2013 Round 16: Flinders University V Hahndorf

In challenging conditions, Hahndorf and Flinders University put on an entertaining and highly competitive match, the final 4-1 result somewhat flattering the University side.

Hahndorf travelled to the Flinders University playing fields unsure if the week of drenching rains would produce a playable pitch. However, despite being soft and slippery underfoot, the ground was in reasonable condition, if a little heavy. The opening fifteen minutes were even with both sides adjusting to the conditions and Hahndorf trying a new formation against the second placed Flinders.

The first genuine chance saw the hosts graze the upright from a well taken 25m free kick and then they followed up with a concerted attack that held the ball in the penalty area. Several shots were blocked by the defensive organisation of Matt Filmer, Sam “the Swiss Maestro” Putallaz and Nathan Roennfeldt before Flinders eventually found a clear strike to the corner of the net.

The Magpies tried to equalise through Ben Stewart and Hamish Vickers but the former put his shot high and the goalkeeper was solidly behind Vickers’ long range effort. Hahndorf pressed on with David Grant, Stephen Ness, JK Thomas and Sol Scopazzi gaining meaningful possession. A fine move found Nat Stewart in the penalty area and he hit the upright after a sublime turn wrong footed the University defender.

The Magpies period of possession was interrupted by a quick break by the hosts and only a tremendous one-on one save by Jarrod Kennedy prevented Flinders from doubling the score. Kennedy was again the saviour soon after when he tipped a goal-bound header over the bar but he was without help minutes later. An organised University curled in a well flighted corner that picked out the tall timber of University and the ball was headed home with little contest.

Hahndorf tried to hit back before the break and Roennfeldt went on an adventurous run down the wing before finding N Stewart. The striker hit the ball sharply but a defensive block saw the ball squirm to the goalkeeper.

Hahndorf began the second half with a couple of fine tackles by Filmer and Ness keeping the Flinders forwards honest. Filmer was having a terrific match in the back line, often turning defence into attack with some marauding runs through the middle of the park. The Magpie strikers were gaining in confidence and N Stewart put Scopazzi through on goal but the University ‘keeper made a fine save.

However Hahndorf persisted and were rewarded when Putallaz picked out N Stewart with an inch-perfect free kick. The lively forward pounced on the chance and hit a sweet half-volley, the first time shot thundering into the corner of the net for a brilliant finish. The Magpies sensed a momentum shift and they pressed forward with greater intent. B Stewart and Vickers had shots deflected before the former drove in a header that drew a great save from the Flinders ‘keeper.

Further pressure from Scopazzi’s throws almost put N Stewart in but with the angle narrowing, he cut back to Vickers, the youngster unfortunately lofting his drive over the crossbar. The pitch was becoming noticeably cut up by this point with players often slipping over and wishing they had donned the extra long studs. Despite this, the quality of play remained high and there were few badly timed tackles.

Hahndorf’s progress was dented when a speculative long shot by Flinders drifted over Kennedy’s head and dropped in the net, the goal coming from nowhere and temporarily halting the Magpies’ push for an equaliser. Undeterred, Hahndorf tried to redress the balance and Roennfeldt had a strike deflected after a fine build up. Simon Gale entered the game with twenty minutes remaining and both teams tried to gain the initiative but neither side were able to create any genuine opportunities for some time.

Vickers made progress down the wing and angled a drive across the goal but it was palmed away, Hahndorf regained the ball but could not find the target as Flinders defended in numbers. Gale dashed onto a through ball but the University ‘keeper was resolute to deny the one-on-one chance. The anguish of the Magpies doubled as the ball fell to Scopazzi and he drove it goal ward but a desperate last line of defence block kept the ball out.

A late attack by Flinders had the Hahndorf defence scrambling to clear the ball. Just when it looked like the danger was averted, a rash tackle gave Flinders a penalty, the offence occurring outside the area but momentum and a distant referee deciding against the Magpies. University converted the penalty with less than a minute remaining and gave Hahndorf no chance to reply, the match ending 4-1 to the hosts.

The score belied the close, competitive nature of the match and the standard of play was a credit to both teams despite the challenging conditions. Best on the day for Hahndorf was Matt Filmer who was excellent in defence and launched Hahndorf into attack with some rampaging runs through midfield. Nat Stewart and Hamish Vickers also drew plaudits, Stewart with a tremendous goal and impressive work rate while Vickers often provided scoring opportunities.

Reserves
The recent fighting spirit of the Hahndorf Reserves deserted them in their clash with league-leading Flinders University, the Magpies capitulating to an embarrassing 14-0 loss.

With their encounter in June rained out, it was the Magpies first meeting with the undefeated University side, Flinders carrying a maximum 33 points from 11 games thus far. Expecting a challenging match, Hahndorf found themselves pinned back in their own half for much of the game, the defence of James Stratfold, Brendan Kilpatrick, Graham Philips and Johannes Edler under pressure from the start.

A couple of early University shots wide of goal only served to narrow their focus and they opened the scoring from a mid-pitch free. The ball was threaded through the defence and Flinders scored their first with a clinical finish. Soon they had doubled their tally when they took advantage some disorganisation by the Magpies, the visitors failing to form a wall and a free kick fired past the exposed Blake Horton.

Bob Edwards, Scott Schubert, Michael Driver, Sean Behan and Harvey Watson tried to stem the Flinders tide but further goals arrived with alarming regularity and forward Chris Hyde had few chances to fashion a Hahndorf reply. Watson, Schubert and Hyde combined well several times but the University defence smothered any promising Magpie attacks, Schubert and Watson with the better opportunities.

By half time Hahndorf were down by six goals despite the best efforts of Stratfold and Kilpatrick. A change in formation after the break sought to arrest the flow of goals but Flinders soon had put another two away within ten minutes of the restart. Simon Gale was brought on to provide some pace out wide as Hahndorf continued to defend the relentless University pressure. A good save by Horton was followed by a Philips’ clearing header off the line as Hahndorf showed some mettle.

The Magpies began to create some forward momentum through Stratfold and Schubert, while Watson and Hyde had a couple of chances to put Hahndorf on the scoreboard. However a counter attack by the hosts saw them add their ninth, Horton initially fending off the one-on-one situation before the rebound fell in Flinders favour and was tucked away.

The Magpies continued to contest the ball but conceded four goals in the final ten minutes as the University sliced through some increasingly dispirited defending. In a forgettable match, best on the day for Hahndorf was James Stratfold, who battled hard all day, with Scott Schubert and Harvey Watson also having creditable games.

Next week the Hahndorf Magpies will be looking to reverse their form and triumph in both games in their final home match at the Pine Avenue arena when they face Murray Bridge.