This drizzly, overcast Saturday morning saw Hahndorf U7s take on Woodside at the muddy Woodside Recreation Ground. Victor Bartsch, Finn Bond, and Hamish Holmes made up Hahndorf’s attack with William Moran as Stroker, while Asa Bartsch and Avery Buchanan formed the defensive line for Axel Pym in goalkeeper. The Woodside attack came thick and fast, surprising Hahndorf with a number of early goals, however the Hahndorf midfield and defense worked hard to ensure it wasn’t an easy task. At the 10-minute mark, Ryan Glynn and Patrick Griggs brought fresh legs into the equation, continuing the great work of Hahndorf’s midfield and defense.
After a quick rest for half-time, Moran, Pym, Bond, and A Bartsch were primed to take on the midfield attack, while Griggs, Buchanan, and Glynn (goalkeeper) made up the defense. Hahndorf began fighting back early on with a couple of quick, collaborative runs at goal where striker Moran kicked twice at goal, unfortunately unsuccessful on both occasions. Following some confusion around timing in the second half, V Bartsch and Bond eventually rejoined the side to continue the fight in the midfield. Hahndorf team and officials would like to thank the Woodside team and officials for fun game.U8 - Round 15 – 19/8/2023
Torrens Valley Vs Woodside Warriors Red
Birdwood Park – 09:00am
We took on Torrens Valley today at Birdwood on a very misty, heavy pitch. Torrens Valley was missing a few players, so we had to bring a couple across to help out in each half. Thank you to Nathaniel, Jesse, Eddie, and Freddie for playing exceptionally well for the opponents and making things extremely challenging for the Warriors.
We began the first half with a style of play that we have shown consistently over the last few weeks. Attacking quickly and placing as much offensive pressure on the opponent as possible. We had the majority of possession and played with the ball largely in our half. Up front, Scott, Daniel, and Eddie all played well together to create a bombardment of chances. Freddie always appeared to find himself with the ball all over the pitch, reading the play and always in a good position to receive a pass. Torrens Valley were able to make a couple of fast breakaways and capitalised on the opportunities, bringing us into the halftime break 0-2 behind.
In the second half, the Warriors controlled the play all over the field and maintained the bulk of possession. Nathaniel and Luca were outstanding in defence, giving the rest of the team confidence that they would not give Torrens Valley any more chances to score. Mitchell and Jesse both dominated the ball through the midfield, creating plays and always putting Torrens Valley on the back foot, forcing them to play a defensive manner. The boys dug deep, allowing Archer to find the back of the net a couple of times for a fantastic comeback to tie the game (all of the boys desperate for a penalty shoot out after watching the World Cup through the week).
Another tremendous game from the boys, who never gave up and came from behind to level things up. The amount of possession and ball movement was excellent once again today. After some great crosses back into the top of the box and several players positioning themselves in the right position for a strike we were unlucky not to have a couple more in the back of the net. An excellent result, it's great to see the boys band together and keep their spirits high, helping them to achieve the results we keep seeing.
Still cold.Wet. Mud. Bring on some Sunshine!
A highly anticipated match against the almighty Reds saw a few of the Blues beginning the day feeling daunted by the task ahead. The first half saw Blue playing an excellent defensive game despite the pressure from Red early. Standouts with Daniel and Hamish working well together to block the ball advancing into the goal square. Hamish making some spectacular tackles and decisively placed kicks forward that met the target. First half keeper Ryland had his game face on and although 4 got past him, didn't waiver in confidence or determination to keep up with the attack. Blues finished the second half with a number of attempts at goal but unfortunately not making it onto the score board.
The second half saw the Red's begin to play more strategically, having worked out the Blues defence and it was an onslaught of goal after goal. Blues defense was working tirelessly and although they didn't give up, just couldn't out play the Reds strikers who worked seamlessly together in getting the ball to hit the back of the net.
Each week, no matter win lose or draw see the Blues bettering both their individual game and finding their way forward as a team. Keep at it Blues, you are doing your team proud.
In what can only be described as a thrilling display of youthful talent, Hahndorf Black faced off against FC Summit Green in a highly-anticipated under 9 soccer match. From the very first whistle, it was clear that both teams were eager to seize the moment and secure a memorable victory.
Hahndorf wasted no time in making their intentions known, attacking straight out of the blocks with a flurry of dangerous chances. Miles Hennessy, Michael Griggs, Charlie Roeszler, and Harris Parkyn combined brilliantly, creating havoc for the Summit Green defense. However, despite their relentless efforts, the keeper stood tall in goal for Summit Green, making some brave saves to deny Hahndorf an early breakthrough.
Undeterred by their failed attempts, Hahndorf continued their assault on Summit's goal. Hennessy, in particular, was in fine form, seizing an opportunity from long range to find the back of the net. The ensuing celebrations were nothing short of spectacular.
Not to be outdone, Parkyn soon got in on the act with a goal of his own, courtesy of a well-timed assist from Hennessy. Hahndorf's domination of possession allowed them to dictate the flow of the game, putting immense pressure on the Summit Green defense.
As the second half commenced, Davies once again showcased his abilities with some excellent saves, working in conjunction with his defensive team of Angus Ross and Hamish Glynn, keeping his teams sheet clean, despite facing a series of strong attacks from the Summit FC forwards.
A pivotal moment occurred when a foul was committed inside the box, leaving Hennessy yearning for a chance to showcase his penalty-taking skills. Unfortunately, the rules of the game did not permit penalty kicks at this level, but the desire was evident in his eyes.
Undeterred, Hahndorf conjured up an astonishing team goal, highlighting their seamless understanding of each other's movements on the pitch. It was Parkyn who found the back of the net this time, finishing off a perfect cross from the ever-impressive Hennessy.
Hahndorf's relentless pressure eventually paid off, as Hennessy pounced on a loose ball that had escaped the clutches of the Summit Green defense, extending their lead even further. The outstanding defensive display from Hahndorf, led by Ross and Glynn, held firm against Summit Green's strong attacks, leaving their opponents frustrated and struggling to find a way through.
In what felt like a fitting climax to an exceptional performance, Roeszler effortlessly added another goal to Hahndorf's tally. The game was embodied by the unwavering determination of Leo "the wall" Davies in goal, who commanded his defense with authority.
This match was truly a testament to the true essence of teamwork, with Hahndorf showcasing excellent ball movement and a collective understanding of their individual roles. It was a great team performance from start to finish, leaving no doubt that this was a memorable day for Hahndorf Black.
Under 10's went out ready and roaring for another game this week and what a game it was!
Bridgewater had some strong players even though we scored many goals they didnt let it happen without a challenge.
Ryder, Tomke, Banjo, Ilkoo, Bobby and Justin scored some awesome goals but not without the help from their team mates. There was some great triangular passes played through the match and some amazing skills played throughout the game. Max played his positions extremely well running the whole time and making some great ball choices with his passing. Theodore and Eva had some great stops in goals and played their position well on the field. Hannah showed her strength in her position in defence blocking many balls. Well done team top effort.
The Hahndorf Under 13 team played Mount Barker Red at the Summit stadium this round.
In the first half Hahndorf held the majority of possession, with Eli Parkyn playing well in the offence and Louis Moran an ultimately unsuccessful strike on goal.
In the second half Jackson Bidgood played very well in goals, defending against repeated attempts from the Mt Barker strikers. Well supported by a strong defence from Chris Haynes. Mt Barker persisted in their attack and scored two goals by the end of the second half.
In Hahndorf attack both Emlyn Gilroy and Cohen Whinfield had attempts on goal, but neither were able to put Hahndorf on the board. At the final whistle the game went to Mt Barker Red, 2-0.
Woodside hosted Hahndorf on a wet and slippery track at the Warriors’ Fortress for Round 15 of the AHJFA U15 league. The first time these two sides met, Hahndorf came out on top with a 4 – 1 win, while the cup game that these sides contested went down to the wire, with Hahndorf taking the game in the dying minutes of play. Today was another tight match, in which the ascendancy see-sawed throughout the day, and at times it looked like it could go either way.
The first 30 minutes belonged to Hahndorf. They scored five goals to one in this time to really put the hurt on Woodside who, although neat with their passing and solid across the park, appeared to want it a little less than their opponents. Where the Magpies were entering each contest like a team that expected to win it, Woodside were just a shade off their best – sometimes committing wholly, sometimes fading away at the last second to allow their opponents an easy possession. And for 30 minutes, that was the difference between the teams. (That said, one goal came from what appeared to be a clear off-side, and another came when the keeper lost his footing in the mud). But a Warriors goal on the 34-minute mark changed the game. Suddenly, a spark went through the home side. They found a thimbleful of self-belief. And that was all they needed. Four minutes later they goaled again to give themselves the momentum and a real sniff going in to half-time. But with a two-goal deficit, it wasn’t going to be easy!
To get over the line in this one, Woodside would have to score first after the break. Against Hahndorf, they simply couldn’t go down by 3 goals and expect to come back. Five minutes into the second half, it looked like they would do just that. As they drove the ball forward, they created a clean shot on goal, forcing the Hahndorf keeper to come up with something special. He did. It was a cracking save that arrested the home side’s momentum and kept his team on top. On the back of this save, Hahndorf gained some composure. Where they had been going a little one-out through the first half and early stages of the second, they now found their short passing game. They were playing wide, playing back, controlling the tempo and cherishing the ball. They were patient in their attack and were building pressure on the Warriors. Eventually they broke through, scoring a scrappy goal from a corner after 55 minutes of play to seal the game. But with 25 minutes left to play Woodside redoubled their efforts. They knew they were capable, and they were never going to back down. If only they could break through... Another great opportunity came with 20 minutes left on the clock, but again the keeper in black and white spoilt the party, making another terrific save. Woodside did score in the last ten, when their tireless centre-mid completed a well-earned hat-trick. But it was just too late for the dogged Warriors. They had staged a great fight back to outscore their opponents through the final fifty minutes of play. But that opening thirty just gave Hahndorf too much of a head start.
For Hahndorf, it was another great win to really concrete themselves in to third on the ladder. For Woodside it was a case of what might have been…
Hahndorf’s under 17 team faced Woodside Blue at Rob Kilpatrick Park late Saturday morning. The weather was bleary to start with but the sun appeared briefly during the second half. Woodside Blue dominated possession for the first quarter of an hour and finally scored their first goal following an accurate through-pass. Soon after, Toby Thomas very nearly scored for Hahndorf with a shot on goal that bounced off the goal post. Woodside scored a running goal at the thirty five minute mark which was directly followed by Hahndorf’s first goal of the day: Stefan Panic passed the ball to Thomas who returned passed it to Panic and Panic scored the goal. That left the score as 2-1 to Woodside Blue at half time.
Woodside Blue started the second half with an immediate goal, piercing Hahndorf’s defence. About half an hour into the second half, Hahndorf's Thomas scored a great running goal passed the diving goalkeeper. Hahndorf had good momentum for a period after that but unfortunately were unable to capitalise and even the score. Late in the game Woodside scored a goal after running the ball out from their defence and then scored another goal from a cut-back pass near the goal line. The final score in the game was 5-2 to Woodside Blue. An honourable mention must go to Thomas Boekel in goals for Hahndorf who was clearly one of the best-on-ground and without whom the final score would have been a lot more lopsided.
Best players: # 15 BOEKEL, Tom = 3, # 11 THOMAS, Toby = 2, # 5 PAPAKOSTAS, George = 1
Round 15 Woodside Rams VS Stirling Districts
The match was to be played at Birdwood, due to a soft pitch at Woodside, I don’t think it made a difference as it was still soft at Birdwood, a bit more grass, but heavy underfoot.
This did not help our game style as our girls love to run with the ball and drive itr up forward, but Stirling are masters of the passes and sharing the ball around .
With the heavy ground, Stirlings method was the right of passage, beating us convincingly with a close tussell at half time, of 2-1 , but once our legs were tired , Stirling managed to capitalise on their opportunities passing well and making sure of their shots on goal nv finishing up with a 5- 1 victory.