Match report

Match report

Hahndorf Magpies hosted Woodside Warriors this week in Round 6 of AHJFA 2023. Hahndorf are unbeaten so far this season, whilst Woodside have a win and a draw from their first five efforts. But with Woodside building nicely week-on-week, the visitors were backing themselves to give the locals a run for their money.

The first twenty minutes of the clash had both teams jostling for ascendency as Hahndorf hit three on target, while the Warriors made the keeper save two. And all in attendance could see the outcome going either way. But as the game progressed, Hahndorf started to edge ahead. The severe slope of their home ground was working to their advantage as a tiring Warrior outfit began to slip a yard behind on their press.  This gave the talented Magpies time to create opportunities, and although Woodside scrambled desperately to make up lost ground and keep the ball out, the pressure was mounting. With five to go in the first half, it was relieved, when Hahndorf finally found a way through to score and take a one – nil lead into the break.

A change of ends should have brought welcome relief for Woodside as they now had the slope to help them forward, but a few poor decisions early cost them dearly. From the kick-off, they turned the ball over and then failed to successfully clear their area as they repeatedly gifted easy ball to the Maggies right in the middle of the pitch. In a flash, Hahndorf had kicked two additional goals to put them 3 goals up - an unassailable position given the tightness of the contest. This seemed to panic the visitors, who until now had played a lovely, controlled passing game. And with the panic came more poor decision making. Woodside were now routinely directing ball through their own danger zone, something they have not previously done through five rounds of competitive football. This put them under constant duress. Fortunately, their poor decision making was matched by their willingness to fight. And for half an hour they worked for each other to withstand a veritable bombardment from the home side. A late goal for Hahndorf took the scorecard to four – zip in the dying minutes.

Another strong win for the black and white, while Woodside will learn and come back stronger than ever!