Monday March 03 2008

2008 German Arms Summer Club Challenge - Game Day 3               

It was another interesting and exciting day at the 2008 German Arms’ Summer Soccer Challenge at Pine Avenue where day three of the tournament was played.

Hahndorf deservedly took the whole three points against an Old Ignatians’ team that for some reason was a different outfit in comparison to the hapless team who lost 9-0 against Wanderers last week. Most of the players were not the same as last week and considering Old Ignatians has teams participating in other Saturday Divisions, it would not be surprising to know that some players were transferred to this competition to bolster the team performance.Nevertheless, Hahndorf was the better team on the day, dominating and controlling the game in all areas of the pitch, with Old Ignatians only seriously threatening towards the end of the last period.

The game was played intensely and was hard fought by both team with Hahndorf threatening Old Ignatians on repeated occasions and managing to control the attempts made by the opposition. The only goal of the game came early in the second period when the Hahndorf Argentinean import, Martin “Cambiasso” Moran, slot the ball past the goalkeeper after a gradual play build up from the midfield. Old Ignatians pushed forward to try to equalise, but were never able to seriously threaten the Hahndorf goal.

Hahndorf players continued to attack as well, creating better chances and forcing the keeper to work overtime with two close attempts by the Hahndorf players that could have sealed the game and avoid a tense final minutes. Old Ignatians became more dangerous with a free kick within the penalty area causing the Hahndorf bench and supporter’s unwanted suffering. The Hahndorf keeper and his defence were able to avoid an unexpected equaliser from Old Ignatians.

After the first two games of the tournament against stronger teams on paper, Hahndorf has certainly demonstrated the ability to play solid, pragmatic and intense football, based on the principle to attack and defend as a team, with all its players working hard for each other. It is early days yet, but certainly it looks promising for the 2008 season to come. Simply, best on ground for Hahndorf was the whole team.

In the other game for the first teams division of the tournament, Stirling bounced back from last week’s unexpected draw against Hahndorf with a solid win against Adelaide Wanderers in an entertaining game. Stirling took the lead in the first period with a devastating 3-0 before the break, with two goals from new striker Sam Bowan who demonstrated not to have lost his goal scoring touch and promising plenty more for the season.

Wanderers came back fighting after a miserable first period and the game went up several notches in intensity and passion. Stirling was able to minimise the pressure applied by Wanderers who pushed forward and threatening on the counterattack. After a long period of sustained pressure, Wanderers were able to score two goals and get close to an unexpected draw which did not eventuate. Stirling was the better team on the day, better organised, able to hold the pressure, its shape and control the game.

The final score was 3-2 in favor of a deserving Stirling team.

The tournament table is as follows: Stirling and Hahndorf have 4 points, followed by Wanderers on 3 and Old Ignatians on 0 points. Next week, in do or die games, Wanderers will meet a well prepared Hahndorf team and Stirling will play against the improving Old Ignatians. A loss is not an option for any team.

Reserves

Hahndorf Reserve played a better game today, losing 5-3 against Old Ignatians after being demolished last week by Stirling. Hahndorf had a more organised and committed team on the pitch, with several new players who showed great potential for the season.

The score does not reflect how the game was played, with Hahndorf dominating for long periods of time and being unable to score after having created many opportunities. Hahndorf hit the post once with its Argentinian import Martin “Cambiasso” Moran who also demonstrated some beautiful skills with the ball “A la Maradona”. On one occasion he dribbled the ball past five players, into the opposition goal penalty area and was unable to finalise it with a goal.

Nevertheless, the whole Hahndorf team showed marked improvements from last week with many young players such as Lucas Jones, Vin Chow, Brad Coleman and Ben Wells being the most outstanding.

However, credit must go to Old Ignatians who were able to score with the few opportunities that they created, defend well and sustain the pressure from Hahndorf who was unable to finalise with more goals.

Next week, Hahndorf will play against the rampaging Wanderers and Old Ignatians against Stirling in the battle for second place.