2012 round 14:Hahndorf Magpies V Adelaide Red Blue Eagles

A spirited and entertaining match between the Magpies and the Eagles was curtailed when the referee called for the abandonment of the game with twenty minutes remaining and the visitors two goals up but one man down.

Hahndorf made a few changes to their line up, putting the versatile Luke Guest into goal with Steve Ness, Jeremy Prevett, Todd Newman and Ash Parr providing defensive cover. Both teams were competitive from kickoff, the midfield a highly contested area with Michael Lewington, Aaron Noble and the Oppelaar brothers, Lloyd and Kane, trying to establish the upper hand.

The Eagles proved to be robust opponents and fought hard to create some chances and they had the better chances but their finishing did not trouble the scoreboard. Hahndorf mounted their attacks through Matt Norris and Scott Graham but the Magpie strike force found clear chances rare during the first half.

The play was fairly even between the teams for the majority of the half but the Eagles were getting into better shooting positions. However they continued to squander their opportunities by blazing shots high and wide. The Magpies responded with a few wayward shots themselves and it seemed that both teams had left their goal scoring boots in the change room.

Nonetheless, in the shadow of half time the Eagles struck a decisive blow, former national and state league player Michael Brooks showing his class with a spectacular pile driver from distance that eluded Guest to find the top corner on the net.

Buoyed by their lead, the visitors began the second half in confidant mood but the Magpies matched them for intensity, the midfield battle heating up as the game progressed with neither side giving up easy possession. A few forays by the Eagles served to warn the Magpies but they did not heed the signs. A quick transfer of play suddenly opened up Hahndorf and they found themselves outnumbered three on two.

Drawing the defender, the Eagles’ player centred the ball to Brooks and he added his second with ease, finding the net with the Guest exposed. Hahndorf tried to hit back and Noble went on a surging run that was brought to a halt by an illegal challenge. However from a promising position, the hosts wasted the subsequent free kick, dragging the ball wide.

The match took a turn when a through ball rolled toward Magpie defence and the clearance was charged down by an Eagles player and he burst through on goal. However, play was stopped when the referee whistled for a hand ball. The decision was vehemently disputed by one of the Eagles’ players and a torrent of abuse led to a warning by the Referee. Further histrionics and personal abuse resulted in a red card for the offending player, with the tirade continuing as the player left the pitch.

Hahndorf almost capitalised on their numerical advantage immediately, a long throw finding K Oppelaar and he advanced on goal and hit a sweet volley from the edge of the penalty area that grazed the top corner of goal. With both teams still adjusting to the Eagles loss, an altercation occurred between Norris and the Eagles ‘keeper, the latter appearing to elbow the forward and Norris taking exception. A bit a push and shove followed, with players of both teams posturing like young bucks during their first rutting season.

The referee stepped into restore order and consulted with the linesman but with players still engaging in some verbal jousting, he decided it was all too hard and informed the players that he was abandoning the match. With approximately seventy minutes played, the result as is may stand but the League will make the final decision at a later date, a disappointing end to an entertaining match.


Reserves
The Hahndorf Reserves let slip a two goal lead with the Red Blue Eagles equalising late on to get a share of the points in a 3-3 result.

The Magpies kicked off down the slope, with Jesse Konstantinoff and Luke Guest pushing the hosts straight into attack to put the Eagles under pressure. Kyle Eglinton, James Anderson, Jordan Webber and Kierran Guest worked industriously in the middle of the park as Hahndorf sought to control proceedings from the outset.

The teams exchanged a few attacks but neither side was an immediate threat to open the scoring, a few efforts going high and wide of goal. The Magpies settled into the match and moved the ball with surety but could not conjure a score despite creating the better chances.

An experienced defensive line comprising of Tim Staniford, Andy Jones, Andy Craig and Stuart “El Presidente” Thomas kept the Eagles forward line in check and although a couple of free kicks put the Magpies under pressure, ‘keeper Vaughan Barratt remained untroubled. However, the Eagles managed to find a goal courtesy of Craig, the veteran defender showing his finishing qualities when he deflected an Eagles’ shot into his own net.

Hahndorf hit back ten minutes later through L Guest, the bustling forward given space thirty yards from goal and he rifled a superb drive past the diving ‘keeper to restore parity. Soon after the Magpies took the lead when a good team build up was competed by L Guest, driving a left footed shot into the roof of the net from an acute angle.

Further chances fell to both sides before the break but neither could convert their opportunities, Webber, Konstantinoff and both Guests all going close.

The home team brought on wily Scot David Grant and Chris Hyde at half time as the Magpies looked to build upon their first half lead. The team continued to play well, with play going end to end but Hahndorf arguably having the better possession.

The Magpies made it 3-1 when neat work put Eglinton clear and he took the ball deep into Eagles territory before crossing to Hyde, the prolific forward expertly turning the ball into goal at the near post. Hahndorf looked fairly comfortable in possession and made their third substitution, bringing on Ben “Beninho” Wells as the home side continued to go for more goals.

However, to their credit the Eagles did not lie down and a free kick put them in a good position. The shot was parried by Barratt but Hahndorf failed to follow their opponents and the Eagles pounced on the rebound to make it 3-2. The match took on some urgency for the visitors and they pressed for another score.

The Magpies lost some of their focus and a few free Eagles players began to put Hahndorf under pressure. An attack by the visitors rattled the crossbar and again the Eagles were the first to react to the loose ball and stab it into goal for the equaliser.

The remaining five minutes had both teams looking for the winning goal but fatigue was taking its toll and few genuine chances fell, the best when Hahndorf had a late free kick but they could not convert the chance. Overall it was a good performance by Hahndorf although they will be disappointed to let the Eagles back into the match late on.

Best for the Magpies was Luke Guest, his brace of goals setting up the match for Hahndorf, with his brother Kierran Guest and Stuart Thomas also with solid contributions.

Super Cs
The Super Cs had an emphatic 6-1 win over the Red Blue Eagles to continue their fine form in the second half of the season.

Hahndorf goal scoring legend Tony Carter put a goal in with his first touch and added another later. Scott Bonner continued his free scoring ways with two of his own, the chirpy forward heavily involved in Hahndorf’s attacking play. Luke Guest, who played a part in all three matches on Saturday, hit a thunderous drive to score and John Lawler chipped in with another goal to complete the rout.

Next week there are no matches due to a Cup Round but the Magpies will be back in action on the 18th of August when they travel to Pooraka to take on Gleeson

2012 Round 5: Adelaide Red Blue Eagles V Hahndorf Magpies

Adelaide Red Blue Eagles V Hahndorf Magpies
Hahndorf paid dearly for errors in the final fifteen minutes of play in round 5 of the South Australian Amateur Soccer League 2nd division, and suffered a frustrating 0-3 loss in what otherwise was a tight contest against league leaders the Adelaide Red Blue Eagles.

Hahndorf made a few positional changes in an attempt to reverse their recent run of results, bringing Luke Guest into defence alongside Todd Newman, the versatile Matt Norris and Ash Parr. The new formation began well, containing the Red Blue Eagles dangerous forward line, with Skipper Jack Farrimond back in midfield with great support from Sam Wood, Steve Ness and Tom Holland.

The opening stanza was a fairly even affair, despite the very patchy and uneven surface making life difficult for both sets of players, the Beverley ground reflecting its decaying industrial surrounds. The Eagles pushed forward to pressure the Hahndorf defence but the Magpies held firm as they adjusted to the vagaries of the pitch. A couple of shots at goal did not trouble Magpie custodian Andy Jones and Hahndorf began to build up their passing game.

Michael Lewington was putting himself about in the forward line, the big striker proving a difficult proposition for the home side with his robust style and he was joined up front by Jesse Konstantinoff. The match was highly competitive and after being involved in a couple of tough clashes, Wood had to leave the pitch and was replaced by Kane Stubing.

Stubing wasted no time in getting into the play and brought a high ball down on his chest before laying off for Konstantinoff, but his shot rolled past the far post. Further chances were created by the Magpies with Farrimond collecting a deflected Guest free kick but blasting high over the crossbar. It was however encouraging signs from the visitors as they closed out the half with the better share of possession.

The Red Blue Eagles emerged from the break with some strong opening moves and Jones made a vital save to keep the score sheet blank and it remained that way despite some good chances falling to the hosts. Hahndorf rallied through strong work by Norris, Ness and Farrimond as the match went end to end but neither side could get a clear shot on target.

Entering the final fifteen minutes, a lapse by the Magpies caught them out, a quick throw went to an unmarked Red Blue Eagle and he burst through on goal and beat the Magpie ‘keeper with a good finish. Hahndorf looked to get the goal straight back, bringing on the fresh legs of Tim Prince. Both teams continued to push forward, trying to score but chances were rare. The Red Blue Eagles went close but a point blank header was deflected over by Newman.

Hahndorf brought on their final substitution, with youngster James Anderson thrown into the forward line as the Magpies chased the equaliser. However, it was the hosts who increased their lead, a missed back-pass was pounced on by the Eagles and they punished the sloppy play, beating Jones in the one-on-one situation. With less than five minutes remaining, the Magpies threw away any chance of getting back into the match when they were caught in possession and once again the Eagles put away the one-on-one chance for a 3-0 score line.

It was a frustrating end for the Magpies who were competitive with the Eagles but could not sustain the intensity for the full ninety minutes. Best on the day was Jack Farrimond, with Steve Ness and Matt Norris in close company while Luke Guest also drew praise for his efforts in an unfamiliar role.

Reserves
The Hahndorf Reserves put in a dominant second half display but profligate finishing could not overhaul the 3-0 first half lead of the Red Blue Eagles.

The Magpies found themselves on the back foot in the opening exchanges, Tim Staniford, Scott Breaker with veterans Stuart “el Presidente” Thomas and Andy Craig under pressure as the Magpies took time to adjust to the uncomfortable bounce of the pitch. Craig gave away a needless free kick in a promising position and the Red Blue Eagles took advantage of lax marking to open the scoring with a finish from close in.

Kyle Eglinton, Scott Graham and the Oppelaar brothers, Lloyd and Kane, tried to get the Hahndorf midfield going and a few forays into the final third of the pitch gave forwards Jordan Webber and Angus Hambrook a couple of sights on goal.

However, it was the hosts who added another goal, hesitation in the penalty area by the Magpies was swooped upon by the overlapping Red Blue Eagle and he slotted into the corner of goal. Hahndorf rallied with Webber getting some chances but Hahndorf could not make them count as they began to move the ball with more assurance.

Play continued to ebb and flow and within the shadow of half time, some good possession by the hosts created space and an untracked Eagle bundled in a third goal despite a tremendous initial save by ‘keeper Vaughan Barratt,.

Hahndorf brought on David Grant and Kayne Stubing to start the second half and the Magpies began to push the ball around well. Using good support and intelligent movement, Hahndorf took hold of the midfield and put the pressure onto the Red Blue Eagles. Graham found himself in space and unleashed a fierce drive but the ‘keeper was equal to the task as Hahndorf went searching for a breakthrough goal.

A final substitution saw Chris Sawers enter the match after a long absence and the Magpies stretched the Eagles on the flanks with the speed of Stubing and Sawers. L. Oppelaar was dictating play, linking well with Graham, Stubing, Grant and Webber but with several chances falling to the Magpies, they could not find the back of the net.

The visitors had very few attacks in the second half but did hit the crossbar from a free kick, however the Hahndorf defence worked hard to contain most of the offensive threats. The Magpies continued to dominate possession and Grant had a great chance, the wily Scot forcing a diving save from the Eagles custodian. Stubing and Sawers earned several good opportunities but the Magpies could not force the ball into the net, with a couple of chances just scooting wide of goal.

The match ended with the Magpie Reserves wondering what may have been, had their finishing been better. Despite the end result, the second half by the Magpies was very encouraging with their possession and passing and once they get their shooting boots in order, the future looks promising. Best on the day was Scott Breaker with another excellent defensive display with fine support from Lloyd Oppelaar and Stuart Thomas.


Super Cs
In a commanding display the Super Cs provided the highlights for Hahndorf, starting the day’s matches with a 2-4 win over the Red Blue Eagles.

The Magpies got off to a fine start through Swiss Express Sam, carving his way through the defence before being unceremoniously fouled in the penalty area. Taking the penalty kick himself, he drove the goal home with clockwork precision to open Hahndorf’s account. Scott Bonnar added two more goals in fine style with the Magpies enjoying the majority of possession, veteran Bob Edwards directing the play like a young Franz Beckenbauer.

After the break, Hahndorf let the Red Blue Eagles back into the match with two goals to make it 2-3, but Ben Stewart sealed it for the visitors with a cultured goal that halted the momentum of the home side.

Next week all three teams return to Pine Avenue Arena, where they will take on Gleeson, a fixture that will have major implications for both sides.

Round 11: Adelaide Redblue Eagles V Hahndorf

Adelaide Redblue Eagles v Hahndorf

Hahndorf travelled down to Grange for the 11th round of the South Australian Amateur Soccer League 3rd division, a match against Adelaide Redblue Eagles on the agenda. In difficult conditions, neither side were able to break down their opposition and a scoreless draw was little consolation for the Hahndorf Magpies, who were seeking full points.

Hahndorf went into the match with injury and illness forcing some changes to the previous weeks team but the loss was covered by the inclusion of Matt Medley and Tyrone Blunt from the Reserves. Nathaniel Brooke donned the gloves for the Magpies with Medley, Todd Newman, Captain Matt Norris and the wily fox Wayne Forrester forming the defence.

Kyle Eglinton, Jon Lynn, Steve Noble and John Lawler patrolled the midfield as Hahndorf sought to control the tempo of the match from the start. A blustery wind blowing across the pitch made life difficult for both teams but the surface in general was reasonably good considering the recent rains. Ashley Oosh made the running up front with Blunt playing in the “Cantona role’ just behind, with both keen to put a score on the board.

After an even start, Brooke entered the action with a strong save to his left, stopping a long shot that was headed toward the corner of goal. The Eagles put further pressure on Hahndorf with the defence working hard to keep out the hosts and one challenge left Newman with a twisted knee. The “Black Pearl”, Owen Boyce was brought on to replace Newman and Hahndorf worked their way into attack.

Norris latched onto a corner from Oosh and sent a solid header just wide of the target as the Magpies stepped up their game to keep the Eagles on the back foot. Oosh was involved soon after, drawing Lawler into the game and his lofted cross fell to Eglinton who slipped the ball onto Oosh. Oosh held off a challenge close to goal but losing his balance was unable to get any power behind his shot and the Redblue ‘keeper made a comfortable save.

Hahndorf took their foot off the pedal as half time approached and nearly paid the price, as Brooke smartly saved another long-range shot. Both sides were capable holding possession in the first two thirds of the pitch but the respective defences made shooting opportunities a rarity.

After the break, the Adelaide Redblue Eagles seized the initiative and the defence of Medley, Forrester, Norris and Boyce were put to the test. The lads held firm for the opening minutes and Hahndorf began to get their midfield working. Lynn and Noble closed down the opposition and the Magpies turned up the heat on the Eagles, Blunt, Eglinton and Oosh combining well to force the home ‘keeper into some smart saves.

The Eagles hit back with a free kick on the edge of the area but could not capitalise on the chance and should have done better. Lynn nearly made them pay with a sharp effort that slid wide of the goal and Oosh could not exploit some good build up play by the Magpies when his effort also went astray.

Brooke remained steadfast at the back and had the attacking forays of the Eagles covered, Norris and Forrester chipping in with some timely interceptions. With twenty minutes remaining, Hahndorf opted to put on Mike Lewington in place of Oosh, the bustling forward having run himself into the ground while keeping the Eagles defence under pressure.

Norris almost opened the scoring with a quick free kick that had the ‘keeper scrambling to get to the ball as he was organising his wall. Hahndorf kept the intensity up through Lewington, the big forward stretching the Eagles ‘keeper with a well-directed header after a fine build up through Lynn and Boyce.

At the other end, Brooke made a great save to keep the scorekeeper unemployed as the Eagles made a sharp counter attack. A second free to the Magpies almost brought joy to the visitors, Lynn hitting the defensive wall and Norris driving the rebound hard and low towards goal, but the scorching shot skimmed past the post.

With the minutes winding down, Stuart Thomas entered the game, the senior player hoping to show the young guns how to finish as Hahndorf put on a late period of pressure. However, it was the Redblue Eagles who almost stole the match with a late free kick in a threatening position. Fortunately for the Hahndorf side, the taker of the free went for glory himself and wasted his shot over the bar in what was to be the penultimate kick in the match.

The game was a frustrating one for the Magpies, but their wayward shooting was tempered with good display in defence and they kept a clean sheet. Best on the day was Brooke, producing some outstanding saves, with Oosh and Norris putting in solid performances.


Reserves

The Hahndorf Reserves persisted in a niggly game to run out 3-0 winners on a wind swept Redblue Eagles pitch and kept the top of the table within their sights.

Hahndorf called up James Nicholson from the Super Cs to deputise in goal as veterans Andy Craig and Stuart Thomas took their regular positions in the heart of defence alongside flanking defenders Sam Gowan and the “Italian Maestro”, Edmondo Palombo.

Rupert Lindon, Gary Ledson, Ben “Beninho” Wells and the “Black Pearl”,Owen Boyce held the pivotal midfield positions with striking duo, Mike Lewington and Chris Hyde on the hunt for goals.

The opening minutes were fairly frantic as both side looked to assert their authority in testing conditions. Wells and Gowan exploited the Eagles on the flank, the wind helping to keep the ball toward that side of the ground. Hyde and Lewington worked with Ledson to drive the Magpies forward and created shots on goal but they failed to find the net. A number of Hahndorf corners kept the pressure on the hosts and at one point the Magpies looked to have scored but the ball was hacked off the line.

At the other end, the Hahndorf defence restricted the Eagles to a few hopeful shots that did not trouble Nicholson. Craig and Thomas marshalled the troops as Hahndorf built from the back and the midfield began to dominate.

Minutes from half time, Hahndorf opened the scoring through Boyce. An extended period of pressure saw some good interplay between Wells, Hyde and Ledson to put Boyce in on an acute angle. The Eagles ‘keeper expected a cross and left a huge hole through which an ecstatic Boyce drove the ball into the net.

Resuming from the break, Hahndorf kept the match under control as the opposition began to argue among themselves and concede needless free kicks. A strange piece of play ended a yellow card to an Eagles player after Lindon was wrestled to the ground with the ball out of play. Palombo expanded his range with a searching run to elude three Eagles and forge his way into the box, the final touch not quite matching his intent.

Luke Jones was brought into the match and made his mark ten minutes from time, his throw freeing Hyde and the forward strode into the penalty area. His shot went past the ‘keeper and found late arrival Wells, who blasted in from a full thirty centimetres. Wells celebrated in unique fashion with the corner flag, leaving his teammates with more questions than answers. At two goals down, Eagles tempers flared and they lost a player for a second bookable offence.

Youngsters Kieran Evans and Josh Watson were brought on and minutes from full time they combined to put Ledson through on goal. Ledson made up for all his misses during training to put the game beyond the Redblue eagles, slotting home for Hahndorf to run out comfortable 3-0 winners.

Best on the day was Boyce, getting the opening goal and playing a fine game, along with strong contributions from Wells and Gowan. Next week Hahndorf are at their Pine avenue home, hosting the MA Hawks, a challenge for both teams as this fixture has developed into fiercely contested matches in recent history.

Round 2 Catch up: Hahndorf V Adelaide Redblue Eagles

Hahndorf V Adelaide Redblue Eagles

Hahndorf played a catch-up game on the weekend against Adelaide Redblue Eagles and found the visitors in a feisty mood. The Magpies wasted many opportunities to put the game beyond the Eagles but succumbed to a late equaliser for both teams to share the points.

Hahndorf started off brightly, the midfield of David Grant, John Lawler, Gary Ledson and inspirational captain Matt Norris moving the ball confidently under the leaden skies. Mike Lewington and Ash Oosh made their presence felt up front with some robust challenges and kept the opposition defence on their toes.

Nathaniel Brooke donned the gloves for the Magpies, with a familiar defensive line up of Kyle Eglinton, Todd Newman, Wayne Forrester and Lee Stibbs stifling the attack of the visitors. Hahndorf were forced into an early substitution when Lawler sustained an injury and Jon Lynn stepped in to cover the loss. Soon however the Magpies broke open the game when Forrester smashed in a volley from the edge of the area, the wily veteran pouncing on a loose ball after a corner.

The goal gave the hosts inspiration and they created more chances but were unable to find the net. Grant rolled back the years with a scything run that left three Eagles trailing in his wake and he raced into goal with only the ‘keeper to beat. His shot was chipped over the advancing custodian but unfortunately for the home side, also just over the crossbar.

The Redblue Eagles managed several attacks but the defence of Hahndorf stood fast, Forrester and Newman commanding the middle while Stibbs and Eglinton held the forays on the flanks to a minimum.

Oosh and Lewington combined for a chance as Hahndorf stepped up the attacks on goal but despite their endeavour, could not add to the score, the Eagles ‘keeper making some crucial saves. Lynn went just wide with a fine strike while Oosh also was off target before half time.

The resumption of play in the second half also signalled for the rain to start and soon the slippery pitch was another obstacle for both teams. It was an even opening as both sides adjusted to the changing conditions. The visitors gained the first of several free kicks from outside the penalty area but the resultant shot was too high to trouble Brooke.

Oosh countered with another chance before the Eagles went wide with another free kick. The visitors were not allowing the Magpies to get their own way and worked into the match with some nice passes through midfield. Hahndorf’s defence remained defiant as the Redblue Eagles sought an equaliser.

Oosh was having a fine game, rampaging at the Eagles defence for most of the game and it was a fine pass by him that nearly gave the Magpies a second score. Grant met the cross with a clean volley and with the keeper beaten the ball unfortunately struck the bar and bounced away from danger. The woodwork was again to save the Eagles when Lewington had his goal-bound shot deflected onto the post by the Redblue ‘keeper at full stretch.

The visitors however did not give up and it was Brooke called into action next, a strong diving punch keeping the Eagles score bare. Brooke soon after launched a clearance to Oosh and again the Eagles’ custodian made a great save to prevent what looked to be a certain score.

Oosh had run himself ragged and was replaced by Luke Jones, the young forward keen to make an impression on the game. He was soon involved with a build up with Lewington to create another chance and Lynn also had an effort pass by the post.

Hahndorf’s profligacy in front of goal was to haunt them once again as the Eagles gained the last of their numerous free kicks from a dangerous area. This time their aim was true and the shot squirmed under the Hahndorf ‘keeper to make the score even with minutes remaining. Hahndorf desperately sought the winning goal and laid siege to the Eagles goal but their shooting was off, Jones pouncing onto a rebound before finding the ‘keeper in the way of the goal.

It was a disappointing end to the match and Hahndorf will feel they let the three points slip away at the last moment. Best on a frustrating day was Forrester, his defending exemplary, with Stibbs and Norris also putting in fine performances.

Reserves
The Hahndorf Reserves survived a late scare before outlasting the visiting Redblue Eagles 2-1 in a match full of chances but neither side able to take advantage.

A late arriving goalkeeper for the home side saw Luke Jones volunteer to get between the sticks. Before him, the defence of Matt Medley, veterans Andy Craig and Stuart Thomas along with the “Italian Maestro”, Edmondo Palombo combined to protect the stand-in during the early phases of the game.

Andrew Kenny, Tyrone Blunt and the “Albino yeti”, Lachlan McQueen joined the “Black Pearl”, Owen Boyce in midfield as the Magpies got off to a tardy start, the opening period of play not one for the highlight reel. Up front, Chris Hyde and Sam Heyward made themselves available but Hahndorf’s disjointed play did not create many opportunities for the forward line. After ten minutes, Jones was replaced by regular ‘keeper, Mark McGrath.

It was the Eagles who made the opening running and the scoring, a low cross missed by a plethora of Hahndorf players before an Eagles attacker prodded the ball in to put the visitors ahead.

The goal sparked the Magpies and they began to create chances of their own and get on top of the game in midfield. Blunt and Boyce were particularly industrious as Hahndorf held possession in midfield for long periods of play.

However, it was until minutes from halftime before the Magpies turned their control into a score. Good lead up work but Boyce, Hyde and Heyward gave McQueen an opportunity and the Albino Yeti did not disappoint, blasting in from six yards for the equaliser.

After the break the match evened out somewhat, the defence of Craig and Thomas winning the high balls while Medley and Palombo were solid at the back as Hahndorf pushed forward. Blunt created attacking moves from the middle, giving Hyde and Heyward chances but Hahndorf could not capitalise from their better field positions.

The Eagles fought back, giving the Magpies a scare until Blunt put Hahndorf into the lead with a phenomenal strike, the ball travelling like an exocet missile as it rocketed into the bottom corner from thirty metres. Hahndorf continued to go for more goals but found their aim wayward.

Ben Edwards and Kieran Evans completed the Hahndorf substitutions, as the Redblue Eagles showed fight to the end. The home side were almost to regret all their missed opportunities as the visitors hit the post and had another great chance to equalise minutes before the match concluded.

In a tight finish, the Magpies were happy victors with man of the Match honours going to Blunt, the big man producing a stunning goal and some pivotal play. Medley, Craig and Boyce also put in solid contributions in a game that could have slipped away in the final minutes.

Next week, the Magpies travel to the northern suburb of Para Vista, with only the Hahndorf first team playing the SA Bullets away, the hosts not having a reserve side.