lawler was brought on and was involved in several good moves but again Hahndorf had trouble beating the Titans’ ‘keeper. The visitors also created some good chances but were generally wayward with their shooting. Both teams had good chances to score the winning goal but the respective defences held firm.
It was a much-improved performance in the second half by the Magpies and just their finishing let them down. Best on the day was Kieran Guest, a citadel of strength in the back line with fellow defender Scott Breaker and the hard running Angus Hambrook earning the coaches plaudits.
Next week the Hahndorf Magpies travel to the far end of Torrens Road to take on Budapest, a side with which Hahndorf has had some highly contested meetings.
Newly promoted Hahndorf kicked off their 2011 Division 2 campaign with an engaging 1-1 draw, a clinical strike by Kayne Stubing cancelled out in the second half by the Adelaide Titans.
After a solid preseason, Hahndorf were confidant going into the first round of the South Australian Amateur Soccer League 2nd Division, hosting the Adelaide Titans, a rebadged incarnation of Navarino FC. The Magpies started with Nathaniel Brooke in goal, commanding the defensive line of Steve Noble, Michael Lewington, Matt Norris and Dan Hermel. The quartet were tested but a genuine threat was not forthcoming from the Titans in the early running.
The Magpie midfield were into the action from the outset, wide players Chris Sawers and Ash Parr working the flanks while the central battleground was embraced by Luke Guest and Jack Farrimond. Tom Holland and Kayne Stubing formed an adroit and swift pairing up front and after twenty-five minutes it looked to pay immediate dividends with Stubing escaping and shooting past the Titans goalkeeper before a late offside call ruled out the goal.
The warning went unheeded by the Titans and soon after Farrimond and Guest combined to win a contested midfield ball and send Holland into space. Drawing a couple of Titan defenders, Holland pinpointed his pass to Stubing who rounded his marker and fired a shot into the far corner to put Hahndorf into the lead.
The Titans almost equalised soon after but a goal-bound shot was cleared off the line by Noble’s timely header. Both teams fought for the next score but clear chances were rare, Guest going closest with a stinging free kick that flew past the post.
In the closing stages of the half, Stubing had a great chance to extend Hahndorf’s lead after Holland had centred but the Titans’ ‘keeper made a good block to deny the speedster. At the other end, Noble was called on to repeat his defensive skills with a second clearance off the line after the Titans went close to restoring parity.
The second half started well for the hosts when Stubing passed to Holland on the flank and he picked out Sawers at the back post with a fine cross. Sawers met the header at pace but the ball flew inches over the bar. The Magpies created further chances with Guest going just wide from distance before Hermel made a storming run down the wing, exchanging passes with Guest before darting past the Titan defence. However the opposing ‘keeper stood firm to deny Hermel’s shot.
The Titans answered with a good chance of their own, but Brooke was in fine form to halt the play, one of several good saves by the big Hahndorf custodian as the intensity of the match increased. A period of pressure by the Titans eventually resulted in a score, Hahndorf failing to sufficiently clear the ball before a couple of sharp passes put the ball in the net.
The Magpies almost restored their lead soon after when Stubing lashed a ball just over the bar from thirty metres, his strike gaining him some attention from a Titans defender who was minutes late with his tackle and he earned a yellow card from the referee.
A Parr free kick found Lewington in the box but his shot crashed off the Titans ‘keeper as the visitors found themselves under increasing pressure. The Titans hit back with a great chance, their striker clear through on goal and he unleashed a fierce shot from close range that Brooke beat away with a stunning save.
Hahndorf showed its intention in going for the win by bringing on forward Jesse Konstantinoff for a midfielder as both teams strove for the winning combination. Sawers got into a good position but skewed his shot and Stubing burst through to go one on one with the goalkeeper but had his shot parried away.
Hahndorf though they had broken the deadlock when Farrimond arrowed a powerful header to the corner of goal but a terrific save tipped the ball over the bar. Hahndorf continued to create the better chances and late in the match Parr weaved his way past several Titan players. In the motion of shooting he became entangled with Konstantinoff and the ball passed harmlessly wide of goal.
Hermel had the last clear chance of the match when put through by Konstantinoff, but again the Titan’s ‘keeper was able to deny the effort to ensure the match ended with the points shared.
Man of the Match for Hahndorf was Nathaniel Brooke, making several crucial saves to repel the Titans, with Tom Holland and Jack Farrimond also outstanding with their contributions.
Reserves
The Hahndorf Reserves fought out a well-contested match against the Adelaide Titans, the 1-1 score line giving both teams a point despite a strong finish by the hosts.
Hahndorf went to an early lead, courtesy of a well-struck penalty by Jesse Konstantinoff, the Magpie forward converting the chance after Steve Ness was deemed to have been illegally impeded in the Titan penalty area.
Hahndorf did not make the most of their quick start and the Titans forced the defence of Scott Breaker, Andy Craig, Kieran Guest and Daniel Agger onto the back foot as the visitors pushed hard for an equaliser. Magpie goalkeeper Mark McGrath made several important stops as Hahndorf struggled to meet the determination of the Titans.
Kyle Eglinton, Rupert Lindon, Ness and Angus Hambrook battled hard in the midfield with Tom Stevens looking to support Konstantinoff, however Hahndorf had trouble stringing passes together with their rivals pushing forward with regularity.
The Magpies mounted a few attacks but despite some good opportunities, they could not add to their score. The Titans engaged the long throw to put Hahndorf under pressure in the penalty area and with half time beckoning, their persistence paid off, a looping header from a throw-in just nestling inside the post.
With scores level, Hahndorf picked up their game in the second half. Guest and Breaker worked hard in defence and were often the start of counter attacks as the Magpie midfield began to find more space. Hambrook and Eglinton offered an attacking force on the flanks and the hosts were able to get better service into the forward third of the pitch. Konstantinoff, Ness and Stevens had their opportunities but could not make them count as Hahndorf began to take control of the midfield.
John Lawler was brought on and was involved in several good moves but again Hahndorf had trouble beating the Titans’ ‘keeper. The visitors also created some good chances but were generally wayward with their shooting. Both teams had good chances to score the winning goal but the respective defences held firm.
It was a much-improved performance in the second half by the Magpies and just their finishing let them down. Best on the day was Kieran Guest, a citadel of strength in the back line with fellow defender Scott Breaker and the hard running Angus Hambrook earning the coaches plaudits.
Next week the Hahndorf Magpies travel to the far end of Torrens Road to take on Budapest, a side with which Hahndorf has had some highly contested meetings.
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