2012 Round 12: Hahndorf Magpies V Croydon Cougars

In an engrossing encounter, the Hahndorf Magpies twice led the third-ranked Croydon Cougars before a late goal by the visitors gave them a share of the points in a 2-2 result.

A bright and unseasonable warm Saturday at Pine Avenue Arena combined with a pitch in good condition to provide the canvas for a hard fought contest between the Magpies and the Cougars. The hosts started with the chirpy Andy Jones in goal with a defensive line containing Todd Newman, Ash Parr, Jeremy Prevett and Steve Noble.

The early exchanges saw both midfields trying to establish a foundation to build their game, Aaron Noble, Steve Ness, Kane Oppelaar and Michael Lewington keen to control possession. After several forays forward by Jesse Konstantinoff and Matt Norris, Hahndorf earned a penalty when Konstantinoff was fouled, the indiscretion embellished with a theatrical fall reminiscent of a Shakespearean tragedy.

Norris stepped up to take the spot kick and made no mistake, sending the Cougars’ ‘keeper the wrong way to find the back of the net and putting the Magpies into a 1-0 lead. The visitors knew they were up for a serious test and endeavoured to find an equaliser. Several opportunities fell to the Cougars but they could not find a way past Jones and his organised defenders.

However, chasing a ball deep into the penalty area, the Cougars managed to cut a pass back to the middle of the penalty area and a shot was bundled in at the post to restore parity. The teams continued to trade attacks but neither could find a clear cut opportunity to take the lead, the respective defences on top of their game.

An attack by the Cougars drew a rash challenge in the penalty area and the referee immediately pointed to the spot. The Cougars penalty taker struck a firm shot but Jones read his intention and dove across to keep the ball out to the cheers of the home crowd. The battle resumed between the combatants but chances were again rare with some fine defence shown by both sides and the teams went into half time with scores level.

The first fifteen minutes of the second half were a tight affair, Ness and Lewington working hard to disrupt the possession of the Cougars in conjunction with some stern defending by the Magpies backline. Norris and Konstantinoff threatened to break open the match for Hahndorf but like the Cougars, were often under pressure in shooting situations and shots went astray.

A Noble and Norris combined with a strong run down the wing and the former sent a lofted ball to Konstantinoff but his volley lacked power. A similar run by Ness resulted in his cross deflecting to A Noble, however his shot found the Cougars’ ‘keeper. Hahndorf kept up the pressure through Parr minutes later, the irrepressible defender sending the Magpies deep into attack but again a good cross was squandered at the back post.

The Cougars launched a quick counter attack and earned a corner but the chance was repelled by Prevett with a fine clearing header. The Magpies continued to push for a second goal and deservedly took the lead when Norris was brought down in the penalty area. Norris took the spot kick and again was victorious, driving the ball into the corner despite a valiant attempt by the ‘keeper to prevent the score.

With the lead, the Magpies took the opportunity to bring on the fresh legs of Lloyd Oppelaar and Kierran Guest. The goal appeared to dampen the desire of a few of the visiting Cougars and A Noble took advantage, setting up Guest in the penalty area but the searing shot was deflected for a corner.

The Cougars answered with an attack of their own but the final shot went high and wide of goal. They soon followed up with a better chance but their shot found the welcoming arms of Jones. Hahndorf made their final change with Webber entering the match as both teams continued to trade attacks in the final fifteen minutes.

Persistence paid off for the visitors when they equalised with a contested header that not only levelled the score but the clash also levelled Jones who had come out to meet the cross. Several minutes passed before a dazed Jones was helped from the pitch and Guest was called upon to don the gloves for the final minutes.

The remaining time seemed to take an eternity as both teams tried desperately to find a winning goal. The Cougars made a promising move but a great tackle by Prevett halted the attack. The ten men of Hahndorf countered through A Noble, the creative midfielder almost getting a clear run at goal but a smothering tackle ended his chance. A couple of willing tackles led to the referee reaching for his cards as the intensity increased and players began to fatigue.

Both teams were stretched as the match entered a zone where time was diluted, several players managing to grow full beards before the referee finally blew the whistle to end the match. The result was a welcomed one by the Magpies who have had little to show for their endeavours despite their competitive outings recently.

Best player on the day for Hahndorf was Matt Norris, his brace of goals and tireless workload an inspiration, with Aaron Noble also with a telling contribution and Andy Jones in fine form before his untimely departure.

Reserves
The Magpie Reserves returned to winning ways with a fine display, surviving a late scare to run out 3-2 winners against the Cougars.

The week off had recharged the Magpies and they started the match in good form, Tim Staniford, Jordan Webber, James Anderson and Lloyd Oppelaar anchoring a solid midfield and looking to close down their opponents. Up front, the evergreen Scot, David Grant and mercurial Angus “House” Hambrook sought to exploit any weakness in the Cougars’ defence.

A number of raids into the visitor’s penalty area did not get the Magpies the opening goal but a few close chances showed the clear intent of a confident team. The defensive line of Scott Breaker, Kierran Guest, Andy Craig and Ben “Beninho” Wells provided sturdy cover for Vaughan Barratt in goal, the feisty ‘keeper equal to any shots that threatened in the opening period.

Hahndorf continued their positive play, pressing forward in supporting numbers and were rewarded with the opening goal. An opportunistic pass from Breaker dropped behind the Cougars’ backline and Hambrook seized on the hesitation of the ‘keeper to head the ball over him and into the net.

The Cougars tried to reply but the Hahndorf defenders gave them few clear opportunities, with Barratt covering the long shots and the visitor’s shooting was often wayward. The Magpies created some nice moves through the middle of the park, Anderson and Webber quick to provide a pivot from defence to attack. Hahndorf suffered a setback when Breaker was forced to leave the pitch due to injury, however Ben Simpson amply stepped into the breech to shore up the team.

The second half saw the Magpies continue in a confident mood but the Cougars equalised ten minutes into the half after a counter attack caught Hahndorf short at the back, a fierce shot giving Barratt little chance.

The Magpies regrouped and remained faithful to their attacking style of play, creating the better chances but unable to find the net. A second substitution brought on Scott Schubert and he made an immediate impact. Anderson launched a cross field pass to Grant who went rampaging down the wing. The Scot drew a player before cutting the ball back for Schubert to smash in from close range.

Guest almost extended the lead with a thunderous effort from the halfway line and the retreating Cougars’ ‘keeper could only watch as the ball crashed off the crossbar. However, soon after Anderson made it 3-1 with a wonderful solo run, beating several players and then driving the ball into the corner of the net from just outside the penalty area.

With ten minutes remaining the Cougars clawed a goal back to set up an exciting finish. The Cougars threw everything at the Magpies but the defence stood firm, Barratt exhorting resilience from the backline as Hahndorf kept out a series of corners in the dying minutes.

It was a terrific result for the Magpies and they will look to build on this for the remainder of the season. Best on the day for Hahndorf was Kierran Guest, a pillar of strength all day with Scott Breaker and Vaughan Barratt also in fine form.

Super Cs
Despite playing some attractive football, the Super Cs were unable to pull back a first half deficit, eventually going down 1-3 to the second placed Cougars.

The Cougars raced out to a 2-0 lead before Scott Schubert pulled a goal back for Hahndorf, sliding in to guide Sam Putallaz’s pass past the advancing ‘keeper and into the net. The Magpies had a legitimate penalty claim waived away in the second half before the visitors sealed it with a third goal late in the game.

Next week all three senior teams make the trek down to Ladywood Oval to take on the Modbury Jets.

2012 Round 11: Hahndorf Magpies V Adelaide Monarchs

Hahndorf failed to make the most of their chances in Saturdays outing against the Adelaide Monarchs, going down 1-3 in an engaging and highly contested match.

A sparkling winter's day provided the backdrop for the two teams to rekindle a rivalry going back to the mid nineties, the Magpies and Monarchs often producing keenly fought meetings. Hahndorf started with Matt Norris and Aaron Noble in attacking roles, supported by Steven Ness, Scott Graham, Kane Oppelaar and Chris Sawers.

Both teams were eager to take the initiative and Hahndorf began confidently, pushing the ball around well on the good surface. Several forays forward by both sides could not penetrate the respective defences, Hahndorf featuring two new faces with Alexander Neary and Jeremy Prevett making their debuts. Ash Parr, Scott Breaker and goalkeeper Andy Jones completed the new formation as the Magpies looked to build a cohesive defence.

The match settled after the initial opening flurries and the midfield provided the stage for the arm wrestle that continued throughout the match. The versatile Parr was in tremendous form with some timely tackles and interceptions, his rapacious attack on the ball a highlight as he dispossessed opponents and delivered to the forward line.

With genuine chances on goal sparse, the opening score by the Monarchs surprised Hahndorf, an opening on the flank quickly exploited and then a well hit shot finding the net. The goal inspired the visitors and minutes later a searing shot passed just over the crossbar.

Hahndorf had a chance to equalise when Neary went on an overlapping run deep into the Monarchs’ penalty area but his cross found the outstretched arms of the goalkeeper instead of Norris on the back post. Soon after, Hahndorf committed the cardinal sin of not playing to the whistle, a Monarchs attack flagged offside by the linesman and the home team stopping for the obvious infringement but the referee choosing to ignore the call. The Monarchs continued to play and drove the ball past the static goalkeeper to record a controversial second goal.

A mix up in defence almost let the Monarchs in when a long kick by the goalkeeper was allowed to bounce and the visitors jumped on the chance, but fortunately for Hahndorf it was only the post that was shaken and not the net. Hahndorf regrouped and created several good chances before the break, Norris going closest with a header from a free kick after some great approach play by Sawers.

The second half began with the Monarchs in confident form and it required some smart defence by Hahndorf to prevent a score, Prevett and Parr again prominent. Hahndorf worked the midfield well but the Monarchs were the ones taking shots, one stunning effort from thirty metres crashing into the crossbar. Sawers hit back for the Magpies, latching onto a diagonal ball from Ness but his effort was blocked by the retreating defence.

A period of sustained pressure by the Monarchs resulted in their third goal, a midfield tussle won by the visitors and a quick set of passes getting the forward past Jones for the score. Hahndorf battled to get back into the match but could not hit the target. A persevering play by Sawers held the ball in the penalty box after a corner but Prevett scooped the centred ball wide.

Hahndorf increased the tempo and Noble slide a great ball to Norris but he also shot wide. Norris persisted and went closer soon after, hitting the post after getting in a good position. Noble retrieved the rebound and drilled the ball into the net from the proverbial impossible angle to make it 1-3. With twenty minutes remaining there was still plenty to play for and the Magpies brought on Steve Noble and Kierran Guest in the push for more goals.

Possession in the midfield continued to be highly sought after with a few willing tackles starting to emerge. A Noble drew a great save from the Monarchs’ ‘keeper after firing a blistering shot at goal, the Magpies moving the ball quickly into the forward line to create the chance. The intensity picked up and some late challenges drew ire from both teams as deepening shadows moved across the ground.

The Monarchs had a good chance on a counter attack but a great lunging block by Guest saved the Magpies on the last line of defence. A Noble continued to be a thorn in the side of the Monarchs’ defence and after some enterprising play he set up Norris, however the big centre forward shot wide.

With the clock almost expired, an unnecessary challenge led to some handbags at two yards and threatened to overshadow an entertaining match, but the referee stepped in and restored order moments before the final whistle. The result leaves Hahndorf with a difficult task to rescue their season in which they have been competitive but having little to show for their efforts. Man of the match for Hahndorf was Ash Parr, who was outstanding in an unfamiliar position, with Alexander Neary and Matt Norris prominent all game.

Reserves
The Hahndorf Reserves held possession for large sections of their match against the Monarchs but could not transform that into goals, losing out 1-2 after a late strike by the visitors.

The Magpies were keen to turn their recent results around and began the match in positive fashion, the opening exchanges giving Hahndorf plenty of possession and time to build their passing game. The defence of Angus “House” Hambrook, Stuart “El Presidente”Thomas, Andy Craig and Swiss maestro Sam Putallaz kept the Monarchs from any serious attack on Vaughan Barratt’s goal and provided the foundation for movement through the midfield.

The visitors had a few wayward shots from distance while Hahndorf developed their play from the back and through the midfield quartet of David Grant, Lloyd Oppelaar, Tim Prince and young tearaway James Anderson. Strikers Luke Guest and Jordan Webber had several good chances to score, both players put through on goal but some desperate defending blocked their efforts as Hahndorf tried to turn their early dominance into goals.

The Magpies patience paid off after twenty-five minutes, Craig heading a Monarchs’ goal kick to Anderson who flicked it on to Guest. The robust striker held off a defender and drove a shot precisely past the Monarchs’ goalkeeper to give Hahndorf a deserved lead. However, parity was restored ten minutes later when a free kick was flicked on to split Hahndorf’s central defenders and an opposition forward ran through to beat Barratt to the ball and slot in the equaliser. Further chances fell to Hahndorf in the remaining minutes of the half but despite some fine build up play they could not convert their opportunities.

The second stanza continued along the same lines as the first with Hahndorf retaining a good portion of possession but having trouble in the final third of the pitch. Barratt was having a fine match in goal and was alert to the threat posed by the Monarch’s attack, while Prince continued to pull the strings in midfield. Hambrook ran himself ragged out wide and provided one of the games lighter moments with an attempt to head the ball while on the ground.

The Monarchs defence proved to be a stumbling block for the home side and the Magpies did not take their opportunities to strike from distance. The tussle was fought out between the Monarchs counter attacking style and Hahndorf looking to build up an attack.

The breakthrough came from the Monarchs, a penetrating pass bisecting the Magpie defence and the Monarchs forward finished off the one-on-one with Barratt to give them the ascendancy. A substitution brought on Kierran Guest as Hahndorf went looking for the equaliser but the Magpies could not find a path to goal. Craig had a chance after Hambrook found him with a fine, ranging pass but the veteran’s lob over the keeper was cleared by a covering defender.

Time eventually ran out for Hahndorf before they could find an equaliser, the end result a frustrating one for the Magpies who deserved more after a solid display. Best on the day for the Reserves was split between Vaughan Barratt, Angus Hambrook and Stuart Thomas, the trio providing a stable defence over the course of the match.

The Super Cs turned up to play but the opposition did not and therefore Hahndorf took the points by forfeit. The 3rd round of the Cup is played next week which means there is no game for the club until Saturday the 21st when the Magpies host the Adelaide Cougars at the Pine Avenue Arena.

2012 Round 10: Adelaide Titans V Hahndorf Magpies

An improving Hahndorf pushed the Adelaide Titans with the match in the balance for much of the day before a late strike for the hosts sealed a 3-1 result.

The second half of the season in the South Australian Amateur Soccer League 2nd Division began for Hahndorf down at the blustery and cold surroundings of Titans’ Henley Beach ground, the pitch in reasonably good condition despite a week of inclement weather.

The Magpies lined up with Andy Jones in goal and a defensive formation containing Scott Breaker, Luke Guest, Todd Newman and Lee Jennings. A stiff breeze blew diagonally across the ground, favouring the end Hahndorf were kicking towards and the visitors got off to a positive start with Steve Ness taking an opportunistic shot that flew well over the Titans crossbar. Fellow midfielders Aaron Noble, Scott Graham and Kane Oppelaar took the initiative against the opposition and forwards Matt Norris and Ash Parr made some early forays into the Titans defensive third.

The hosts had some early glimpses of goal but their attempts were a mixed bag and Jones was in good position to nullify any genuine threat to his goal. Hahndorf built their game through Noble, Jennings and Ness as the Magpies looked to get on the front foot. Several attacks showed promise but the finishing touch was lacking, Graham put through on goal but dragging his shot wide and Noble getting into a good position but shooting tamely.

A large portion of the opening half saw the Magpies applying pressure to the Titans with good possession and movement while the hosts played the counterattacking game, breaking quickly to take a few shots on the Hahndorf goal. The wind made life difficult for both teams and a mud patch had the potential for some sticky situations but the flanks remained fine and the combatants used these to good effect.

The second half opened with the Titans scoring within five minutes of the restart, the goal coming after a goalkick by the hosts and they took advantage of some downfield indecision to score. The Titans almost doubled their lead minutes later when a tardy goalkick by Jones was returned with interest but Jones atoned for his error with a fine save.

The Titans kept up the pressure on the Magpies with a series of corners but the Hahndorf defence held firm to repel the attacks. However, soon after Hahndorf left a player unmarked and he advanced on goal to fire a powerful shot past Jones to make it 2-0.

The wind shifted and increased in velocity, giving the Magpies some difficulty in finding their first half rhythm. However, having weathered the Titans early barrage, Hahndorf began to get back into the match. A substitution brought on Steve Noble as the Magpies sort to consolidate the middle of the park.

Some decent build up play involving Guest and Norris put A Noble through on goal and the creative Magpie guided his shot past the advancing Titans’ custodian, but the ball struck the upright and rebounded into the goalkeepers’ hands. Hahndorf maintained its attacking style and Graham exploited the wing to whip in a cross. Oppelaar contested but could not get his head on the ball and it fell to Ness, who was under pressure and his shot was deflected for a corner.

The Titans hit back and Jones made a great one on one save to prevent further addition to the score. With the match entering the final twenty minutes, the Magpies were pushing the Titans with some fine play in the attacking third of the pitch. Jennings made a marauding run deep into the Titans penalty area and pulled the ball back to Oppelaar, the midfielder looping a cross to just outside the six yard box. Norris challenged well in the highly contested region and managed to head a looping shot that landed beyond the Titans and into the net.

At 2-1, Hahndorf quickly set about getting an equaliser as time began to run out but the Titans’ defence held the Magpies at bay. A late free kick settled the match in the hosts favour, Hahndorf unable to clear the inswinging delivery and it resulted in a third goal for the Titans.

Despite the loss, the match showed Hahndorf are taking steps in the right direction with an improvement across the park. Best on the day was Steve Ness, delivering a terrific game in the heart if midfield with Guest and A Noble also putting in a fine display.

Reserves
The Hahndorf Reserves continue to struggle for consistency, being competitive for most of their clash against the Titans but letting the hosts score some easy goals in a 5-0 loss.

The Hahndorf Reserves shuffled the pack in an attempt to regain their early season form, fielding a quick but youthful defence of Jordan Webber, Kierran Guest, Tim Staniford and Tim Prince in front of regular custodian Vaughan Barratt.

The defence was tested early in the piece, the Titans pressing the Magpie defences in the opening exchanges but Hahndorf absorbed the pressure well. Working into the match, James Anderson, Ben “Beninho” Wells, Angus Hambrook and Jesse Konstantinoff began to use the less congested spaces out wide and a several good passes released Magpies behind the Titans’ backline.

Konstantinoff had an opportunity to open the scoring but fired his shot over the bar as the Magpies looked to bring the experienced forward line of David Grant and Chris Hyde into play. The Titans gave hints of their attacking threat with several good near-post corners and it was from a similar position that the Titans found the opening goal, a fine pass finding an unmarked player on the six yard box and he easily tapped in.

The Titans doubled their lead minutes later when a defensive header picked out a Titans player with precision and he slammed the ball into Hahndorf’s net. The Magpies rallied and after a good build up, Hyde was put through on goal but the ‘keeper made a great save to deny the senior marksman. With halftime beckoning the Titans found a third score, Barratt rushing out to block a shot but the rebound went directly to a Titans player who, with Barratt stranded, calmly chipped into an empty net.

The second half was a closer affair but again the Magpies failed to capitalise on their chances. Grant had a good opportunity blocked and Konstantinoff followed up with a strike that missed the target. The hosts countered with a miss of their own and Hyde also had a chance but his header found the goalkeeper.

A free kick to the Titans gave them their fourth goal, a ricochet off a Hahndorf defender adding salt to the wound. The Magpies continued to battle hard for the ball but conceded a late goal when they were slow to react to a loose ball in the penalty area and it was smashed into the goal.

Super Cs
The Hahndorf Super Cs maintained their good run with a great match against the league leaders, the pulsating game eventually ending in a 3-3 draw.

Scott Schubert got the Magpies off to a tremendous start with a chipped goal before the Titans replied twice to lead 2-1 at the half time break. Legendary Hahndorf striker Tony Carter showed age has not diminished his prowess in front of goal with a fine strike to make it 2-2.

Scott Bonnar then put the Magpies in front with another well-taken goal but Hahndorf could not hold onto the lead and the Titans levelled in the last five minutes to give the teams a share of the points.

Next week the Hahndorf Magpies return home to the Pine Avenue Arena where they will be hosting long time rivals, the Adelaide Monarchs.