Match report

Match report

A glorious almost-Spring morning Hahndorf Soccer Club Under 12 White captained by Harry Mumford took the field against Mount Barker United Soccer Club Under 12 Blue. With the sun in their eyes, Hahndorf clearly dominated the first half. Striker Hayden Lien made his first attempt on goal within the first minute supported by strikers Levi Beesley and Emlyn Gilroy. As Mount Barker tried to take back control defender Patrick Hinze made a brilliant pass back to a team mate in the attacking half. A second goal attempt was made just two minutes later with a corner awarded a further two minutes later still. Harrison Gould’s goal attempt frustratingly bounced off the cross bar and back in to play. As Mount Barker United Blues pushed back a free kick was awarded and taken by Gould in Hahndorf White’s defence. Play was returned to Hahndorf’s attacking half and another attempt on goal before a corner was awarded. As the game moved along the left wing, Zoe York took a throw in. Mount Barker United Blues worked hard to take control with Hahndorf Whites hot on their heels chasing down to goal, catching defenders Mumford, Hinze, Dante Man and Oliver Aylen off guard. Keeper Ryder Hill came out, grabbed the ball and threw it far. Play moved quickly with Hahndorf Whites being awarded another corner in attack before the ball was back down in Hahndorf Whites’ defence and another goal attempt was saved by Hill. Moving down the middle of the pitch Gould communicated well and made a solid pass to York, music to the coaches’ ears. Substitutions saw a rest for York and a badly hayfever effected Mumford while Jacob Gardner and Reilly Bowden took to the pitch. In a somewhat nerve-wracking move Aylen switched play from left to right across goals passing to Bowden. Gardner and Gilroy worked well together and ran hard. Moving at speed down the pitch Lien scored the first goal of the match! Beesley made a goal attempt, as did Gilroy whose attempt went just past the post and off the goalie's hands. Enjoying the opportunity to utilise his skills beyond goalkeeping, Bowden stopped Mount Barker United Blues attempt to get back into Hahndorf Whites’ defence and helped push the ball back through to the midfielders and strikers for another attempt on goals saved by the keeper. Midfielder Oliver Dahmke worked hard and kept play in Hahndorf Whites’ attack. However, in the last few minutes of the half a goal was conceded despite some great work by Hill. At half time, goals were tied one all.

Coming back for the second half with the sun at their backs, Hahndorf Whites were mistaken if they thought this half was going to be a walk in the park. Mount Barker United Blues came in strong and there was another great save by Hill. Game gave way to a series of rapid transitions from one end of the pitch to the other. Aylen again switched play across field before a fumble by an unnamed player resulted in a penalty kick being awarded to Mount Barker United Blues. A series of good teachable moments for all players. As this was the first penalty Hahndorf Whites have seen this season so tensions were high both on and off the pitch. Appearing cool as a cucumber, Hill saved it! Good tackling by York and another good goal attempt by Lien. Mount Barker United Blues pushed again on Hahndorf’s goal and when awarded a goalie kick Hill decisively took it before players had turned to face it. Unfortunately another goal was later conceded. Good pressure by York on the opposition’s keeper, blocking their view of play while team mates controlled the ball. A little later Beesley made a strong attempt on goal. When play was back in Hahndorf Whites’ defence Gould was injured, dropping to the ground for several moments but adamant to stay on when the head coach and team manager invaded the pitch to offer assistance. Hahndorf Whites came back strong and were awarded another corner in attack. Lien worked hard and scored another goal. There was a very quick throw in by Gould, reassuring to see how all players are seeing the advantage of taking frees quickly to hopefully catch the opposition off guard and further use it to their advantage. Another convincing save by Hill and some solid defence by Man and Dahmke rounded out the match.

At the final whistle, the scores were an equal Mount Barker United 2 to Hahndorf 2. Hahndorf Under 12 White wish to thank Mount Barker United Under 12 Blue for the game played Saturday 29 August 2020.