Metro should beat DOSA at Queen's Walk

Division One soccer leaders Metro should have a relatively easy task this weekend against an opponent much lower on the ladder.

Metro, who beat Taroona 5-2 in mid-week to leapfrog their opponent and go back to the top of the standings, will have few problems against fifth-placed Northern Suburbs DOSA on Saturday in a match that has been switched from the Showgrounds to Queen’s Walk.

Metro’s new Scottish import, 26-year-old striker Steve McClung, netted four goals against Taroona, while Jason Dawes grabbed the other.

McClung showed all the requisite skills of a striker and his finishing was lethal.

He started and finished moves that resulted in goals and he set up team-mates for chances and it was evident he is an important signing for the club as it strives to go straight back into the Premier League next season.

Ricky Orr, another of the club’s four Scottish imports, was the ideal foil for McClung, but he went off injured 20 minutes from the end after earning a penalty, from which McClung scored.

He may not have recovered in time to play against DOSA, but player-coach Darrin Chaffey will return after his one-match suspension.

Second-placed Taroona’s match away to bottom-side Hobart United, scheduled for Pontville on Saturday has been postponed because the ground is closed.

Christian United, in second-last place, has the bye, so the only other match of the round is at North Warrane on Sunday, where fourth-placed Nelson Eastern Suburbs entertain third-ranked Beachside.

Beachside lost ground last weekend when they went down to bottom-side Hobart United and this game will also be tough.

Colin Shepherd, Sebastian Milford, Andrew Douglas and Ben Davis all return to the Beachside squad.

“We haven't been able to train this week due to continued ground closures, but are looking forward to getting back into action on the weekend and putting our poor result from last week behind us,” said Beachside coach, Nathan Robinson.

“Hobart United were deserving of their victory last week, but I believe with our experienced players back in the team this Sunday we can get a much-needed victory.”

Craig Stockdale returns for Nelson, replacing Damien Bradburn while under-19 stiker Jordan Brighella comes onto the bench.

“We’ve had very little football with the bye and disruptions to training with rain over the last fortnight, but we’re gettingthe closest yet this season to an unchanged team,” said Nelson coach, Michael Roach.

“Hopefully, the lack of training won’t affect the players too much and that we put up a good performance at home.

“We certainly need the points to keep in touch with Beachside on the ladder.”