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.
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