AHJSA Match Reports

This beautifully sunny Saturday morning saw our final game of the 2023 season begin with a discussion about respecting teammates, opponents, families, officials, and spectators for the Hahndorf Soccer Club’s ‘Respect Round’. In a touching display, players, families, officials, and spectators all cheered while the players formed a Guard of Honour for Game Leader Dan McConville as he entered the pitch to begin the 8v8 modified match. The full complement of Hahndorf players hosted Bridgewater Blue U7s at a brilliantly green Rob Kilpatrick Park. Game Leader D McConville was eagerly followed onto the pitch by Hahndorf midfield players Ryan Glynn, Avery Buchanan, Asa Bartsch, and Victor Bartsch, striker Hamish Holmes, and the defensive line of Finn Bond, Patrick Griggs, and Axel Pym in goalkeeper for the starting kick-off.

Both teams seemed evenly matched, with the ball spending a lot of time in the midfield, and neither team prepared to concede. Hahndorf worked extremely well as a cohesive team, with the defensive line returning the ball quickly to the midfield and onto to the striker following an attack attempt by Bridgewater Blue. The midway point of the first half saw William Moran take on the role of striker (from Holmes), and Chloe Pippos and Alfie McConville substitute on for Buchanan and V Bartsch in the midfield. Following the substitutions, the Hahndorf midfield supported striker Moran to a number of goal attempts, unfortunately coming away empty handed. Similarly, Bridgewater Blue also struggled to break through the strong Hahndorf defensive line.

After the half-time break, Hahndorf returned with several strong attacks from Bond, now in the striker role, however it was V Bartsch that chalked up Hahndorf’s goal for the match. Glynn, Buchanan, and McConville (goalkeeper) worked well in Hahndorf’s defense – stopping a number of goal attempts by Bridgewater Blue. V Bartsch, Holmes, McConville, Moran, and Pippos worked tirelessly in the midfield, with support from striker Bond to keep the Bridgewater Blue side on their toes! Following the final changeover of the match, Pippos replacing Bond in the striker role, and A Bartsch and Griggs relieved Glynn and Buchanan in the defensive line. The back-and-forth continued, with both teams putting in a tremendous effort given their visible fatigue. With the match completed, the 2023 Hahndorf U7 team sang Axel Pym happy (7th) birthday and enthusiastically posed for team photos with beaming smiles! Hahndorf team and officials would like to thank the Bridgewater Blue team and officials for a great game.

U8 - Round 18 – 16/9/2023

Woodside Warriors Red Vs Rangers

Woodside Recreation Park – 09:00am

What a beautiful day for a soccer game; the weather has finally warmed up and winter has passed. Setting the tone for our final home game of the season against the Rangers. The boys arrived today with game faces on, ready for a tough battle against an opponent we know will put up a fight.

The game began as expected, with two extremely skilful teams moving the ball over the pitch and displaying some fantastic team work. Nathaniel was a solid defender for the warriors, intercepting many Rangers attacks. Both sides were working hard and testing each other to uncover any flaws in their armour. The first half featured pretty even ball possession and a few chances by each team. Ranges were eventually able to brake through, Sending us in at the half time break un-able to get on the scoreboard. 

At halftime, Luca spoke to the lads and gave around a few thoughts about what we were doing well and what we could do better. This put the team in a good mood & desperate for another comeback game, as they had done several times this season.

As soon as the second half began, it was evident that the warriors had been sparked; Jesse, Ed, and Freddie were able to cut off attacking moves from the rangers all around our midfield, regaining possession and bringing the ball back towards our goals. With such tremendous ball movement, the rangers' defence was being exposed. This allowed a few players to work together to launch some highly thrilling attacks. Mitchell, Daniel, and Scott all able to get passes out and around the Rangers. Working hard and finding form, Archer was able to get past the rangers defence and find the back of the net a few times in quick succession. 

The way the boys turned things around in the second half, as well as the quality and excitement with which they played, was fantastic to watch. It's a very proud moment for a parent or coach to watch what these little guys can do when they give it their all. This was the perfect ending to a fantastic season, the commitment and determination displayed by every player on the field was incredible to see. I hope you are proud of yourselves boys, that was the best game of the season. Great Work!!!

An absolutely magical day to end the 2023 season, with lovely sunshine and a competitive game. Hahndorf’s U8’s were in good spirits and ready to hit the pitch, with Torrens Valley charging early into the attacking end and almost converting, though Art Neville managed a beautiful toe poke to stop the shot. Next Hahndorf came out of the defensive end with Brooklyn Karamanov striking the ball and a lovely shot into goal, it seemed to fly off hit boot seamlessly. As the game continued, it was clear Torrens Valley matched our team well, going shot for shot for most of the game. Kealan Atkinson, playing as goal keeper in the first half, played high & strong, saving many shots on goal. Zeek Neelawala was superb through the middle, providing lots of support to his defensive team and our strikers. In the second half, Carter Karamanov went into goalkeeper, as our dominate defense player, C Karamanov enjoyed the challenge of the change. Eric Jager did brilliantly throughout the game, having consistency in our defense and keeping Torrens Valley on their toes. Charlie Kilpatrick our pocket rocket, played one of his best, getting in the way of the ball and creating lots of pressure on the opposition. Will Neelawala weaved his magic once again, converting goals and also providing great assistance to B Karamanov, who also enjoyed his own magic moments throughout the game. Hahndorf finished the season strong and with sugar, with all players enjoying a moment at the local bakery. A wonderful season, with a patient and enthusiastic coach, all players(and parents) felt looked after through the season with Brendan in charge.

In the final match of the season Woodside Gold U9 played Nairne at the Nairne Primary School. Due to the huge number of teams in this division, this match was the only one to have both teams play each other again, having previously played a 1-1 draw in the first round.

The Nairne club had prepared well for the final day with a coffee van and barbecue while managing to fit two pitches on the oval. Gold began well dominating early play and it wasn't long before Stefan Sims scored. Ironically he was the only one to have scored when the teams first met but this time, just five minutes later, he added another to his tally.

Charlier Dvorak and Ashley Hendrie were not allowing Nairne to get a shot on goal while Zaion Lorifice was sending balls back from defence and into attack. Toby Smith had a shot on goal just saved by the keeper but suddenly Nairne pressed forward and a great shot found the corner of the net.

After the break Logan Pielago came out from being goalkeeper and relished being set free. He quickly scored with his usual low hard shot and then combined with best mate Jo Smith who scored the next. Logan scored again as the Gold machine took control of the exciting game. Jack Hogan nearly scored his first goal ever when his shot just soared over the bar.

Playing on the small pitch an interpid Nairne dynamo got a throw-in and went for goal, throwing it over diminutive goalkeeper Toby Smith's head. Not knowing the rules the ref paid the goal. At the next throw-in but from the other side of the pitch the same Nairne player repeated his feat and it was again given a goal. After the match it was found that under Law 15 this manoeuvre was illegal so instead of a 5-3 scoreline it should have been 5-1.

It was a fantastic ending for Gold who began the year with six learners.  After a tough start in the early rounds once Gold tasted victory they then had 7 wins, a draw and 3 losses as they improved immensely as the season progressed. Proving they were a "team" seven of the 10 players scored a goal during the season.

We were blessed with a gorgeous sunny day for the drive out to Murray Bridge. The Blues were amped up for the final game of season and the positive energy was infectious.

The teams decided to play 8 a side and an extra 10 mintutes to give the boys a real run.

Blues pushed forward early on and kept Murray Bridge on their toes deep in defence. Usual defenders Daniel and Hamish were put forward and were enjoying their turn to attack, calculating plays as effectively as they do in defence. Daniel had some great kicks towards goal, but despite is enthusiasm, unfortunately none made it in the net. A fair few corners were taken by the Blues in the first half with a number of shots at goal. Adam and Quinn scored back to back and the pressure on Murray Bridge was on. MB turned it around and the last 10 minutes of the half saw goal keeper Liam engaged in play with some excellent saves.

The second half saw MB continue to build pressure on the Blues, pounding the ball repeatedly at the goal. But unfortunately for them, GK Hamish was absolutely on fire and didn't let a single one through. Another sneaky goal from Quinn saw the Blues comfortably ahead, but it was by no means a one way game. Plenty of action happening in the midfeld and Gage a standout, playing aggressively all over the pitch. His persistance paid off and he scored another for the Blues. Kaleb was intercepting well and made some excellent attempts to score, his determination obvious from the sidelines. William made some great turnarounds for the Blues, with powerful and accurate intercepting kicks. 

It was a great last match for the Blues, they worked hard all season and finished on a high having cemented themselves as a team and good friends.

They deserve to be very proud of themselves.

GO Blues!

Wow, what a way to end the season - a clean sweep for the season! The Under 10's did it again this week. They remained undefeated and by the final whistle on Saturday morning the whole team and their spectators were cheering loudly. Unfortunately we had one player out sick for the last game. We were all sorry not to have Tomke there to celebrate.

This weeks game was full of excitement again as Mount Barker Gold put the pressure on. Our goalies, Hannah and Banjo made sure no goals were scored. Their saves were fantastic, especially when Mount Barker had a few players right in the goal box. When they were playing in other positions during the game, they were on fire.

The attacking in the game was shared around with everyone doing their bit. Zac and Theo gave it a red hot go and both attempted a goal but only just missed out. It was exciting for them, and for the cheer squad, to see them shine. Our usual attackers, Aussie, Max, Bobby, and Eva were so fast and passed the ball to each other, it was the best of the season. They attempted more than 12 goals and scored another 4. But without Archie, Ryder and Ilkoo's incredible mid-field passes, the ball would have been closer to the Mount Barker goals at times.

The Under 10's have come a very long way since the start of the season with their fabulous passing and looking to each other for support. Despite winning every game, there were challenges along the way and they rose to the occasion every time. The improvement in the kids skills came from Mark's fantastic coaching efforts.

The Under 10's can't wait for next season to shine again.

In a thrilling yet contentious match between the Woodside Warriors and the Nairne Knights, both teams displayed remarkable determination and skill. Despite the absence of clear officiating, the game commenced with a competitive spirit that electrified the spectators.

As the match progressed, the Knights seemed to adopt a more aggressive approach, leading to a series of physical fouls. The absence of a functioning whistle only exacerbated the situation. In the second half, tensions escalated, with the Knights pushing the boundaries, quite literally, as elbows flew. The umpire's inability to control the escalating aggression forced the Warriors' coach to make a tough call.

In a disappointing turn of events, the game had to be called early due to safety concerns. It was a somber ending to the season, but the Woodside Warriors held their heads high, demonstrating sportsmanship and resilience throughout the challenging encounter. Despite the unconventional conclusion, the match showcased the competitive spirit and determination of both teams.

It was a very warm day as Handorf played Woodside in the last round of the U13 competition. Hahndorf had all players available and started with Lawson Shotton and Cohen Whinfield up front, but it was Emlyn Gilroy who broke the deadlock in the 8th minute. He soon added another 2 minutes later before Woodside pulled one back with a penalty on 20 minutes. Sonjae Cook and Louis Moran combined well together to move the ball down the left wing and crossed well into the middle. Eli Parkyn was also playing well down the right and was causing problems for the Woodside defence. No more goals were added so the teams went in at half time 2-1.

In the second half Hahndorf continue to dominate the midfield with Ashon Broadbent and Rowan Gilroy moving the ball well. The defence stood firm with Caleb Earley in the middle and Harry Wood, Jack Gaskin and Jacob Gerber adding support. After the first half penalty, Jackson Bidgood was rarely troubled in goal but when he did get the ball he delivered it well to the midfield. E Gilroy got a third goal from a free kick before Moran finished a good move down the left with a fifth goal. Chris Haynes got a brace while playing in the midfield and scored the final goal of the game as Hahndorf won 6-1.

Hahndorf’s under 17 team faced Woodside Red at Rob Kilpatrick Park late Saturday morning. The perfect spring day making warm conditions for the players. Despite being a player down, the Hahndorf team started strongly in defence but struggled pushing the ball forward into an attaching position. Early in the first quarter, injury took Oscar Johnson out of the match leaving the team 2 players down.  Fortunately, some much needed support arrived 20 minutes into the match when u15s Luca Cannavo and Angus Mifsud stepped in and both played excellent defensive games.  Woodside played a tight attacking game, pushing forward with space and options. Hahndorf keeper, Tom Boekel did well to defend the goals but the relentless pressure and well drilled corners by the Woodside team saw a number of conversions. In the dying minute of the first half, a great attacking effort by Nick Brown and lovely finish by George Papakostas saw Hanhdorf with one on the board.

The second half was much the same as the first half with Hahndorf needing to continue to defend against Woodside’s relentless attempts. Strong defensive efforts by Rhys Davies, Ollie Coombe, Mitch Stribley, Cannavo and Mifsud helped to keep the score line from completely blowing out. Some nice combinations in attack by Brown, Gabe Aylen, Charlie Zorkovic and Lewis Johnson gave Hahndorf some further opportunities but unfortunately no conversions.  Another injury half way through the second half saw the team back down to 10 players allowing the Woodside team more space and ultimately conversions. While Woodside Red comfortably won the game, the Hahndorf team should be proud of their efforts. Special thanks to Luca and Angus for playing the double in warm conditions.