Match report

Match report

This was always going to be a challenging match for Hahndorf Under 12 White facing up against Stirling Districts Under 12 White. Relocating to Strathalbyn due to pitch condition we were still met with howling winds and rain. Hahndorf Captain Zoe York consulted with Coach Ben Dahmke prior to the whistle to check strategy and game direction. Stirling Districts started strong as anticipated. Keeper Ryder Hill was quickly put to work, making at least eight spectacular saves in the first half alone. Defenders Oliver Aylen and Dante Man were like a pair of terriers strongly focused on the ball. The first goal was unfortunately conceded a mere four minutes in which kicked Hahndorf’s strikers Levi Beesley, Hayden Lien and Emlyn Gilroy into gear with Gilroy making a solid attempt on goal. Stirling Districts regained control of the ball and a second goal was conceded just three minutes later. As Stirling Districts continued pressure on goals, defender Jasper Jones worked hard and cleared the ball well. York took control of the midfield, working well with defender Patrick Hinze before they swapped positions and she made an excellent, well-timed pass to Lien. Hill made another great save before conceding another goal as pressure continued to mount. Beesley came off injured, giving Jacob Gardner an opportunity to take to the field and stretch his legs. Midfielders Harrison Gould and Oliver Dahmke worked well together across the centre right. One of the most impressive saves saw Hahndorf’s reluctant keeper leaping into the air to almost twice his own height. Shortly after Aylen was skittled, having collected a ball to the face which saw both Coach and Team Manager take to the pitch to escort him off, graciously applauded by Stirling Districts’ supporters. Shaking his hair from his eyes, Aylen announced “at least I stopped the goal” – what a trooper! Another great save from Hill followed by some excellent defending by York moving the ball back to strikers Lien, Man and Gilroy.

The second half began with Aylen benched meaning Hahndorf were without any subs for the half. There were some good passes to start the half including from Gould and Beesley. A great save from Hill cleared the ball into the attack with Gardner giving chase once it was picked up by Stirling Districts. York was strong in defence and another save by Hill! Gould was strong in attack working with Gilroy who scored a goal!!! Another couple of goals were conceded as well as more great saves by Hill. Jones was strong in defence as was speedy Man, both taking on the opposition fearlessly. Lien showed good form from the centre pass establishing a good attacking stance by Hahndorf. Gilroy scored another goal! Rain started up again, with some players later reporting it was in fact hail, resulting in scrappy play. Gould, York and Gardner demonstrated some good tackling skills. York did not let up and there were some more great saves by Hill. Good passing from Gardner to Lien to Gilroy. There was a thrown in by Gilroy before a goal was conceded. Hahndorf picked up speed and Gardener was blink-and-you-miss-it quick with a throw in after a sensational run up the field. Again Hinze made some solid kicks up the wing looking for his midfielders and strikers. Good defending by Dahmke and another goal saved. Man and Hill both down as goal conceded. Gardner looked close to scoring a goal but was not rewarded and then a goal conceded. Another convincing save by Hill saw out the match.

As tough as this match was due to the quality of the opposition, the strong winds and rain, it is exciting to see how much learning and hard work has transpired so far this season by the Hahndorf team. At the final whistle, the scores were Stirling Districts 8 to Hahndorf 2. Hahndorf Under 12 White wish to thank Stirling Districts Under 12 White for the game played Saturday 22 August 2020. Thanks also to Strathalbyn Soccer Club for hosting.