AHJSA Match Reports

This Saturday morning started out looking like four seasons in one day with a chilly breeze, threatening rain, then eventually with the sun shining through the clouds! Hahndorf U7s took to the road again to take on the Rangers at their home ground of Ashton Oval. Hahndorf players – led by today’s eager captain Patrick Griggs took the green but muddy pitch with Axel Pym in striker, Victor Bartsch, Chloe Pippos, and Ryan Glynn in the midfield, and Asa Bartsch and Griggs making up the defensive line supporting William Moran in goalkeeper. The game started off fairly quietly, with the ball moving from end to end seemingly easily, then being thwarted by each side’s defense and returned into attack. The midfielders for both teams were quite evenly matched, with neither side dominating as we’ve seen in previous games. Hahndorf players and spectators alike held their collective breath when V Bartsch and Pym broke through the Rangers’ defense for a couple of quick shots at goal, however both were sadly unsuccessful. At the 10-minute mark, we saw Avery Buchanan, Finn Bond, and Hamish Holmes substitute on in a very short-lived (about 2 minutes!) second quarter due to timing issues (maybe they were keen to get to the delicious BBQ we could all smell?!).

Following the half-time break, Bond switched into the goalkeeper role, with Pippos and Glynn supporting in the defensive line, A Bartsch, Pym, and Holmes making up the midfield, and Buchanan taking on the role of striker. The second half continued in much the same vein as the first, with both teams evenly matched in defense and neither able to significantly break through the midfield with enough momentum to snag that elusive first goal for the game! At the halfway mark of the second half, Moran provided a renewed vigour into the striker position, leading his supportive midfield of A Bartsch and Holmes to a number of tries at goal – all sadly missing the mark. A Bartsch was also able to break through the strong Rangers defense for a kick at goal, but was sadly also successful. At the end of the game, both teams had fought hard and were very evenly matched. Hahndorf team and officials would like to thank the Rangers team and officials for a great game.

U8 - Round 17 – 9/9/2023

Strathalbyn Vs Woodside Warriors Red

Strathalbyn Strikers Soccer Club – 09:00am

We travelled to Strathalbyn today and it was a good chance for the lads to see how much they had improved over the course of the year.  Strathalbyn had a large number of players, we decided to play an 8 v 8 game to give everyone more playing time.

From the opening kick off, we placed the Strathalbyn defence under severe strain, hammering their goals with shots from a well-structured team attacking effort. Daniel and Mitchell were incredibly inventive and tactical in moving the ball up front, creating numerous scoring chances. Their goalie and defence remained strong and kept us at bay, bringing the game to a stop at halftime with neither side managing to score.

The boys' comments at halftime were encouraging since they had noted how much the Strathalbyn team had improved since the last time we played them. It was also an excellent opportunity to demonstrate and explain how much our team had progressed.

We had Freddie and Luca leading the charge as our two strikers in the second half, firing shot after shot at the goals and constantly breaking through the Strathalbyn defence. With the help of Nath and Eddie in the midfield, they were able to keep our defence calm by constantly rebounding the ball back in for another attacking play. As the half progressed, our relentless pressure eventually paid off, with Archer and Scott both finding the back of the net.

Today's ball movement and team play stood out, with excellent structure and skill from every player. The ball being confidently passed all over the pitch and the decision to either slow down the play, move around the defence, or get the ball and use speed to break through stood out. With the amount of pressure we could consistently apply and how difficult we can make things for our opponents, it was evident that the boys have an excellent understanding of the game.

After an intense battle of Rock Paper Scissors, captain Brooklyn Karamanov took the kick-off, pushing forward with Will Neelawala, the two demonstrating some excellent passing. B. Karamanov converted this forward pressure into an early goal with another attempt soon after stopped by a huge defensive kick by FC Summit, sending the ball flying back down the pitch. B. Karamanov took a Hahndorf corner, getting the ball to Eric Jager who showed great control delivering it towards the goals, but unfortunately was unable to get through the wall of FC Summit defenders.

FC Summit then really turned up the pressure putting Hahndorf’s defense to the test. Jager, along with Carter Karamanov and Kealan Atkinson blocked and tackled, with the occasional sneaky back heel by Atkinson. Zeek Neelawala was also strong in defense showing some admirable control of the ball. When Summit managed to break through, keeper Charlie Kilpatrick was ready, pouncing on any ball coming his way. Just before half time, Kilpatrick made a fantastic save but unfortunately was not able to hold the ball, so FC Summit took full advantage and put the second attempt into the back of the net.

The second half showed the advantage of fresh legs for FC Summit with the ball remaining in their forward half for majority of the half. This allowed Jager to demonstrate some incredible keeper skills, saving the ball again and again despite multiple attempts, stampeding attackers, and flying boots. Jager was well supported in defense by Kilpatrick, Z. Neelawala and C. Karamanov, however, the strong FC Summit offense managed to sneak a few through. B. Karamanov, W. Neelawala and Atkinson had a few good runs, but unfortunately FC Summit defense held strong.

It was a sunny morning when Woodside Gold travelled to the Summit on Saturday to play one of the top teams, Mount Barker Red.

On the big Summit pitch playing only seven-a-side, it was always going to be difficult to get the ball from one end to the other. Gold pushed forward early and within the first five minutes Jo Smith nearly scored with a delicate left foot tap but the whole of the ball didn't get over the line before the goalkeeper was able to pounce on it. 

Logan Pielago and Ashley Hendrie were like a brick wall in defence not letting the clever Red strikers get past them. Stefan Sims came so close to scoring when a long, hard strike grazed the top of the bar and went over. Charlie Dvorak had made some exciting runs into the forward line only to be stopped by the Red defence which held firm for the rest of the half.

As the second half began the Reds pushed more forward and hit some good shots on goal but Stefan, now in goals, made some good stops. Mason Payne was providing plenty of forward passes through the midfield using both feet confidently while Jack Hogan continued to run and chase putting pressure on the Reds. Despite good shots from Toby Riemann and Logan, Gold couldn't break through. It was a rare goal-less draw for the Golds but considering Reds have only lost a few games, it was a great result.

On this sunny and bright morning, the Hahndorf U9 girls team played their best game of the season, showing how much they have learned. It was a pleasure to watch sisters Amelie Rymer and Charlotte Rymer showing some great passing and running towards the Bridgewater goal. Well supported by midfielders Scout Ramsey and Willow Duggan they put the Bridgewater defence under pressure. At the other end of the pitch defenders Eden Stell and Anu Duggin Delany put in a good effort together with goalie Saskia Merry, who made some great saves, so that the half time score remained nil nil.

The action continued in the second half with play moving quickly from one end to the other. Bridgewater scored the first goal, but Hahndorf kept pushing forward with Duggin Delany and A. Rymer, now in midfield, working hard and attacking the ball early. They fed the ball to forwards Merry and Stell, who crowded the box in front of goal. Merry got hold of the ball and kicked it from a short distance past a defender and the goalie to score her first goal ever. Unfortunately, Hahndorf could not sustain their high level of play throughout the second half. Bridgewater pushed forwards relentlessly, putting defenders Holly Pippos and C. Rymer under enormous pressure. Goalie Ramsey gave another brilliant performance saving many shots on goal from close and long range as well as from a few corners. Even though Bridgewater managed to get a few unanswered goals towards the end the Hahndorf girls can be proud of their last home game this season. Well played everyone.

Woodside v Bridgewater 9/9

The second to last round of the year presented us with a cool, cloudy 13 degree morning. 

We were lucky enough to have the presence of Referee Matt Harding.

Bridgewater started strong, taking the team by surprise with immense pressure early on. This resulted in a goal in the early minutes of the first half. Quinn returned the favour with a solid run up, resulting in a goal for Woodside! 

Woodside defence continue to work hard the ball spending most of its time in our half now. 2 more goals go to Bridgewater. 

Woodside seem to have a bit of a turn around and turn up the heat! Liam runs up under attack from 4 opposition and has a shot at goal but unfortunately misses. The resulting corner also to no avail. The team has managed to maintain some pressure by getting the ball forward quite a bit more. Bridgewater unfortunately manage to sneak in another goal before half time.

The second half started off very strong and not surprising given the Coach’s half time pep talk! They continue to use some great teamwork up forward, however Bridgewater sneak through our defence to claim a goal. Despite the best efforts from our defence, Bridgewater’s strong forwards go on to score another 2 goals. Woodside return, pushing the ball forward. Quinn gains control of the ball, shoots and hits net, getting one back for Woodside! Woodside push the ball forward again and Ryland’s hard work up pays off as he scores another one back for Woodside!

Despite the score this was overall a very strong match against some skilled forwards in the Bridgewater team. At half time the game seemed to be in Bridgewater’s favour. Props to the team for coming back solid in the second half and not wavering, this resulted in a more evenly matched second half. The goalies, being Adam and William, also deserve some recognition as they had to work extremely hard to fend off goals from some strong Bridgewater forwards! Well done team!! 

Wow, what an exciting game today. Stirling gave us a run for our money and everyone had to play their part to maintain our undefeated status. We were lucky to win again, and have Zac and Ilkoo to thank for saving several goal attempts by the opposition.

There were countless goal attempts from our team into the Stirling goals, but their goalie was really good and was able to block nearly all of them. Banjo and Bobby got us the goals this week but not without the great work of Justin and Max to help them.

Our mid-fielders ran back and forth today, and defenders were on their toes constantly. Theo, Ryder and Tomke used their big kicks to our team's advantage, while Archie, Eva, and Hannah did some fantastic passing to move the ball up the pitch towards the Stirling goals on many occasions. Both team supporters were cheering loudly throughout the game because the play was so good from both teams. For our second last week of the season, we still smashed it. 

The team is looking forward to next week's final game, with the aim for a clean sweep of wins for the season. Fingers Crossed!!!!

In a challenging matchup between Woodside Warriors and Mount Barker United Red, Woodside displayed remarkable resilience despite fielding only nine players due to several team members being unavailable. With a few fill-ins stepping up admirably, the team managed to field a competitive lineup.

Despite the odds stacked against them, Woodside showcased exceptional teamwork and determination. They faced a formidable Mount Barker United Red, who managed to net a couple of goals with some powerful strikes in the first half.

However, Woodside wasn't ready to throw in the towel. In the second half, newcomer Logan proved to be a game-changer. He scored a crucial goal for Woodside during a lightning-fast break down the field, reigniting their hopes.

Special thanks go out to Logan, Stefan, and Sam for their invaluable contributions as fill-ins for this challenging game. Woodside Warriors may not have secured the victory, but they certainly earned respect for their spirit and determination on the field.

The Hahndorf Under U13 put in a solid effort against Strathalbyn Red under sunny skies. From the opening whistle, Hahndorf were competitive. Eli Parkyn brushed off several strong tackles during the game to regularly provide an option down the wing. Hahndorf played most of the game with Jackson Bidgood in goals and Caleb Earley, Jacob Gerber, Ashon Broadbent-Shaw, and Jack Gaskin in defence. Despite their efforts they were 4-0 down at half time.

Handorf started the second half well. The Hahndorf midfielders of Sonjae Cook and Rowan Gilroy took control of the middle and Louis Moran and Emlyn Gilroy began to use the wide spaces to bring the attacking partnership of Lawson Shotton and Cohen Whinfield into play. Good passing and running into space created several chances with some good shots going wide or hitting the post. Despite some good chances Hahndorf were unable to get on the score sheet. It was a good effort and the Hahndorf U13 under team wish to thank Strathalbyn for the game.