Thursday, June 28, 2012

2012 round 9: Adelaide Vipers V Hahndorf Magpies

The Hahndorf Magpies struggled to find the back of the net in their 9th round match of the South Australian Amateur Soccer League 2nd division against the Adelaide Vipers, the home side taking advantage to win 5-1.

Injury and absence forced a few changes to the Magpies formation, enabling Scott Breaker to make his first team debut alongside fellow defenders, Michael Lewington, Todd Newman and Steve Noble. The recent drenching rains had left the pitch playable, but there were several slippery areas bereft of grass where players had trouble maintaining their feet.

However, it did not deter the hosting Vipers and they immediately got off the mark with a well-executed lob that beat Magpie custodian Andy Jones in the opening minutes of play. Hahndorf recovered from the early setback and the midfield of Lloyd Oppelaar, Tim Prince, Steve Ness and James Anderson began to adjust to the narrow confines of the pitch as the teams matched up in the opening period.
Scott Graham and Matt Norris began to trouble the Vipers’ backline but their sweeper sat deep and cleaned up the majority of the dangerous balls getting into Hahndorf’s forward line. A free kick out wide gave the hosts the route to their second goal, the free driven across the goal and was scrambled in by a wall of onrushing players.

Hahndorf fought to get back into the match and several attacks showed some promise. A free kick to the Magpies put them in good position and a challenge between Lewington and the Vipers’ ‘keeper saw the ball spill to Norris. A swift turn opened up a space for the big forward and he put away a fine, short volley into the far corner of the net.

At 2-1, the action on the pitch was beginning to heat up on the frigid day and the Vipers re-established their two goal buffer with a low shot that deceived Jones. The Magpie ‘keeper could could only push the ball into the path of a Viper forward who slammed it into goal. Prince almost answered for the Magpies, gliding past a few defenders and eluding the ’keeper but the ball ran away from him before he could take his shot.

The Vipers had a few more chances to add to the score but often shot over the crossbar, one ambitious strike endangering low flying aircraft. With the half drawing to a close, Graham had a chance to get a goal back for the Magpies but found his radar astray, firing wide of the target.

The second half started with purpose for Hahndorf and Norris again proved to be in good form, collecting a quick throw and letting fly with a sharp effort that the Vipers’ ‘keeper did well to collect. The home side hit back with some good possession but the Hahndorf defence held firm, Breaker and Newman being particularly effective.

The two sides traded possession but neither threatened the goal as the respective defences increased their vigilance. A free to Hahndorf was driven into the heart of the penalty area and caused some consternation for the Vipers but the Magpies could not capitalise on the occasion. The Vipers took advantage with a quick break that stretched the defence and the marauding forward picked out a lone accomplice who slotted the ball away to make it 4-1.

The Hahndorf defence found themselves under increasing pressure as the half wore on, but battled on gamely, Jones making a couple of fine saves to prevent further scoreboard pain. A second yellow gave one of the Magpies an early shower but the loss did not deter Hahndorf from trying to get back into the match.

With the match entering the final stages, the play went end to end but few real chances were created, until the final minute when the Vipers were able to scramble a final goal past the Magpies. The result was disappointing for the away team, where again they were competitive but lacked a cutting edge to get them a positive result. Best on the day was Matt Norris with another fine performance in the forward line, with Scott Breaker and Todd Newman also with solid defence.


Reserves
The Hahndorf Reserves tried to regain their earlier season form but once again errors proved costly with the Vipers eventually running out 5-1 victors.

The Reserves match took place on the Vipers main ground, the faint line markings making it difficult for both sets of players to get their bearings, a cone on either side of the pitch serving to indicate the approximate position of the halfway line. Hahndorf began with Jesse Konstantinoff and the experienced Chris Hyde leading the frontline with Kyle Eglinton, Jordan Webber, Kierran Guest and Lee Jennings patrolling the central regions.

Both teams made a steady start in the opening exchanges, with the Vipers shading possession. The Magpies tried to build from the back through Ben “Beninho” Wells, Tim Staniford, Andy Craig and Angus Hambrook but a short pass by Craig set the Vipers up with the opening score, giving custodian Vaughan Barratt little chance.

The home side pressed for more, however the Hahndorf defence weathered the barrage with Staniford and Barratt showing some fine form. The Magpies started to move the ball through the middle with the midfielders gaining more possession. A fine through ball released Konstantinoff and he had a great one on one opportunity to equalise but a good save by the Vipers’ ‘keeper denied Hahndorf.
The Magpies slowly started making ground on the Vipers and other foray into the Vipers’ area drew a penalty after fine approach play by Jennings. Konstantinoff stepped up and sent the ‘keeper the wrong way, drilling the ball low into the net to restore parity. The goal lifted Hahndorf and they played with greater belief for the remainder of the half.

During the break, new line markings materialised, a dazzling contrast even under grey skies. However, the Hahndorf Reserves began the second half with their concentration dulled and still in the dressing room, the Vipers scoring two goals within five minutes of the restart. A Vipers player escaped to the back post and a decent pass set him up for a simple shot to make it 2-1. Still recovering from the early strike, Hahndorf conceded minutes later through an own goal, a defensive header missing Barratt and finding the net.

The Magpies tried to regain the momentum they developed in the opening half and had several passages of fine, flowing football. However, a highly contentious penalty awarded after twenty-five minutes swung the match decisively in the home sides favour. Former Magpie Paul Charles and Hambrook collided and both fell over the ball, the referee adjudging from afar that the ball had struck the Hahndorf defender’s hand whilst he was on the ground.
The resultant goal took the a little steam out of Hahndorf’s intensity, however substitutes Ben Simpson and Scott Bonnar added some spark, the former lashing a shot wide of goal with his first touch. The Magpies continued to battle hard but found luck had deserted them at either end of the pitch, a contested ball prodded past Barratt by his own defender in the final minutes.

The 1-5 result mirrored that of the First team and like them, the Reserves are having trouble converting chances whilst paying dearly for errors at the back. Best on the day for Hahndorf was ‘keeper Vaughan Barratt, who made some excellent saves over the ninety minutes, with Tim Staniford and Kyle Eglinton providing a steadying influence through out the day.

Super Cs
The Hahndorf Super Cs remained a beacon of light for the club as they continued their run of good form with a convincing 1-4 win over the Vipers.

Playing on an adjacent pitch that seemed superior to that used by the Firsts and Reserves, the Magpies battled showers and a fiercely cold wind to forge a winning formula of youth and experience. Goals to Scott Bonnar, Scott Schubert, Nat Stewart and John Lawler eclipsed the single Viper reply to continue the Magpies climb up the league ladder.
Next week all three Hahndorf teams are again playing away with a trip to Henley Beach where they will take on the Adelaide Titans.

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

2012 Round 8: Hahndorf Magpies V Adelaide Comets

Despite putting in a competitive performance, Hahndorf struggled to find the back of the net and were punished on the scoreboard by league leaders, the Adelaide Comets.

A cold and overcast day greeted the two teams for the 8th round of the South Australian Amateur League 2nd Division, the threat of rain hanging over the ground. The hosts set up in a familiar formation with Andy Jones donning the gloves behind a defence containing Steve Noble, Todd Newman, Matt Norris and Ash Parr.

Both Hahndorf and the Comets were lively in the opening exchanges, looking to assert themselves in the combative midfield, with Chris Sawers, Aaron Noble, Luke Guest and Steve Ness getting straight into the match for the Magpies. Michael Lewington and Scott Graham provided a focal point in the forward line but few clear shots presented themselves, A Noble the exception with a searing long-range effort that forced the Comets ‘keeper into a fine save.

The Comets built up their game and opened up the Hahndorf defence with a neat series of passes to expose Jones, the Comets forward slotting the ball into goal to finish off the move. The visitors may have added a second soon after but blazed wildly over the crossbar from a good position. Hahndorf also showed some promise with Sawers and A Noble combining to get behind the Comets full back but a good cross, pulled back to the top of the penalty area did not get the finish it deserved.

The teams contested possession with neither dominating play but the ability to take their chances eluded Hahndorf. The Comets sharper finishing was emphasised with their second goal, a corner met with an unchallenged bullet header that flew into the net. Buoyed by their lead, the Comets almost found a third with a long-range free kick that Jones could only direct onto the underside of the crossbar before the Magpies scrambled the ball to safety.

Hahndorf persisted however and nearly pulled a goal back, A Noble again the architect with a cleverly flighted ball to Lewington but the big forward’s firm header flew over the crossbar. The contest remained an absorbing one as half time loomed, Hahndorf and the Comets both intent on adding to the scoreboard.

The second half started well for the visitors when they went 3-0 up within minutes of the resumption of play, a quality strike from the corner of the penalty area curling into the top, far corner to give Jones no chance. The Magpies regrouped as the Comets went in to finish off the Magpies but some fine defensive work by Parr, Guest and Jones steadied the hosts, the latter with a fine diving save to keep out a low, goal-bound shot. A short, sharp shower of rain added a layer of complexity to the match with the temperature also taking a bit of a dive.

Sawers, A Noble and Lewington continued to cause concern for the Comets with several forays deep into the visitors half and Graham also put himself about. However the positive attacking verve of the Magpies was negated somewhat when a defensive error gifted the ball to the Comets and they took full toll, the initial shot blocked but the follow up smashed in from close range.

Soon after, the Comets made it five unanswered goals with a textbook near post header from a corner, the player ghosting in to put the ball away unchallenged. Despite the score line, Hahndorf continued to press forward, Sawers winding his way past several defenders before being fouled on the edge of the penalty area. The free kick caromed off the wall for a corner and Lewington did well to get his head on to the resultant set piece but it glanced wide of the target.

Shortly after, Hahndorf made a couple of substitutions, one forced when Norris was injured, bringing on James Anderson and Tim Prince. The match remained entertaining with chances at either end and a few robust tackles added some spice to the cold afternoon. Graham tried his luck with a free kick and later combined with A Noble to drive a shot at goal but both times the Comets ‘keeper was well positioned to deny the score.

A speculative overhead kick by Sawers was unfortunately not on target as the Magpies pushed for a goal right up to the final whistle, however it was not to be and the league leaders took the three points with the 0-5 win. It was another disappointing match for the Magpies who are playing some competitive and attractive football but finding the finishing touches elusive. Man of the Match for Hahndorf was Aaron Noble, the young, fleet-footed midfielder creating much of the Magpies attacking play. Also with notable performances was the tenacious Ash Parr who battled hard all day and Luke Guest with another solid effort in one of his rare appearances this season.



Reserves
The Hahndorf Reserves suffered their worst defeat of the season, unable to recover from an abysmal first half performance and giving the Comets the points in a 1-8 rout.

Changing their structure slightly, Hahndorf went into the match with Scott Breaker, Andy Craig, Tim Staniford and Kierran Guest forming the defensive line in front of goalkeeper Vaughan Barratt. Tim Prince, Kyle Eglinton, Kane Oppelaar, Jordan Webber and Jesse Konstantinoff formed a five man midfield, leaving David Grant as the lone ranger up front. On paper the line up looked competitive but unfortunately for the Magpies the match was played on the pitch and not paper.

After ten minutes of fairly even play, the Comets unlocked the defence with a series of passes to begin the goal scoring spree. The opening goal was soon followed by another in similar style and the Comets struck a third within the opening twenty minutes. Hahndorf tried to get back into the match but struggled to get the ball into the opponents defensive third, their passing game breaking down and gifting the ball to the Comets.

Veteran Craig had a brief Alzheimer’s moment and passed a free kick to the opposition who accepted with glee to slam a fourth goal in. The situation got worse for the home side as the Comets went through the defence like a dodgy curry to score at regular intervals, the Magpies offering paper-thin resistance. By the end of the half, Hahndorf were down by seven goals and had trouble passing anything more than wind.

The second half saw a much improved effort by the Magpies, reverting to a 4-4-2 formation, and they started get the ball to the feet of their own players. The defence played deeper and were more accountable to keep the Comets to few glimpses of goal. Grant, Konstantinoff and Webber began to find spaces behind the defence and Oppelaar used his pace out wide.

Ben “Beniho” Wells and “El Presidente”, Stuart Thomas entered the game with the Magpies showing more endeavour in all areas of the pitch. However, it was not enough to prevent the Comets adding their eighth goal late in the match. Hahndorf persisted to the end and drew a small victory to score, Eglinton alone at the back post to drive in a consolation goal after good work by Hahndorf down the wing.

Super Cs
The Super Cs once again provided the highlights for Hahndorf, running out convincing 3-1 winners to get the day off to a great start for the hosts.

Scott Bonnar scored a brace of goals in a Man of the Match performance, with Nat Stewart chiming in with one goal. Also on the highlight reel was goalkeeper Ben Simpson in fine form, showcasing his talent with a stunning point blank save and following up seconds later with another terrific parry when the Comets should have scored from close in.

Next week Hahndorf has another tough set of fixtures when it travels to the western suburbs, all three teams taking on the Adelaide Vipers at the Viperdome of St Clair.




Thursday, June 14, 2012

Cup Round 2: Hahndorf Magpies V Croydon Cougars

The Road to Hindmarsh came to an abrupt end for the Hahndorf Reserves when two first half goals were enough to see visitors Croydon Cougars through to the next round of the Cup.

The mercury refused to reach double digits under a leaden sky on Saturday but there was plenty of action on the pitch to keep spectators entertained with the meeting of the Division 2 rivals. Both sides fielded a mix of First and Reserve team players, Hahndorf lining up with Vaughan Barratt in goal with veteran Andy Craig, Scott Breaker, Todd Newman and Steve Ness taking on defensive duties.

The Magpies kicked off and found a good passing rhythm from the opening whistle, midfielders Lloyd and Kane Oppelaar, Aaron Noble and Kyle Eglinton moving the ball with surety and keeping the play well spread. Forwards Jesse Konstantinoff and Chris Sawers kept the Cougars defence on alert as the Magpies made several early forays into the penalty area.

Hahndorf stuck to their passing game during the opening fifteen minutes, building from the back and finding space out wide through K Oppelaar and Eglinton but the Magpies could not get on the end of the balls put into the penalty area, the Cougars colossal ‘keeper dominating the aerial crosses.

The Cougars had a few glimpses of goal but surprised the hosts when they scored with almost their first genuine attack, Hahndorf pegged back in their penalty area and a Cougars striker pouncing on a loose ball to drill it into the net.

The goal emboldened the visitors and they pressed Hahndorf looking for a second score, gaining a free on the edge of the penalty area. The free kick curled past the Hahndorf wall and headed for the top corner but Barratt made a brilliant diving save to tip it past the post. The Magpies made a change, bringing on Michael Lewington and continued to employ their passing game, looking to even the score.

However, the Magpies had trouble breaking down the Cougars and errors crept into their play. Hahndorf paid dearly when an intercepted pass in the midfield was pushed to the Cougar’s centre forward. A quick burst put him clear of the Hahndorf defender and he struck a drive past Barratt to bring up the Cougar’s second goal.

The Magpies tried to hit back but despite getting into some promising positions, they could not strike a clear shot on goal. The Cougars had a couple of chances when the Magpies were guilty of turning the ball over cheaply and a hint of frustration entered Hahndorf’s play before the half time break.

The second stanza saw the Magpies lift their game and the half was largely fought in the heated cauldron of the midfield, L Oppelaar and Noble industrious in their endeavours as both teams had periods of domination without really threatening goal. The Magpies tightened up in defence and they kept the Cougars to predominately pot shots from distance, Lewington dominating with his defensive headers.

Hahndorf created a few good chances with Konstantinoff getting into some dangerous positions but the Magpies shooting was wayward and they could not capitalise on their attacking possession. Coach Mark McGrath made his final substitutions with Kayne Stubing and Scott Graham entering the match with twenty-five minutes remaining.

Stubing almost made his first touch a golden one, shielding the ball past his marker before striking at goal, only for the shot to roll just wide of the post. Hahndorf began to look the better team in the latter stages of the match and had some of their best opportunities of the game.

Sawers made a fine run from out wide and burst into the penalty area but he shot across goal and it sped agonisingly close to the far post. Then K Oppelaar and Graham combined to get behind the Cougars defence but the Magpies had no one at the fall of the ball when the cross came in.

Graham had a glorious chance late when he intercepted a stray pass in the Cougars back line but he rushed his shot and dragged it wide with only the ‘keeper to beat. Hahndorf continued to push for a goal, the momentum with the home team but the Cougars held fast until the end to eliminate the Magpies from the Cup competition.

The loss was disappointing for the Magpies, who have had good form in the Cup in recent years, but in a tight match they could not find the back of the net and a couple of defensive errors cost them. Next week it is back to league action when Hahndorf will host the Comets at the Pine Avenue Arena, the home team looking for solid showing against the table-topping visitors.