Match report

Match report

As Hahndorf warmed up, the clouds came in bringing patches of rain and bleak skies to an already soggy pitch.  There was a strong start by Hahndorf against Torrens Valley. Harrison Gould took the first throw in before Oliver Aylen took the first tumble for the match. Torrens Valley amped up the pressure but where met with a great clear by experienced keeper Reilly Bowden. Unfortunately the first goal of the match was conceded to Torrens Valley shortly thereafter. This was despite some strong defensive work by Patrick Hinze and Jasper Jones, both exhibiting some solid long-range kicking skills. Hahndorf worked to keep play to the wings but Torrens Valley were keen to keep play to the boggier centre pitch and exerted considerable pressure. Bowden made another great save before the second goal for the match was conceded by sailing high above his head and just below the bar. The game continued almost as if in slow motion, slow and muddy. Good positioning by striker Levi Beesley on the left. Ryder Hill was skittled by the opposition, the first of several in what proved to be a very physical game for him. Harry Mumford brought his leadership skills to the game and was consistent in defence, clearing the ball forward to Hahndorf’s strikers. Another great save Bowden! Dante Man followed with an impressive kick up the soggy midfield enabling Emlyn Gilroy a good attempt on goal. Substitutions saw Zoe York take to the pitch and instantly team up with Hill for a series of exceptional plays before he was skittled again. Her leadership in defence was backed up with an impressive kick up the pitch to Beesley. Torrens Valley leapt back into gear and a third goal was conceded for the half. Hayden Lien made some good passes with his team mates, utilising the triangle formations being worked on in weekly training. In the dying minutes of the half, Beesley made another great attempt on goal but was not rewarded.

When play resumed for the second half, it was as though a whole new Hahndorf team was taking to the pitch! Half-time huddle had confirmed it would be good to focus play on the far left side of pitch and all players quickly demonstrated their keen listening. Man, Hill, York and Gould worked well together applying pressure to Torrens Valley. Aylen cleared the ball wide and Jacob Gardner backed up the team with good work in goals. Hahndorf really fired up at this point with team work supporting Beesley to score the first Hahndorf goal of the match. Substitutions again saw a change across each part of the line-up. Striker York displayed great work up the right wing. Torrens Valley applied pressure and were met with a great save by Gardner. As the ball was sent back up through the centre pitch, the goal kick was met with a header by Torrens Valley which was picked up by Hill with a push on goal. Beautiful work with Hinze passing to Hill to York which set up seasoned player Oliver Dahmke for his first club goal for Hahndorf – team work and a personal milestone all in one! The impressive team work continued with Hill, Dahmke and York up the left wing. Then finally the sun came out, as if to reward Hahndorf’s efforts! Lien and Hinze worked well together, even when Lien lost a boot. Hinze and Dahmke made some good plays together, as did Jones and Mumford. Gilroy spectacularly booted the ball up the pitch during a vocally quite moment. Torrens Valley made another push on goal which again was met with a great save by Gardner. Hahndorf retaliated hard, Gilroy and Dahmke both losing their footing and still Lien was able to push on and score a goal! Followed by another great save by Gardner, who is a great fit in goals as it’s very important to have a keeper with a voice and who controls their defence players. Hahndorf quickly converted the play and Beesley was able to score another goal in the dying minutes of the game. The improvement from all players each week is great to watch – team work makes the dream work!