Match report

Match report

Match Report | Round 10 22/06/24

U10 Mixed Hahndorf vs. Strathalbyn

9am Strathalbyn Polo & Rec Ground

On a sunny yet cold winter morning, our Hahndorf U10 boys team faced off against a determined Strathalbyn side that applied pressure from the very start. The opening moments saw our defense tested, with Charlie Roeszler, Eric Jager, Felix Breitweg, and Michael Griggs all working hard to keep Strathalbyn at bay. In goal, Ollie Drake made a crucial save on their first attempt, showcasing his calm demeanor and excellent reflexes to prevent an early setback.

The game began to open up with a long pass from Harris Parkyn to Will Neelawala, creating our first scoring opportunity. Although the initial chance didn't convert, it set the tone for our attacking intent. Shortly after, Brooklyn Karamanov, displaying great vision, passed the ball to Neelawala, who deftly placed it in the net with his left foot, giving Hahndorf a boost in morale. When the opportunity presented, Karamanov converted a penalty kick into a score with a long-range shot that was fully on target.

When our new player Valentino Adami came on, he quickly made himself known with his determined presence in midfield. Jager, recognising his positioning, swiftly passed the ball to Adami, who skillfully sent it further towards Neelawala, setting up another attacking opportunity. Kealan Atkinson was crucial in both mid-field and defense, clearing the ball from an oncoming attack and intercepting in the right moment, showing excellent timing and positioning.

In the second half, after a stimulating pep-talk and some juicy oranges, Hahndorf found their determination and momentum. To change up the game, Roeszler moved into goal and Drake took up a defensive position. This switch helped solidify our defense.

Parkyn also demonstrated outstanding defensive skills by positioning himself perfectly to block the ball from hitting the goal. He then delivered to Breitweg, who took aim and scored – the goal surprise took him even off his feet.

Karamanov's commitment to the game was unparalleled, as he repeatedly put his body on the line for the team. In one spectacular moment, Karamanov executed a mid-air rotation while contesting the ball. The hard landing required a quick substitution and not long after, back on the field, Karamanov scored from the right side with another long-range shot. His “Ronaldo” celebration showcased his repertoire of moves and lifted the team's spirits even higher.

Harry Ramsey played a pivotal role, superbly blocking the ball and constantly lifting the team's spirits with his encouraging words both on and off the field. His positive attitude was infectious and greatly appreciated by his teammates.

Griggs convinced as centre-back by taking the ball off his opponent and using his booting skills to clear the ball from our side effectively. Jager was a standout in defense and midfield, demonstrating an astute understanding of when to step in and thwart Strathalbyn's attacks before they could pose a serious threat. His strong performance was instrumental in maintaining our defensive solidity throughout the match.

It was a hard-fought game with every player contributing to the team's effort. Hahndorf U10 boys can be proud of their performance, demonstrating resilience and teamwork against an experienced opponent. Our coach also needs to be commended for advocating for fairness on the field and for supporting and encouraging our boys.