Sunday, March 8, 2009

At least one southern team will be in Steve Hudson Cup Final

Northern Rangers take on Taroona at 1pm on Sunday in one semi-final of the Steve Hudson Cup competition in Launceston, while South Hobart meet the Tasmanian Institute of Sport in the other at 3pm.

Taroona were in action on Saturday in the southern Summer Cup, but with a much-depleted squad, and beat Christian United 1-0 with a goal seconds from the end by Alex Edwards.

The southerners should be competitive against Northern Rangers, though, with Jack Elliot returning in midfield after he missed last weekend’s game.

Hugo Luttmer has recovered from injury in record time and will be in the side. He was injured when Taroona last met Rangers.

Darragh Carey may also be fit to return after withdrawing at the last moment last weekend.

“That means there is a chance we could field all four Carey brothers for the first time ever,” said Taroona’s assistant coach, Ben Horgan.

“Darragh has been one of the finds of the Steve Hudson Cup for us at left back and with his pace and great left foot he adds to our attacking options, so we’re hoping that he will be recovered in time to make it a memorable day for the Carey family and Taroona.

“We are definitely the underdogs for this game, but we have been throughout the competition.

“We need to take our chances in front of goal, but if we work hard to get numbers forward, have confidence in ourselves and remain completely focussed for the full 90 minutes, then we are capable of causing an upset.”

Northern Rangers coach, Roslan Saad, is not taking this game too seriously.

“We are still going into the match as a pre-season preparation match,” Saad said.

“New players will be introduced so as to give everyone a fair chance to show their ability in a match situation.

“Four players from last year’s under 18 boys will be included in the team.

“Though we have defeated Taroona before, but with a few new players and players playing in a new position it will not be easy.

“Taroona is a very good team and it will take a lot of effort from the boys to get the results.

“The aim of the match is to maintain our defensive organisation and try the attacking organisation that the team has been introduced to.”

South Hobart should have a full-strength side against the TIS, with striker David Abbott likely to return after recovering from a hamstring injury.

South Hobart were eliminated from the southern Summer Cup and will be very keen to retain the Steve Hudson trophy.

In other matches, Prospect Knights take on Riverside Olympic at 11am, and Launceston United meet Launceston City at 2.30pm.

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