Match report

Match report

A chilly Saturday morning saw the mighty Hahndorf Magpies under 8’s travelling to Birdwood to play Torrens Valley. 

Some early attacking pressure from Torrens Valley was soaked up by Eric Jager who produced some inspired tackling to protect the Hahndorf goal. 

Goalkeeper Kealan Atkinson was playing some meticulous wide balls from the back to set up play further up the field (the only thing wider were parents eyes watching the temperature drop to 4 degrees driving through Oakbank en route to the match). 

An attacking move started by strong defensive work by Zeek Neelawala was finished up front by Carter Kramanov with a shot on target forcing a fine save from the Torrens Valley keeper. The next phase of play saw Hahndorf again streaming forward with a fine run from Brooklyn Karamanov (playing with such focus one would think pizza was on the line). The resulting corner taken by captain Art Neville saw another shot on target and another save from Torrens Valley’s keeper. 

Hahndorf’s goal came after a wonderful pass from midfielder Will Neelawala create an opportunity for Brooklyn to finish low and hard into the left corner. 1-0 Hahndorf. 

However, the game went into half time all square after Torrens Valley’s forward took a chance after looking dangerous for most of the half. 1-1 at half time. 

The second half started as the first with some great tackling from Eric Jager. This was immediately followed by great passing from Art (now goalkeeper), Eric and Zeek starting a strong move forward. The resulting throw in from Charlie Kilpatrick created a difficult chance that he did very well to put on target and draw a save from the keeper. 

Great running by defender Will Neelawala saw many of the attacking threats from the opposition neutralised. Posing a threat at both ends of the pitch he also had a goal disallowed as it was taken from inside the box. 

The game finished after a fine defensive display from Carter, using his body to win back the ball on more than one occasion and a couple of fine saves from Art. 

Special mention to Charlie Kilpatrick and Brooklyn Karamanov for their sportsmanship in helping Torrens Valley make up the numbers to play. 

1-1 full time. Another strong display of skill and determination from the Hahndorf Under 8’s. Well done!