Match report

Season Date Round Venue
2021 U17 2nd September 7:30pm League Round 13 MBUSC SSRP Pitch 2
Goals
T. Harris (72')

Best
L. Stein (1st), C. Miller (2nd), K. McDonald (3rd)
Goals
N/A

Best
N/A
Match report

Stirling took on Hahndorf on an unseasonally warm early spring evening, under lights for the first time this season at the Summit in Mount Barker. In the previous clash between the two sides, Stirling took a lead in the first half, only to see Hahndorf steal a draw with less than two minutes remaining, in a typically close and competitive match.

Stirling came out of the blocks well, and an early chance saw Araby Phelan set Zachary Gardiner-Sheridan up for an open shot that went over the top. The large artificial turf pitch at the Summit offered both teams the opportunity for expansive play, and the ball was going from end to end, with first one team, and then the other, having periods of control. As usual Kyle Fenlon and Xavier Kell were generating chances for Hahndorf, but Lachlan Stein continued his recent run of outstanding keeping since his return from injury making a number of critical saves and committing his body to stopping the ball.

The teams went into the break locked at 0-0, however Hahndorf started the second half the better, pinning Stirling in their defensive half with repeated corners. As the game progressed, Stirling started to regain some control of the play and were pressing forward with more regularity. Phelan and Henry Monaghan found some openings but the Hahndorf defence prevented them getting clear shots away.

At the other end, Fenlon managed to get past the Stirling defence, and was one on one with keeper Stein, but his shot slammed into the cross bar and deflected away.

With just 8 minutes remaining, the ball found Tom Harris on the edge of the penalty area, and after jostling his opponent off the ball, he turned inside and struck the ball firmly with his right foot, blasting it through the hands of the keeper and into the back of the net to give Stirling the lead.

After the restart, Hahndorf continually pressed forward in an attempt to equalise, keeping the crowd on the edge of their seats. At one point, Hahndorf were streaming towards the box when the Stirling defender was called for a foul right on the edge of the penalty area. The resulting free kick was struck powerfully but just cleared the cross bar, which was followed by a frantic last couple of minutes where Stirling took every opportunity to launch the ball down the other end. When the whistle blew Stirling had held on for the narrowest of victories.

Stirling United vs Hahndorf
Photographer: Bruce Harris

Stirling United vs Hahndorf
Photographer: Bruce Harris