2013 Round 11: One Tree Hill V Hahndorf Magpies

Hahndorf failed to contain a rampant One Tree Hill during the 11th round of the South Australian Amateur League 3rd Division, the hosts capitalising on Hahndorf’s lapses to record a 6-2 win.

The Magpies travelled to the most northern ground in the 3rd Division, the picturesque One Tree Hill containing a small, village-like pitch and, surprisingly, more than one tree. The gathering dark clouds forewarned the visitors of impending trouble however Hahndorf and One Tree Hill both sought to master the tight pitch before inclement conditions could overshadow events.

Jarrod Kennedy was the busier custodian in the early exchanges and the home side put Stuart Thomas, Stephen Ness, Matt Filmer and Sam Putallaz under close scrutiny as they sought the opening score. One Tree Hill did not have to wait long, slyly taking advantage of a disputed throw-in and a distracted referee to catch the Magpies napping, strolling into the penalty area and slotting home the goal.

The lead encouraged One Tree Hill and midfielders Peter Atkinson, Sol Scopazzi, Ben Stewart and Hamish Vickers had to fight hard to try to curb the supply to the host’s forwards. Several forays threatened the Magpie goal and Thomas showed all his experience and guile to diffuse a dangerous situation with a tremendous tackle.

However, a corner to One Tree Hill exposed Hahndorf, the ball passing through the penalty area before it was returned to the six-yard box for a tap in goal. The hosts almost made it three nil when a forward went past Kennedy but the Magpie goalkeeper had pushed him wide and he slammed the ball into the upright from an acute angle.

Another home attack drew a tremendous save from Kennedy but One Tree Hill was not to be denied and they lined up a fortuitous free kick outside the penalty area. Again Kennedy made an heroic stop but, unable to hold the shot, he received no support from his team-mates and One Tree Hill pounced on the loose ball to slot it home.

Persistent rain then descended from the heavens to further dampen the Magpies’ spirit. Chris Hyde and young Mitchell Miller tried to get Hahndorf on the board but chances were rare. Ness had two good chances deflected, striding forward to strike a couple of fierce drives. Nevertheless, it was One Tree Hill who had all the answers and they made it four goals in the half when a cross from the short wing picked out a solo striker and he had time to finish his cup of tea before heading across an isolated Kennedy.

Hahndorf made a much better game of it in the second half and within a few minutes a fine run down the wing by Vickers resulted in a well cut back cross. Hyde displayed his experience and quality with a excellent first time finish into the corner of the net to make the score 4-1.

Scopazzi and Stewart continued to fight hard in the middle of the park with the former in a particularly combative mood. Ness was warming to his task and made several good runs before a cynical tackle brought him down. Scopazzi stood over the free kick and took the opportunity to take aim at goal as One Tree Hill had decided the distance was too great to warrant a defensive wall.

Scopazzi almost made them pay with a terrific strike, the ball rocketing for the top corner of goal to force the home custodian into a fine save, just tipping it over the bar. Hahndorf kept the pressure on and gained several corners; one that resulted in Thomas powering a header into the net but a Magpie infraction in the goalmouth negated the score.

The play went end to end with neither side able to create many clear chances. However Vickers managed to test the keeper with a quick shot after Scopazzi had carried the ball through several bruising encounters. In defence, Kennedy made a sharp save on the edge of the penalty area to keep Hahndorf in the match.

However, he was left stranded when a free to One Tree Hill was innocuously drifted into the six-yard box and a slight deflection saw the ball elude everyone to sneak just inside the far post. Hahndorf hit back almost immediately when they earned a penalty and Scopazzi made no mistake with a powerful strike that threatened the integrity of the net.

Minutes later the hosts had restored their four goal buffer when they sprung the offside trap and caught out Kennedy with a quick shot from the edge of the penalty area. With the match entering the final stages, Tim Staniford made an appearance to bolster the tiring Hahndorf defence.

Both teams had chances to add to the score with a Vickers shot going narrowly wide while Kennedy was superb to deny One Tree Hill a one-on-one opportunity. Scopazzi rounded out a commanding performance with an intricate run ending with a sharp effort on the turn that found the goalkeeper.

The loss brought to an end a short burst of positive results for Hahndorf but they will be encouraged by the return of a few players before the next league match. Best on the day for Hahndorf was Scopazzi who was tremendously combative all day, with Jarrod Kennedy, Ben Stewart and Stuart Thomas also having fine contributions.

Reserves
The Hahndorf Reserves battled valiantly against superior numbers in their match against One Tree Hill, beaten 11-4 in a high scoring encounter.

The Magpies struggled to find players this week and took to the small One Tree Hill pitch with only nine wearing the Hahndorf stripes. Initial fears were confirmed when the home side scored immediately after kick-off, the two strikers slicing through the Magpies to tuck the ball past Blake Horton in goal.

The play was firmly entrenched in the Hahndorf half as Bob Edwards, Tim Staniford, Graham Phillips and James Stratfold were extremely busy in keeping out the marauding One Tree Hill players. Goals came at regular intervals but many attacks came to naught with Horton making some fine saves and Edwards commanding a tight line to catch the eager hosts offside.

Johannes Edler, Brendan Kilpatrick, Michael Driver and Harvey Watson tried to stem the midfield tide and Edler had Hahndorf’s first shot at goal, a volley that passed wide of the target. After twenty-five minutes the Magpies were six goals down. However they pulled one back when Hahndorf held the ball in One Tree Hill’s penalty area and Driver pounced to drill home a shot and open the Magpies’ account.

Soon after, the signs were looking better for the visitors when they gained a tenth player and they then forced the hosts into conceding an own goal; the defender wrong footing his goalkeeper and the ball rolling into the net.

The Magpies weathered further attacks from the hosts before a third goal to Hahndorf made the match interesting for players and spectators alike, Watson’s pressure causing another back pass to miss the ‘keeper but find the net. Remarkably the score stood at 6-3 at the break.

Hahndorf grew in confidence in the second half and Watson combined with Edler to set up Driver who struck his shot wide from a promising position. Soon after, Watson, who was tireless in his work rate, was fouled in the 18-yard box and he skilfully drilled in the penalty to make it 6-4.

The run of goals to Hahndorf unsettled a few of the One Tree Hill players, however they continued to put Hahndorf under pressure in defence and Horton made several good stops to keep them at bay.

With twenty minutes remaining, the Magpies were beginning to tire and One Tree Hill eventually broke through. They quickly added three more goals before Watson, Edler and Kilpatrick all had good efforts go close. The hosts added one more goal before the final whistle, the surviving Magpies thankful the rain had stayed away for the match.

Despite the 11-4 result, the Hahndorf Reserves were gallant in defeat with all players giving everything despite the dire circumstances. Best on the day for Hahndorf was Harvey Watson whose dogged determination in attacking midfield was a shining light beneath an overcast sky. Hahndorf now have a week off before they are on the road again, travelling to the plains of Kilkenny where they will meet long time rivals, Adelaide Budapest.

2013 Round 10: Hahndorf Magpies V USC Lion

In the tenth round of the South Australian Amateur Soccer League 3rd Division, a Nat Stewart brace ensured Hahndorf recorded their second successive win in a tough encounter with USC Lion.

Buoyed by their success the previous week, the Magpies entered the match against USC Lion with confidence despite requiring some enforced changes in personnel. Jarrod Kennedy started between the sticks with the evergreen Stuart Thomas, Steve Ness, Matt Filmer and the Swiss Maestro, Sam Putallaz comprising the defending line.

The match began at a furious pace with both Lion and Hahndorf battling for midfield supremacy, Hamish Vickers, Ben Stewart, Sol Scopazzzi and JK Thomas engaged in a physical tussle over possession. Lion gained an initial hold in Magpie territory but could not fashion any meaningful openings. Filmer and Ness were in a miserly mood and gave the Lion forwards little latitude in their quest for goals.

Nathan Roennfeldt and Nat Stewart spearheaded the Magpie attack, the former rampaging around the front line and giving the visitors little rest in defence. The pair had a few opportunities to open the scoring but the Lion goalkeeper was not overly stretched and a few Hahndorf shots went wide of goal.

The middle of the park contained the majority of the action, centring on Scopazzi and B Stewart, the pair involved in some engrossing battles and often the pair found a way out of tight situations with clever skills and passing. The Magpies built their game through the middle with occasional forays down the wings through JK Thomas and Vickers.

It was from a wide position that Hahndorf opened the scoring. Putallaz seized the opportunity of a free kick wide of the penalty area to drive a fierce ball into the six-yard box. The ball swung viciously toward goal and N Stewart popped up to flick his header into the net and give the Magpies the lead.

The visitors tried to hit back but their efforts proved to be fruitless in the face of some determined defending by Hahndorf. Lion took every opportunity to direct the ball to their centre forward but Filmer and Ness were alert to the threat and few shots made their way to Kennedy’s safe hands.

In the second half, Hahndorf were intent on keeping a clean sheet and confident they could outlast the opposition. They made a substitution at the break, bringing on youngster Mitchell Miller. The early minutes were again frantic as the two combatants attempted to assert their authority.

Filmer and Ness remained defiant in the defence of the Magpies lead and combined well with Puallaz, who had some superbly timed sliding tackles, and S Thomas, the veteran exemplary in the aerial duels. B Stewart continued to win the disputed balls in the middle of the park with willing support from Scopazzi, the tall midfielder holding his own against the physical approach of Lion.

Up front, Hahndorf continued to create chances and Scopazzi, Roennfeldt and N Stewart all had opportunities to extend the lead. The Magpies were putting together some fine play, moving the ball from defence to attack through some quick and dextrous passing, their confidence growing as the match progressed. Lion looked to threaten the Magpie goal but their best efforts arrived via corners and Kennedy was ruling his area with aplomb.

With fifteen minutes remaining, Hahndorf sought to push the match beyond Lion with a slick move that emanated from Scopazzi, the playmaker winning a contested midfield ball and striding clear to bisect the Lion defence with a precise pass. Miller read the play brilliantly and with a deft touch belying his tender years, sent N Stewart clear through on goal leaving the Lion defenders stranded. N Stewart raced toward goal and drove a firm shot past the advancing goalkeeper before wheeling away in joyous celebration after giving Hahndorf a deserved 2 goal lead.

In the final minutes the hosts could not afford to relax as Lion grew more desperate in their attempts to score and they had one good chance that Kennedy smothered on the edge of the penalty area, the Magpie ‘keeper swift to address the imminent danger. A second chance fell to the visitors, but upon breaking clear, the shot was hoisted well wide and high of goal.

Miller almost opened his senior account with the last attack of the match, the busy forward latching onto a quick throw and shooting at goal, but unfortunately the ball struck the near upright with the Lion custodian beaten.

The win puts Hahndorf in a positive mood as they begin the second half of the season and their team play and spirit has been progressing well throughout the year. The consecutive victories show their hard work is paying off in this year of rebuilding. There were many terrific performances across the park against Lion with outstanding games from Matt Filmer, Sol Scopazzi, Steve Ness, Sam Putallaz and Nat Stewart. However, it was Ben Stewart who took the Man of the Match honours with a tremendous display in the middle of the park, his ball-winning ability and distribution a major asset in Hahndorf’s play.

Reserves
The Hahndorf Reserves showed great determination to secure victory with a come from behind 2-1 win over Lion in a tumultuous match.

The Magpies stayed with their new formation that almost brought them the points last week, however absence and injuries ensured a changed player list. Lion pressed Hahndorf from the start and during the first fifteen minutes the home team were largely on the back foot.

Captain Tim Staniford led the defence by example with great support from James Stratfold, Bob Edwards and Brendan Kilpatrick. The quartet effectively kept the Lion chances to a minimum and goalkeeper Blake Horton continued his good run of form with some sharp saves from the shots that got through.

Luke Jones and Scott Schubert were typically busy and matched up well against their opponents while Michael Driver and Naite Hider provided the Magpies with width. Harvey Watson worked hard in the highly contested middle along with Chris Hyde who provided a focal point up front.

The match developed into an arm wrestle with neither side able to carve open many clear opportunities. A few decisions unsettled players of both sides and the referee had no hesitation in punishing needless chat. Lion had a good chance to open the scoring late in the half but drove their free kick straight at Horton.

The second half got underway and the play went end to end with neither team able to generate many shots on goal with the respective defences holding all the cards. However, a moment of space gave Lion the opening they were seeking after fifteen minutes. Breaking free of a midfield tackle, the Lion playmaker hit blistering shot from distance that gave Horton no chance as it sailed into the top corner of goal.

The Magpies tried to respond but despite some terrific build up play, the goal remained elusive, Hyde, Watson and Driver getting the best opportunities. The hosts persisted however and a free to Hahndorf led to the equaliser. Watson sent in a fine cross from out wide and Hyde rose like a phoenix to power a bullet-like header past the ‘keeper and restore parity.

The score led to some unsavoury words to the ref and a resultant red card left Lion a man down. Tensions increased as the match entered the final twenty minutes. Both teams had the chance to take the lead, Lion almost scoring with a searing effort that just passed over the Hahndorf crossbar.

The Magpies continued to attack and a wide cross fell to youngster Hider who burst into the penalty area. The sixteen year old remained composed and buried a fine, low strike under the Lion goalkeeper to the delight of the Hahndorf team. The Magpies suffered some near scares in the final minutes but a resolute defence held out the visitors until the end of the game.

It was a terrific result for the Reserves who had given away leads in recent matches and it now puts them on the front foot for the remainder of the season. There were some fine performances across the pitch, but Harvey Watson took the Man of the Match honours with a great battling display all match. Others in contention included Scott Schubert, Tim Staniford, James Stratfold and Luke Jones.

Next week the Magpies look to continue their good form with an arduous trip away where they will take on One Tree Hill.

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.