Match report

Match report

For the game between the Hahndorf Magpies (Black) and Stirling United Blue there was no need to kick the dew off the Aldgate Oval as the morning sun was a welcome site for players and spectators alike.

The game started with a fast pace, both teams were playing for keeps. Stirling controlled the play predominantly for the first five minutes in their attacking half but thanks to defensive pressure from Hahndorf they were unable to score. With persistence and a clearing kick from Conor Castle, Hahndorf managed to push forward into attack. At the 8 minute mark, deep in attack for Hahndorf, a clean cross was centered to Caleb Earley. With eyes wide open Earley found the back of the net and Hahndorf hit the lead. Approximately 10 minutes into the half Stirling managed to free some space for one of their players. An impressive strike from about 10 metres out resulted in a Stirling goal. Scores were level. 

With scores tied, the intensity lifted. With eyes only for the ball Hugo Curtis had a bad head clash with a Stirling opponent. Both boys were ok and Curtis, with courage, could thankfully continue with his impressive start to the game. Credit were credit is due, I heard one of the Stirling players ask Curtis if he was ok. Great sportsmanship, excellent to hear.

Hahndorf continued to keep attacking with great midfield pressure from Castle, Zack Perkins, Lachlan Gardiner and Jhett Frost. With 5 minutes to half time Lucca Falvo Lopez had an unsuccessful shot on goal followed a minute later with a wild shot from Frost. With 3 minutes left Rowan Gilroy and Jackson Bidgood showed great determination and speed to chase down a Stirling opponent and apply enough pressure to stop a possible Stirling goal. Falvo Lopez was troubling the Stirling defense with two more shots on goal in the final 2 minutes of the first half but was unfortunately unable to convert.

Half time. Must needed rest. Hydration restored. Glucose consumed in the form of flavored, soft dinosaurs.

Within the first minute of the second half Curtis had a shot on goal and a minute later Perkind had one also. Hahndorf were pushing hard for a second goal. Gardiner had three consecutive shots on goal but they just were not quite coming off the boot how he would have liked. Stirling’s defense was on notice. All Hahndorf players were putting in big efforts across the pitch and at times it appeared there were two number 8. Gilroy leading by example. 7 minutes into the second half Hahndorf’s hard work paid off as they managed to pass to Falvo Lopez with space. Looking like he had all the time in the world, Falvo Lopez skillfully put it past the Stirling keeper and Hahndorf had their second. 

Without delay Stirling again managed to level the score. Two minutes later Stirling had another shot on goal but this time without success due to a great save from Frost. Perkins, Earley and Castle were a part of the link that had Gardiner and Bidgood clear from defense to give Falvo Lopez another chance to score but this one did not trouble the scorers.

In the last 5 minutes Stirling were applying a lot of pressure to Hahndorf but Caleb and Bidgood were reliable in defense. Frost saved another Stirling attempt. 3 minutes to play Gardiner had another shot on goal and Bidgood had a corner ever so close to crossing the line. Efforts from Castle, Perkins and Earley saw Falvo Lopez have the final attempt to score of the game.

Full time saw a 2 all draw. Another fantastic effort by all Hahndorf players. Coach Eddie should be proud of the team he is guiding. That elusive win over Stirling persists. Stirling, Hahndorf has you in their sights.