Match report

Match report

A cool and overcast day greated both teams at Anembo Park. Mount Barker were riding high after their first win of the season the previous week. Hahndorf Black were hungry to get their first win for the season and get some points on the ladder. A crowd of around 60 parents and supporters were in attendance to see both teams compete.

The game started with both teams settling in, passing the ball well. Hahndorf chose to deploy a deep, straight defensive line which allowed room for the Mount Barker forwards and midfielders to press forward. Mount Barker were dominating possession and field position. Mount Barker centre midfielders Rupert Curran and Remarni Puiatti were controlling the ball well and providing good service to their strikers. With weight of possession and field position, it wasn't long before Mount Barker opened their account. A good ball was fed to Mount Barker striker, Archer Hawkins. With a good turn of pace and a damaging run,  Archer eluded his defender and accurately shot on target past the Hahndorf keeper. 

At the 10min mark, Mount Baker were up 1-0

The game now swayed, however, Mount Barker held better shape and dominated possession of the ball. Wide midfielders Sopia Canova and Jonty Burzacott consistently found space and delivered the ball forwarded. They were ably supported by their defensive team-mates, Jamison Henke, Colin Paterson, Henry Main and Kael Sander who were allowed to press deep into the Hahndorf half and add numbers to the midfield

With weight of possession and field position, Mount Barker striker Archer Hawkins again found himself in space, left of the goals. A good strike was well directed and at the 26min mark, Mount Barker were up 2-0.

The second half started similar to the first with both teams pressing in attack. Possession often changed hands however, Mount Barker were the quicker team to settle into their structure. Mount Barkers twin striker combination of Liam Dunn and Archer Hawkins consistently threatened the goals but the Hahndorf backline held firm. A dashing run by centre mid-fielder Remarni Puiatti was rewarded with a goal, however was ruled off-side by the Assistant Referee. This seemed to fire up the Mount Barker team who were hungry to close out the game. Mount Barkers other centre mid-fielder, Rupert Curran was running freely. His pace was too good for the Hahndorf defence and he found space down the middle and calmly claimed his first goal of the season at the 50mins mark

With only 10mins remaining Mount Barker threatened to pile on the goals however Hahndorf's defensive line held strong. Archer Hawkins was keen to score a hat-trick however was denied by the Hahndorf goalkeeper who had a great game

At full time, the final score remained 3-0 to Mount Barker. This is now consecutive wins for Mount Barker which will boost their confidence heading into their Round 4 match against Stirling United. Hahndorf Black were gallant in defeat and can hold their heads high. Both coaches agreed the game was played in good spirits and was entertaining to watch.