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.

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.

2012 Round 3: Croydon Cougars V Hahndorf Magpies

Croydon Cougars V Hahndorf Magpies

Hahndorf squandered an opportunity for a good result against the Croydon Cougars, losing concentration in the final ten minutes to concede late goals in a high scoring 6-3 encounter.

The 3rd round of the South Australian Amateur Soccer League 2nd division clash between the Cougars and the Magpies took place at Findon on a rough, uneven pitch in contrast to the splendid autumn weather. The visitors went into the game with a similar formation to the previous week, with Kierran Guest in goal behind a defensive line containing Steve Ness, Jack Farrimond, Todd Newman and Lloyd Oppelaar.

Tim Prince and Michael Lewington anchored the central midfield while Kane Oppelaar and Sam Wood patrolled the flanks with Hahndorf’s attack led by Matt Norris and Tom Holland. The Magpies started on the front foot but suffered an early setback when Newman sustained an injury, forcing the defence to be reshuffled and bringing on James Anderson as a replacement.

The Cougars pressed forward with intent and drew Guest into a couple of crucial saves, one a tip over the bar from a close range header and then doing brilliantly in a one-on-one situation. Holland answered back for the visitors, latching onto a through ball but, after beating the ‘keeper to the ball, he lobbed his shot wide of goal. The match settled and Hahndorf held some quality possession with L Oppelaar, Holland, Prince and Anderson stringing a fine series of passes together.

It was then a surprise when, somewhat against the run of play, the Cougars scored, an innocuous shot eluding Guest and squeezing under him for the opening goal. With the lead, the Cougars took to the match with more purpose and forced Hahndorf onto the back foot with a period of offensive pressure.

Norris rallied forward for the Magpies and a fine charging run earned Hahndorf a corner. Holland drilled the set piece into the heart of the Cougar’s goalmouth and amid the panicked defenders, Norris poked the ball into the net to restore parity. Hahndorf almost took the lead soon after when the vagaries of the pitch caused a Cougars defender to stumble and fall over the ball and Norris swept in to pass to K Oppelaar. The sharp midfielder unleashed a powerful, swerving drive that had the Cougars’ ‘keeper at full stretch to tip the ball centimetres past the goalpost.

After the half time break, the hosts got off to the best possible start, finding a sharp through ball that the Cougars’ forward pounced on and tucked past the Hahndorf ‘keeper. At 2-1 up the Cougars searched for more goals and sensing some confusion in the Hahndorf camp they added a third from a headed corner.

Believing they had a match winning lead the hosts relaxed a little and allowed the Magpies to claw their way into the match. Prince, Wood and Holland were beginning to control possession and after a steady period of pressure Norris made it 3-2 with a fine strike after a subtle lay off by Lewington.

Hahndorf increased their work rate and set about finding the equaliser, the Magpies finding larger spaces in the midfield. Holland made a dashing run down the flank before a clever backheel set Ness up and he delivered a pinpoint cross to Norris. The big forward made no mistake to plant his powerful header past a despairing ‘keeper for his and Hahndorf’s third goal.

With ten minutes to play, the match kicked up a gear as the Magpies tried to maintain their momentum and grab the lead. A foray forward almost brought reward but L Oppelaar blasted his shot over the crossbar. The Cougars responded and took advantage of some lax marking to put away a goal to make it 4-3. Buoyed by the restoration of their lead, the home side put the Hahndorf defence under intense scrutiny and within minutes had scrambled home a fifth goal.

Further misery befell the Magpies when an errant clearance went to a Cougar forward and he slotted another goal just minutes from the final whistle. The Magpies will feel frustrated that again they let valuable points escape their grasp after working hard to get the match back onto an even keel and no doubt the coaching staff will be addressing their defence woes before next week. Best for Hahndorf on the day was Matt Norris, his outstanding performance including all three goals for the Magpies. Tom Holland and Sam Wood also put in fine efforts with solid games from Prince and Anderson.


Reserves

The Hahndorf Reserves fought out a highly contested draw with the Cougars, neither side able to break through the opposition defence over the course of the match.

In the opening exchanges, the Magpies took a while to get used to the bounce and run of the ground, allowing the Cougars to put pressure on defenders Tim Staniford, Ash Parr, Andy Craig and Scott Breaker. The defence held firm and Magpies ‘keeper Vaughan Barratt had few genuine shots to contend with. The Hahndorf midfield began to make their presence felt with James Anderson, Andy Jones, Angus “House” Hambrook and Jordan Webber working their way into the match.

The Cougars however continued to pressure Hahndorf and the home side almost scored but Barratt tipped a searing shot over the bar to deny the goal. Hahndorf was doing well in repelling the forward drive of the hosts with Breaker in outstanding form and ably supported by his defensive compatriots

Hahndorf created a few scoring chances through Chris Hyde and Jesse Konstantinoff but Hahndorf failed to really test the Cougars custodian in the opening half. The Magpies best opportunity arrived after Konstantinoff earned a free just outside the penalty area. Craig almost caught the Cougars napping with a quick shot but a lone defender had drifted back head the ball away to safety.

In the second half, Hahndorf increased their presence in the midfield and the match was largely played between the two penalty areas, with neither team able to get a clear shot on goal. Hahndorf coach, Mark McGrath began a series of substitutions over the final thirty minutes, bringing on Kyle Eglinton, Ben “Beninho” Wells and Gary Ledson to sustain the intensity, as players started to tire.

A free to Hahndorf provided a good chance to score and Hyde struck a fine curling shot but the Cougars’ ‘keeper made an equally fine save to deny a score. The play went end to end with both teams trying to get the vital goal that would probably settle the match. The Cougars got a great chance with a free right on the edge of the penalty spot but the Magpies wall did its job and the effort cannoned off the wall and away from goal.

A final flurry by the Cougars drew out a tremendous save by Barratt, beating away a well hit shot from an angle and the Magpies cleared the resultant corner to safety before the referee called the match to an end. It was a solid performance from the Magpie Reserves and keeps them in good shape on the league ladder. Best on the day was James Anderson, with great support from Scott Breaker and Vaughan Barratt.

Super Cs

The Super Cs kicked off the day at Findon with a disappointing 2-0 loss, a goal in each half giving the Cougars the win. Hahndorf struggled to find their rhythm on the uneven surface and poor control led to both sides giving up cheap possession throughout the match. Hahndorf had a great chance to equalise just after half time but blasted the shot over the bar from close in.

Next week Hahndorf returns home to the Pine Avenue Arena where all three teams will be taking on the Modbury Jets.