Zebras extend lead at top to 4 points

Photos (Top to Bottom): Match officials (L-R) Nino Mele, Patrick Galloway and Simon Natoli; Kingborough's Tom McDonald shoots into the side-netting; Zebras' Andrew Telega in hot pursuit of Charles White; Kingborough's Marcello Marchioli wins the ball in midfield; Kingborough's Trent Pearce (left) after scoring; Zebras' Fabian Lapolla shoots; Zebras' scorer Ben Crosswell with Charles White hot on his heels

Forestry Tasmania Southern Premier League leaders Tilford Zebras were very lucky to beat fourth-placed Kingborough Lions United 3-2 at KGV Park today and extend their lead at the top to 4 points over second-placed Glenorchy Knights.

Kingborough squandered at least four excellent chances in the first half, while in stoppage time at the end of the second half, a goal-bound shot by Damien Pearce was blocked in the six-yard box by team-mate Charles White, the ball rebounding into the arms of a grateful Zebras keeper, Troy Kaden.

Zebras also had their chances, with Ben Crosswell hitting a post in the first half, Fabio Lapolla shooting just wide, and Kingborough goalkeeper David Leamey saving bravely at the feet of Kurt Engles, who had been put through by a splendid pass from Ricky Self.

Trent Pearce gave Kingborough the lead in the 11th minute, side-footing home White’s cut-back from the byline on the left.

Poor defending by Zebras gave Trent Pearce three other glorious chances, but he was either off target or allowed a defender to clear.

Crosswell equalised in the 20th minute with a marvellous left-foot strike from 25 metres on the right, the ball curling beyond Leamey and inside the far post.

Nine minutes into the second half, Crosswell made it 2-1 for the home side when he was left unmarked beyond the far post and headed home a corner from the right.

A superb through-ball by substitute Matt Hall enabled Dwayne Walsh to make it 3-1 for Zebras in the 71st minute with an excellent finish.

White missed a simple header from close range from Michael Wells’s left-wing cross in the77th minute as Kingborough continued to exploit the suspect Zebras defence.

A minute from the end, Marc Iseli headed home a corner to make it 3-2, but Zebras survived another late scare to collect the three points.

If Zebras continue to play like they did in this game, they could be in trouble against reigning champions and third-placed South Hobart at KGV Park on Wednesday.

In the reserves, goals by Iwao Shimizu, Thomas Kowaluk and Alex Beaumont gave Kingborough a 3-2 win over Zebras, who replied through Michael Connolly and Tommy Fotak.