2013 Round 6: Adelaide University V Hahndorf Magpies

Adelaide University and Hahndorf played out an engrossing scoreless draw on Saturday for the 6th round of the South Australian Amateur Soccer League 3rd division.

Parking around the popular and salubrious surrounds of the Adelaide University playing fields proved to be a challenge for some players and officials, with the tardiness of the referee delaying the start of the first team match. However, play eventually began under overcast skies on the immaculate University pitch with Hahndorf fielding a settled defence containing Stuart Thomas, Matt Filmer, Sam Putallaz and Steve Ness in front of gloveman Jarrod Kennedy.

The University side were the first to threaten to score with a shot penetrating a crowd of players but passing wide of the target. David Grant replied for the Magpies with a stab over the bar after some good play by fellow midfielders Ben Stewart, Sol Scopazzi and Joe Thomas. The teams quickly settled into the match and the hosts enjoyed the majority of possession in the early going, putting together some nice moves but finding Hahndorf in determined mood and no real chances eventuated.

Scopazzi was industrious down the flank for the Magpies, linking up with forwards Nathan Roennfeldt and Chris Hyde to create concern in the University backline. A precise Grant pass put Scopazzi in behind his marker and he cut in towards goal but unfortunately blasted his opportunity over the crossbar.

Hahndorf continued to threaten to open the scoring as they kept the ball in the attacking third of the pitch. Grant crossed an enticing ball to Hyde and the experienced forward set up a shot that was blocked. The Magpies recovered the rebound and Hyde pounced on the quickly centred ball and tucked it in the net but he was adjudged to have been in an offside position.

A Putallaz free kick almost drew reward, the University ‘keeper parrying the shot and Scopazzi was close to lashing in the rebound before it was deflected for a corner. The visitors maintained their concentration as University mounted some attacks but Ness and Filmer were in a miserly mood and few shots made their way through to Kennedy.

The match developed into an arm wrestle with the respective midfields commanding the majority of play but neither team creating many genuine chances. A quick free released J Thomas and he streaked down the wing before aiming a cross into the 6-yard box, the delivery deceiving everyone and the ball cannoned off the crossbar to the relief of the home side.

The second half continued in much the same vein as the first, the forwards finding the path to goal a difficult one as the respective defences were at the top of their game, Magpies Filmer and Ness in particularly fine form to repel the University forays. Grant and Stewart continued to stoke the engineroom of midfield and they had some engaging battles with their counterparts as the play alternated between the teams.

Simon Gale entered to fray to try and conjure a goal for the Magpies, his speed and skill earning a free kick in a wide attacking position. Putallaz lifted the ball to a crowded 6-yard box and it drifted over all to graze the far post. The University side answered with a swift attacking move that drew a great save from Kennedy, reinforcing his outstanding form this season.

Hahndorf were finding their way into the University penalty area with regularity but could not find a final touch to put the ball into the net. Several throws into the danger area presented potential chances and neither team were able to take full control, the ball bouncing around and eventually being cleared by the defending side. Another chance presented itself but Roennfeldt’s flick-on header found the goalkeeper instead of a teammate.

The University side almost produced a stunning goal but the free kick passed outside the post and caught the side netting with Kennedy covering the corner of goal. The action went end to end as the two teams sought to break the deadlock. Ness produced a fine pass to Scopazzi and the Magpies worked the ball across the park with aplomb but again found the final pass a little lacking.

One of the best chances fell to the hosts as they caught the Magpies out with some slick work on the wing to cut the ball back to the top of the penalty area. However, despite the presence of two University players, they managed to panic each other and the poor shot went well wide.

Hahndorf brought on Mitch Miller and Nat Stewart with the match entering the final phases as both teams still battled for the winning strike. Ness and Filmer were valiant in defence to defy the hosts while some finely timed tackles underlined Putallaz’s Swiss heritage. The Magpies remained an attacking threat throughout the match and strove to find a score, Grant getting in the last chance of the match with a cheeky lob that failed to beat the University ‘keeper.

The draw was a fair result for both teams on a day that was largely dominated by the defensive talents on display. It was a very encouraging match by Hahndorf and all players battled hard with tremendous spirit and determination for the duration of the game. The best player on the day for Hahndorf was Matt Filmer, producing a fine defensive display, with Steve Ness, Sol Scopazzi and David Grant also having valid claims on the award.


Reserves
The Hahndorf Reserves were competitive against the Adelaide University Reserves but a few errors were well punished, resulting in a 5-1 score line favouring the home side.

The Magpies started the match pairing Naite Hider and Mitch Miller up front with a midfield containing Harvey Watson, Gary Parsons, Luke Jones and Hamish Vickers. However, it was the defence that entertained the majority of the action in the opening fifteen minutes, James Stratfold, Brendan Kilpatrick, Johannes Edler and Tim Staniford doing well to quash the University attacks.

The Hahndorf defence was finding an outlet in Vickers and the skilful midfielder went on terrific run, beating several opponents before sliding a measured pass into the path of Hider. The youngster needed no second invitation and his angled run met the ball perfectly to drive it across the ‘keeper and into the net, the well taken goal giving the Magpies the lead.

The University side tried to answer immediately with a couple of chances going wide and the Magpies responded through Edler, his free kick scooting wide of the target as play went end to end. Out of the blue University equalised with goal of the day, a fine long-range effort that beat Hahndorf custodian Blake Horton to find the top corner.

Vickers was providing the Magpies best avenue to goal and another excellent run saw the ball cut back to Parsons but he fired his shot narrowly wide. Staniford and Kilpatrick were doing well in marshalling the Hahndorf defence but after repelling several attacks, a well-taken goal from a University cutback put the hosts in front. Soon after, University extended their lead, exploiting a missed Magpie tackle on the counter attack to make it 3-1 going into half time.

In the second half, Hahndorf continued to take the game to University and both teams had periods of domination without producing a result on the scoreboard. Aaron Fiora was brought on with twenty minutes remaining but it was University who struck. A penalty to the home side was duly converted before several wayward shots by Hahndorf attempted to redress the balance.

However, it was University who continued to find the goal, a speculative long-range strike eluding Horton to make it 5-1. With little to lose, the Magpies redoubled their efforts to score with Staniford in particular pressing forward at every opportunity and he was unlucky not to have found the net with a couple of shots. Watson had a great chance in the final minute of the match but the goal was not to be despite some fine approach play by Hahndorf.

Although the scoreboard indicated otherwise, the Magpies put in a solid account of themselves overall but a couple of lapses cost them dearly. There were several good performances across the park, however Hamish Vickers was outstanding on the day and took the Man of the Match plaudits for Hahndorf. Others of note included Naite Hider, Tim Staniford and Harvey Watson.

Next week Hahndorf face another stern tertiary examination when they host Flinders University at the Pine Avenue Arena.

2013 Round 5: Hahndorf Magpies V Hazara

Hahndorf showed tremendous spirit in a highly competitive match against Hazara, with Captain David Grant leading by example and scoring a brace of goals in the entertaining 2-2 draw

The Magpies were looking for an improved performance after last week’s disappointing match and they began with Jarrod Kennedy in goal commanding a defensive line containing veteran Stuart Thomas, Steve Ness, Matt Filmer and the ‘Swiss Maestro’, Sam Putallaz. The quartet were soon in the action with Hazara starting swiftly to get the first shot at goal but it went straight to Kennedy.

Hahndorf’s midfield answered the challenge through Solomon Scopazzi who rounded off a good move and hit the target but also found the Hazara ‘keeper. Kennedy was again in good position to stop sharp drive from the visiting forward before a good move from the Magpies moved the ball down the flank and in-form Ben Stewart shot over.

The game settled for a period as the two sides matched up, ‘El Capitano’ David Grant and Nat Stewart working the middle of the park to get forwards Garry Parsons and Nathan Roennfeldt into the match.. Continued possession by Hahndorf opened up good opportunities but both Scopazzi and Parsons directed their headers over the crossbar.

The Magpies were pushing the visitors but failing to convert their play into goals and their profligacy was put into sharp focus when Hazara mounted two quick successive attacks. Repelling the first, Kennedy was unable to stop a well-placed Hazara shot from finding the corner of goal to take the lead.

A chance to equalise fell to Roennfeldt after a good build up involving Scopazzi and Parsons but the opportunity was headed wide. A free kick just outside the penalty area presented another opening but the kick was well covered by the Hazara goalkeeper. A defensive give away by Hahndorf was almost punished but the visiting forward blasted high over the bar from a good position.

The Magpie back line was coping well with the smaller, faster Hazara attackers, Ness and Filmer well-organised to nullify the threats and Putallaz getting in some well timed tackles on the flanks. The play was entertaining for the neutral observer, the action going end to end with a sprinkling of shots to keep the respective ‘keepers honest.

Hahndorf ended the half with a goal attempt going well over the crossbar, a fitting summation of their game as they had plenty of the play but were unable to make it count on the scoreboard.

The Magpies brought on Simon Gale at the break and opened the half in encouraging fashion, gaining a free kick just outside the penalty box. Again the attempt at goal was astray but the Magpies held the ball in Hazara’s defensive third and earned a corner.

Putallaz drove in the kick to Grant who flicked the ball on and it defected its way through a forest of legs to end up in the net to the delight of the Magpies. With parity restored Hahndorf found they could not rest on their laurels as Hazara forced a brilliant save from Kennedy, the Magpies’ custodian tipping a goal-bound free kick over the crossbar.

A minute later Kennedy was again in great position to rescue Hahndorf, grasping a shot from close in that had the striker dreaming of the winning goal as it left his boot. Hahndorf steadied through Ness, the experienced Magpie defusing the attacking thrusts of the visitors and finding outlets with some composed passing.

Roennfeldt remained a thorn in the side of Hazara, the Van Nistelroy look-alike harassing the Hazara defence at every opportunity and winning the majority of his challenges. A clever piece of play saw him strip a defender of the ball but unfortunately he could not find Parsons in the penalty area with the centring pass.

The match was a developing into titanic battle as the contest went from box to box and an attack by Hazara eventually found the net, an angled shot going across Kennedy to just nestle inside the goal upright. Hahndorf immediately tried to hit back and nearly succeeded when Roennfeldt latched onto a Parsons’ flick on but pushed his lob narrowly wide of goal with the ‘keeper beaten.

Youngster Mitch Miller made an appearance with fifteen minutes remaining as the Magpies increased the tempo in their search for an equaliser. Ness continued to dominate his position and sent Grant on a run down the flank. The Scot rolled back the years with some mesmerising footwork and earned a free just outside the penalty area. However, disappointingly the resultant kick went just high of the intended target.

Ness made a fine run and was brought down, the foul giving Hahndorf another free in a good position. Putallaz struck a powerful drive and it deflected off a defender to give the Magpies a corner. Thomas looked in prime position to capitalise on the corner kick but a push on him went unseen despite the shouts for a penalty from the vocal home support.

With time running down, Hahndorf mounted a concerted assault on the Hazara goal and probed for an opening in the visitors defence. A series of corners nearly brought the goal but Hazara repelled the attack with almost all the Hahndorf players committed in the forward third.

The Magpies retained possession through Scopazzi who danced with the ball on the edge of the penalty area as numerous Magpies queued up in the box. After what seemed an eternity, Scopazzi found the space he was looking for and fired in a head high ball. Grant reacted first and attacked the inviting cross to power a header past the static defenders and into the net before wheeling away in joyous celebration.

Play had barely restarted before the referee blew the whistle for full time, the Magpies finding the equaliser with a minute remaining in the match. The result was just reward for the Magpies, the team never giving up and putting together a fine team effort. Best on the day for Hahndorf was Steve Ness, the reliable player instrumental in fortifying the defence and blunting the Hazara attack. Ben Stewart, Matt Filmer, David Grant, Sam Putallaz and Jarrod Kennedy were also in the frame with their outstanding endeavours during the match.


Reserves
The Hahndorf Reserves were unlucky not to share the points in a hard fought contest, Hazara scoring in the 88th minute to secure a 1-2 win.

The visitors got off to a dream start when a miscued back pass was pounced on by the quick Hazara forward and he made no mistake in the one-on-one with Hahndorf goalkeeper Blake Horton.

The hosts regained their composure with Luke Jones, Bob Edwards, Tim Staniford and Johannes Edler adjusted to the sharp play of the visitors. Several chances went begging for the Magpies before a penalty gave Jones a chance to equalise. The bustling Magpie made it two goals in consecutive matches with a blistering penalty kick that gave the ‘keeper no chance and threatened the integrity of the goal net.

The Hahndorf midfield of Scott Schubert, Graham Philips, Hamish Vickers and Harvey Watson battled hard to contain the flighty visitors, their movement causing some concern in the Magpie camp while Aaron Fiora and Michael Driver provided some attacking focus for the home team.

Half time saw Brendan Kilpatrick and Naite Hider enter the fray as both teams sought the opening to goal. Staniford was in fine form throughout the match to close down the Hazara attacks, with Edler and Jones providing a solid barrier. Smart organisation by Edwards often caught the visitors in an offside position as play went end to end.

Hider went close to breaking the deadlock several times but more than once was he restricted by some subtle shirt pulling. Edler and Hider had good shots saved as the match looked to remain at parity. However, heartbreak was to befall the Magpies when Hazara finally broke through the defence and scored with less than two minutes remaining.

It was a good performance from Hahndorf, battling hard all day and they were deserving of a share of the points before the late lapse in concentration. Best on the day for the Magpies was Tim Staniford, his tireless running and work rate an inspiration.

Next week Hahndorf travel to the hallowed turf of the Adelaide University playing grounds in the north parklands to take on the competitive Uni Blacks.

2013 Round 4: Torrens Valley Rams V Hahndorf Magpies

The Hills derby between Torrens Valley and Hahndorf was a hard fought and often scrappy affair with a single goal separating the sides at games end.

Hahndorf elected to change formation this week with Brendan Kilpatrick, Stuart Thomas and the "Swiss Maestro", Sam Putallaz anchoring the defence in front of custodian Jarrod Kennedy. Steve Ness, Ben Stewart, Hamish Vickers, Sol Scopazzi and “el Capitano” David Grant packed out the midfield while Mitch Miller and Nathan Roennfeldt roamed the frontline.

Torrens Valley started with a rush and their physical approach unsettled the Magpies as the two teams sought to gain an initial ascendancy. A few glimpses of goal fell to the hosts but they did not overly trouble Kennedy. A long throw to Vickers gave Hahndorf their first chance but his shot was deflected around the goalpost.

The Rams started to look for their centre forward with long balls over the back of the Magpie defence and several times Kennedy made excellent saves to keep the scoreboard blank. Hahndorf tried to build up their attacks and Stewart pounced on a loose ball to fire in a low shot that drew a fine save from the Torrens Valley ‘keeper.

The hosts continued to pump long balls over the midfield, effectively negating Hahndorf’s ball players and putting the stretched defence under increasing pressure. Kennedy completed a couple of great one-on-one saves and then acrobatically tipped a speculative lob over the crossbar to maintain parity.

A free just outside the penalty area gave Putallaz a sight at goal and he beat the wall with a fine curling shot but the Rams custodian made a good stop low to his left. The Rams answered with another long ball into the frontline that the Torrens Valley forward wasted with a shot wide of goal.

Play was fairly disjointed with both teams often exchanging possession due to errant passing and a general lack of ball control. A rare string of passes saw Hahndorf move the ball across the park and Grant put a fine cross for Stewart, the hirsute midfielder powering a header just over the crossbar.

Kennedy denied the hosts with another fingertip save pushing a long-range effort over the bar before Torrens Valley gained a free just wide of the penalty area. The free kick was swung in and under pressure, Kennedy punched it clear but it was immediately fired back in and the Magpies’ ‘keeper deflected onto the crossbar. The ball bounced around in the danger zone before a header looped the ball over the melee and it fell into the goal.

The goal emboldened the Rams and they tried to add to the score but Hahndorf managed to resist a period of pressure despite continuing to make poor choices with their options and passing. The scrappy nature of the match was underlined when a Magpie long ball was contested by two Torrens Valley, the pair taking each other out to leave Stewart with a quick stab at goal that the advancing ‘keeper smothered.

The first half drew to an end with the Rams holding the lead but save for the outstanding efforts of the respective goalkeepers, few players on either side had performed well.

Hahndorf made a few adjustments during the break and emerged with more drive and purpose. Miller battled up front to beat two players and then sent a dangerous ball across the penalty area but Hahndorf were unable to capitalise on his good play.

The Rams hit back and were denied a clear scoring chance by a great saving tackle by Stewart and soon after Kennedy was once again supreme in a one-on-one situation. Hahndorf wrested back possession and enjoyed a good period of play, with Miller getting about in the forward line and Stewart, Scopazzi and Ness starting to impose themselves on the match.

The Magpies brought on Simon Gale to add some drive and the visitors pressed for the equaliser but despite creating some promising openings, shots on target were elusive. A few Rams players began to dish out some late tackles but it took several consecutive incidents before the referee finally awarded Hahndorf a free and cautioned the offender.

The hosts missed a golden opportunity to extend their lead but their forward blazed over the goal when he should have done better. Ness started to play a more defensive role and shored up the Magpies backline to relieve Kennedy of his workload. Scopazzi benefited from a good, flowing move by Hahndorf, Stewart, Putallaz and Grant involved, but his effort was blocked by the Rams’ ‘keeper.

A forward thrust by the visitors presented a great chance when Roennfeldt was taken out in the area and a penalty was awarded. Scopazzi struck the ball powerfully to send the ‘keeper the wrong way but the ball cannoned off the left upright before zooming across goal and hitting the other post and bouncing away to safety.

Despite the setback, Hahndorf pushed hard for a score and Torrens Valley were feeling the pressure, making several reckless tackles that did not get the cautions they warranted. The final ten minutes saw the Magpies laying siege to the Rams’ goal but they could not find the net despite the pressure. A corner for the Magpies put the ball in the six-yard box and a blatant push on Stewart went unpunished to the disbelief of players and the travelling faithful.

As the minutes ebbed away, the Magpies continued to knock on the Torrens Valley door but ultimately they ran out of time. The result was a bitter disappointment for Hahndorf, however they took some solace from a much-improved second half performance with Steve Ness claiming the Magpies Man of the Match honours. Close behind were Jarrod Kennedy and Ben Stewart, both players continuing to lead by example this season.



Reserves
The Hahndorf Reserves notched up their first win of the season with a 2-3 victory against fellow Hills side Torrens Valley.

The Magpies made the most of the first half with their young team interspersed with a few battle hardened veterans. Blake Horton took his spot between the sticks with James Stratfold, Tim Staniford, Bob Edwards and Graham Philips presenting an experienced forward line.

Hahndorf largely took control from the start, Scott Schubert, Johannes Edler, Luke Jones and Harvey Watson pulling the strings in the Magpie engine room while Naite Hider and Hamish Vickers provided a focal point up front.

Jones opened the scoring for the Magpies, hammering in a cracker of a goal that will not leave him short of conversation for many weeks. Hahndorf extended their lead through Hider, the youngster catching the goalkeeper out with a delightful lob.

Jones almost added to his personal tally with a booming clearance from near half way that had the Torrens Valley ‘keeper scrambling to tip the bouncing ball over the goal. The Magpies went 3-0 up when Schubert opened his account for the season, the midfielder having hit the woodwork a few times in previous matches. The Magpies ended the half in imperious form and were cruising with their comfortable lead.

To their credit, Torrens Valley took the match back to the Magpies after the break. The Magpies made some changes during the second half with Aaron Fiora, Michael Driver and Jackson McGuire entering the match and while this may have upset the rhythm the Magpies enjoyed, the hosts were determined to make up for their poor first half.

The match provided a tense finish as Torrens Valley scored twice to put Hahndorf under increasing pressure, the hosts sensing a dramatic draw or win was on the cards. However, despite at times some frantic defending, the Magpies triumphed to take the three points. Best on the day for Hahndorf was Luke Jones with his fine strike and having an excellent match overall.

Next week the Magpies return to the Pine Avenue Arena where they will take on Hazara.

2013 Cup Round 1: MA Hawks V Hahndorf Magpies

The Hahndorf Magpies travelled a short but encouraging distance on the Road to Hindmarsh in 2013, ultimately bowing out 2-1 to 1st Division team MA Hawks in the 1st round of the Challenge Cup.

The Kings Reserve ground has been the venue of many previous clashes between the Magpies and the Hawks, with some emphatic victories recorded by the hosts, including a couple of Cup games. Nevertheless, Hahndorf went into the Cup tie against the favoured Hawks determined to give a good account of themselves.

The early going saw the Hawks get straight into their short passing, possession style of game but the Magpies were quick to harass the hosts and defenders Brendan Kilpatrick, Stuart Thomas, Matt Filmer and the “Swiss Maestro” Sam Putallaz repelled the initial attacks.
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Sol Scopazzi, Ben Stewart, “El Capitano” Davd Grant and the ever-reliable Steve Ness patrolled the Hahndorf midfield and they worked hard to dispossess their opponents. The Magpies pounced on a loose Hawks pass and released striker Nathan Roennfeldt who raced down the flank, his pacy run earning the visitors a corner.

Quickly taking the kick, Roennfeldt found Putallaz just outside the penalty area and the Swiss Maestro transferred the ball onto his favoured left foot. The goal beckoned and Putallaz unleashed a tremendous strike that took the barest of touches off a Hawks defender before thundering into the net.

The goal shocked the Hawks and they tried to respond immediately but the Magpies did not give them any space to test out custodian Jarrod Kennedy. Hahndorf pressed forward and almost extended their lead when an attacking throw found Scopazzi and he rounded his marker to shoot from an acute angle, the ball sliding across the face of goal and striking the far upright.

The Hawks answered with a good opportunity but Kennedy made a great one-on-one save. He repeated his exploits soon after, earning a bloodied nose with a terrific stop from close range as the hosts intensified their attack. Grant and Kilpatrick combined to repel a promising move by the Hawks and the Magpie defence gained some respite with Grant moving the ball forward through Ness.

The industrious midfielder exchanged passes with Scopazzi before finding Stewart on the edge of the box and he stuck a solid shot that the Hawks’ ‘keeper saved. A further attacking move saw Roennfeldt and Stewart set up Ness but he blazed his shot over the crossbar. The Magpies paid for their profligate finishing when the Hawks found an equaliser, a fine cross reaching an isolated Hawk at the far post and he drove his header back across goal and into the net.

With parity restored, the two teams exchanged chances as play went end to end. The Hahndorf defence continued to play well and made some timely interceptions to deny the hosts the scoring opportunities their possession warranted. The Magpies too had a few late chances as the teams went into half time on level terms.

Hahndorf went onto the front foot in the opening minutes of the second half with Scopazzi rounding off a good move but his docile strike at goal was easily saved. The Hawks wrested back the initiative and enjoyed an extended period of good possession, their persistence rewarded with a long-range goal. Struck from well out on the flank, the lofted shot, which may have been a miss-hit cross, deceived Kennedy to just squeeze under the Magpie crossbar.

Hahndorf answered the goal with a series of attacks but they could not fashion any clear-cut opportunities despite applying pressure in the attacking third of the pitch. Scopazzi maintained his first half form and won many of his midfield battles while Stewart was uncanny in his ability to find an outlet in tight circumstances.

The Magpies wasted a free kick against the Hawks defensive wall and the match became an arm wrestle with a few willing tackles beginning to emerge from both teams. Stewart was a favoured target, his sleight of foot deceiving several Hawks players and the home side accumulated a flush of yellow cards during the match.

With twenty-five minutes remaining, Hahndorf brought on Mitchell Miller to add some pep up front, the youngster keen to add senior goals to his under16 tally. A chance fell to the Magpies but Scopazzi blasted his shot well over the target and soon after Filmer was excellent in defusing a threatening Hawk attack.

A quick free by Putallaz found the substitute out wide and Miller tried his luck from an acute angle but his speculative lob passed over the crossbar. Stewart continued to draw fouls with his dextrous footwork and as the twilight of the match approached, Putallaz fired a free kick high of the target.

Scopazzi and Miller played some neat passes to set up Roennfeldt but the Ruud van Nistelrooy doppelganger found the side netting with his rasping shot. The Magpies continued to search for an equaliser but the ball refused to fall their way in the contested Hawks’ penalty area.

Another fine move involving Miller, Scopazzi and Roennfedlt gave Stewart a chance but the shot lacked the power to find its way past the Hawk’s goalkeeper. With the final minutes looming, the hosts had the chance to put the result beyond doubt but Kennedy produced an incredible double save from close range to deny the Hawks’ forward.

Despite the narrow loss, the Magpies showed tremendous spirit and drive to push their opponents the entire match, the performance auguring well for their form in upcoming league fixtures. Best on the day for Hahndorf was a close run contest with many Hahndorf players raising their game, however taking the honours was Sol Scopazzi for his tenacity and determination. Others with outstanding contributions included Ben Stewart, Sam Putallaz, Jarrod Kennedy and Matt Filmer.


Reserves
On Sunday, the Hahndorf Reserves travelled to the Northern suburbs to take on Macedonia United, the Sunday side currently top of Division 3 and they took advantage of their superior numbers to record an 8-1 win

It was an inauspicious start for the Magpies as they began the match with only nine players present. Macedonia made the most of their two-man advantage to put three goals past the visitors before Hahndorf gained a further player after thirty minutes of play.

Goalkeeper Blake Horton had plenty of work to do for the Magpies along with the rest of the Hahndorf defence, Bob Edwards and Tim Staniford leading by example. Later, another Magpie entered the match but Hahndorf only managed to play with a full complement of players for a further twenty minutes before Luke Jones was forced from the pitch with an injury.

Despite the odds being stacked against them, the visitors put in a creditable performance with young Hamish Vickers showing outstanding class throughout the match and it was he who scored Hahndorf’s goal, making it 4-1 at the time.

The weight of numbers, combined with the large expanses of Macedonia’s pitch, proved too much of a hurdle for the Magpies to overcome and they bowed out of the Cup with the loss. However Coach Bob McIntyre was happy with the effort of the players given the circumstances and singled out Vickers for his Man on the Match performance with Edwards and Staniford also earning plaudits.

Next week sees the return of league action with the Hahndorf Magpies travelling to Birdwood to take on Hills rivals, Torrens Valley.

2013 Round 3: Hahndorf Magpies V Adelaide Budapest

Hahndorf failed to contain a late run of goals by Adelaide Budapest, the visitors taking full toll of their chances and claiming a 1-6 win in the 3rd round of the SAASL 3rd Division.

Budapest started on the front foot and tested the character of the Magpies in the opening minutes. Hahndorf’s midfield of Steve Ness, Sol Scopazzi, Ben Stewart and “El Capitano” David Grant worked hard to match the visitors in the middle, a number of intriguing battles initiated in the opening exchanges.

Goalkeeper Jarrod Kennedy oversaw a defensive line containing Brendon Kilpatrick, Matt Filmer, Stuart Thomas and the “Swiss Maestro” Sam Putallaz and they ensured Budapest did not get many early sights on goal. After weathering the opening salvos, Hahndorf pushed forward to bring Mitch Miller and Nathan Roennfeldt into play.

The Magpies gained a throw and Scopazzi launched a long ball into the Budapest penalty area where it eluded all but Stewart who pounced at the far post to slot home with a fine finish. With the Magpies opening the scoring, Budapest pressed with more intent but the defence was equal to the task until the visitors lofted ball over the defence.

Judging his run well, the Budapest forward latched onto the bouncing ball and gave Kennedy no chance, volleying into the corner of the net for the equaliser. The match settled with the respective sides battling for midfield supremacy, Scopazzi and Grant keeping possession while Stewart and Ness were adept at winning the 50-50 contests.

The visitors had a chance to take the lead but fired wide and the Magpies hit back with a series of corners that should have drawn reward but their chances went begging. Stewart went closest with a spectacular diving header that crashed against the crossbar, the midfielder unlucky not to add to his tally as the teams went into half time with the score even.

The second half got off to a fairly even start with both teams looking to dominate but possession was unsettled with numerous passes going astray. A free to the visitors saw a good shot sail over the crossbar and soon after Hahndorf lost possession deep in their own half. A moment’s hesitation by the Magpie defence was punished by the Budapestian forward who nipped in to tuck the ball into the net.

The Magpies almost responded through Miller, the young forward just shy of connecting with a cross from Stewart after Roennfeldt had flicked the ball on. Soon after, Miller was again in the action, out-jumping his taller opponent to a long throw but he was not able to get enough power behind his header.

Hahndorf kept up the pressure with Ness the next to try his luck but he shot wide after the Magpies put together a fine move involving Grant, Roennfeldt and Ness. The Hahndorf defence were doing a good job of keeping the Budapest shots to a minimum and custodian Kennedy was solid with few genuine saves to make.

However, the match changed when the referee picked out a contentious penalty from a highly contested ball, both teams initially confused and thinking he had whistled for a corner or goal kick. Budapest had no qualms accepting the gift and they went into a 3-1 lead with the penalty struck well into the corner of goal.

With twenty minutes to play Hahndorf were still in the match and they tried to further their cause bringing on Garry Parsons to add some spark in the forward line. Scopazzi worked his way into a scoring position and hit a scorching shot that the Budapest ‘keeper could only parry and the ball fell to Parsons. The substitute tried to capitalise on the loose ball with a strike on goal but it lacked the power to trouble the ‘keeper.

A free kick drew a great save from Kennedy and soon after Hahndorf had a golden chance to score through Thomas, but the veteran uncharacteristically fired his header just over the bar from a Magpie corner. Budapest answered with lesson in finishing, the forward beating two players and the goal putting the visitors into a 4-1 position.

Hahndorf tried to respond but after collecting a good pass from Scopazzi, Ness shot wide. Budapest again showed their superior scoring prowess when they slipped past a square defence and Kennedy could not keep out the one-on-one opportunity.

Despite some good defensive work from Filmer and Putallaz, the visitors had made the most of their chances. This was underlined when Roennfeldt had a shot go wide of goal and then soon after Budapest picked up an easy possession in midfield and a quick transfer into the forward line resulted in their sixth and final goal.

The Magpies continued to play some good passing football but their final product was unpolished. This was evident when a fine opportunity was squandered with Stewart heading a corner just over the crossbar in the closing minutes of the match.

It was a disappointing result for the Magpies after they had produced a good first half of football but their profligate finishing was no match for the more clinical Budapest side. Best on the day for Hahndorf was Ben Stewart, the midfielder having an outstanding match and scoring the opening goal. Steve Ness, Sol Scopazzi and Mitch Miller also produced fine efforts on the day.


Reserves
The Hahndorf Reserves had a heartbreaking 2-1 loss to Budapest Reserves, the Magpies dominating play but unable to take their chances.

A misread bus timetable left Hahndorf short of a goalkeeper so Nathan Roennfeldt offered to step into the breach with Graham Phillips, Bob Edwards, Tim Staniford and James Stratfold forming the defensive quartet. Johannes Edler, Harvey Watson, Aaron Fiora and Scott Schubert filled the midfield quota with Naite Hider and Michael Driver up front.

A wide range of ages, from teenagers to sexagarians, led to a more relaxed but competitive affair than last week’s high-octane debacle and the match was played in good spirit. Both teams created chances but it was Budapest who opened the scoring with a headed goal midway through the first half.

As the match developed, Hahndorf enjoyed the lion’s share of possession but could not make an impression on the scoreboard, their shooting boots left in the kit bag. At half time Hamish Vickers entered the fray and acquitted himself well, linking with Schubert in some fine moves.

Hahndorf equalised early in the second half when Edler capitalised on some great play by Nider, the Teutonic midfielder finishing from close range. The Magpies continued to push for the lead but wasted some very good opportunities with their wayward shooting.

A golden chance fell to the hosts when a Budapest player reflexively handled a bouncing ball in the penalty area. Schubert stepped up to take the spot kick but his usually reliable right boot betrayed him and the ball went high and wide of goal.

Persistent pressure from the Magpies created more chances but still the goal would not come. As frequently happens, when one team dominates but fails to score, the odd chance at the other end often brings reward, and so it transpired at the Pine Avenue Arena.

A couple of late chances by the visitors went close to scoring but with five minutes remaining, a free kick floated into the six yard box and was cleared by the Hahndorf ‘keeper into an onrushing forward, the ball ricocheting into the net to the despair of the Magpies.

It was a bitter loss for Hahndorf who had deserved more from the match, however it was a marked improvement from last week and the team is showing encouraging signs. Best on the day for Hahndorf was Tim Staniford who was tireless in breaking down the Budapest threats, with Schubert, Nider and Vickers also giving a good account of themselves.

Next week is the first round of the Cup with both teams playing away. The First team have a difficult tie against First Division MA Hawks while the Reserves play on Sunday against Third Division Macedonia.