Cup Round 2: Hahndorf Magpies V Croydon Cougars

The Road to Hindmarsh came to an abrupt end for the Hahndorf Reserves when two first half goals were enough to see visitors Croydon Cougars through to the next round of the Cup.

The mercury refused to reach double digits under a leaden sky on Saturday but there was plenty of action on the pitch to keep spectators entertained with the meeting of the Division 2 rivals. Both sides fielded a mix of First and Reserve team players, Hahndorf lining up with Vaughan Barratt in goal with veteran Andy Craig, Scott Breaker, Todd Newman and Steve Ness taking on defensive duties.

The Magpies kicked off and found a good passing rhythm from the opening whistle, midfielders Lloyd and Kane Oppelaar, Aaron Noble and Kyle Eglinton moving the ball with surety and keeping the play well spread. Forwards Jesse Konstantinoff and Chris Sawers kept the Cougars defence on alert as the Magpies made several early forays into the penalty area.

Hahndorf stuck to their passing game during the opening fifteen minutes, building from the back and finding space out wide through K Oppelaar and Eglinton but the Magpies could not get on the end of the balls put into the penalty area, the Cougars colossal ‘keeper dominating the aerial crosses.

The Cougars had a few glimpses of goal but surprised the hosts when they scored with almost their first genuine attack, Hahndorf pegged back in their penalty area and a Cougars striker pouncing on a loose ball to drill it into the net.

The goal emboldened the visitors and they pressed Hahndorf looking for a second score, gaining a free on the edge of the penalty area. The free kick curled past the Hahndorf wall and headed for the top corner but Barratt made a brilliant diving save to tip it past the post. The Magpies made a change, bringing on Michael Lewington and continued to employ their passing game, looking to even the score.

However, the Magpies had trouble breaking down the Cougars and errors crept into their play. Hahndorf paid dearly when an intercepted pass in the midfield was pushed to the Cougar’s centre forward. A quick burst put him clear of the Hahndorf defender and he struck a drive past Barratt to bring up the Cougar’s second goal.

The Magpies tried to hit back but despite getting into some promising positions, they could not strike a clear shot on goal. The Cougars had a couple of chances when the Magpies were guilty of turning the ball over cheaply and a hint of frustration entered Hahndorf’s play before the half time break.

The second stanza saw the Magpies lift their game and the half was largely fought in the heated cauldron of the midfield, L Oppelaar and Noble industrious in their endeavours as both teams had periods of domination without really threatening goal. The Magpies tightened up in defence and they kept the Cougars to predominately pot shots from distance, Lewington dominating with his defensive headers.

Hahndorf created a few good chances with Konstantinoff getting into some dangerous positions but the Magpies shooting was wayward and they could not capitalise on their attacking possession. Coach Mark McGrath made his final substitutions with Kayne Stubing and Scott Graham entering the match with twenty-five minutes remaining.

Stubing almost made his first touch a golden one, shielding the ball past his marker before striking at goal, only for the shot to roll just wide of the post. Hahndorf began to look the better team in the latter stages of the match and had some of their best opportunities of the game.

Sawers made a fine run from out wide and burst into the penalty area but he shot across goal and it sped agonisingly close to the far post. Then K Oppelaar and Graham combined to get behind the Cougars defence but the Magpies had no one at the fall of the ball when the cross came in.

Graham had a glorious chance late when he intercepted a stray pass in the Cougars back line but he rushed his shot and dragged it wide with only the ‘keeper to beat. Hahndorf continued to push for a goal, the momentum with the home team but the Cougars held fast until the end to eliminate the Magpies from the Cup competition.

The loss was disappointing for the Magpies, who have had good form in the Cup in recent years, but in a tight match they could not find the back of the net and a couple of defensive errors cost them. Next week it is back to league action when Hahndorf will host the Comets at the Pine Avenue Arena, the home team looking for solid showing against the table-topping visitors.