Hanover's first step on their playoff journey was a successful one Wednesday, as the Marauders controlled the match from start to finish and advanced to the Quarterfinals on Saturday with an efficient 2-1 victory over Timberlane. The Marauders will now host upset winner Salem in a 2:00 match at Merriman-Branch Field.
The Marauders were not fooled by Timberlane's 14th seed, and prepared hard for the match, taking the Owls seriously. As a result, Hanover's work rate and patience gave them control of the match from the opening kickoff. The Marauders outshot Timberlane 12-1 in the first half, and their territorial edge culminated in a 1-0 lead in the 36th minute on a textbook goal by Charlie Adams, who headed in a Liam Collins corner kick for a 1-0 lead. It was Adams' 21st goal of the season, and Collins' team-leading 11th assist.
Adams, Collins and Matty Gardner dominated the match at midfield, winning balls defensively and orchestrating the offense with ball control in tight spaces and superb field vision. This is the best midfield in all of Division One. Gardner got the game winning goal 13 minutes into the second half, corralling a loose ball at the top of the box and floating a shot over the defense and into the upper left corner. It was his fourth goal in six games. The boy is hot. Timberlane pulled a goal back six minutes later to make the match interesting, but the Marauders turned up the hear defensively to see the game off and get a critical result.
Hanover was on the front foot from the outset, but they didn't rush into things, striving to patiently swing the ball back and forth, probing for openings. They also made sure to get a strong footing defensively, and the back four of Dillon Bradley, Kyle Doucette, Dylan Kotlowitz and Judd Alexander took care of business, and also played key roles in supporting the offense. Slowly, Hanover found their openings. Matty Gardner had the first strike on goal in the 14th minute, shooting on the run to force a save from Timberlane goalkeeper Connor Newman. Three minutes later Charlie Adams had a shot blocked to earn Hanover's first corner kick. Eight minutes later, Liam Collins lined up a free kick that just missed the far post.
The pressure built as the half wound down. Adams made another penetrating run and looked like he was in alone, only to be blocked at the last minute on a great play by defender Ben Seager. Collins had another free kick form his sweet spot at the edge of the box, and his dipping shot was on target, only to be palmed past the far post by a diving Newman. Hanover had not fully utilized their first three corner kicks, but they had one more coming, thanks to a great hustle play by Eli Stack, whose angled shot forced a defender to block it over the end line. Collins lined his kick up and hit a tight drive that connected with a remarkably uncovered Adams at the near post. For the second time. in two matches against Timberlane, Adams' header was their kryptonite.
The Marauders were eager to press for a second goal after the interval, and again exerted a solid territorial edge at the start of the second half. Twelve minutes in, a long Dillon Bradley throw into the penalty area created a scramble in the goal mouth, and the ball rebounded out to Gardner, who coolly lofted a shot that looped over everyone and under the bar on the left side. Christo Dragnev almost scored, getting a close in shot that forced Newman to make yet another save.
Timberlane refused to fold, and they pulled a goal back with 22 minutes remaining when a Cameron Ross shot from outside the penalty area pinballed off one and maybe two players, giving Hans Williams no chance to make a stop. The Owls continued to press, but Hanover demonstrated great composure, not panicking on defense for the most part. They erred a few times when they were too eager to dive in on midfield tackles, handing Timberlane some dangerous restarts, but they also defended well on the ensuing kicks.
The Marauders also pushed for another goal, always the best way to hold a lead. Adams had an absolute ripper from distance blocked by a defender, and both Collins and Gardner had good looks. With time winding down, though, Timberlane had a few more chances to tie the game. Cameron Ross had a free kick from just outside the box, but he hit it wide. Big Jacob Stewart got his head on a corner kick, but he also sent to over the bar. Hanover shut the door in the final minutes, and celebrated their 14th win of the season, and 8th in a row.
Only eight teams are left in Division One, and all of Saturday's quarterfinal games promise to be tight. The Marauders will entertain Salem, who upset 6th seeded Nashua South, tying their match in the last minute and finally winning on penalties. Their 11th seed will hardly be a source of overconfidence for any of the more astute Marauders. Salem has a string of quality wins, including Timberlane, Nashua North, Londonderry and Exeter. They boast a strong striker in All-State selection Josh Fichera, and will come in with no fear. If the Marauders take the game seriously, they should be fine. The weather forecast of steady rain should not be a factor. Hanover loves playing in the rain, and they will welcome the chance to be together for the next few days, preparing for their most critical game of the season.
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