Match report

Match report

U15 Hahndorf v Mount Barker

The scene was peaceful at the Summit pitch prior to the start of the game with the sunlight
breaking through the clouds as the supporters in the stands and the cows on the hillside
looked on. As the whistle blew the opposition took to the attack quickly and Hahndorf
defence were pushed to respond with Luciann Tinsley-Smith and Angus Mifsud working well
together to keep the ball away from the goal square. Hayden Lien and Harrison Gould made
solid passes to each other as they moved the ball up the pitch, applying the pressure to
Mount Barker. The teams seemed evenly matched, and Mount Barker also kept the
pressure on, pushing Pepe Zahra in goals to prevent a few early goal attempts. Despite P
Zahra’s efforts, Mount Barker were soon successful in kicking the first goal of the game.
This seemed to light a fire under Cooper Liddle, Jett Zahra and Levi Beesley who put in great
efforts to equalise the score. Despite the intensity, their attempts were denied by the
opposition goalkeeper who displayed excellent skills in defence. Hahndorf continued to be
pressured with Mifsud, Luca Cannavo and Patrick Hinze working in unison to assist P Zahra
in preventing further goal success by the opposition. Jacob Gardner, Daniel Peters and
Oliver Sarapini-Palombo put in substantial efforts in the midfield to assist with moving the
ball up the pitch and these endeavours were later rewarded with a successful goal by Gould.
The mood on the pitch shifted as the dark grey clouds moved overhead and drizzling rain
began to descend on the field. The teams played on as the drizzle became a downpour and
visibility became challenging. Both teams seemed grateful when the half time whistle
sounded allowing for a break by the shelters.
J Zahra took over in goals for the second half and was quickly under attack from Mount
Barker forward players. After a few successful saves, the opposition managed to slip a goal
past him. As the sun began to break through the clouds and the rain abated, both teams
displayed solid efforts in applying high pressure to their opponents. Cannavo, Isaac Killey
and Sarapini-Palombo working hard at clearing the ball and moving it back down the pitch
to assist their teammates with further goal attempts. Gould successfully equalized the game
again and the energy on the pitch remained high. While each team were afforded several
opportunities to increase the score, both goalkeepers displayed valiant efforts in thwarting
all attempts. Tinsley-Smith and Mifsud continued to work collaboratively in defence, with
Gould, Liddle and Lien applying regular pressure on the opposition in the forward lines.
Peters and Hinze provided solid assists in clearing the ball away from the opposition and
keeping the game moving with intensity for the spectators. While the pressure remained
high, the game ended on a 2-2 draw with both teams displaying evidence of great
teamwork. It’s shaping up to be a challenging season for the U15’s.