Match report

Match report

It was a bright and clear morning with kick-off 6 minutes ahead of schedule when Hahndorf Under 12 White met with Mount Barker Under 12 Red. It was the first opportunity Hahndorf have had a full team so far this season. Facing into the sun did not appear to hinder the Reds, moving forcefully past strikers Captain Hayden Lien, Ryder Hill and Emlyn Gilroy. Hill showed some strong skills pushing against the Reds’ advance. Oliver Aylen was quick to demonstrate his defensive skills in midfield, flanked by Jacob Gardner and Oliver Dahmke. Defenders Patrick Hinze, Harry Mumford, Dante Man and Jasper Jones saw a lot of action early in the piece. Some excellent teamwork demonstrated by Man and Mumford. Hill and Gardner shared their first serious push towards the Reds goal before a free kick was conceded. Aylen took a thrown in with Mumford passing to Jones. The play moved quickly to the other end of the pitch and back again. A great save by Bowden prior to one being conceded. At least eight more saves followed over the half with only one sneaking passed. Bowden has all the makings of an exceptional keeper.

Hill and Lien worked well together, as did Aylen, Gilroy and Jones. Some great defending by Mumford and admirable perseverance by Hinze. Dahmke took a throw in which was met with an unexpected header by Hill. A little later and there was a good cross by Gilroy, evidence of his reading the play. Substitution saw Dahmke, Gilroy & Gardner replaced by fresh legs Levi Beesley, Harrison Gould and Zoe York. These three quickly got to work with some flashy footwork by Gould and Beesley backed with great positioning by York. York took an impressive kick down the wing and the ensuing scuffle saw a Reds throw in. Beesley made a good cross to Lien before Gould took a throw in. Great defending by Mumford. Lien was able to pick up the pass, breakaway and score Hahndorf’s first goal of the match. At halftime the score was Reds 3 v Whites 1.

The second half began with renewed determination from Hahndorf with goal attempts by Lien and Gould. Beesley had a great run up the far wing with good positioning by both him and York mirroring him across the pitch. This enabled Gould to score a goal. Hahndorf continued their pressure on Reds goal, ensuring their keeper and defenders were kept busy.

Hill, Jones and Mumford took to the pitch substituting for Aylen, Dahmke, Hinze. Great run by York up the wing backed up with a free from the top of the box not converted to a goal. Gardner and Beesley rushed at the keeper’s kick and rewarded with a corner and a great save by Reds. Hahndorf’s attack stayed strong and Hill scored a goal. Reds retaliated with renewed vigour and Hahndorf held them off. This included an impressive body block by Jones. A free kick by Gilroy helped to push Hahndorf back into the attack before a Reds throw in. Gould made a run at goal and a timely pass would have resulted in a goal, however, in this instance it was not to be. Beesley made yet another attempt on goal and was rewarded with a corner.

The last 7 or so minutes of the game were a nail biter with the desperation levels of both teams high. Jones found himself as the only defender in a Reds triangle and made the best decision available and stuck with the ball. This was as Reds mounted significant pressure on goal and despite some good clearing by Bowden and the defenders, a goal was conceded after grazing the crossbar. Man, Hinze Jones had worked tirelessly. Beesley fired up and went for another goal attempt before the ball returned to Hahndorf’s defensive goal. Had it not been for Bowden’s exceptional work in goals for the full game, it is highly likely the end result would have been less favourable. Again, excellent leadership was demonstrated by Whites’ more experienced players supporting those new to the game and full pitch. Some of our players who have recently come up from U10s are learning to appreciate the difference in game play from a half to full-size pitch and it will be exciting to watch as they develop over the season.

Final game score was Reds 4 to Whites 3. Hahndorf Under 12 White wish to thank Mount Barker Under 12 Reds for the game played Saturday 25 July 2020.