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.