Round 13: Hahndorf V Comets

Hahndorf Magpies V Adelaide Comets

In a tight contest, two errors proved costly for the Hahndorf Magpies as they went down to the Adelaide Comets 0-2 on an overcast and frosty Saturday afternoon.

The Magpies went into the match missing a couple of regulars but as the previous weeks had shown, they had the depth to cover the absences. From the opening whistle both teams showed they were determined to claim the three points, exchanging opening salvos before settling into the cut and thrust of the main event.

Fifteen minutes into the match the Comets opened the scoring, taking advantage of a collision that left Hahndorf ‘keeper Nathaniel Brooke out of position and the Comets forward recovered first to bury the ball into goal.

The Magpies had a chance to equalise soon after, Matt Norris targeted with a free kick and laying off for Tom Holland but he dragged his shot wide. The Comets answered with a sharp volley but Brooke reacted well to push the shot wide.

The match descended into a scrappy period where neither team was able to string a series of passes together, several goalmouth scrambles not capitalised on by the Magpies and both teams turning over the ball in midfield.

The Hahndorf defence of Jack Farrimond, Michael Lewington, Steve Noble and Ash Parr were put under pressure by the Comets forwards but were well organised to quell the threat. Farrimond was in particularly good form throughout the match with several timely tackles that halted promising moves.

An audacious attempt by the Comets could have been a goal of the year contender when a shot from the centre circle sailed past Brooke and crashed off the crossbar. Further Comets advances gave them the chance to add to their score but their aim was astray.

For Hahndorf, Parr and Kayne Stubing combined down the wing but the good cross eluded the Magpies forwards as the home team looked to get on the front foot; Stubing hitting a free kick that caused some concern from the Comets’ ‘keeper. Norris roamed the forward line like a marauding lion and won all the high balls lofted his way but Hahndorf failed to take advantage of his aerial prowess.

After the half time break, Hahndorf went on the attack through Steve Ness, Luke Guest, Chris Sawers and Norris. Although the Magpies held the ball in the attacking third, they were not able to capitalise with a telling shot at goal. The early pressure was undone soon after, when a poor defensive pass was cut out by the Comets and was returned with interest, Brooke parrying the initial shot but the ball fell to the Comets who put away the loose ball.

The Magpies sought to make amends through Norris and Holland, the pair putting Stubing through on goal and he forced a desperate lunge by the Comets defender who almost guided the ball into his own net.

Holland and Stubing set up Ness but his chip was a little too high and landed on top of the goal netting as Hahndorf searched for a goal to get them back into the match. A solid period of pressure saw chances fall to Norris and Sawers while Holland found Stubing with a fine pass but the speedy forward slipped his shot the wrong side of the goalpost.

The tempo increased in the last fifteen minutes, several willing tackles drawing the ire of supporters and coaching staff of both teams. Jordan Webber and Jesse Konstantinoff entered the fray as the Magpies pressed for a goal. They found the Comets defence in a miserly mood however and despite creating some good chances, Hahndorf were unable to trouble the scoreboard, the final whistle confirming the two nil score.

The Magpies Man of the Match was Matt Norris, who was outstanding all day, with Jack Farrimond and Steve Ness putting solid contributions.



Reserves
The Hahndorf and Comets Reserves fought out an entertaining and at times heated battle, before a late goal to the visitors gave them a 1-2 win.

Hahndorf started the match brightly and took the match up to the Comets as they settled quickly into rhythm. John Lawler, Jesse Konstantinoff, Gary Ledson and Rupert “Crusher” Lindon won the early midfield battles to put the Magpies on the front foot. Chris Hyde and Kieran Guest plied their talents in the forward line, putting the Comets defence on alert and leading to a textbook opening goal.

A slick move by Hahndorf moved the ball quickly into the attacking third and Guest was released on the flank. Reaching the by-line the lanky forward cut the ball back across the penalty area. An untracked Lindon timed his run to perfection and raced into the area to strike the ball first time, lashing it past the Comets ‘keeper and into the net.

The Magpies tried to add to their lead but failed to find the finishing touches and the Comets began to claw their way into the match. The defensive line was resilient to the Comets’ attack, veteran Andy Craig marshalling Scott Breaker, Tim Staniford and Dan Mardle to foil the visitors attempts at goal. Magpie ‘keeper Andy Jones was called upon several times but the shots were largely ineffectual despite the Comets getting into some good positions. However, minutes from half time the Comets equalised, a forward escaping his marker to poke in the goal from twelve metres.

The Comets continued to press in the second half and the Magpie defenders worked overtime to keep the threat at bay. Although the Comets held the majority of play in Hahndorf’s half, they failed to generate many shots on goal and Jones made light work of those that were.

Some frustrations crept into the match and an altercation at a corner kick drew vociferous protestations from both teams but the referee did not sympathise with either side and play continued. Hahndorf managed to combine some nice passes to get Guest away on the flank and he delivered a fine ball for Lawler to fire into goal but a late and very dubious offside call ruled out the score.

Five minutes from time, the Comets broke through the Magpies defence and a hesitation at a crucial time allowed the Comets forward to nip in and score from seven metres. The goal was a cruel blow to the Magpies who had probably done enough for a share of the points. Man of the Match for Hahndorf was Rupert Lindon, with strong contributions from Kieran Guest, Tim Staniford and Dan Mardle.

Reserves Cup 3rd Round

Last week, the Hahndorf Reserves made the long trek to Elizabeth Downs to take on the powerhouse Premier Division Sunday side in the 3rd round of the Cup.

The Magpies found themselves on the back foot early on and conceded a goal, with a hint of offside, fifteen minutes in. The Magpies struck back however, launching a counter attack through Ash Parr, the versatile Magpie linking with Dan Holland and Kayne Stubing to release Angus Hambrook. The flighty winger needed no second invitation and equalised with a thunderous shot into the roof of the net.

The Downs continued to pressure the Hills team and scored two more goals after taking full advantage of mistakes in the Hahndorf back line to go into the break with a 3-1 lead. Hahndorf weren’t without their chances however, with Hambrook having several good opportunities, the closest hitting the crossbar.

Hahndorf tried to rally in the second half, defending grimly and trying to hit the hosts on the counter attack. Hahndorf ‘keeper Nathaniel Brooke was the busier custodian on the day and served up a mixed grill between the sticks, solid stops and brave saves punctuated with moments of comedic handling.

The Downs continued to use the wide expanses of their ground to good effect, stretching defensive players Dan Mardle, Andy Craig, Steve Ness and Scott Breaker. Substitute John Lawler, Jesse Konstantinoff and Holland fought hard in the middle but Elizabeth Downs added two more goals before Hahndorf struck back late in the match. Holland and Hambrook combining to send Stubing through on goal and the speedy striker made no mistake to score the final goal of the match, the 5-2 score line ending the Cup run of Hahndorf for this season.

Super Cs
The Super Cs suffered a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Flinders University, a second half Tony Carter goal some consolation after Hahndorf missed a penalty in the first half.

Next week Hahndorf take the journey to the picturesque Port Elliot ground to meet the Southern Breakers, both teams hungry for the three points on offer, while the Super Cs will be hosting Old Ignatians at the Pine Avenue Arena.

Round 12: Vipers V Hahndorf Magpies

Vipers V Hahndorf

In a classic game of two halves, the Hahndorf Magpies were unable to maintain their stunning first half display when the Vipers produced a surging second stanza, the 3-3 final result leaving both teams rueing missed opportunities.

The Vipers went into the 12th round of the South Australian Amateur Soccer League 2nd Division looking to maintain their title challenge, the 13 points separating the two teams making the hosts firm favourites. However, after a quick start where both teams traded attacking moves, it was Hahndorf who opened the scoring after ten minutes. Matt Norris, revelling in his move forward, lobbed a ball over the Viper defence for Chris Sawers to nip in before the advancing ‘keeper and slot away the goal.

Hahndorf had the occasion to immediately double their lead but twice the Vipers’ ‘keeper foiled good one-on-one chances. Soon after, Leo Santangelo made a bustling run through the defence but dragged his shot wide of the post. The Magpie defence of Jack Farrimond, Steve Noble, Micheal Lewington and Rupert “ Crusher” Lindon neutralised the early Viper threats but had to rely on custodian Nathaniel Brooke several times. The big ‘keeper made a great save to deflect a goal bound shot and then utilised the goal post for a scrambling double save when a Viper shot was angled in at the front upright.

Dan Hermel and Steve Ness worked hard in the midfield with Santangelo, the trio feeding wide men Sawers and Kayne Stubing. Ness latched onto a loose ball after Lewington challenged well at a corner kick but drove the ball past the post. Santangelo persisted with some skilful, foraging runs but his errant shooting was a poor result for his excellent build up play.

Minutes from half time, Hahndorf took a stranglehold on the match with a brace of goals after a period of patient possession. Holding ball in the attacking half, Farrimond chipped a neat ball to Norris and the part-time striker headed over the stranded Vipers ‘keeper into the net. One minute later, a flowing move released Sawers on the wing and he skipped past two opponents on his way to the by-line. Sawers drove in a low cross for Stubing to race in and flick past the ball past the beleaguered Vipers custodian and send the Magpies into the break with a handy three-goal lead.

In the second half, the Vipers showed their intent by launching an attack directly from the kick-off, the threat safely negated by Brooke. Hahndorf answered through Norris and Farrimond combining, the former lofting a neat ball through to Stubing who beat the ‘keeper with a fine lob that grazed the wrong side of the post.

The Vipers stepped up a gear but found their radar astray, the Vipers Assou-Ekotto look-alike having a good chance after weaving through some ineffectual Hahndorf defence. However, Brooke was on hand to effect the saves when the Vipers’ shots were true, the big ‘keeper making some telling stops.

A nagging injury forced Norris from the field, giving Kieran Guest the chance to shine on the overcast day. The substitute should have put the Magpies further ahead when he chased a long ball deep into Vipers’ territory and a mix-up between goalkeeper and defender presented Hahndorf with a golden opportunity but Guest blazed high and wide with the goal beckoning.

The teams continued to exchange attacks but neither looked like scoring until the Vipers eventually made an attack count to pull a goal back with twenty minutes remaining. The goal offered a glimmer of hope for the Vipers and they pressed forward at every opportunity. Jesse Konstantinoff entered the match as half chances fell to both sides with the tempo increasing, Hermel and Stubing combining to forge some strong moves down the left wing but the Magpies failed to capitalise on the opportunities.

The Vipers took advantage, working the ball through the middle of the park until a low shot from just inside the penalty area found the corner of the net. At 3-2, Hahndorf found the Vipers frantically throwing themselves forward to find an equaliser in the final ten minutes. Sawers made a couple of vital tackles with the Magpies defending against waves of Viper pressure.

End to end attacks left the Magpies shy of the target and the Vipers were creating the more dangerous opportunities, the pressure telling when they equalized four minutes from time. The Magpies tried to regroup and hang on a share of the points but a rash challenge gave the Vipers a chance for a remarkable turnaround when they were awarded a penalty kick. The tension was palpable as the penultimate kick of the match was taken, Brooke diving the right way but the shot passing wide of the upright, agony and relief washing over players and supporters of both clubs.

The 3-all draw gives the Magpies another point on their way to consolidating their position on the ladder but there will be concerns as to the way Hahndorf has frittered away good leads in the past two matches. Man of the match for Hahndorf was Dan Hermel, his tenacity and play making a highlight with Chris Sawers and Matt Norris also having a large impact on the match.

Reserves

The Hahndorf Reserves continued their mid-season revival with a fighting 2-1 win against the Vipers, goals to Scott Breaker and Tom Stevens putting the Magpies in the box seat early on.

Light drizzle swept across the St Clair ground at the start of the match, making the exemplary surface slick but maintaining a true bounce for the two teams. The opening exchanges saw no real threats on goal until Hahndorf broke the match open through a Scott Breaker special on ten minutes, the right back rifling in a shot from distance and the ball slipping through the unfortunate ‘keeper’s outstretched fingers.

Five minutes later, a period of possession deep in the Vipers half gave Hahndorf a two goal lead, Tom Stevens looking to lay off a ball to Jesse Konstantinoff but he collected his rebound to volley past a stunned Viper defence from twelve metres.
The Vipers bounced back with some sharp attacks but veteran defender Andy Craig organised the backline of Tim Staniford, Breaker and Dan Mardle to keep goalkeeper Andy Jones’ goal safe. The Vipers relied on the speed of their centre forward but some good defence nullified the threat and Jones made a brilliant diving save to deflect a low, goal-bound shot, the hosts best chance of the half.

Hahndorf’s midfield combined well to move the ball into attack, Tom Holland, Angus Hambrook, Stevens and Kieran Guest exchanging passes to bring forwards Konstantinoff and Chris Hyde into play as the half developed.

The second half saw the Vipers make a more concerted effort in attack, pushing more players forward but the Magpies remained resolute in defence of their lead. Hambrook worked overtime with Holland, Hyde and Konstantinoff to maintain possession with Hahndorf searching for a third goal. Several good chances fell the Magpies way, both Hyde and Holland hitting the post after some quality individual play.

Hahndorf brought on Ben “Beninho” Wells, Brad Coleman and John Lawler as the Vipers cause grew more urgent. A penalty to the home side gave them an opening but Jones was physically and verbally defiant in goal, diving to save the spot kick and putting doubt into the Viper camp. However, with fifteen minutes remaining, Craig deflected an otherwise innocuous shot into the corner of goal to revive the Viper hopes.

A further blow befell the Magpies when goal hero Breaker had to leave the field with the Vipers pressing for an equaliser and stretching the ten remaining Magpies. The visitors determinedly defended a late onslaught of corners and time eventually ran out to give Hahndorf a hard fought victory.

Hahndorf had strong contributions from across the park however Angus Hambrook took home the Man of the Match honours with Andy Jones and Chris Hyde also prominent with their efforts.

Next week is a break for the League but sees a return to Cup competition for the Reserves when they travel to take on Premier Division powerhouse Elizabeth Downs on Sunday.

Round 11: Hahndorf V Adelaide Budapest

Hahndorf V Adelaide Budapest

A second half fightback by Adelaide Budapest ensured Hahndorf shared the points in their encounter for the 10th round of the South Australian Amateur Soccer League 2nd Division.

Despite persistent rain and slippery, muddy conditions, the match between Hahndorf and Adelaide Budapest was showered with goals in the opening twenty-five minutes. Budapest were the first to strike minutes from the kick-off, a speculative shot skipping on the greasy surface and cannoning off Hahndorf ‘keeper Nathaniel Brooke to fall for the Budapest forward to slot in.

However the lead was short lived when Hahndorf hit back. Forward Jesse Konstantinoff forged a run to the by-line and cut his pass back to Steve Ness, the midfielder striking cleanly to find the bottom right of goal. The teams exchanged further chances before the Magpies went ahead through Dan Hermel, the tricky winger swooping on a loose ball on the edge of the Budapest penalty area and finding the net with a lethal left foot strike.

The home team pressed forward to extend their advantage and were in the box seat when Budapest conceded a penalty, Luke Guest taking responsibility and giving the ‘keeper no chance with his precise spot kick. At 3-1 up the match looked to be within Hahndorf’s control, but there were no guarantees considering the nature of the pitch and the competitive rivalry between the sides.

Returning after a two-week sojourn, Steve Noble lead the Magpie backline of Michael Lewington, Ash Parr and Kyle Eglinton, the quartet finding conditions challenging and the Budapest forwards keen to find the target. Guest anchored the midfield, with Ness, Hermel and Kayne Stubing all involved in the combative possession for control of the middle. Brooke made some vital saves, knocking a stinging shot down before recovering the ball under pressure.

Leo Santangelo played up front but often dropped back to pick up the ball and he had several surging runs resulting in searching shots going wide of the Budapest goal. As the half drew to a close, a few willing tackles from both teams threatened to escalate but some stern words from the referee kept emotions from boiling over.

The Magpies started the second half brightly, holding the ball in the attacking third before Ness poked a shot over the bar. Budapest responded and Brooke was called upon to make two good saves in quick succession as the match and the rain opened up. Konstantinoff showed his skills, latching onto a neat through ball and beating two opponents but pulled his shot across the face of goal.

In defence, Noble stopped a potential threat on the edge of the penalty area with a fine tackle but soon after Hahndorf conceded a goal to Budapest, a long throw finding its way through the box and it was slotted away at the far post.

The goal inspired the visitors and their vocal supporters and they pushed forward again in search of an equaliser but found Noble in their path with another quality tackle. Guest was attracting plenty of the ball and was finding the conditions to his liking to provide a focal point in the centre for Hahndorf. Santangelo also produced some strong runs but could not beat the ‘keeper with a ranging efforts.

After watching his brother enjoying the mud and rain, Kieran Guest entered the match and had a positive impact almost straight away, the lanky forward getting on a break but shooting just wide with the ‘keeper to beat. Parr continued to impress along with Hermel, his fleet feet often keeping him one step ahead of the opposition on the slippery surface.

Lewington had the chance to put the Magpies further ahead but upon getting on the end of a well-flighted free kick, his far post header found the Budapest ‘keeper in good form and the shot was saved. The precipitation remained persistent, but did not dampen the endeavour of either side, the combatants going end to end but failing to get an effective strike on goal.

However, five minutes from time, Budapest equalised with a curled shot into the top corner, a deft move leaving the Hahndorf defence wrong-footed and opening up the goal. Hahndorf threw themselves forward to regain their lead and almost did in the final minutes. K.Guest made space and rifled a searing shot at goal but the Budapest ‘keeper made a tremendous diving save to deflect the goal-bound ball.

The entertaining 3-3 result gave both sets of fans something to cheer about on a chilly, rain swept day and also kept both teams clear of the relegation zone. Best on the day for Hahndorf was Luke Guest, a powerful presence on the park, with Steve Noble and Dan Hermel also giving strong performances.


Reserves

The Hahndorf Reserves dominated large passages of play and a brace of goals to Chris Hyde led to the Magpies running out 4-1 winners in a sometimes spiteful encounter.

Sweeping and torrential rain tested the drainage system at the Pine Avenue arena to produce a playable surface that both teams took time to adjust to. Hahndorf pushed Budapest back from the outset with John Lawler, Tom Stevens, Rupert “Crusher” Lindon and Chris Sawers taking charge of the midfield and giving Chris Hyde and Kieran Guest opportunities up front. Hahndorf employed a shoot-on-sight policy in the treacherous conditions and had the Budapest ‘keeper scrambling on several occasions but the shots were often wayward by the Magpies.

Lawler created space and shot truly but the ball cannoned off both posts before being cleared by the relieved Budapest defenders. Hyde had a shot hit the bar and Lindon had two chances from acute angles that failed to find the net.

In defence Hahndorf were comfortable, experienced central pair Andy Craig and Matt Norris combining with Scott Breaker and Dan Mardle to leave ‘keeper Andy Jones barely getting a touch in the first half. Despite having the majority of the play it took till well over half an hour for the home team to find the net. A persistent build up drew Hyde onto the ball just wide of goal and he evaded a tackle before sliding the ball across the goal to nestle just inside the post.

In the second half the Magpies tried to increase their advantage but it was Budapest who had the best chance early on. A rasping shot from distance drew Jones into action and he tipped the long-range effort over the bar, serving a wake up call for the Magpies. Several heated moments threatened to erupt but cooler heads prevailed as Hahndorf added a second, Hyde again the scorer with a neat finish at the near post after a fine cross from Lawler.

Brad Coleman and Tim Staniford entered the match as Hahndorf looked to increase their lead. Moments after moving into the forward line Norris notched up Hahndorf’s third goal with a fine drive to round off a sweeping move. Budapest then hit back through a strange passage of play, players of both sides almost wrestling each other and forgetting to play the ball before it was crossed into the middle and a Budapest player drove it onto the net.

Any thoughts of a Budapest revival were soon quashed however as Sawers went on a determined run from halfway, cutting a swathe through five opponents before drilling an unstoppable shot into the net for a 4-1 score line. Hyde had chances to extend the lead and claim a hat-trick but spurned several good opportunities, the closest a header that skimmed the bar.

The win was a great result in trying conditions and maintains momentum for the Reserves as they look to improve their record in the second half of the season. Best on the day for the Magpies was Tom Stevens who was diligent in the midfield, with the two Chris’, Hyde and Sawers also in the frame with their goals.

Next week the Hahndorf Magpies face a difficult trip away to the Vipers while the Super C’s take on the Northern Wolves at Pine Avenue.