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.