Match report

Match report

The Hahndorf U17s travelled to Murray Bridge on the last Saturday of Winter. Whilst it was clear skies, it was still a chilly start to the day especially with the early starting time of 9am, so the Hahndorf supporters were wondering if their team was going to be awake and ready to go.

The last time the teams met, Murray Bridge played exceptionally well and came away with an impressive 4-2 victory, so Hahndorf needed to be play well. The boys had had their weeties and found their rhythm from the opening whistle and in the fifth minute, Cold Play Gibbs was brought down just outside the box and coolly netted the opening goal from the free kick awarded to him and within the space of another few minutes, Gibbs again scored followed by a third added mid-way through the half, giving Hahndorf the upper hand.

Led by Tyler Weyland, who has been playing a lot more in the midfield of late and revelling in this role, Hahndorf dominated the first half of the game. They showed the form that has made them such a successful team over the last couple of seasons, passes were finding their marks, the communication was good, defence was solid and they looked like they were enjoying what they were doing which ultimately is the most important thing. All the boys were playing their roles, with Elwin Aylen and Damon Martin finding their groove after coming up from the U15s.

With a 3 goal deficit to make up after the break, Murray Bridge had some work to do. Unsurprisingly, they were up for the challenge and really started to ramp up the pressure. Fortunately for Hahndorf, the defensive line was also on song with the Rock Rayner providing solid resistance to numerous attacks and Dan McArthur, as always, quick in turning defence into attack

The last line of defence is of course the keeper, Turbo Boekel put his hand up to play this role and is doing an exceptional job. Whilst it may not be his favoured position, he has grown into the role quite remarkably. He is very good at watching the ball into his hands, has an excellent kick, communicates loudly and clearly and comes up with some amazing saves. The goal keeping has been a problem for Hahndorf this season, but the last few games have been different, and Turbo can take credit for that.

Whilst a more evenly matched second half, Hahndorf again was given the advantage through a penalty, again to Gibbs, who slotted it home to give him 4 for the day – a nice return at any level. Murray Bridge to their credit, kept going and were finally rewarded in the 60th minute to peg one back. This certainly had a positive impact on them and Hahndorf, as previously mentioned, had to work hard to thwart the home team.

In the last minutes of the game, Kyle Fenlon, who has been hampered with hamstring problems of late, was able to score Hahndorf’s fifth which saw the game finish 5-1. Murray Bridge and Hahndorf have provided a number of tough encounters this year and have been played in good spirit.

Best on ground for Hahndorf was Tyler Weyland followed closely by Josh Rayner and Toby Boekel in a solid team performance.