2013 round 2: Hahndorf Magpies V One Tree Hill SC

Hahndorf produced a stirring second half performance to overcome a three-goal deficit and share the points in a pulsating encounter with Division 3 newcomers One Tree Hill SC.

With three enforced changes, the Hahndorf Magpies stretched their playing stocks and started the match with their youngest ever strike partnership. Sixteen year olds Mitchell Miller and Naite Hider led the attack after backing up from the Reserves match with good support from the midfield quartet of Jesse Konstantinoff, Ben Stewart, Steven Ness and “El Capitano” David Grant.

One Tree Hill made a brisk start on the fine autumnal afternoon, their young side keen to test out the Magpies defences. Brendan Kilpatrick, Matt Filmer, Stuart Thomas and “Swiss Maestro” Sam Putallaz were equal to the task in the early running however the visitors had a couple of chances, one blasted well over the crossbar and a second that drew a good stop from Hahndorf custodian Jarrod Kennedy.

The Magpies were tardy in matching their rivals, the hosts having some passes going astray and after ten minutes One Tree Hill gained a free just outside the penalty area. The free kick was well struck and took a slight deflection off the defensive wall to leave Kennedy stranded, the visitors taking the lead.

One Tree Hill did not ease up and soon after Kennedy made good ground to tip a dangerous shot over the bar. The Magpies slowly began to gain more possession, the new combinations finding some common purpose with Ness, Stewart and Grant looking to bring the young forward line into play.

Konstantinoff latched onto a good Putallaz through ball but despite some nimble footwork, he could not get his shot on target. The mercurial midfielder had another chance soon after but smashed his free kick high and wide of the target with the visitors following his errant example when their free also failed to trouble the ‘keeper.

A corner to Hahndorf did not bring reward and play was concentrated in the middle of the park until One Tree Hill caught the Magpies square and the forward raced through to double their lead. Hahndorf tried to hit back with a good run and cross by Nider to find his strike partner but Miller scuffed his shot at goal.

The defensive line of Hahndorf was coping admirably with their quicker opponents, Putallaz and Filmer in particular with some fine defending and timely tackles. Hahndorf were starting to put some good moves together as the half drew on. Miller was putting himself about in the forward line and drew a crude tackle, the One Tree Hill defender earning a yellow card.

A wide free kick put the hosts in a good position and the in swinging ball caused some concern in the visitor’s penalty area. However, One Tree Hill found an outlet and a quick transfer of play caught out the Magpies, their opponents making it 3-0 with a fine finish. The half concluded with the visitors well in control of the match as Hahndorf allowed them time and space to bring the ball into Magpie territory.

At half time, the Magpies called on Harvey Watson to replace the injured Naite, the substitute himself also having a full run in the Reserves. Hahndorf picked their game up and had a good period of play as they looked mount a recovery.

A good lead up left Grant with plenty of time and space and the wily Scot hit a fine pass to Watson on the edge of the penalty area. Watson shuffled past two defenders with the ball between his feet and unleashed a searing drive past the statuesque ‘keeper to get the Magpies on the board.

The goal lifted Hahndorf and they played with more confidence, Ness and Stewart anchoring the midfield while Filmer continued to command the defensive duties. A One Tree Hill corner gave the visitors a chance but Hahndorf dealt with the threat and the Magpies played their way out of defence.

In the middle of the park, Stewart collected a neat ball from Ness and he picked out Konstantinoff, sending the midfielder into the attacking zone.
A curling shot left the boot of Konstantinoff and the ball found the back of the net to put the Magpies well in the contest, the home supporters sensing a change in momentum.

One Tree Hill tried to respond and they went close to restoring their two goal lead but Kennedy was in outstanding form to deny the chance. The Magpies made the better use of the ball with the match increasing in intensity. One Tree Hill and Hahndorf exchanged chances, the visitors going closest when the ball struck the crossbar from an acute angle.

Kennedy made a further great save, getting the best of a one-on-one contest as the match entered the final fifteen minutes. The action went end to end as both teams looked to find the net. Hahndorf put a nice period of possession to place them in the attacking third.

Putallaz swooped onto the ball and cut inside his opponent and rifled a left-footed drive towards gaol. The ball took a slight deviation as it went past a defender, the ball dipping over the goalkeeper to find the net and draw the Magpies level. The final ten minutes produced some exciting play drawing chances at both ends with One Tree Hill having the slightly better opportunities.

Miller defied his fatigue to find some space but his shot just went over the bar while at the other end the visitors pushed a shot wide of the upright. Several times Filmer broke through the lines with surging runs, trying to put Hahndorf into a winning position. Both teams were desperately seeking the winning strike but in the end they had to be happy with a point each.

The result was a character building one for the Magpies, their playing stocks stretched and finding themselves three goals down at half time. They showed great spirit and determination to peg back the deficit with Man of the Match honours going to Jarrod Kennedy, the gloveman producing some outstanding saves during the match. Steve Ness, Ben Stewart and Matt Filmer also played tremendous games and Mitchell Miller also drew strong praise.


Reserves
The Hahndorf Reserves suffered possibly their heaviest defeat in the clubs recent history when they were comprehensively out played, the final score well into double figures.

Fielding several junior players, the Magpie Reserves were never really in the match and things were made harder for them when they lost Luke Jones and Jackson McGuire to injury early on.

One Tree Hill move the ball with pace and precision and almost scored at will, Hahndorf ‘keeper Blake Horton the busiest player for the home team. Veterans Bob Edwards and Graham Philips found the pace of the faster visitors hard to contain as One Tree Hill went into half time a solid seven or eight goals to the good.

The break did nothing to quench the visitor’s thirst for goals and they added three more soon after the restart. Hahndorf attempted to mount some resistance with Scott Schubert working tirelessly in the midfield to try and get the Magpies some respectability. Youngsters Naite Nider and Mitchell Miller had a few chances to get Hahndorf on the board along with Harvey Watson but the opportunities were few and far between.

In the end, a fair score had mounted up against the Magpies and only those who had used both fingers and toes knew what the final tally was. In a forgettable match, best on the day for Hahndorf was Scott Schubert, who tarried in vain all match.

Next week the Hahndorf Magpies are again at the Pine Avenue Arena, hosting old rivals Adelaide Budapest, a side some have named title favourites.

2013 round 1: USC Lion V Hahndorf Magpies

A surge of goals before half time by USC Lion put them in the box seat against the Hahndorf Magpies and despite a spirited comeback, the visitors were halted by a late Lion goal in a 5-2 result.

Hahndorf started their 2013 Division 3 League campaign with a single survivor from their 2012 first team in the opening round match away to USC Lion. Coach Bob McIntyre opted for a tradition 4-4-2 approach with Jarrod Kennedy between the posts commanding a defensive line containing Sam Putallaz, Matt Filmer, Nathan Roennfeldt and veteran Stuart Thomas.

The opening salvos saw both teams keen to gain the ascendancy but despite a couple of uncharacteristic fumbles by Kennedy, neither goal was threatened. The Magpie midfield of David “El Capitano” Grant, Sol Scopazzi, Steve Ness and Brendan Kilpatrick took time to come to grips with the contested middle of the park and Lion came close to the opening goal with a shot that rattled the crossbar.

Moments later, Lion did find a way through, a loose ball picked up on the edge of the penalty area and driven past the unsighted Magpie ‘keeper. Hahndorf responded with a series of attacks, strikers Jesse Konstantinoff and Garry Parsons combining to force several corners. One of these passed tantalisingly across the face of goal and just needed a slight touch to find the net but the ball eluded Hahndorf boots.

The match settled into some box to box action with neither side able to produce a clear chance until Parsons unleashed a fierce drive from distance that drew an excellent diving save by the Lion ‘keeper. The resultant corner saw the ball ricochet about in front of the Lion goal but the hosts cleared the danger before the Magpies could get a decisive boot on the ball.

The Lion clearance created problems for the visitors and a quick through ball put a Lion attacker into a one-on-one with the Magpie custodian and a well placed shot put the hosts 2 nil up. An enforced change brought on Naite Hider for Kilpatrick and the second Lion goal initiated a poor period for the Magpies when soon after, a late challenge in the box drew a penalty that was duly converted.

Minutes later Lion stretched their lead to four when the Hahndorf defence was dragged out of position and Filmer was overwhelmed three to one, giving the Lion striker an easy tap in. The match threatened to go to pieces for the Magpies but they fought on with Parsons and Ness imposing themselves on the match.

With ten minutes remaining in the half, Putallaz struck a delightful corner directly into the net for the visitors, Roennfeldt and the Lion ‘keeper leaping for the ball but both misjudging the curling trajectory. The goal lifted the Magpie spirits and Hahndorf began to play with more confidence.

A splendid forty-metre free kick quickly taken by Parsons pinpointed Hider racing into the penalty area. The sixteen year old showed great poise to chest the ball at pace past the advancing ‘keeper and he rolled the ball into the net for Hahndorf’s second. The half ended well for the visitors as they played with belief and the hosts started to show signs of frustration with a couple of yellow cards handed out.

The second half developed into an intriguing contest with both sides playing some good football but the respective defences were equal to the challenge. Ness continued to anchor the midfield while Parsons remained a focal point in the forward line and Nider showed plenty of speed out wide.

Lion should have added to the score when they blazed over the crossbar from a promising position while Hahndorf replied with a good effort that was deflected away. Lion again threatened with a shot hitting the crossbar and soon after Kennedy showcased his talent with a superb close range save from a one-on-one situation.

Time drew on and Hahndorf had a good period of play to hold Lion in their defensive third. Grant had a legitimate penalty call turned down after a Lion defender had the ball strike his raised arm as he leapt to block a cross. Hahndorf continued to look for a third goal but the Lion defence held them at bay.

Misfortune struck the Magpies with ten minutes remaining, a break by Lion saw a good cross come into the Hahndorf penalty area. Under pressure, Filmer met the ball with a textbook volley that unfortunately went the wrong side of the post for the vistors and provided an early contender for own goal of the year.

The Magpies had two late chances in the final five minutes, a long Scopazzi throw was flicked on by Parsons to find Grant at the far post. The wily veteran manoeuvred expertly to strike a fine volley but the Lion ‘keeper beat out the point blank shot with a great save.

A second long throw almost drew reward for Hahndorf but again the Lion custodian was able to tip the lofted ball away from the predatory Grant moments from the final whistle.

While the result did not go their way there were encouraging signs for the Magpies in this year of rebuilding against a side that itself was reconstructed a few seasons ago after losing a great many players. Best on the day was Steve Ness who worked tirelessly in the heart of midfield with some outstanding contributions. Garry Parsons and Jarrod Kennedy also drew accolades for their games, the pair injecting some quality and drive for the Magpies.


Reserves
The Hahndorf Reserves greeted the season with a fine 1-1 draw against USC Lion, the young side improving throughout the match to score a deserved, late equaliser.

The Magpie Reserves began the match with many new and inexperienced players, however a sprinkling of some older heads and a renewed enthusiasm has seen the team expand its play from preseason.

The match developed into a true game of two halves, Lion having the majority of play and chances on goal in the first half. Blake Horton was busy in goal behind Tim Staniford who marshalled the back line of Ben Stewart, Jackson McGuire and James Stratfold. Harvey Watson, Mitchell Miller, Johannes Edler and Luke Jones comprised the midfield while the two Michaels, Murphy and Driver led the strike force.

The early dominance of Lion soon brought reward when they went ahead, scoring after fifteen minutes of play. The hosts continued to control much of the play but slowly Hahndorf began to even the contests across the park with Stewart and Watson providing some drive while Miller and Jones were contesting hard in the middle.

The second half saw Scott Schubert enter the match and he immediately had an impact, launching a fierce drive from distance that clattered into the upright of the Lion goal with the ‘keeper well beaten. Jones had a chance but blazed wide of the mark as the Magpies began to get the better of their tiring opponents.

Schubert provided Murphy with a good opportunity but his shot was saved before Nathan Roennfeldt made an appearance in the last fifteen minutes. Horton continued his sterling work in goal, holding a rasping, close range shot and then tipping a free kick onto the bar before collecting the rebound.

Hahndorf found fertile ground behind the labouring Lion backline and Roennfeldt used his superior pace to charge down the wing and deliver an exquisite cross that eluded all but Driver on the far post and he calmly slotted the ball into the net for the deserved equaliser.

The Magpies almost forced a winner in the remaining few minutes, however Murphy could not get enough on his shot and then Edler hit a fine volley that produced a good save to keep the final score at 1-1.

It was an encouraging result for the Magpies with some good performances across the park, culminating in Blake Horton’s efforts and the rookie goalkeeper took the man of the match honours.

Next week Hahndorf are at home for the first time this season when they host One Tree Hill at the Pine Avenue arena.

2013 Preliminary cup round: Dragon Rangers V Hahndorf

Due to my current incapacity I was not able to get to the Preliminary cup match but a secret correspondent known as the Spider Down Under sent this dispatch after the game. Unfortunately, there are no accompanying photographs but I hope to resume reports as normal in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, thanks to the Spider Down Under, enjoy this excellent chronicle of the action of the Magpies first competitive match of the 2013 season.



Dragon Rangers V Hahndorf Magpies
(Prelim Cup Round – Away on Sunday 7th April 2013)


It’s been an eventful few months for the Hahndorf Senior Men’s soccer teams. After a fruitless 2012 season and internal turmoil in the off-season a significant number of players have left the club for pastures new. It was only in early January that departing staff made their intentions known so the club has been enduring one of its toughest times yet. Couple that with some difficult trial matches and a sickening leg break to veteran Andy Craig that has almost certainly ended his career and the Senior side is almost starting from scratch.

A new beginning is almost exactly what new coach Bob McIntyre has had to plan around. There have been few players from the 2012 remaining so there’s a fresh start of sorts for the coach who is a well known personality in the Hills. McIntyre has been involved in the sport locally for over 20 years and is also the last Hahndorf coach to win a title with the club having taken the Senior men to the Division 2 title in 2004.

Since then, times have been lean and the club currently sits in Divison 3 after suffering relegation at the end of 2012. The side is almost unrecognisable from the 2012 side but there is a sense of optimism about the future and some exciting new talent come in for the 2013 season.

Last Sunday, the preliminary round of the state’s Cup competition took place. Hahndorf’s Reserves had a bye while the A Grade was drawn away to Dragon Rangers based in the Adelaide Parklands.

Hahndorf took to the field at the weekend in a conventional 4-4-2 formation with Jarrod Kennedy in goal behind a back four consisting Matt Filmer, Stuart Thomas, Sam Puttalaz and Steve Ness. With Thomas and Puttalaz fielded at left and right back respectively, Filmer and Ness held the central defensive roles.

Yongster Mitchell Miller, who recently celebrated his 16th birthday was employed wide on the left of midfield and veteran David Grant on the right, the midfield was completed with Brendan Kilpatrick and Solomon Scopazzi assuming central roles. Miller has shown great potential and maturity in pre-season with a brace in the friendly with Strathalbyn a few weeks ago and his more mature teammates were approaching 30 when he was born.

In attack, Gary Parsons partnered Jesse Konstaninoff.

The hosts proved to be a stubborn side and difficult to break down. They were nimble and determined and despite playing their league football in a lower tier than Hahndorf, showed they would be no pushovers.

During the opening exchanges the match was an even affair but as the half progressed, Hahndorf enjoyed greater possession. The Konstantinoff and Parsons partnership was being used for the first time and while it took time for them to find their own feet much less each others on the bumpy surface, both worked diligently and grabbed opportunities to run at defenders and test the ‘keeper when they could.

However, it was midfield veteran Brendan Kilpatrick that came closest to opening the scoring with a wonderful free kick that dipped onto the bar. He’d have been wishing he was a few yards further out to give the ball time to drop just a few more inches under the bar to beat both woodwork and ‘keeper but it wasn’t to be.

Hahndorf finally found the break it desperately sought when Grant beat his opponent to a loose ball then, with blistering pace that denied his years, he beat a second opponent to the bye-line where his cross soared to the back post. Miller steadied himself and headed the ball back across the face of goal for Parsons to force himself across two defenders and head the ball home to put the Magpies into a 1-0 lead.

Within 10 minutes however, Rangers had regained parity after winning and converting a penalty. Magpies ‘keeper, Kennedy guessed correctly diving low to his left but was unable to keep the ball from rippling the net.

At the break MacIntyre made no changes, electing to stick with the eleven starters but 10 minutes into the half, he made a double substitution. Taking Grant and Konstantinoff off for Johannes Edlar and Naite Hider respectively.

Hider’s pace posed a great threat to Rangers and with Ness and Kilpatrick exerting greater midfield control, Hahndorf started dominating. Scoppazi and Puttalaz, both with the potential to shoot well from distance began to unleash but Hahndorf’s winner came from close range when Parsons popped up for his second of the game following confusion in the Rangers’ defence.

McIntyre made his third and final substitution when he brought on Luke Jones for Parsons just before Kennedy pulled off a save from point-blank to maintain Hahndorf’s 2-1 lead and prevent the possibility of extra time and penalties. The Magpies then held on to win the tie and progress to the next round. Best on ground for Hahndorf was Kennedy who, other than the penalty, stopped the Rangers’ attacks well.

Next week sees the first round of the League competition. Hahndorf start the campaign with a tricky trip to Grange to play USC Lion. Where they will be seeking a first league win since 2011. The side will be fielding both A and Reserve Grade teams but are still seeking players to boost squad depth and anyone interested is invited to train with the team on Wednesday evenings from 7pm at Mylor Oval. Coach Bob McIntyre can be contacted on 0438-856-810 for further details.