Match report

Match report

Today’s match brought with it a chilly 6 degree start, frost on the pitch but blue skies above. The team warmed up, chatting about strategy and the match. They notably missed Teddy Gilligan, away with illness. 

The opening few minutes saw our team realise they were up against some major talent from our opponents Stirling, a well oiled machine pulling out no stops with an incredible attacking line up and players with immense ability. 

Many attempts at goals were thwarted by Angus Bretag, Carter Karamanov and Patrick Griggs, not to mention some great throw ins and teamwork from Linus Doyle calling for the ball whenever he could to support play. 

However, the main star of our defence was Noah Williams in goals, his determination, lack of care for his personal safety (or his parents eye watering investment in his dental care) was remarkable, stopping the majority of Stirling’s goal attempts with finesse and aggression far surpassing his age.  Can anyone say a young Ederson?!!  

Halfway through the first half Karamanov put up a strong defence, showing some very fancy footwork between him and Magnus Palmer, crossing the mid field to attempt a goal.  Karamanov didn’t skip a beat, taking off again coming out of nowhere to thwart another Stirling goal attempt. So much so he had to come off for his puffer, conserving the Ventolin boost for the 2nd half! 

Zeek Neelawala came on and supported the midfield with some fantastic runs down the pitch and attempts at goals. Bretag continued to show his skill development taking on and getting past 2 players to send the ball our attackers way! 

Charlie Kilpatrick provided brilliant support and fearlessly took on Stirlings defenders, some with uncontrolled flying boots and studs, on several occasions utilising well positioned Palmer and Doyle to gain an advantage.

A brief tossle caused some excitement with Bretag falling over the ball in a act of self sacrifice that unfortunately resulted in a penalty due to handball, however our intense defence team and superb goalie squashed this with ease. 

Our half time pep talk brought the team together to enjoy some beautifully presented, artistically sliced oranges and hear Brendan’s thoughts. They all enjoyed the encouragement and listened keenly to his advice to spread out, follow through and keep their eyes on the ball.

Williams had some notes to share particularly that he had decided RAGE MODE needed to be activated to get back in the game.

And that he did, within the first 20 seconds he pressed GO on RAGE MODE, outrunning the other team leaving their defenders in his dust as he scored an epic goal that left Stirlings goalie trembling.

Hahndorf dominated the second half, the ball remaining down our end for the majority. Neelawala had many outstanding moments outrunning the opposition, taking a brilliant kick reminiscent of the greats, one with such force it hit the cross bar like a rocket. His next shot saw him outsmart 2 keen defenders and sore forward scoring a back pocket cracker of a goal. 

Palmer, Kilpatrick, Karamanov and Doyle worked well across midfield as a unit taking advantage of their brilliant calling skills and team work.

Bretag was in goals this half, rejecting all of Stirling’s goal attempts. One precarious moment saw him stop the ball with his thumb bending it backwards causing the ball to bounce back into his face, he came off with his narly injury seeing Karamanov go into goals. This bit of drama saw all the team rally around to check on their teammate and showed what a great group of boys we have!

Griggs came on from subs and stood out with excellent calling, team support and determination in midfield.  The next few minutes saw exceptional play from the boys gelling as a team and showing all their training efforts are paying off to stop Stirling scoring any goals in the second half.

Worthy of note is also the passion and enthusiasm showed by the parents, both for their children’s development but also for the game and its rules…. so much so one particularly fervent parent got into a verbal squabble with Stirling’s coach about a ball being CLEARLY out… although it simmered quickly we all felt the support for Hahndorf and were at the ready to back up the soccer mum….. within FFA Code of conduct limits of course! 

Although the game didn’t end in a win, the 2nd half was one of the U8’s best ever, even more exciting than Matilda’s Vs China the night before!!  We attributed the 1st half’s slowness to some late night sleepiness caused by this very match in fact. Each week it is a pleasure to see the development of this team as they grow together, solidify their friendships, learn about good sportsmanship and this great game!