2012 Round 15: Gleeson V Hahndorf Magpies

A determined Hahndorf fought back to share the points with Gleeson FC, the entertaining match producing end to end action in a 2-2 draw.

A fine but bitterly cold afternoon set the scene for the battle between the two bottom placed clubs, a stiff breeze favouring the northern end of the Pooraka ground. The hosts began on the front foot, testing out the defensive capabilities of Michael Lewington, Jeremy Prevett and Todd Newman with the majority of the play in the in the opening fifteen minutes.

Several Gleeson shots threatened to open the scoring but Hahndorf ‘keeper Andy Jones was in fine form from the outset to deny any goal. The Magpies worked their way into the match as Kierran Guest, Jordan Webber, Steve Ness and the Oppelaar brothers, Kane and Lloyd started to push the ball around with surety and counter the hosts early initiative.

Matt Norris was a focal point in the forward line with Aaron Noble the creative spark who had the Gleeson defenders on the back foot and it was he who delivered a fine corner for Hahndorf to take the lead. Webber headed the long corner back to the middle of the six yard box and the superior aerial skills of Norris gave him the edge in nodding the ball into the back of the net.

The visitors should have doubled their lead soon after when Guest struck a teasing free kick across the penalty area but Hahndorf could not get a touch on the ball despite a trio of Magpies in the vicinity. Gleeson hit back with a couple of chances but they found their radar astray as shots went high and wide of the target. Webber and Noble combined to create chances as Hahndorf looked to extend their lead with a period of pressure, however it was Gleeson who found the back of the net with an equaliser minutes before half time.

Both teams emerged from the half time break intent on taking the initiative, exchanging attacks in the opening minutes. Hahndorf kept up the pressure with Noble going on a mazy run which culminated in a lofted shot just wide of the Gleeson goal. The middle of the park contained the majority of the action with neither team able to dominate proceedings however when Hahndorf failed to contest a Gleeson push forward, the hosts took advantage.

An innocuous looking pass seemed to roll into the forward line where a well placed shot gave the hosts a 2-1 lead. Hahndorf brought on Scott Graham to answer the challenge and while he got straight into the action, it was the hosts who almost extended their lead but for a fine save by Jones.

The intensity lifted as both teams entered the final twenty-five minutes desperate for the three points, the Magpies putting Jesse Konstantinoff into the fray. Within five minutes the substitution looked to be an inspired move by coach Steve Handley when Konstantinoff picked the ball up outside the penalty area and hit a searing drive that left the Gleeson ‘keeper grasping at air as the ball grazed the inside of the post and nestled in the net. The equaliser was celebrated with gusto by the Magpies and their travelling supporters as the momentum swung in the visitors favour.

In the remaining time both teams tried to manufacture a winning strike, the action going end to end with attacks met with fierce, determined defending. Gleeson created a great chance but Jones tipped the shot over the bar while Noble worked his way into a position for a low shot that the Gleeson ‘keeper scrambled to keep out and the Magpies were slow to react to the spilled save.

The referee eventually whistled for the end of the match and the spoils were shared, as was the case in the reverse fixture in the first half of the season. The result leaves Hahndorf with an improbable chance to avoid relegation, needing maximum points in their last two games against the league leading Comets and the highly ranked Vipers. Best on the day for Hahndorf was Matt Norris who remianed an inspiration up front, with Andy Jones in fine form and Jesse Konstantinoff providing a classic equaliser.

Reserves
The Hahndorf Reserves dug deep to score a late winner in a highly competitive match against Gleeson reserves, the 2-3 result restoring belief in the Magpie outfit.

Hahndorf went into the clash with injury and absences creating some concern but coach Mark McGrath formulated a sound game plan utilising some Super Cs players. The Magpies started regular ‘keeper Vaughan Barratt in goal with Scott Bonner and Tim Staniford alongside veterans Andy Craig and Stuart “El Presidente” Thomas in the backline.

The hosts put Hahndorf under pressure in the opening fifteen minutes as the visitors sorted out their new line up, Barratt the busier of the two goalkeepers and he made a couple of good early saves. Ben Simpson, Harvey Watson, Jesse Konstantinoff and David Grant worked their way into the match, with Simpson, Bonner and Watson particularly vibrant after their Super Cs exertions.

Chris Hyde partnered Angus “House” Hambrook in the striking roles and the experienced pair began to unlock the Gleeson defence. Konstantinoff was busy with some fine, convoluted runs and Watson also made some excellent moves as the Magpies started to make more of their possession. Hahndorf opened the scoring when Hambrook flicked a pass across the goal from a steady build up. Grant closed in on the bouncing ball and using a well practised groin stretch move, lifted the ball with the out side of his foot across the Gleeson “keeper into the vacant net. Grant and Hambrook celebrated with a slide-turned-lie down, their enthusiasm tempered by their ageing bodies.

The lead gave the Magpies confidence and they looked more assured on the ball. A series of substitutions brought on Ben and Nat Stewart, with Ben “Beninho” Wells following soon after. Several more attacks by Hahndorf threatened to extend the lead and Hyde had a legitimate goal disallowed after the Gleeson ‘keeper dropped the ball at his feet. Gleeson tried several avenues to goal, however when half time arrived Hahndorf had maintained their one goal advantage.

After the break the Magpies continued to push the ball around and went two goals up when N Stewart finished off a fine move, Hambrook supplying a square ball for Stewart to smash into the exposed goal. Despite the lead, Hahndorf found themselves under increasing pressure as the match wore on, the hosts eventually pulling a goal back after several attempts to break through the Magpie defence.

The goal invigorated Gleeson and they poured forward with the wind at their backs. Barratt was called upon several times and made two excellent saves to tip the ball over the crossbar. However a hesitation by the Magpies let a tame cross get into the six yard box and Gleeson pounced to level scores with fifteen minutes remaining.

Under pressure, Hahndorf regrouped and retook the lead within five minutes, Hambrook again involved, latching onto Grant's throw to send Konstantinoff in on goal. The attacking midfielder needed no second invitation and drove a fierce shot past the Gleeson ‘keeper to the delight of the Hahndorf faithful.

Gleeson tried to respond but the Magpies held them out till the final whistle to record a character building win. Best on the day for Hahndorf was Vaughan Barratt, the ‘keeper making several crucial saves with Jesse Konstantinoff and Angus Hambrook also having fine contributions.

Super Cs
The Super Cs put on a pulsating display against the Gleeson Cs, the two teams battling each other and the chilly, blustery conditions in a 4-4 thriller.

The Magpies went into half time with a 3-2 lead, Tony Carter continuing to find the net with a brace and senior coach Steve Handley adding a fine goal in answer to Gleeson’s pair. The hosts found an equaliser within minutes of the restart and then took the lead with another strike before Scott Bonner popped up with Hahndorf’s fourth.

Next week is a bye round and all three teams will be back in action on the 1st of September when they play the Comets away in the South parklands.

2012 round 14:Hahndorf Magpies V Adelaide Red Blue Eagles

A spirited and entertaining match between the Magpies and the Eagles was curtailed when the referee called for the abandonment of the game with twenty minutes remaining and the visitors two goals up but one man down.

Hahndorf made a few changes to their line up, putting the versatile Luke Guest into goal with Steve Ness, Jeremy Prevett, Todd Newman and Ash Parr providing defensive cover. Both teams were competitive from kickoff, the midfield a highly contested area with Michael Lewington, Aaron Noble and the Oppelaar brothers, Lloyd and Kane, trying to establish the upper hand.

The Eagles proved to be robust opponents and fought hard to create some chances and they had the better chances but their finishing did not trouble the scoreboard. Hahndorf mounted their attacks through Matt Norris and Scott Graham but the Magpie strike force found clear chances rare during the first half.

The play was fairly even between the teams for the majority of the half but the Eagles were getting into better shooting positions. However they continued to squander their opportunities by blazing shots high and wide. The Magpies responded with a few wayward shots themselves and it seemed that both teams had left their goal scoring boots in the change room.

Nonetheless, in the shadow of half time the Eagles struck a decisive blow, former national and state league player Michael Brooks showing his class with a spectacular pile driver from distance that eluded Guest to find the top corner on the net.

Buoyed by their lead, the visitors began the second half in confidant mood but the Magpies matched them for intensity, the midfield battle heating up as the game progressed with neither side giving up easy possession. A few forays by the Eagles served to warn the Magpies but they did not heed the signs. A quick transfer of play suddenly opened up Hahndorf and they found themselves outnumbered three on two.

Drawing the defender, the Eagles’ player centred the ball to Brooks and he added his second with ease, finding the net with the Guest exposed. Hahndorf tried to hit back and Noble went on a surging run that was brought to a halt by an illegal challenge. However from a promising position, the hosts wasted the subsequent free kick, dragging the ball wide.

The match took a turn when a through ball rolled toward Magpie defence and the clearance was charged down by an Eagles player and he burst through on goal. However, play was stopped when the referee whistled for a hand ball. The decision was vehemently disputed by one of the Eagles’ players and a torrent of abuse led to a warning by the Referee. Further histrionics and personal abuse resulted in a red card for the offending player, with the tirade continuing as the player left the pitch.

Hahndorf almost capitalised on their numerical advantage immediately, a long throw finding K Oppelaar and he advanced on goal and hit a sweet volley from the edge of the penalty area that grazed the top corner of goal. With both teams still adjusting to the Eagles loss, an altercation occurred between Norris and the Eagles ‘keeper, the latter appearing to elbow the forward and Norris taking exception. A bit a push and shove followed, with players of both teams posturing like young bucks during their first rutting season.

The referee stepped into restore order and consulted with the linesman but with players still engaging in some verbal jousting, he decided it was all too hard and informed the players that he was abandoning the match. With approximately seventy minutes played, the result as is may stand but the League will make the final decision at a later date, a disappointing end to an entertaining match.


Reserves
The Hahndorf Reserves let slip a two goal lead with the Red Blue Eagles equalising late on to get a share of the points in a 3-3 result.

The Magpies kicked off down the slope, with Jesse Konstantinoff and Luke Guest pushing the hosts straight into attack to put the Eagles under pressure. Kyle Eglinton, James Anderson, Jordan Webber and Kierran Guest worked industriously in the middle of the park as Hahndorf sought to control proceedings from the outset.

The teams exchanged a few attacks but neither side was an immediate threat to open the scoring, a few efforts going high and wide of goal. The Magpies settled into the match and moved the ball with surety but could not conjure a score despite creating the better chances.

An experienced defensive line comprising of Tim Staniford, Andy Jones, Andy Craig and Stuart “El Presidente” Thomas kept the Eagles forward line in check and although a couple of free kicks put the Magpies under pressure, ‘keeper Vaughan Barratt remained untroubled. However, the Eagles managed to find a goal courtesy of Craig, the veteran defender showing his finishing qualities when he deflected an Eagles’ shot into his own net.

Hahndorf hit back ten minutes later through L Guest, the bustling forward given space thirty yards from goal and he rifled a superb drive past the diving ‘keeper to restore parity. Soon after the Magpies took the lead when a good team build up was competed by L Guest, driving a left footed shot into the roof of the net from an acute angle.

Further chances fell to both sides before the break but neither could convert their opportunities, Webber, Konstantinoff and both Guests all going close.

The home team brought on wily Scot David Grant and Chris Hyde at half time as the Magpies looked to build upon their first half lead. The team continued to play well, with play going end to end but Hahndorf arguably having the better possession.

The Magpies made it 3-1 when neat work put Eglinton clear and he took the ball deep into Eagles territory before crossing to Hyde, the prolific forward expertly turning the ball into goal at the near post. Hahndorf looked fairly comfortable in possession and made their third substitution, bringing on Ben “Beninho” Wells as the home side continued to go for more goals.

However, to their credit the Eagles did not lie down and a free kick put them in a good position. The shot was parried by Barratt but Hahndorf failed to follow their opponents and the Eagles pounced on the rebound to make it 3-2. The match took on some urgency for the visitors and they pressed for another score.

The Magpies lost some of their focus and a few free Eagles players began to put Hahndorf under pressure. An attack by the visitors rattled the crossbar and again the Eagles were the first to react to the loose ball and stab it into goal for the equaliser.

The remaining five minutes had both teams looking for the winning goal but fatigue was taking its toll and few genuine chances fell, the best when Hahndorf had a late free kick but they could not convert the chance. Overall it was a good performance by Hahndorf although they will be disappointed to let the Eagles back into the match late on.

Best for the Magpies was Luke Guest, his brace of goals setting up the match for Hahndorf, with his brother Kierran Guest and Stuart Thomas also with solid contributions.

Super Cs
The Super Cs had an emphatic 6-1 win over the Red Blue Eagles to continue their fine form in the second half of the season.

Hahndorf goal scoring legend Tony Carter put a goal in with his first touch and added another later. Scott Bonner continued his free scoring ways with two of his own, the chirpy forward heavily involved in Hahndorf’s attacking play. Luke Guest, who played a part in all three matches on Saturday, hit a thunderous drive to score and John Lawler chipped in with another goal to complete the rout.

Next week there are no matches due to a Cup Round but the Magpies will be back in action on the 18th of August when they travel to Pooraka to take on Gleeson

2012 Round 13: Modbury Jets V Hahndorf Magpies

Hahndorf were a pale imitation of last weeks determined side, their efforts comprehensively eclipsed in an 8-0 drubbing by the Modbury Jets.

A lush and heavy playing surface greeted the players on the large Modbury pitch bathed under a wintersun sky. Andy Jones started in goal with defenders Lloyd Oppelaar, Jeremy Prevatt, Ash Parr and Todd Newman forming the backline. The Magpies had barely finished their pre-game stretching before conceding a penalty and Modbury gleefully converted the spot kick to get the hosts off to a flying start.

Hahandorf restarted but found the going difficult, the midfield of Steve Ness, Aaron Noble, Michael Lewington and Kane Oppelaar harassed by the Jets and the Magpie passes had trouble finding their mark. The Jets moved the ball decisively and doubled the score with a slick move down the wing. A missed tackle let the attacker through and he squared up before slotting the ball away past Jones.

A bustling run by Parr brought Hahndorf into a good position but he could not link up with forwards Jesse Konstantinoff and Scott Graham in Hahndorf’s first serious attacking move. The Magpies tried to spark some momentum into their play, but the only bright point seemed to be Noble’s glowing skin tones, a carrot-like hue having him almost mistaken for an oversized Oompa Loompa.

Modbury kept up their attacking fervour, isolating L Oppelaar with a two on one and only a timely intervention by Prevett prevented further addition to the score. However, a corner to Modbury was only half cleared by the Magpies and the ball was returned into the six yard box where a lone Modbury player headed it past Jones, the goal having more than a hint of offside to it.

Hahndorf responded with a few forays into the final third of the pitch but seemed bereft of ideas around the Modbury penalty area. The hosts had no such concerns, again creating a two on one situation to knock in their fourth goal before the end of the first half.

Kierran Guest entered the match at the break but Hahndorf was unable to stem the tide, the Jets scoring within three minutes of the restart, a ball cut back and the Jets player picking out a corner of the net. Parr and Newman tried to respond for the Magpies, the pair combining before Newman drove a left foot shot just wide of the post.

Modbury moved the ball with purpose and soon had put away a sixth strike, the score tapped in from a wide pass finding an unmarked player in the Hahndorf six yard box. The Magpies regrouped and put together some better passages of play, Prevett solid in defence and moving the ball into midfield. Guest was putting himself about in the forward line and forced the Jets ‘keeper into a sharp save with a scorching strike at goal.

Modbury hit back and Jones made a fine save as the match opened up in the latter stages. The Magpies created more chances through K Oppelaar, who had a fierce shot deflected to Ness who picked up the ball but he too was denied by the Jets. The blaring siren of an ambulance went by the ground, perhaps called to stabilise the haemorrhaging Magpies, but the Jets showed no such mercy to head in a seventh goal from a neat cross.

The final rites were performed late into the match, the Jets taking a short free kick and scrambling in another score as both teams were starting to feel the effects of the heavy pitch. Konstantinoff offered a brief flicker of a consolation goal with a fine solo run into the penalty area but he was unable to beat the Jets’ ‘keeper with an angled drive.

Reserves
The Hahndorf Reserves suffered a disappointing second half fade out to concede four goals and give the match to the Modbury Jets in a 5-0 result.

Hahndorf went into the match against the top placed Jets with an experienced defence containing James Stratfold, Tim Staniford and Kierran Guest alongside veteran Andy Craig. The defenders found themselves under pressure from the outset, but together with ‘keeper Vaughan Barratt they held firm as the Jets looked for the opening goal.

The Magpies battled hard in the midfield, Jordan Webber, James Anderson, Tim Prince and Stuart “El Presidente” Thomas winning possession but often finding it difficult to link up with forwards Ben “Beninho” Wells and seasoned campaigner Chris Hyde.

The match stayed level for much of the half, with Hahndorf largely on the back foot before the hosts broke through, an untracked player latching onto a cross and guiding the ball past a diving Barratt. Hahndorf responded through Webber and Prince, the latter going on driving a run into the heart of the Jets’ defence before shooting over the bar.

The Magpies almost restored parity with minutes remaining in the half when Thomas collected a long corner and found space on the edge of the penalty area but his curling effort passed just over the crossbar.

After the break Hahndorf made some positional changes to gain the initiative but the Jets answered with a goal from a quick break. Guest almost replied for Hahndorf with a searing, low shot but it grazed the outside of the post.
The Jets exploited some sloppy passing to add a third score as the Magpies resolve began to crumble in the final twenty minutes. A couple of robust exchanges, on and off the ball, drew the referees’ ire and several players from both sides saw yellow cards. A quick free kick gave the Jets their fourth and in the final minutes a comedy of errors between Craig and Barratt gifted the hosts a final fifth strike.

Best on the day for the Magpies was Kierran Guest having another outstanding match, with James Stratfold and Andy Craig also with solid contributions.

Super Cs
The Super Cs battled hard all game and looked to have the better of the play against the Modbury Jets, going into half time with a one goal lead, however an equaliser left both teams with a point and mired in mid-table.

Scott Bonner put the Magpies into a first half lead, the electric forward continuing to add to his seasons tally with a wonderful strike. Hahndorf had several chances to extend their lead when some cynical fouls by the Jets gave the Magpies frees on the edge of the area.

However, the visitors were unable to convert their opportunities and an equaliser by the Jets deep in the second half ensured the spoils were shared.

Next week Hahndorf look to bounce back at home when all three teams will be facing Adelaide Red Blue Eagles at the Pine Avenue Arena.