PS4 NPL Tasmania Round 15 Review

A stoppage time penalty spared the Hobart Zebras blushes as they claimed a 1-1 draw against a stubborn Kingborough Lions side at Lightwood Park.

Late Zebras penalty denies Lions win

The game appeared to following a similar script to the last meeting between the sides when Danny Cowen had given the Lions the lead against the run of play with his 63rd minute strike before a last gasp penalty for a handball against Jackson Nugent rescued a point for the visitors.

It was a day that saw Gabriel Markaj making his return to the Den, officially as the assistant to Sergio Pace, but in reality as the man in charge of the Zebras and his side made a bright start with a flurry of early chances falling their way.

Both Huigsloot and Groenewold came close with headers and it would become a familiar pattern throughout the first half with the Lions content to block off the middle of the park and force the Zebras wide down the flanks, leading to a constant supply of crosses.

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Thomas stunner moves South four points clear

A stunning strike from halfway from Oscar Thomas in the 92nd minute of the game has seen South move four points clear on top after 15 rounds. The hosts rallied from 2-1 down to claim a 3-2 victory over the Warriors in one of the games of the season. With time close to expiring, Thomas swung his boot at a ball in dispute in the middle and it flew over the head of Jacob Cole to seal a stunning come back victory, and a massive three points for his side.

South could have been 2  goals up inside of the first 20 minutes. They exploded out of the blocks and quickly took the lead through Jack Turner. The prolific midfielder netted for an incredible 7th consecutive game to take his season tally to a remarkable 9 goals in 8 appearances when he was left unmarked from an Adam Gorrie free kick.

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Rangers and Clarence share the spoils

Northern Rangers have been held to a 1-1 draw by Clarence United at the NTCA Ground in their Round 15 PS4 NPL TAS clash. Both goals took place with minutes of each other midway through the first half as Nick Naden cancelled out a Nick Lanau-Atkinson free kick and from there neither side could find a winner.

Both sides came into the fixture off the back of respectable wins with Clarence demolishing Kingborough and the Rangers making light work of the Hobart Zebras. Jablonski’s men will always be a tough, physical opponent and this match was no exception, with both sides giving away plenty of fouls.

The Rangers said goodbye this week to Danny Jin who returned home to South Korea but it gave Sciulli the chance to give Northern the Rangers newest import Kwin Kensley his first start.

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City hold Strikers in scoreless draw

The Devonport Strikers title hopes have taken a hit as they were held to a scoreless draw by Launceston City at Buckby Land Rover Park. In game of few clear cut chances the Strikers were unable to break through potentially leaving them four points behind South Hobart at the top of the table depending on how tomorrow’s game against Olympia  plays out.

Launceston City seems to be a bit of a bogey team for Devonport as once again they held them at bay. Unlike last time there was to be no Brayden Mann with an 87th minute winner to break the deadlock and give Devonport the win this time around.

City, entering the game off the back of an 8-1 loss to Olympia started the brighter of the two sides, linking up play well throughout the midfield with player-coach Ben Brookfield pulling the strings with Dylan Williams.

CLICK HERE for the full match report.

 

PS4 NPL TAS 

Saturday 8 July,

Kingborough Lions 1-1 Hobart Zebras, Lightwood Park MATCH REPORT

Launceston City 0-0 Devonport Strikers, Buckby Landrover Park MATCH REPORT

Northern Rangers 1-1 Clarence, NTCA Ground MATCH REPORT

Sunday 9 July

South Hobart 3-2 Olympia Warriors,Darcy Street MATCH REPORT