2012 Round 2: Adelaide Monarchs V Hahndorf Magpies

Adelaide Monarchs V Hahndorf Magpies

On a wet Saturday at Grange, Hahndorf and the Monarchs engaged in a see-sawing goal feast before a late strike by the home side gave them the points in a 5-4 thriller.

A constant drizzle made the wide, flat surface of the ground slick from the opening whistle and both teams took time to adjust to the slippery conditions. Hahndorf lined up with an attacking, fast-paced front line through Kayne Stubing and Matt Norris, supported by the midfield quartet of Scott Graham, Sam Wood, Luke Guest and Tom Holland.

Lloyd Oppelaar, Michael Lewington, Captain Jack Farrimond and Steve Ness patrolled the defensive lines in front of goalkeeper Kierran Guest. A couple early chances to Hahndorf got them off to a positive start, but unfortunately for the Magpies, they found themselves a goal down within ten minutes due to a speculative shot against the run of play.

Hahndorf set about restoring parity and a period of attacking pressure gained a corner. Holland played a sharp one-two with Norris before pinpointing a cross to Lewington on the far post. The big central defender made no mistake with his firm header, driving the ball into the net.

At 1-1,the match settled into a midfield battle with both Monarchs and Hahndorf creating a few chances but neither goalkeeper was unduly challenged, despite shots sliding through on goal. The Magpies slowly began the shade possession and a flowing move involving Lewington, LGuest and Holland found Norrris who had his shot blocked. The ball fell to Wood and he blasted a shot on target but a great save by the Monarch’s ‘keeper tipped it over the crossbar.

Just when it looked as if Hahndorf were in the ascendancy, the Monarchs retook the lead from a corner, a handling error in the slick conditions saw the ball squirm past the Hahndorf ‘keeper. The Magpies countered with neat set of passes down the spacious wing but the Monarchs had numbers in defence and Hahndorf could not get a clear shot on target.

Although Hahndorf seemed to be playing the better football, the Monarchs were looking to make every opportunity count. A quick break and through ball by the home side led them into the half time with their lead extended, their forward picking out a corner of the goal with only the exposed Magpie ‘keeper to beat.

Upon the restart, Hahndorf looked to bounce back into contention and an early chance showed the Magpies intent. The Monarchs too looked to add to their score but K. Guest was in good position to hold the efforts. Hahndorf persisted with their attacking frame of mind and were rewarded with a penalty. Norris stepped up to drive a firm shot that the Monarchs’ ‘keeper did well to reach but he could not keep the ball from bursting through his hands.

Hahndorf tried to maintain momentum, L.Guest finding space to centre for Graham but his shot was blocked and the follow up effort sail just over the Monarchs’ goal. The home side then tried their luck from distance, the effort catching Hahndorf out and the ball sailed over the Magpie ‘keeper and into the net to make the score 4-2 to the hosts.

The Magpies made a couple of substitutions, bringing on James Anderson and Kane Oppelaar to freshen up the midfield and get themselves back into the match. The action did not let up with both sides keen to add to the goal tally. Hahndorf made the score 4-3 with a well executed free kick, Holland driving a low shot past the defensive wall and under the diving ‘keeper.

The visitors picked up the pace and soon had levelled the match with a classy left footed drive from Anderson, the young recruit latching onto a throw-in and burying the ball from distance in the top corner. A revitalised Hahndorf team pushed hard for the winner in the remaining minutes, bringing Jesse Konstantinoff on to bolster the attacking stock.

K.Oppelaar almost made a memorable debut with a searing shot that forced the Monarchs’ ‘keeper to push the ball over the bar. The Magpies wasted the corner opportunity and the Monarchs went on the attack to also gain a corner. Hahndorf cleared the attack and pushed forward but could not get a good shot away on goal. With time running out, a sloppy back pass by the Magpies was intercepted by the Monarchs forward and he nipped past the goalkeeper to roll the ball into an empty net.

The end result was a bitter one for the visiting Magpies who had done enough for a least a draw, only to throw the points away in the final minutes. Best on the day was Tom Holland, who was outstanding all match closely followed by excellent games by Matt Norris and Sam Wood.

Reserves

After setting the match up in the first forty-five minutes, the Hahndorf Reserves endured a mid-match Monarchs revival before running out comfortable 2-5 winners.

The visiting Hahndorf team got off to a bright start under threatening skies, forwards Todd Newman and Jesse Konstantinoff sharp in the opening exchanges. Midfielders Jordan Webber, Lee Jennings and Kane Oppelaar were quick to exploit the tardy Monarch approach and the Magpies took the opening goal within five minutes of play.

Good work through the middle of the park set Konstantinoff in space on the edge of the penalty area and his pass found Webber clear on goal and the industrious Magpie made no mistake from close in. Five minutes later Hahndorf had doubled their lead, pouncing on some indifferent Monarchs play to deliver the ball to Newman and he scored with aplomb.

The Monarchs took stock of their poor start and fought to get back into the match, the Hahndorf defence of Scott Breaker, Tim Staniford, Andy Craig and Kyle Eglinton forced to counter some attacking moves and ‘keeper Vaughan Barratt made a few timely saves. Andy Jones patrolled the deep midfield and sought to cut out the origin of the Monarchs moves, leading to an engaging battle that lasted the entire match.

Oppelaar was in fine form down the flanks, exchanging play with Jennings and Webber to drive the Hahndorf attack. Newman and Konstantinoff were a constant threat and the Monarchs ‘keeper did well on several occasions to deny the pair. The spots of rain developed into a steady drizzle to dampen the spectators but not the drive of the Magpies and they added their third goal just before the break. Excellent work by Oppelaar culminated in a flighted ball to Newman and he comfortably put away the headed goal.

In the second stanza, the Magpies were keen to add to the score but despite some fine attacking moves, Hahndorf found the Monarchs defence in a more determined mood. Ash Parr made an entry into the game along with Ben “Beninho” Wells and the pair looked to make an impact immediately.

However it was the Monarchs who seized the initiative, capitalising on a couple of errors on the greasy surface and they scored two goals in ten minutes to get back into the match. Hahndorf answered with renewed vigour and a period of sustained pressure earned a penalty. However unusually, Konstantinoff hit the ball high and it cannoned off the crossbar and the rebound went wide. The Monarchs threw players into the forward line looking to overwhelm the Magpies but the visitors stood firm against the onslaught.

With fifteen minutes remaining, Hahndorf gained some breathing space when Breaker found space and showed his goal of last week was no fluke with a superb drive that fairly flew into the top corner of the net. The 2-4 score-line knocked the wind out of the sails of the Monarchs and Hahndorf regained control as the match started to wind down. With minutes left in the match, Parr added icing to the score with a searing drive from the edge of the box to give Hahndorf the 2-5 win.

It was a good, solid performance by all the Hahndorf players across the park, but Kane Oppelaar took the man of the match accolades with a stellar match. Notable also were Andy Jones and Andy Craig in cementing the Magpie defence.

Super Cs

The Super Cs started the days proceedings with their first win of the season, a resounding 4-1 win over the Monarchs’ Cs.
With the Monarchs not getting their full side out until twenty minutes into the match, it was somewhat of a surprise that they went into half time with a 1-0 lead. Multiple missed opportunities cost the Magpies but they remedied the situation with four unanswered goals. Ben Gordon-Edwards netted two goals with fine finishes, while Scott Schubert scored from the edge on the penalty area and young Lucas Podolski added a great fourth to put the result beyond doubt.

Next week the Hahndorf contingent travels to Findon to take on Adelaide Cougars in an important clash for all three teams.

2012 Round 1: Hahndorf Magpies V Adelaide Titans

The Hahndorf Magpies began the 2012 season in an inauspicious fashion, allowing the visiting Adelaide Titans to dictate large passages of play in a disappointing 1-5 loss.

With an encouraging pre-season behind them, Hahndorf were confident heading into the first round of the South Australian Amateur Soccer League 2nd Division and fielded an emerging combination featuring four debutants. Kierran Guest took up the goal keeping duties with Steven Ness, Michael Lewington, Luke Guest and Lloyd Oppelaar forming the defensive line.

The Titans took the match up to the Magpies and made their intentions clear with some early threatening moves. The Hahndorf midfield of Scott Graham, James Anderson, Tom Holland and Jack Farrimond battled hard to contain the visitors as they sought to break through to the Magpies defence. Kayne Stubing and Matt Norris provided the firepower in the Magpies forward line, with both players looking sharp.

The opening goal fell to the visitors, arriving via a blistering drive from a well executed corner that found the inside post of the Hahndorf goal. The home team tried to hit back but the Titans’ goalkeeper was never really tested as Hahndorf maintained some forward possession without producing a clear chance. The Titans pressed forward and earned a corner. Playing another set piece, the visitors caught Hahndorf napping and a quick centring pass found an unmarked Titan player and he slotted the ball home. Soon after, an unwell Anderson had to leave the pitch and the Magpies replaced him with Sam Wood

Hahndorf rallied before the half time break and Stubing had several chances after some quick passing from the Hahndorf midfield put him in on goal but he struck his shots wide of the mark. Soon after, the lively forward had his best chance as he stole past the defence to almost latch onto a lazy pass but the Titans’ ‘keeper did enough to prevent Stubing from forcing the ball past him.

In the second half the Hahndorf team set out with renewed vigour, L.Guest, Ness and Oppelaar were forceful in defence while Wood and Graham wrestled back some midfield control. Stubing remained the focal point in attack and drew the Titans’ goalkeeper into a sharp diving save after Graham found the forward with a fine diagonal ball.

Hahndorf’s persistence was rewarded when Lewington and L.Guest forced a turnover and combined to find Norris. The club stalwart fed Stubing with a clever ball and he turned his marker before nipping the ball past the ‘keeper and tapping into the vacant net. The Magpies continued their positive play, with K.Guest clearing to Oppelaar who sent the ball through to Wood. Stubing latched onto Wood’s pass and cut the ball back from the wing for L.Guest to lash at goal but the shot was deflected to safety by a Titans defender.

The Titans readjusted and went out to a 3-1 lead when Hahndorf lost the ball in midfield and a quick pass found a Titan forward in space and he blasted the ball past an exposed K.Guest. The midfield became a highly contested region and several willing tackles escalated in intensity before a flurry of yellow cards prevented the match from boiling over. Hahndorf was forced to make a substitution when Farrimond was injured after his ill-timed challenge resulted in a nasty clash and he was replaced by debutant Lee Jennings.

Hahndorf tried to work back into the match but made some simple errors that put them under pressure, L.Guest called upon to rescue the Magpies with a saving tackle after the home team had given the ball away cheaply. The Titans were not to be denied however and a long ball into the Hahndorf defence was only half cleared and the Titans forced in their fourth goal.

The visitors added a fifth and final goal soon after, a smart turn eluding the Magpie defender and the Titan forward drew K.Guest out, before a neat pass left a tap in to seal the match. In the remaining minutes Hahndorf tried to restore some balance to the score when Holland found Stubing with a great cross but the headed shot flew wide of the post.

The result was not the way the Hahndorf Magpies wanted to begin the season, but with the team still finding the right mix of players, the Magpies will be looking to bounce straight back with a positive result next week. Best on the day was Sam Wood, who had a great game in midfield with Lloyd Oppelaar and Steve Ness also having fine contributions.

Reserves

The Hahndorf Reserves and Adelaide Titans were engaged in a tight contest throughout the day, with the Magpies outlasting the visitors to take the three points in a 2-1 win.

Hahndorf lined up with an experienced back line containing Tim Staniford, Scott Breaker, Ash Parr and Andy Craig, with Vaughan Barratt between the sticks for the Magpies. The home team began brightly, bringing midfielders Kyle Eglinton, Ben “Beninho” Wells, Lee Jennings and Angus “House” Hambrook quickly into the game with forwards Jesse Konstantinoff and Jordan Webber keen to make their mark on the scoreboard.

A fairly even opening twenty minutes saw both sides trying to assert themselves in the match, punctuated by a couple of half chances that neither team could convert.

The Magpies began to shade possession, with the majority of play in the midfield cauldron. Jennings and Hambrook linked up with Konstantinoff and Webber and the Magpies had a few good opportunities to open the scoring. Hahndorf moved the ball quickly through the middle of the park before a ranging Hambook pinpointed a diagonal ball to Konstantinoff. Bearing in on goal his shot was blocked and the ball spilled to Webber, who made no mistake and drove the ball into goal from ten metres.

The Titans responded, going close with some sharp efforts but Barratt was in great position to quell the threats and when a shot did get past him the crossbar came to the Magpies aid.

The Magpies were expecting the Titans to come at them after half time and the visitors did not disappoint, equalising soon after the restart when a well-taken corner was deflected twice on its way into the Hahndorf net. The goal emboldened the visitors but Hahndorf stood fast to dilute the Titans attack, Staniford and Parr in outstanding form against their immediate opponents.

Hahndorf pressed forward through Eglington and Webber and forced the Titans into some hasty clearances. Continued pressure opened up the pitch and a cross-field pass found Breaker in acres of space twenty-five metres from goal. Controlling the ball, Breaker struck a curling shot with his left foot to leave the Titans’ ‘keeper grasping at air as the ball went over him and snuck in the top corner, the stunning strike giving Hahndorf a 2-1 lead.

The Titans threw themselves into attack to restore parity but the Hahndorf defensive line remained disciplined and resolute to give the visitors few good scoring opportunities. Parr was outstanding in turning defence into attack either through his piercing long passes to the Hahndorf flanks or on a weaving run past several inept Titan challenges.

Time eventually ran out for the visitors as the Magpies strong defensive resolve held true to the final whistle. Best on the day was Ash Parr with an excellent display, ably backed up by the solid defence of Tim Staniford and Vaughan Barratt.

Super Cs
An entertaining first half saw the Hahndorf Super Cs take the lead, courtesy of Nat Stewart, who slotted in from close range after the Titan’s goalkeeper failed to deal with a long clearance. The Magpies should have added a second after a dazzling run by Matt Filber left a trail of Titans in his wake before neatly squaring the ball for James Stratfold, but he scooped his shot wide of the beckoning goal.

The Titans found the second half a better proposition and scored with alarming regularity as the Magpies midfield ruptured and the opposition stretched the tiring defence to end the match with five goals to Hahndorf’s one.

Next week all three Hahndorf teams travel to Grange to meet long time rivals, the Adelaide Monarchs.