2013 Round 9: Hahndorf Magpies V Angkor Hornbill

With passing of the shortest day, it was fitting that Hahndorf choose Saturday to narrow the daylight to the teams above them with their maiden win of the season, an impressive 2-0 victory over Angkor.

Despite the biting cold, the Magpies warmed to their match with Angkor by going on an early attack through Sol Scopazzi and striker Simon Gale. The move did not result in a shot at goal but the positive intent from the home team was clear. Nathan Roennfeldt joined the action and several runs down the wing kept Angkor on the back foot as the Magpies threatened the visitor’s goal.

Angkor, resplendent in their replica Real Madrid strip, responded and worked their way into attack to put Matt Filmer, Steve Ness, Hamish Vickers and Sam Putallaz under pressure. However, the quartet were up to the task during the opening exchanges and goalkeeper Jarrod Kennedy comfortably held the few shots that found their way toward goal.

JK Thomas and Scopazzi gave Hahndorf a great chance to open the scoring, exchanging a series of short passes as they linked up down the wing. A low cross was cut back to find Gale but he lifted the ball over the bar with the yawning goal beckoning.

The disappointment was short-lived however when Peter Atkinson picked up a loose ball from wide midfield and a burst of speed took him into the Angkor penalty area. The nimble speedster closed in on goal and drove in a fine shot with the outside of his boot that slipped under the visiting ‘keeper for the opening score.

The visitors battled to reply and earned a free kick within promising range but Kennedy was well placed to effect the save. Ben Stewart and Scopazzi were fiercely competitive in the middle of the park, giving the Angkor playmakers little scope and the battle for possession was absorbing. The pace of the Magpies attack was troubling the visitors and Roennfeldt was a major protagonist, barrelling past several opponents and unleashing a rasping shot that was acrobatically tipped over the crossbar.

Angkor had several chances to equalise as they built up their play but the resultant efforts on goal often went astray when they should have done better. When they did find a true aim, Kennedy maintained his sparkling form and made a couple of excellent saves.

Hahndorf also wasted some good opportunities; Putallaz’s usually reliable boot deserted him during several free kicks within scoring range, while Gale and Roennfeldt squandered some great play by not taking their chances. Scopazzi and Atkinson ended the half with further efforts on goal but could not add to the tally.

The second half began with both teams struggling to carve open the opposition defences as play went end to end but shots on goal were rare. Roennfeldt eventually broke free and latched onto a Thomas through ball however, while his strike was on target, the Angkor ‘keeper deflected it wide. The Magpies established a hold on the match, keeping the visitors fairly quiet in attack but due to only leading by a single goal, the margin was never totally comfortable.

With twenty minutes remaining in the game, Scopazzi gave the Magpies the insurance they were looking for. Stewart, who had been outstanding in subduing Angkor’s main creative threat, won a crucial ball in midfield and passed to Scopazzi. The tall midfielder strode forward past two challenges and unloaded a cracking drive from twenty-five metres that whistled past the despairing dive of the ‘keeper to find the net.

The second goal to Hahndorf visibly took the wind out of the sails of the Angkor ship and a free to them soon after was tamely lofted into a scrum of players where Filmer rose highest with the clearing header.

The Magpies were full of confidence and a slick exchange of passes between Scopazzi and Stewart set Atkinson free to shoot at goal, the strike forcing a great save from the Angkor gloveman. With time running down, veterans Stuart Thomas and David Grant entered the match and Hamish Vickers, who was having a quiet match at fullback, was promoted to the forward line.

Vickers immediately forged a rapport with JK Thomas and the two had several raids down the wing, on one occasion Vickers almost finding the net with a strike across the face of goal. Vickers returned the favour, his intricate footwork deceiving the Angkor defence as he set JK Thomas up for a shot that unfortunately passed wide.

Angkor had two late chances to get back into the match but Kennedy was supreme on both occasions to deny the visitors. A late substitution introduced Mitchell Miller and he immediately was involved, passing on a Stewart interception to Gale who scooped the shot wide from a good opportunity.

The final whistle drew cheers and relief for the Magpies and their supporters, their previous league win recorded in round 16 of 2011, and the three points lifted Hahndorf off the foot of the table. The win was built on the combined efforts of all players, with outstanding contributions from Ben Stewart, Nathan Roennfeldt, Simon Gale, Matt Filmer and Jarrod Kennedy. However, the Man of the Match award went to Sol Scopazzi for his dynamic and ball winning midfield play, topped off with spectacular goal.

Reserves
The Hahndorf Reserves battled hard to get in a winning position but a strong second half by Angkor gave them the three points in a 2-3 result.

Hahndorf went into the match with a new formation to combat their fleet-footed opponents and the defensive quartet of James Stratfold, Brendan Kilpatrick, Tim Staniford and Johannes Edler were in the action from the start.

Angkor dominated the early going but the Magpies were resolute and Hahndorf custodian Blake Horton made a terrific save to keep the visitors at bay. The cobwebs had barely been cleared before Sean Behan succumbed to a muscle strain and Jason Mackenzie was called upon to replace him. However he also did not last long and fell foul of Behan’s ailment and Aaron Fiora was brought on, the Magpies using two substitutes in the opening twenty minutes.

While the Angkor first team played in Real Madrid strips, the Hahndorf Reserves were treated to the red of Liverpool on their opponents and a slick move saw the replica reds tap in from six yards to open the scoring.

Hahndorf almost answered immediately through Chris Hyde, the striker shooting wide after Harvey Watson robbed the Angkor full back of possession. Scott Schubert forged forward from deep midfield to give Luke Jones a sharp chance that was blocked. Michael Driver followed up to collect the loose ball and with an audacious short chip beat the Angkor ‘keeper and levelled the scores.

Play evened up with both teams having chances but not capitalising on their play, the Magpies defending well to stop the flow of the visitors. Jones had a shot deflected wide as Hahndorf countered and soon after the hosts took the lead when a poor goal kick went straight to Hyde. The marksman’s eyes lit up and he returned the ball with interest, the thunderous strike leaving the ‘keeper all at sea.

After the break, Hahndorf tried to maintain their defensive form but the visitors slowly chipped away at the edges to put Horton under pressure, the rangy ‘keeper making several great saves. However, the pressure eventually cracked open the Magpie defence and a incisive strike gave Horton no chance.

With parity restored, the momentum was building in the Angkor side and only some fine defending was preventing the visitors from another score. It was then dismaying when Hahndorf did concede from a miss-hit cross, the ball drifting in at the back post, Tommy Oar style, to give Angkor the lead with ten minutes remaining.

Hahndorf fought back and had several chances to equalise, one where Watson had the ball in the back of the net before the goal was disallowed for offside. The final score was disappointing as for the third successive match the Magpies had worked hard to establish a lead but it had vanished by the final whistle. However, the form of the team is encouraging and they are not far off from stringing a good set of results together.

Man of the Match for the Reserves was Blake Horton, who made some terrific stops and his confidence is rapidly building. In a good display across the park, other notable performances included Scott Schubert, Luke Jones and Michael Driver.

Next week Hahndorf begin the second half of the season at the Pine Avenue Arena where they will host USC Lion.

2013 Round 8: Murray Bridge United V Hahndorf Magpies

A tight tussle between Murray Bridge United and Hahndorf Magpies was decided by a single goal, the hosts getting their second consecutive win through former Magpie Kane Oppelaar.

The bright and sunny weather conditions were near perfect for the first team fixture with the only blemish on the scene being some muddy areas in the lower half of the pitch. The two combatants both looked to impose themselves early in the match and an arm wrestle developed that was to continue for the duration of the game.

A few changes were enforced on the Magpies but they put out a competitive line up with Simon Gale and Nat Stewart leading the strike force with JK Thomas, Sol Scopazzi, Nathan Roennfeldt and Hamish Vickers filling the midfield. Gale managed to get off the first salvo at goal, a cheeky lob that drifted just wide of the Murray Bridge goal. JK Thomas and Scopazzi found some fertile ground on the flanks to put Hahndorf on the offensive but their crosses could not find a Magpie target.

Vickers was impressing on his debut and a scything run won the Magpies a corner and hinted at his tremendous potential. Murray Bridge responded with some attacking forays but Matt Filmer was superb with the timing of his tackles to prevent United getting a sight on goal. He repeated his efforts soon after as the Hahndorf defence were increasingly engaged in the play, the "Swiss Maestro" Sam Putallaz, Stuart Thomas and Steve Ness busy defending Jarrod Kennedy’s goal.

Gale was a livewire in attack for the Magpies and demonstrated some dazzling footwork before chipping just wide of the target. Scopazzi joined in with header just over the crossbar and followed up with a fine drive but the Murray Bridge keeper was in good position to make the save. Roennfeldt, JK Thomas and Scopazzi combined to give Gale a further chance but his volley flashed past the front post after a fine build up by Hahndorf.

Murray Bridge contained three former Magpies from last season and it was one of these that gave United their best chance on goal in the half. Scott Graham lined up a Murray Bridge free kick twenty-five metres from goal and drove his shot over the wall and the dipping ball drew a tremendous save from Kennedy who reacted with cat-like reflexes to tip the ball over the bar.

The Magpies struck back with JK Thomas working down the wing to deliver a fine cross that Vickers, arriving late, met well at the front post but he flicked his shot just over the target. Vickers was again in the action soon after, stealing the ball from a tardy United player and grazing the post with a fierce drive.

The second half saw much of the same box-to-box action as both teams fought to break the deadlock but found the respective defences in fine fettle. Ness injected himself into the game, intercepting forward thrusts and his passes finding teammates during difficult situations.

Hahndorf gained a couple of good opportunities through Scopazzi who had a goal-bound header deflected away from goal and Stewart tried his luck but was denied by some solid defending. The Magpies were pressuring Murray Bridge for a good period when a counter attack broke the match open.

Former Hahndorf player, Kane Oppelaar, burst free and drove in a fine angled shot from the corner of the penalty area to give the hosts the opening score. The goal had the home team with their tails up and they almost doubled their lead minutes later but for some excellent defending by Filmer.

The two teams raised the tempo and the action went end to end as the competitors exchanged shots on goal. Kennedy made several good saves, with one outstanding effort denying the Murray Bridge striker in a one-on-one contest.

As time ebbed away, Mitch Miller and Harvey Watson were brought on for the Magpies as they desperately sought the equaliser. The Hahndorf build up was putting the visitors into good positions but the final pass or shot lacked the cutting edge needed to penetrate the Murray Bridge goal. In the end time ran out for the Magpies before their attacking pressure could exact a toll.

It was a bitter defeat for Hahndorf who had matched or bettered the home side in many aspects apart from the one that counted, on the scoreboard. With many players putting in fine performances, the Man of the Match honours was closely contested, but the outstanding defensive nous of Matt Filmer took the award. Others of note included Jarrod Kennedy, Steve Ness, Simon Gale and Hamish Vickers.

Reserves
A wayward Hahndorf Reserves threw away a potential three points due to their profligate finishing and allowed Murray Bridge to get their first win of the season with a 2-1 result.

The Magpies started in fine form and held possession in Murray Bridges half for the opening five minutes with Scott Schubert, Harvey Watson and Sean Behan initiating proceedings to bring forwards Sol Scopazzi and Michael Driver into the game.

An early corner to the visitors kept the pressure on Murray Bridge and a rash challenge from behind on Johannes Edler should have resulted in a penalty to Hahndorf but the referee’s attention was apparently elsewhere during the incident and the foul went unpunished.

Murray Bridge mounted an attack to put defenders Tim Staniford, Jason McKenzie, Edler and Luke Jones on alert and a dangerous cross passed through Blake Horton’s penalty area as a warning. Seconds later, hesitation in the backline gave United a clear shot at goal and the ball skimmed the top of the crossbar.

Hahndorf responded through Scopazzi who shot straight at the goalkeeper and the rebound was blocked despite the best efforts of Watson and Schubert. However, the breakthrough came soon after when a quick free opened up United and Scopazzi put a first-time ball across to Schubert and he smashed the ball into the back of the net.

Hahndorf continued to press for more goals but either missed the target or managed to pick out the goalkeeper with their efforts. Defensively, Staniford was defusing the Murray Bridge attacks until a through ball caught the Magpies out and the hosts scored the equaliser with ten minutes remaining in the half. Murray Bridge almost took the lead minutes later but Horton made a terrific save from a one-on-one situation.

At the break, Mitch Miller entered the game and Hahndorf continued to press for goals with Jones and Schubert having chances. Miller latched onto a throw and lobbed a ball to the back post where Behan met it with a solid goal-bound header that the ‘keeper fended away. Schubert pounced on the loose ball but his shot too was blocked.

Hahndorf’s wastefulness was punished when a breakaway put United through on goal and the striker made no mistake to put the hosts into a 2-1 lead. The Magpies answered with another shot at the goalkeeper and soon after Miller had a great one-on-one chance but the United custodian again effected the save.

With time running out Hahndorf continued to search for the equaliser but found the path to the back of the net blocked repeatedly by the Murray Bridge goalkeeper. Watson made a smart interception and beat two opponents but could not beat the in-form United ‘keeper and several other attempts met with a similar outcome.

The result was a frustrating one for the Magpies who had played some fine football but could not capitalise on their chances while the home team were overjoyed at their first win of the season. Best on the day for the Magpies was Scott Schubert who made many fine runs and animated the midfield all match with Johannes Edler and Harvey Watson also contributing fine efforts.

Next week Hahndorf host Angkor at the Pine Avenue Arena.

2013 Round 7:Hahndorf Magpies V Flinders University

It was bottom verses top as Hahndorf and Flinders University battled the elements and each other before the visitors emerged with a 1-5 win after mastering the difficult conditions at the Pine Avenue Arena.

The first day of winter defied the warming climate change trend, bringing lashing rain showers amid temperatures in the lower teens and the prospect of the postponement of the clash on the sodden pitch.

However, thanks to years of hard work by the club, led by grounds man Rob Kilpatrick, and the cancellation of the Reserves fixture, the referee was happy to start the match after a thorough inspection. Surface water occupied some sections of the ground but the opening minutes showed some slick moves by both teams as they adjusted to the pace of the pitch.

The Magpies retained the same starting formation as last week, with Jarrod Kennedy in goal behind veteran Stuart Thomas, Matt Filmer, Steve Ness and the “Swiss Maestro”, Sam Putallaz. Ben Stewart, Joe Thomas, David Grant and Sol Scopazzi filled the midfield while the forward line blended youth and experience with Nathan Roennfeldt and Chris Hyde.

The visitors almost opened the scoring after a series of passes put them within sight of goal but a great stop on the line by Grant was cleaned up by Kennedy. The Magpies’ custodian looked to be in for a busy afternoon minutes later when he made a terrific double save from close range and then escorted a header as it passed over the crossbar.

The pressure on the Hahndorf goal was relieved through a neat move up the flank and Scopazzi sent a good ball to Roennfeldt but the striker was wide with his shot. Flinders answered with a number of intricate passes to create a good opportunity but Kennedy was again brilliant in saving a certain goal. The visitors were adjusting to the conditions better than the Magpies and errant passes and ricochets seemed to fall University’s way.

Hahndorf found some meaningful possession and a foul led to Putallaz sending in a sharp free kick that Roennfeldt flicked toward goal but the University ‘keeper was quick to react and pushed the ball wide. A series of corners to Hahndorf kept the pressure on Flinders but the Magpies could not break through. The good period of play continued with Roennfeldt and Hyde combining well before a searching ball sent across the penalty area went unclaimed by the Magpies.

A free to Flinders just beyond the 18-yard box presented a good chance and Kennedy produced an outstanding save, throwing himself high and wide to tip the shot over the bar. Hahndorf were tardy in marking up for the resultant corner and the visitors played it short, sending a deflected cross ballooning to goal where it hit the back post and bounced straight to a Flinders player who tapped in from four metres.

University doubled their lead minutes later with a neat pattern of play that had the Magpies sliced open at the back and the move was finished with a fine shot that found the inside of the far post. The Magpies regrouped and a Grant effort forced a save before another Putallaz free kick had the University ‘keeper scrambling to keep out the slippery effort.

Scopazzi, Grant and Hyde combined well together as the Magpies put some of their best moves hitherto in the match. Stewart and J Thomas were battling well in the trying conditions but a lapse in defence led to Flinders scoring the third goal. A header looped into the corner of goal after a cross was allowed from out wide.

The Magpies responded in the best possible way, Ness driving from defence to pinpoint Hyde with a precise pass. Hyde played a sublime flick to wrong foot the University defence and Roennfeldt latched on to the through ball. The Ruud van Nistelrooy doppelganger dashed into the penalty area and took the ball around the ‘keeper before slotting the ball in with his left foot.

The remainder of the half saw chances at either end with Scopazzi and Hyde combining to put an enticing ball into the penalty area but the Magpies were unable to capitalise. Flinders tried to stretch their lead with an audacious lob that just cleared the target before the referee signalled the end of an entertaining and rain-soaked half.

Regular showers continued to visit the Hahndorf ground and the second stanza was played in similar conditions to the first, the pitch remarkably showing little deterioration over the course of the match. Flinders held a possessive advantage over the Magpies but Ness, Filmer and Stewart ensured competition for the ball was fierce.

Surprisingly, Putallaz struggled with his usually precise set pieces, putting a free from the edge of the penalty area over the target with the Magpies looking to redress the goal balance. Injury then struck Captain Grant and he needed to be replaced with Simon Gale as the match entered a period of to and fro with neither side able to create a clear chance.

The run of the ball was not favouring the hosts and several plays broke down as passes did not quite find their target and loose balls seemed to gravitate to the Flinders’ players. Kennedy remained a pillar of strength for the Magpies with some inspiring saves making a mockery of the slippery conditions and keeping University at bay.

Mitch Miller and Tim Staniford entered the match to cover a niggling injury and tiring legs as the visitors held the majority of play but wasted several chances with shots high over the crossbar. Ness replied for Hahndorf, advancing to latch on to a free kick but his shot was deflected for a corner. Seconds later he was again on hand to pick up a loose ball that he fired over the crossbar from an acute angle.

Miller was eager in the Magpie forward line and harried the ball away from a University defender. Scopazzi pounced on the crumbs and drove a fierce shot that scraped the crossbar with the Flinders’ ‘keeper beaten. The match entered the final ten minutes and some sloppy marking allowed a determined Flinders’ run to break into the box and a well placed shot gave Kennedy no chance as the ball found the corner of goal.

Minutes later the visitors added a fifth, a clearance from a cross was miscued and fell to a University player on the edge of the box. He drove it past a tired defence to emphatically put the match beyond the Magpies.

The hosts did not give up however and in the dying minutes Gale and Staniford exchanged passes in a flowing move to force a Hahndorf corner. The Magpies held the ball in the danger zone and it fell to Hyde, the experienced striker pivoting and just shooting wide.

The result was disappointing for the Magpies as they were competitive against the top-placed University side but could not stem the tide in trying conditions. Jarrod Kennedy produced some outstanding saves once again for Hahndorf and deservedly took the Man of the Match honours with his exceptional game. Others with fine efforts included Chris Hyde who wound back the years with his classy touches and Nathan Roennfeldt showing his potential in an energetic display and fine goal.

Hahndorf now have a week off to regroup before travelling to the end of the freeway for the visit to Murray Bridge, the two teams currently at the wrong end of the table and looking for a positive result.

2013 Round 6: Adelaide University V Hahndorf Magpies

Adelaide University and Hahndorf played out an engrossing scoreless draw on Saturday for the 6th round of the South Australian Amateur Soccer League 3rd division.

Parking around the popular and salubrious surrounds of the Adelaide University playing fields proved to be a challenge for some players and officials, with the tardiness of the referee delaying the start of the first team match. However, play eventually began under overcast skies on the immaculate University pitch with Hahndorf fielding a settled defence containing Stuart Thomas, Matt Filmer, Sam Putallaz and Steve Ness in front of gloveman Jarrod Kennedy.

The University side were the first to threaten to score with a shot penetrating a crowd of players but passing wide of the target. David Grant replied for the Magpies with a stab over the bar after some good play by fellow midfielders Ben Stewart, Sol Scopazzi and Joe Thomas. The teams quickly settled into the match and the hosts enjoyed the majority of possession in the early going, putting together some nice moves but finding Hahndorf in determined mood and no real chances eventuated.

Scopazzi was industrious down the flank for the Magpies, linking up with forwards Nathan Roennfeldt and Chris Hyde to create concern in the University backline. A precise Grant pass put Scopazzi in behind his marker and he cut in towards goal but unfortunately blasted his opportunity over the crossbar.

Hahndorf continued to threaten to open the scoring as they kept the ball in the attacking third of the pitch. Grant crossed an enticing ball to Hyde and the experienced forward set up a shot that was blocked. The Magpies recovered the rebound and Hyde pounced on the quickly centred ball and tucked it in the net but he was adjudged to have been in an offside position.

A Putallaz free kick almost drew reward, the University ‘keeper parrying the shot and Scopazzi was close to lashing in the rebound before it was deflected for a corner. The visitors maintained their concentration as University mounted some attacks but Ness and Filmer were in a miserly mood and few shots made their way through to Kennedy.

The match developed into an arm wrestle with the respective midfields commanding the majority of play but neither team creating many genuine chances. A quick free released J Thomas and he streaked down the wing before aiming a cross into the 6-yard box, the delivery deceiving everyone and the ball cannoned off the crossbar to the relief of the home side.

The second half continued in much the same vein as the first, the forwards finding the path to goal a difficult one as the respective defences were at the top of their game, Magpies Filmer and Ness in particularly fine form to repel the University forays. Grant and Stewart continued to stoke the engineroom of midfield and they had some engaging battles with their counterparts as the play alternated between the teams.

Simon Gale entered to fray to try and conjure a goal for the Magpies, his speed and skill earning a free kick in a wide attacking position. Putallaz lifted the ball to a crowded 6-yard box and it drifted over all to graze the far post. The University side answered with a swift attacking move that drew a great save from Kennedy, reinforcing his outstanding form this season.

Hahndorf were finding their way into the University penalty area with regularity but could not find a final touch to put the ball into the net. Several throws into the danger area presented potential chances and neither team were able to take full control, the ball bouncing around and eventually being cleared by the defending side. Another chance presented itself but Roennfeldt’s flick-on header found the goalkeeper instead of a teammate.

The University side almost produced a stunning goal but the free kick passed outside the post and caught the side netting with Kennedy covering the corner of goal. The action went end to end as the two teams sought to break the deadlock. Ness produced a fine pass to Scopazzi and the Magpies worked the ball across the park with aplomb but again found the final pass a little lacking.

One of the best chances fell to the hosts as they caught the Magpies out with some slick work on the wing to cut the ball back to the top of the penalty area. However, despite the presence of two University players, they managed to panic each other and the poor shot went well wide.

Hahndorf brought on Mitch Miller and Nat Stewart with the match entering the final phases as both teams still battled for the winning strike. Ness and Filmer were valiant in defence to defy the hosts while some finely timed tackles underlined Putallaz’s Swiss heritage. The Magpies remained an attacking threat throughout the match and strove to find a score, Grant getting in the last chance of the match with a cheeky lob that failed to beat the University ‘keeper.

The draw was a fair result for both teams on a day that was largely dominated by the defensive talents on display. It was a very encouraging match by Hahndorf and all players battled hard with tremendous spirit and determination for the duration of the game. The best player on the day for Hahndorf was Matt Filmer, producing a fine defensive display, with Steve Ness, Sol Scopazzi and David Grant also having valid claims on the award.


Reserves
The Hahndorf Reserves were competitive against the Adelaide University Reserves but a few errors were well punished, resulting in a 5-1 score line favouring the home side.

The Magpies started the match pairing Naite Hider and Mitch Miller up front with a midfield containing Harvey Watson, Gary Parsons, Luke Jones and Hamish Vickers. However, it was the defence that entertained the majority of the action in the opening fifteen minutes, James Stratfold, Brendan Kilpatrick, Johannes Edler and Tim Staniford doing well to quash the University attacks.

The Hahndorf defence was finding an outlet in Vickers and the skilful midfielder went on terrific run, beating several opponents before sliding a measured pass into the path of Hider. The youngster needed no second invitation and his angled run met the ball perfectly to drive it across the ‘keeper and into the net, the well taken goal giving the Magpies the lead.

The University side tried to answer immediately with a couple of chances going wide and the Magpies responded through Edler, his free kick scooting wide of the target as play went end to end. Out of the blue University equalised with goal of the day, a fine long-range effort that beat Hahndorf custodian Blake Horton to find the top corner.

Vickers was providing the Magpies best avenue to goal and another excellent run saw the ball cut back to Parsons but he fired his shot narrowly wide. Staniford and Kilpatrick were doing well in marshalling the Hahndorf defence but after repelling several attacks, a well-taken goal from a University cutback put the hosts in front. Soon after, University extended their lead, exploiting a missed Magpie tackle on the counter attack to make it 3-1 going into half time.

In the second half, Hahndorf continued to take the game to University and both teams had periods of domination without producing a result on the scoreboard. Aaron Fiora was brought on with twenty minutes remaining but it was University who struck. A penalty to the home side was duly converted before several wayward shots by Hahndorf attempted to redress the balance.

However, it was University who continued to find the goal, a speculative long-range strike eluding Horton to make it 5-1. With little to lose, the Magpies redoubled their efforts to score with Staniford in particular pressing forward at every opportunity and he was unlucky not to have found the net with a couple of shots. Watson had a great chance in the final minute of the match but the goal was not to be despite some fine approach play by Hahndorf.

Although the scoreboard indicated otherwise, the Magpies put in a solid account of themselves overall but a couple of lapses cost them dearly. There were several good performances across the park, however Hamish Vickers was outstanding on the day and took the Man of the Match plaudits for Hahndorf. Others of note included Naite Hider, Tim Staniford and Harvey Watson.

Next week Hahndorf face another stern tertiary examination when they host Flinders University at the Pine Avenue Arena.

2013 Round 5: Hahndorf Magpies V Hazara

Hahndorf showed tremendous spirit in a highly competitive match against Hazara, with Captain David Grant leading by example and scoring a brace of goals in the entertaining 2-2 draw

The Magpies were looking for an improved performance after last week’s disappointing match and they began with Jarrod Kennedy in goal commanding a defensive line containing veteran Stuart Thomas, Steve Ness, Matt Filmer and the ‘Swiss Maestro’, Sam Putallaz. The quartet were soon in the action with Hazara starting swiftly to get the first shot at goal but it went straight to Kennedy.

Hahndorf’s midfield answered the challenge through Solomon Scopazzi who rounded off a good move and hit the target but also found the Hazara ‘keeper. Kennedy was again in good position to stop sharp drive from the visiting forward before a good move from the Magpies moved the ball down the flank and in-form Ben Stewart shot over.

The game settled for a period as the two sides matched up, ‘El Capitano’ David Grant and Nat Stewart working the middle of the park to get forwards Garry Parsons and Nathan Roennfeldt into the match.. Continued possession by Hahndorf opened up good opportunities but both Scopazzi and Parsons directed their headers over the crossbar.

The Magpies were pushing the visitors but failing to convert their play into goals and their profligacy was put into sharp focus when Hazara mounted two quick successive attacks. Repelling the first, Kennedy was unable to stop a well-placed Hazara shot from finding the corner of goal to take the lead.

A chance to equalise fell to Roennfeldt after a good build up involving Scopazzi and Parsons but the opportunity was headed wide. A free kick just outside the penalty area presented another opening but the kick was well covered by the Hazara goalkeeper. A defensive give away by Hahndorf was almost punished but the visiting forward blasted high over the bar from a good position.

The Magpie back line was coping well with the smaller, faster Hazara attackers, Ness and Filmer well-organised to nullify the threats and Putallaz getting in some well timed tackles on the flanks. The play was entertaining for the neutral observer, the action going end to end with a sprinkling of shots to keep the respective ‘keepers honest.

Hahndorf ended the half with a goal attempt going well over the crossbar, a fitting summation of their game as they had plenty of the play but were unable to make it count on the scoreboard.

The Magpies brought on Simon Gale at the break and opened the half in encouraging fashion, gaining a free kick just outside the penalty box. Again the attempt at goal was astray but the Magpies held the ball in Hazara’s defensive third and earned a corner.

Putallaz drove in the kick to Grant who flicked the ball on and it defected its way through a forest of legs to end up in the net to the delight of the Magpies. With parity restored Hahndorf found they could not rest on their laurels as Hazara forced a brilliant save from Kennedy, the Magpies’ custodian tipping a goal-bound free kick over the crossbar.

A minute later Kennedy was again in great position to rescue Hahndorf, grasping a shot from close in that had the striker dreaming of the winning goal as it left his boot. Hahndorf steadied through Ness, the experienced Magpie defusing the attacking thrusts of the visitors and finding outlets with some composed passing.

Roennfeldt remained a thorn in the side of Hazara, the Van Nistelroy look-alike harassing the Hazara defence at every opportunity and winning the majority of his challenges. A clever piece of play saw him strip a defender of the ball but unfortunately he could not find Parsons in the penalty area with the centring pass.

The match was a developing into titanic battle as the contest went from box to box and an attack by Hazara eventually found the net, an angled shot going across Kennedy to just nestle inside the goal upright. Hahndorf immediately tried to hit back and nearly succeeded when Roennfeldt latched onto a Parsons’ flick on but pushed his lob narrowly wide of goal with the ‘keeper beaten.

Youngster Mitch Miller made an appearance with fifteen minutes remaining as the Magpies increased the tempo in their search for an equaliser. Ness continued to dominate his position and sent Grant on a run down the flank. The Scot rolled back the years with some mesmerising footwork and earned a free just outside the penalty area. However, disappointingly the resultant kick went just high of the intended target.

Ness made a fine run and was brought down, the foul giving Hahndorf another free in a good position. Putallaz struck a powerful drive and it deflected off a defender to give the Magpies a corner. Thomas looked in prime position to capitalise on the corner kick but a push on him went unseen despite the shouts for a penalty from the vocal home support.

With time running down, Hahndorf mounted a concerted assault on the Hazara goal and probed for an opening in the visitors defence. A series of corners nearly brought the goal but Hazara repelled the attack with almost all the Hahndorf players committed in the forward third.

The Magpies retained possession through Scopazzi who danced with the ball on the edge of the penalty area as numerous Magpies queued up in the box. After what seemed an eternity, Scopazzi found the space he was looking for and fired in a head high ball. Grant reacted first and attacked the inviting cross to power a header past the static defenders and into the net before wheeling away in joyous celebration.

Play had barely restarted before the referee blew the whistle for full time, the Magpies finding the equaliser with a minute remaining in the match. The result was just reward for the Magpies, the team never giving up and putting together a fine team effort. Best on the day for Hahndorf was Steve Ness, the reliable player instrumental in fortifying the defence and blunting the Hazara attack. Ben Stewart, Matt Filmer, David Grant, Sam Putallaz and Jarrod Kennedy were also in the frame with their outstanding endeavours during the match.


Reserves
The Hahndorf Reserves were unlucky not to share the points in a hard fought contest, Hazara scoring in the 88th minute to secure a 1-2 win.

The visitors got off to a dream start when a miscued back pass was pounced on by the quick Hazara forward and he made no mistake in the one-on-one with Hahndorf goalkeeper Blake Horton.

The hosts regained their composure with Luke Jones, Bob Edwards, Tim Staniford and Johannes Edler adjusted to the sharp play of the visitors. Several chances went begging for the Magpies before a penalty gave Jones a chance to equalise. The bustling Magpie made it two goals in consecutive matches with a blistering penalty kick that gave the ‘keeper no chance and threatened the integrity of the goal net.

The Hahndorf midfield of Scott Schubert, Graham Philips, Hamish Vickers and Harvey Watson battled hard to contain the flighty visitors, their movement causing some concern in the Magpie camp while Aaron Fiora and Michael Driver provided some attacking focus for the home team.

Half time saw Brendan Kilpatrick and Naite Hider enter the fray as both teams sought the opening to goal. Staniford was in fine form throughout the match to close down the Hazara attacks, with Edler and Jones providing a solid barrier. Smart organisation by Edwards often caught the visitors in an offside position as play went end to end.

Hider went close to breaking the deadlock several times but more than once was he restricted by some subtle shirt pulling. Edler and Hider had good shots saved as the match looked to remain at parity. However, heartbreak was to befall the Magpies when Hazara finally broke through the defence and scored with less than two minutes remaining.

It was a good performance from Hahndorf, battling hard all day and they were deserving of a share of the points before the late lapse in concentration. Best on the day for the Magpies was Tim Staniford, his tireless running and work rate an inspiration.

Next week Hahndorf travel to the hallowed turf of the Adelaide University playing grounds in the north parklands to take on the competitive Uni Blacks.

2013 Round 4: Torrens Valley Rams V Hahndorf Magpies

The Hills derby between Torrens Valley and Hahndorf was a hard fought and often scrappy affair with a single goal separating the sides at games end.

Hahndorf elected to change formation this week with Brendan Kilpatrick, Stuart Thomas and the "Swiss Maestro", Sam Putallaz anchoring the defence in front of custodian Jarrod Kennedy. Steve Ness, Ben Stewart, Hamish Vickers, Sol Scopazzi and “el Capitano” David Grant packed out the midfield while Mitch Miller and Nathan Roennfeldt roamed the frontline.

Torrens Valley started with a rush and their physical approach unsettled the Magpies as the two teams sought to gain an initial ascendancy. A few glimpses of goal fell to the hosts but they did not overly trouble Kennedy. A long throw to Vickers gave Hahndorf their first chance but his shot was deflected around the goalpost.

The Rams started to look for their centre forward with long balls over the back of the Magpie defence and several times Kennedy made excellent saves to keep the scoreboard blank. Hahndorf tried to build up their attacks and Stewart pounced on a loose ball to fire in a low shot that drew a fine save from the Torrens Valley ‘keeper.

The hosts continued to pump long balls over the midfield, effectively negating Hahndorf’s ball players and putting the stretched defence under increasing pressure. Kennedy completed a couple of great one-on-one saves and then acrobatically tipped a speculative lob over the crossbar to maintain parity.

A free just outside the penalty area gave Putallaz a sight at goal and he beat the wall with a fine curling shot but the Rams custodian made a good stop low to his left. The Rams answered with another long ball into the frontline that the Torrens Valley forward wasted with a shot wide of goal.

Play was fairly disjointed with both teams often exchanging possession due to errant passing and a general lack of ball control. A rare string of passes saw Hahndorf move the ball across the park and Grant put a fine cross for Stewart, the hirsute midfielder powering a header just over the crossbar.

Kennedy denied the hosts with another fingertip save pushing a long-range effort over the bar before Torrens Valley gained a free just wide of the penalty area. The free kick was swung in and under pressure, Kennedy punched it clear but it was immediately fired back in and the Magpies’ ‘keeper deflected onto the crossbar. The ball bounced around in the danger zone before a header looped the ball over the melee and it fell into the goal.

The goal emboldened the Rams and they tried to add to the score but Hahndorf managed to resist a period of pressure despite continuing to make poor choices with their options and passing. The scrappy nature of the match was underlined when a Magpie long ball was contested by two Torrens Valley, the pair taking each other out to leave Stewart with a quick stab at goal that the advancing ‘keeper smothered.

The first half drew to an end with the Rams holding the lead but save for the outstanding efforts of the respective goalkeepers, few players on either side had performed well.

Hahndorf made a few adjustments during the break and emerged with more drive and purpose. Miller battled up front to beat two players and then sent a dangerous ball across the penalty area but Hahndorf were unable to capitalise on his good play.

The Rams hit back and were denied a clear scoring chance by a great saving tackle by Stewart and soon after Kennedy was once again supreme in a one-on-one situation. Hahndorf wrested back possession and enjoyed a good period of play, with Miller getting about in the forward line and Stewart, Scopazzi and Ness starting to impose themselves on the match.

The Magpies brought on Simon Gale to add some drive and the visitors pressed for the equaliser but despite creating some promising openings, shots on target were elusive. A few Rams players began to dish out some late tackles but it took several consecutive incidents before the referee finally awarded Hahndorf a free and cautioned the offender.

The hosts missed a golden opportunity to extend their lead but their forward blazed over the goal when he should have done better. Ness started to play a more defensive role and shored up the Magpies backline to relieve Kennedy of his workload. Scopazzi benefited from a good, flowing move by Hahndorf, Stewart, Putallaz and Grant involved, but his effort was blocked by the Rams’ ‘keeper.

A forward thrust by the visitors presented a great chance when Roennfeldt was taken out in the area and a penalty was awarded. Scopazzi struck the ball powerfully to send the ‘keeper the wrong way but the ball cannoned off the left upright before zooming across goal and hitting the other post and bouncing away to safety.

Despite the setback, Hahndorf pushed hard for a score and Torrens Valley were feeling the pressure, making several reckless tackles that did not get the cautions they warranted. The final ten minutes saw the Magpies laying siege to the Rams’ goal but they could not find the net despite the pressure. A corner for the Magpies put the ball in the six-yard box and a blatant push on Stewart went unpunished to the disbelief of players and the travelling faithful.

As the minutes ebbed away, the Magpies continued to knock on the Torrens Valley door but ultimately they ran out of time. The result was a bitter disappointment for Hahndorf, however they took some solace from a much-improved second half performance with Steve Ness claiming the Magpies Man of the Match honours. Close behind were Jarrod Kennedy and Ben Stewart, both players continuing to lead by example this season.



Reserves
The Hahndorf Reserves notched up their first win of the season with a 2-3 victory against fellow Hills side Torrens Valley.

The Magpies made the most of the first half with their young team interspersed with a few battle hardened veterans. Blake Horton took his spot between the sticks with James Stratfold, Tim Staniford, Bob Edwards and Graham Philips presenting an experienced forward line.

Hahndorf largely took control from the start, Scott Schubert, Johannes Edler, Luke Jones and Harvey Watson pulling the strings in the Magpie engine room while Naite Hider and Hamish Vickers provided a focal point up front.

Jones opened the scoring for the Magpies, hammering in a cracker of a goal that will not leave him short of conversation for many weeks. Hahndorf extended their lead through Hider, the youngster catching the goalkeeper out with a delightful lob.

Jones almost added to his personal tally with a booming clearance from near half way that had the Torrens Valley ‘keeper scrambling to tip the bouncing ball over the goal. The Magpies went 3-0 up when Schubert opened his account for the season, the midfielder having hit the woodwork a few times in previous matches. The Magpies ended the half in imperious form and were cruising with their comfortable lead.

To their credit, Torrens Valley took the match back to the Magpies after the break. The Magpies made some changes during the second half with Aaron Fiora, Michael Driver and Jackson McGuire entering the match and while this may have upset the rhythm the Magpies enjoyed, the hosts were determined to make up for their poor first half.

The match provided a tense finish as Torrens Valley scored twice to put Hahndorf under increasing pressure, the hosts sensing a dramatic draw or win was on the cards. However, despite at times some frantic defending, the Magpies triumphed to take the three points. Best on the day for Hahndorf was Luke Jones with his fine strike and having an excellent match overall.

Next week the Magpies return to the Pine Avenue Arena where they will take on Hazara.

2013 Cup Round 1: MA Hawks V Hahndorf Magpies

The Hahndorf Magpies travelled a short but encouraging distance on the Road to Hindmarsh in 2013, ultimately bowing out 2-1 to 1st Division team MA Hawks in the 1st round of the Challenge Cup.

The Kings Reserve ground has been the venue of many previous clashes between the Magpies and the Hawks, with some emphatic victories recorded by the hosts, including a couple of Cup games. Nevertheless, Hahndorf went into the Cup tie against the favoured Hawks determined to give a good account of themselves.

The early going saw the Hawks get straight into their short passing, possession style of game but the Magpies were quick to harass the hosts and defenders Brendan Kilpatrick, Stuart Thomas, Matt Filmer and the “Swiss Maestro” Sam Putallaz repelled the initial attacks.
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Sol Scopazzi, Ben Stewart, “El Capitano” Davd Grant and the ever-reliable Steve Ness patrolled the Hahndorf midfield and they worked hard to dispossess their opponents. The Magpies pounced on a loose Hawks pass and released striker Nathan Roennfeldt who raced down the flank, his pacy run earning the visitors a corner.

Quickly taking the kick, Roennfeldt found Putallaz just outside the penalty area and the Swiss Maestro transferred the ball onto his favoured left foot. The goal beckoned and Putallaz unleashed a tremendous strike that took the barest of touches off a Hawks defender before thundering into the net.

The goal shocked the Hawks and they tried to respond immediately but the Magpies did not give them any space to test out custodian Jarrod Kennedy. Hahndorf pressed forward and almost extended their lead when an attacking throw found Scopazzi and he rounded his marker to shoot from an acute angle, the ball sliding across the face of goal and striking the far upright.

The Hawks answered with a good opportunity but Kennedy made a great one-on-one save. He repeated his exploits soon after, earning a bloodied nose with a terrific stop from close range as the hosts intensified their attack. Grant and Kilpatrick combined to repel a promising move by the Hawks and the Magpie defence gained some respite with Grant moving the ball forward through Ness.

The industrious midfielder exchanged passes with Scopazzi before finding Stewart on the edge of the box and he stuck a solid shot that the Hawks’ ‘keeper saved. A further attacking move saw Roennfeldt and Stewart set up Ness but he blazed his shot over the crossbar. The Magpies paid for their profligate finishing when the Hawks found an equaliser, a fine cross reaching an isolated Hawk at the far post and he drove his header back across goal and into the net.

With parity restored, the two teams exchanged chances as play went end to end. The Hahndorf defence continued to play well and made some timely interceptions to deny the hosts the scoring opportunities their possession warranted. The Magpies too had a few late chances as the teams went into half time on level terms.

Hahndorf went onto the front foot in the opening minutes of the second half with Scopazzi rounding off a good move but his docile strike at goal was easily saved. The Hawks wrested back the initiative and enjoyed an extended period of good possession, their persistence rewarded with a long-range goal. Struck from well out on the flank, the lofted shot, which may have been a miss-hit cross, deceived Kennedy to just squeeze under the Magpie crossbar.

Hahndorf answered the goal with a series of attacks but they could not fashion any clear-cut opportunities despite applying pressure in the attacking third of the pitch. Scopazzi maintained his first half form and won many of his midfield battles while Stewart was uncanny in his ability to find an outlet in tight circumstances.

The Magpies wasted a free kick against the Hawks defensive wall and the match became an arm wrestle with a few willing tackles beginning to emerge from both teams. Stewart was a favoured target, his sleight of foot deceiving several Hawks players and the home side accumulated a flush of yellow cards during the match.

With twenty-five minutes remaining, Hahndorf brought on Mitchell Miller to add some pep up front, the youngster keen to add senior goals to his under16 tally. A chance fell to the Magpies but Scopazzi blasted his shot well over the target and soon after Filmer was excellent in defusing a threatening Hawk attack.

A quick free by Putallaz found the substitute out wide and Miller tried his luck from an acute angle but his speculative lob passed over the crossbar. Stewart continued to draw fouls with his dextrous footwork and as the twilight of the match approached, Putallaz fired a free kick high of the target.

Scopazzi and Miller played some neat passes to set up Roennfeldt but the Ruud van Nistelrooy doppelganger found the side netting with his rasping shot. The Magpies continued to search for an equaliser but the ball refused to fall their way in the contested Hawks’ penalty area.

Another fine move involving Miller, Scopazzi and Roennfedlt gave Stewart a chance but the shot lacked the power to find its way past the Hawk’s goalkeeper. With the final minutes looming, the hosts had the chance to put the result beyond doubt but Kennedy produced an incredible double save from close range to deny the Hawks’ forward.

Despite the narrow loss, the Magpies showed tremendous spirit and drive to push their opponents the entire match, the performance auguring well for their form in upcoming league fixtures. Best on the day for Hahndorf was a close run contest with many Hahndorf players raising their game, however taking the honours was Sol Scopazzi for his tenacity and determination. Others with outstanding contributions included Ben Stewart, Sam Putallaz, Jarrod Kennedy and Matt Filmer.


Reserves
On Sunday, the Hahndorf Reserves travelled to the Northern suburbs to take on Macedonia United, the Sunday side currently top of Division 3 and they took advantage of their superior numbers to record an 8-1 win

It was an inauspicious start for the Magpies as they began the match with only nine players present. Macedonia made the most of their two-man advantage to put three goals past the visitors before Hahndorf gained a further player after thirty minutes of play.

Goalkeeper Blake Horton had plenty of work to do for the Magpies along with the rest of the Hahndorf defence, Bob Edwards and Tim Staniford leading by example. Later, another Magpie entered the match but Hahndorf only managed to play with a full complement of players for a further twenty minutes before Luke Jones was forced from the pitch with an injury.

Despite the odds being stacked against them, the visitors put in a creditable performance with young Hamish Vickers showing outstanding class throughout the match and it was he who scored Hahndorf’s goal, making it 4-1 at the time.

The weight of numbers, combined with the large expanses of Macedonia’s pitch, proved too much of a hurdle for the Magpies to overcome and they bowed out of the Cup with the loss. However Coach Bob McIntyre was happy with the effort of the players given the circumstances and singled out Vickers for his Man on the Match performance with Edwards and Staniford also earning plaudits.

Next week sees the return of league action with the Hahndorf Magpies travelling to Birdwood to take on Hills rivals, Torrens Valley.