Round 10: Adelaide Titans V Hahndorf

Adelaide Titans V Hahndorf

Hahndorf suffered a bitter defeat against the Adelaide Titans in the tenth round of the South Australian Amateur Soccer League, the Hills side punished for not taking their chances in the 5-1 loss.

The two teams began the match three points apart in mid-table and the opening exchanges reflected this, neither side taking an immediate grip of the game. The Magpies kicked with the stiff wind and tried to make use of the firm, wide surface, utilising the speedsters Kayne Stubing and Jordan Webber up front. Webber looked to have scored for the Magpies but was deemed to have been offside when he received a through ball.

The Titans replied with the opening goal; what appeared to be a legitimate handball call was ignored by the referee and the Titans’ exchanged a couple of passes on the edge of the box before firing past Hahndorf ‘keeper Mark McGrath. Hahndorf should have equalised soon after, a corner finding Matt Norris and he headed across goal to Leo Santangelo but the usually reliable sharpshooter fired over the bar from ten metres.

Dan Hermel was busy in the midfield, his quick feet and skill pinpointing passes to Luke Guest, Steve Ness and Santangelo, the latter set up by Hermel but dragging his shot wide. Hahndorf settled into the match and put together some nice moves and the defensive line containing Jack Farrimond, Michael Lewington, Norris and Ash Parr looked more comfortable.

However, an ill-timed challenge by Norris presented the Titans with a penalty and they duly slotted it down the middle to go 2-0 up. The Magpies did not seem to be getting the rub of the green and soon they were 3-0 down after a free kick was driven deep into the penalty box, the ball ricocheting off a few players before going into the net.

Hahndorf rallied to get some forward momentum, Guest and Hermel the major protagonists with Parr very solid in defence. Ness found some space out wide and crossed to Santangelo but again the shot at goal was wayward. Luck was not on the visitor’s side with several decisions not going Hahndorf’s way and this added to their frustration. The half ended badly for the Magpies when a nasty knee injury forced McGrath from the field, leaving Guest to take the gloves and giving Rupert “Crusher” Lindon another 45 minutes of action after his Reserves exploits.

The Titans began the second stanza with a firm examination of Guest’s goalkeeping skills, the utility player tipping a fierce drive over the bar and then later showing fine positional sense to collect a shot after it rebounded off the post. Hahndorf fought back to mount a few attacks but had trouble finding a clear shot on goal, Parr having the best effort after beating two opponents but shooting wide of the mark.

The match threatened to descend into chaos after an altercation saw handbags at two yards but in a strange twist the referee allowed play to continue before deciding a drop ball was the way to go.

The match ebbed and flowed with neither team threatening goal until Hahndorf sat off the Titans and they scored with goal of the match, a fierce drive from distance finding the top corner and giving Guest no chance. With twenty minutes remaining, Kieran Guest was brought on but it was his goalkeeper brother that saw the next action, making a great save from a free kick before Parr and Hermel combined to clear the danger.

The teams continued to trade attacks before Hahndorf finally made a good guild up count, K.Guest striking a fine shot that found the inside of the post, for a 4-1 score. The goal encouraged the Magpies and they pushed for a further score, a loose ball in the Titans penalty area bouncing around until it was poked wide of goal. Santangleo then cut a swathe through the Titans defence, pulling the ball back to K.Guest but his volley went straight at the Titan’s ‘keeper.

The Titan’s chanced their arm with a long ball over the top that beat everyone except Parr who cleared off the line. Defender Norris then turned attacker, going on a surging run and exchanging passes with K.Guest but his defender gene regained control and he too shot at the ‘keeper.

The Titans sealed the match with their fifth, a neat build up resulting in a goal from the six-yard box. Jesse Konstantinoff made a late entry to the game and was involved in Hahndorf’s last meaningful attack, Parr showing extraordinary skill to leave two opponents in his wake and finding Santangelo. Konstantinoff picked up Santangelo’s pass and centred to K.Guest, his shot unfortunatey finding the near post.

The result was a blow to the Magpies and they will look to regroup before next weeks important encounter with Budapest. Best on the day for Hahndorf was Dan Hermel who held the midfield together and was instrumental on the ball. Ash Parr was a major contributor in defence and attack with Luke Guest also having a fine game on the pitch and in the goalkeeper role.



Reserves

A brace of goals to Kieran Guest in the first half laid the foundation for the Hahndorf Reserves to topple the second-placed Adelaide Titans, the strong defensive Magpie unit frustrating the hosts during the 1-3 win.

The Magpies kicked with the fresh breeze in the first half, looking to capitalise on the prevailing conditions on the wide, even pitch. Nathaniel Brooke returned to take his place between the sticks with Kyle Eglinton, Andy Craig, Tim Staniford and Dan Mardle forming the back line. The visitors initially pushed the Titans onto the back foot with some early forays forward, but Kieran Guest and Jesse Konstantinoff did not trouble the home ‘keeper during the early exchanges.

The Titans moved the ball well into the wind but Shaun Smith, Angus Hambrook, Rupert “Crusher” Lindon and John Lawler worked hard to close them down in the midfield. The Titans had several good chances to open the scoring but their shots were errant and Brooke made a couple of good saves to keep the score sheet clean. The Magpies hit back with some efforts of their own; Hambrook celebrated his return to open play with an audacious overhead kick that sailed just over the bar as Hahndorf began to build up their game.

The Titans had a period of strong possession and should have scored but for some scrambling and desperate defence from the Magpies. Then the hosts did score but the goal was rightfully adjudged to have been from an offside position. The Magpies took advantage immediately and forced a corner from their next attack. Lawler drove the corner into the near post and Craig used his vast experience to find the net with a cultured volley off his shin.

The Hahndorf team drew confidence from their lead and held the Titans at bay as the hosts sought to find an equaliser. A clearance from Craig soon had them on the back foot when Guest latched onto the ball, the tall striker escaping the defence to slot the ball past a stranded Titan ‘keeper for a 2-0 lead.

The Magpies rounded off their impressive half with a third goal, a tidy piece of play where Hahndorf made the most of their possession, getting the ball wide to Lawler and onto Konstantinoff. The hard running forward worked his trickery to create space and sent in a fine cross which Guest headed into the corner of the net.

The Titans went on the attack immediately from the restart but the Magpies were prepared for the onslaught. Smith, Lindon and Hambrook harried the midfield while the Hahndorf defence were alert to the Titan threats. Several chances fell the Titans way but they failed to find the target until a series of corners unsettled the Magpies and the home side scored with a header.

With thirty minutes remaining, the Titans redoubled their efforts on goal but the Magpies rallied to put up a stern resistance. Numerous times the Titans found the path to goal blocked or the wind taking the ball over the byline from over hit passes. Konstantinoff worked tirelessly in the forward line to keep the Titans under pressure and Brad Coleman entered the match to give Guest a well-earned rest.

Hahndorf battled for every ball and the frustration grew for the Titans, the Magpies all fighting to keep their two-goal margin. The Hahndorf defensive structure held firm to the end and the final whistle signalled a great victory compiled from excellent performances all over the park. However, Man of the Match honours went to Jesse Konstantinoff, the striker setting up one goal and his work rate highly industrious all match.

Next week the Magpies return to the Pine Avenue Arena to tackle Adelaide Budapest while the Super Cs have the long road trip to One Tree Hill.

Round 9: MA Hawks V Hahndorf

MA Hawks V Hahndorf

The 9th round of the South Australian Amateur Soccer Association saw a gallant effort by the depleted Hahndorf outfit against title contenders MA Hawks, the visitors conceding a late goal in the 2-1 defeat.

The Hahndorf Magpies were forced to test the depth of the club due to injuries, absences and sickness, giving five players a chance to step up a grade after playing in the Reserves the previous week. The new draftees stepped seamlessly into the Hahndorf structure and the team wasted no time in getting stuck into the MA Hawks, the two sides having some titanic tussles in the past.

Hahndorf started well and may have caught the hosts off their guard, forwards Jordan Webber, Kieran Guest and Jesse Konstantinoff keen to explore the forward areas of the wide pitch. Dan Hermel, Steve Ness and Rupert “Crusher” Lindon battled for the spoils of midfield as the two sides strove for ascendancy.

Early chances fell to Webber, twice the vigorous striker pierced the Hawks defence but was unable to beat the Hawks ‘keeper in the one-on-one situations. However, Hahndorf set the game alight with the opening score soon after, Konstantinoff passing to Hermel and the sprightly winger surprising the hosts with a thunderous goal from a wide position.

The Hawks responded to the deficit with a series of attacks, keeping Scott Schubert, Matt Norris, Michael Lewington and Ash Parr on the defensive. A good chance fell to the Hawks but the crossbar came to Hahndorf’s rescue and a valiant block stopped a further goal-bound shot.

Ness and Hermel were instrumental in the middle of the park; the latter providing the link between the defence and forward lines while Ness disrupted the Hawks’ midfield play. The match had developed into an even affair, when ten minutes from half time the Magpies conceded a penalty, Norris very unlucky to clip the Hawks’ forward as they chased a ball into the penalty area.

Hahndorf ‘keeper Mark McGrath made a good attempt to stop the penalty but it was well placed in the corner to bring up the equaliser. The MA Hawks tried to capitalise on their good fortune with a series of attacks just on half time and almost scored from a late corner but Parr was at the back post to firmly clear for the Magpies.

The second stanza began with sweeping rain to add some slipperiness to the very firm pitch, causing the ball to skid through in addition to the high bounce. Both teams had their opportunities in the early exchanges but neither side could find the target. Lindon contributed some timely tackles and the Hahndorf rearguard was vigilant to the Hawks threat. With his height, Guest remained a target man up front and caused concern in the Hawks defence. Hermel continued to provide highlights with his efforts, a long shot going over the bar while another passed wide of goal.

Injury forced Webber from the ground and brought speedster Kayne Stubing into the match. The Hawks threatened to break open the match but some resolute defending, combined with the woodwork, kept the score at parity and frustrated the home side.

Hahndorf were also to feel aggrieved when Stubing popped up to smash a fierce volley toward goal but the Hawks custodian beat the ball away with a fine save. The Magpies kept the ball in the danger zone but the pressure was relieved before Hahndorf could make a shot count.

The Hawks hit back with a good build up which resulted in them hitting the crossbar for a third time. Stubing also had another great opportunity, bursting through on goal and going past the ‘keeper but carrying the ball too wide to get an effective shot away. The action went end to end with both teams desperate in defence and creating some fine chances, however neither side could land a decisive blow.

A sweeping move saw McGrath distribute to Schubert and he played a fine ball to Stubing out wide. The winger arrowed his pass to a contest at the far post where a defensive header led to a corner for the Magpies. Ness rose well for the corner but placed his header over the crossbar. With ten minutes remaining, the Hawks responded in attack but were denied by McGrath. However he was powerless to stop the Hawks scoring at the front post from a corner seconds later, the goal a cruel blow to the travelling Magpies.

Hahndorf did their best to even the score, a period of sustained pressure pushing the Hawks defence with some long throws into the box. A knockdown by Guest found Hermel and he shot with venom, but the ball passed wide of goal with what was Hahndorf’s last attack.

It was a disappointing loss but one tempered with some outstanding performances, Steve Ness taking Man of the Match honours with Dan Hermel and Kieran Guest close behind with their efforts. It was a solid performance by the Magpies, the reshuffled side giving some players the opportunity to step up and show their versatility.


Reserves

The Hahndorf Reserves suffered a 4-0 loss against the MA Hawks, the Magpies unable to recover from a three goal second half by the hosts.

From the outset the Hahndorf team found themselves under attack as the Hawks pushed forward with a helpful wind at their backs. With no regular ‘keeper to call on, Angus Hambrook volunteered for the role and found that the busy position was excellent in warding off the cold. Veteran Andy Craig, Ben “Beninho” Wells, Dan Mardle and Kyle Eglinton had their hands full quelling the Hawks attacks as the home side laid siege to the Hahndorf goal for the opening twenty minutes of the match.

Shaun Smith, Tom Stevens, Tim Staniford and Nat Stewart managed to get the Hahndorf midfield going with some promising moves to bring forwards John Lawler and Chris Hyde into the match. Just when it seemed that the Magpies had weathered the worst of the Hawks attacking drive, they conceded a free just outside the penalty area and a well-struck kick curled into the far post to break the deadlock.

The Magpies continued to battle and found space out wide in which to exploit the Hawks. Hahndorf struggled to gain momentum but forced the Hawks back on several occasions. Lawler put in a fine cross for Hyde but his near post header flashed wide of the mark.

In the second half, Hahndorf brought on Cameron Savage and Dave Kinlough for their Reserves debut and the Magpies looked to get back into the match with a number of chances but these failed to deliver any goals. The Hawks responded with a second goal fifteen minutes into the half and then they added a third five minutes later.

Alex “Shinboner” Robson entered the fray and the Magpies battled hard to put a score on the board. Kinlough and Hyde had opportunities but the Hawks defence held firm. Savage, Smith and Staniford were industrious as the Magpies pushed further into the Hawks territory.

A penalty to the Hawks gave Hambrook a highlight, brilliantly diving left to deny the solidly struck ball a path to goal and chalking up a small victory for the stand in ‘keeper. However, the Hawks struck a fourth goal, a neat free finding the corner before time was called on the game.

Despite the loss, Hahndorf team did experiment with a couple of formations and the match gave some Super Cs players the chance to step up a level. There were many solid contributions across the park including Smith, Eglinton, Stevens and an outstanding effort by Hambrook, stepping into the ‘keepers role at the last minute.

Super Cs
With the Club player stocks ravaged by injury, the Super Cs could only manage to field ten players against Strathalbyn, the Magpies going down 1-4 with Tony Carter scoring the only goal for the home team.

Next week Hahndorf begin the second half of the season with a visit to the Adelaide Titans at Henley Beach, while the Super Cs are also away to McLaren District.

Reserve Cup - Round Two: FC Adelaide V Hahndorf

Reserves Cup Round 2: FC Adelaide V Hahndorf

The Reserve Cup matches continue to motivate the Hahndorf Magpies, the latest 2-1 triumph over FC Adelaide driven by perseverance and teamwork.


The last encounter between the two sides was several years ago and resulted in a lopsided 8-1 hammering of the Magpies. The latest Hahndorf edition were keen to give a better account of themselves and they started the match on the front foot.

Ash Parr, Steve Ness, Rupert “Crusher” Lindon and John Lawler quickly took hold of the midfield, the strong combination defending high up the pitch and giving Kayne Stubing and Jesse Konstantinoff some early glimpses of goal. The Magpies used the wings to get behind the FC Adelaide full backs, but despite getting into some promising positions, the crosses from out wide failed to find the strikers.

Hahndorf had more luck picking their way through the middle, both Stubing and Konstantinoff firing a few shots on target but the FC ‘keeper had the goal covered. The visitors largely dominated the opening twenty minutes, Hahndorf’s possession punctuated by a few forward thrusts by FC Adelaide but defenders Dan Mardle, Andy Craig, Luke Guest and Kyle Eglinton had the potential danger under control.

A corner by Hahndorf found Guest at the far post and he headed back across goal for Konstantinoff to bundle over the line. However, the Magpies celebrations were cut short when the referee disallowed the goal for handball. The close call seemed to galvanise the FC side and they began to move the ball with more purpose and the Hahndorf goal came under threat. Some careless marking allowed the hosts to take the lead, a cross was met by an unchallenged FC player and he gave the Hahndorf ‘keeper no chance, slotting into goal from ten metres.

The goal did not dampen the Magpies enthusiasm and they remained true to their game plan, finding space out wide and looking to deliver an accurate ball into the middle. The midfield battle was hotly contested, with both teams closing opponents down quickly and the hard, uneven bounce of the surface an extra element to contend with.

Hahndorf continued to push forward and were rewarded for their persistence with the equaliser five minutes before half time. Guest again was targeted from a corner and this time he planted his bullet-like header directly into the net for a fine equaliser. Going into the break, Hahndorf were encouraged by some good attacking moves while the defence capably held FC Adelaide at bay.

The second stanza continued the thrust and parry between the two teams while the southerly breeze strengthened, Hahndorf facing a headwind as they drove their attack forward. The wings offered the best route to goal, the space wide enticing both teams to spread the ball across the park. Ness and Lindon continued to battle in the midfield, winning important possessions and frustrating the FC Adelaide playmakers.

Hahndorf continued to build momentum with their attacks but they failed to land a meaningful blow. A corner found Craig at the far post and he fired in a volley that struck Konstantinoff’s head and flew over the bar. FC Adelaide pressed forward but often the Hahndorf players made good positions to block their progress, causing the hosts to rely on the long throw to gain entry into the Magpies penalty area.

Chris Hyde replaced an injured Stubing and almost scored with his first touch, the experienced striker getting onto Konstantinoff’s searching cross but pushing his shot just wide of the post. Parr found the best form of defence was attack and battled his way past several opponents before hitting a searing shot across the face of goal.

Tom Stevens entered the play in the combative midfield and linked up well with Parr, Lindon and Ness as Hahndorf searched for a goal. The Magpies pressure eventually drew a mistake from the FC Adelaide defence, a handball in the penalty area was seen by the referee and he pointed to the spot. Konstantinoff stepped up to direct a well-struck shot past the reach of the goalkeeper and give Hahndorf a deserved 2-1 lead.

With fifteen minutes remaining, FC Adelaide had plenty of time to find an equaliser but the Magpies rallied in defence to stop any meaningful shots on goal. Mardle, Craig, Guest and Eglinton gave their opponents little respite and the Magpie ‘keeper had few genuine saves to make, FC Adelaide’s best effort a hopeful flick that sailed wide of the goal.

Ben “Beninho” Wells made a late entry into the match and carved out a few openings before the referee whistled the end of the match. It was a good win for the Magpies as they move into the next round of the Cup, the team putting in a solid performance across the park.


Next week sees a return to league fixtures, the Hahndorf Magpies travelling away to West Thebarton to take on title contenders, the MA Hawks. The Super Cs look to continue their good form when they host fellow hills side, Strathalbyn.

Round 8: Hahndorf V Croydon Cougars

Hahndorf V Croydon Cougars

Hahndorf and the Croydon Cougars fought out an entertaining and highly contested match for the 8th round of the South Australian Amateur Soccer League 2nd Division, the visitors taking their chances in the 1-3 result.

Competition between the two clubs has historically been fierce and the clash on the weekend was no exception with both teams determined to claim the three points on offer.

Hahndorf started brightly, using the quick forward line of Jordan Webber and Kayne Stubing to unsettle the Cougar defence. Webber had several good opportunities to open the scoring but found his radar astray despite the support from midfielders Leo Santangelo, Chris Sawers, Jack Farrimond and Luke Guest.

The Cougars fought back and the match developed into a fairly even affair before Webber atoned for his earlier misses with a well taken one on one, the bustling forward bursting onto a through ball and smashing it past the advancing goalkeeper.

The teams continued to trade attacks, defenders Scott Schubert, Michael Lewington and Dan Hermel marshalled by the experienced Steve Noble to repel most of the visitors forays. However, Hahndorf were at sixes and sevens when the Cougars struck back through a free kick and the ball was lofted into the top corner of the net with goalkeeper Mark McGrath unable to get an effective hand on it.

As half time approached, the Magpies had the chance to take the lead once again but although they held the ball in the Cougars penalty area, the play passed across goal several times before it eventually lobbed into the ‘keeper’s arms.

The Cougars began the second half with a series of attacks and put Hahndorf’s defence under pressure, Lewington and Noble working hard to keep the visitors at bay. The Magpies found relief with some long balls down the wings but Stubing and Webber could not develop the moves into more serious attacks.

The context of the match turned after the referee correctly turned down a penalty appeal by the Cougars and in retaliation, Hermel almost had his kneecap removed by a wildly aimed kick. Handbags at two paces deteriorated into a more serious fracas drawing in the majority of players, plus a substitute or two. After the dust had settled the referee produced the red card and sent off one player from each side.

Resumption of play gave a chance to Hahndorf but Lewington’s header from Hermel’s deep throw could only find the Cougar ‘keeper. The Magpies then gifted a goal to the visitors, an horrendous back pass setting up the Cougars forward and he slotted the goal past the stranded ‘keeper. The following ten minutes were frantic with neither side taking control and the play went end to end without a serious threat to goal.

Schubert and Lewington cut out many of the visitor’s attacks and Guest denied the Cougars a clear chance with a great last-ditch tackle. Hahndorf brought on Jesse Konstantinoff and Ash Parr as the Magpies started to play better and went searching for an equaliser.

Sawers set up Stubing but the forward shot over the bar and the Cougars made them pay for the miss with their third goal, a deftly curled effort finding the top corner from the fringe of the penalty area.

Hahndorf continued to throw players forward and pushed the Cougars into some harried defence. A punched clearance fell to Sawers but his solid strike was hit at the goalkeeper, while the Cougars also wasted a good chance, blasting over the bar. The Magpies revival never materialised despite their late surge with the referee signalling the end to the engaging contest.

Man of the Match for the magpies was Michael Lewington, who was a rock in defence all day, with Chris Sawers and Luke Guest making fine contributions during the match.


Reserves
Despite playing some attractive soccer, the Hahndorf Reserves went down 0-2 to the Cougars, a number of close chances adding to their frustration.

The Magpies gave up a goal within the first minutes of the match when goalkeeper Nathaniel Brooke misjudged a looping ball and the Cougars took full advantage to bundle it into the net.

The early goal inspired the visitors and the Hahndorf defence worked hard to keep the Cougars from adding to the score, Kyle Eglington, Kieran Guest, Andy Craig and Ash Parr under pressure in the opening twenty minutes. The Magpies began to regain their shape and forwards Jesse Konstantinoff and Chris Hyde tested the opposition defence.

As Scott Breaker, Steve Ness, Tom Stevens and Rupert “Crusher” Lindon exerted their influence in the middle of the park, Hahndorf settled into rhythm and the match evened out. Hahndorf and Cougars managed to score what appeared to be legitimate goals within minutes of each other but both goals were contentiously ruled offside. Tim Staniford replaced the injured Breaker as the respective defences tightened up. Clear chances were rare as a result and the cauldron of the midfield saw most of the first half action.

John Lawler entered the match at half time as the Magpies set about redressing the balance of the scoreboard. The hosts began to create some good chances but found the Cougars ‘keeper in spectacular form. Twice Hahndorf looked to have equalised with shots going into the top corner but for some acrobatic saves by the ‘keeper to deny them.

The Cougars answered with some attacks of their own and hit the crossbar with their best effort. Guest hit back for Hahndorf, launching a huge free kick from over halfway that nearly caught out the Cougars as it crashed into the bar. Lawler also hit the bar, his curling shot beating the ‘keeper but not dipping enough to avoid the woodwork.

The Magpies brought on Dan Mardle, sending the versatile Parr into the forward line where he found good opportunities but was wayward with his direction. Lindon made a fine run down the wing, cutting inside his marker to deliver a sterling cross but Konstantinoff got under the ball and headed it over the bar from close in.

Further pressure from Hahndorf saw a series of chances pass in rapid succession, some desperate Cougar defending clearing the ball off the line when it seemed inevitable that the Magpies would score. However it was not to be and the Cougars rubbed salt into Hahndorf’s frustration with a second goal two minutes from full time


There were many good performances across the park for Hahndorf, Steve Ness. Kieran Guest, Rupert Lindon, Andy Craig and Kyle Eglinton in fine form despite the disappointing result.

Super Cs
The Super Cs extended their winning streak with a solid 2-0 win over CCM United. Despite their profligacy in front of goal, the mixture of veterans and youngsters did enough to seal the win and continue their rise up the table.

Next week the Hahndorf Reserves are the only senior side in action when they travel to Cowandilla to meet FC Adelaide in the second round of the cup.