Match report

Match report

The Hahndorf U8s had a very strong performance against Mt Barker United for their first game for the season (and for many of the team, their first ever game!). 

After a couple of solid efforts at training Kealan Atkinson was named our captain for the week. 

Hahndorf got off to a very strong start with Will Neelawala having a great run through the midfield and finishing with a terrific shot on goal. Unfortunately his shot  was inside the box so the goal was disallowed (only the goalkeeper is allowed inside the six yard box in this age bracket. To keep goalies safe while kids work out their skills!). 

Charles Kilpatrick and Will were looking like a real attacking threat in the first half with our defensive line of Eric Jager and Art Neville providing great tackles and clearing the ball to put a stop to any offensive efforts from Mt Barker. 

Great passing from Kealan and our goalkeeper for the half, Brooklyn Karamanov (some wonderful big kicks from the keeper) was proof the great work of coach Brendan Kilpatrick has been doing with team in training has been paying dividends. 

Hahndorf finished the first half with a wonderful shot from our striker Carter Karamanov going inches wide of the post. 

The second half saw a change in positions for all Hahndorf players. Will moved to striker and started strong. Having two attacking runs and shots go just past either post only minutes apart. 

Strong link up play between second half goalkeeper Art and Kealan at the back set Hahndorf up well for many attacking moves forward. 

Brilliant defensive pressure from Brooklyn, now in the outfield as a defender, released Charlie as a striker whose attacking run was finished with a wonderful shot into the bottom left corner. Only his celebration (shirt over the head sliding on his knees back over the halfway line) outshone the attacking move. 

The new defensive line of Art and Carter and Kealan was proving effective. Some great saves from Art backed up by wonderful tackling from the two defenders kept a strong Mt Barker side at bay. 

Wonderful passing from Eric Jager in the midfield to the frontline of Will and Charlie meant Hahndorf was a constant attacking threat. 

The game finished with a bit of flair with a creative back heel from Carter Karamanov showing his parents that his YouTube habits were having an effect. The final whistle blew to the sound of applause from the sidelines. A wonderful effort from both teams and a great start to the season!