University relegated

Photo: The Zebras' Ricky Self on the attack

University were relegated from the Forestry Tasmania Southern Premier League competition when they lost 3-1 at home to second-placed Tilford Zebras at Olinda Grove today.

South Hobart retained their league title despite drawing 2-2 at home with second-last New Town Eagles.

And, Clarence have virtually clinched fourth place after they drew 1-1 away to fifth-placed Kingborough Lions United at Lightwood Park.

Glenorchy Knights, already assured of third place, beat Hobart Olympic 5-2 at KGV Park on Friday night.

Zebras were keen to do well against University and Jayden Welch put them ahead after only three minutes with a fine finish from wide on the left.

University recovered, however, and went close to scoring through Andrew King and Matthew Besley before the Zebras regained the upper hand, with Josh Thorpe and Dwayne Walsh shooting just wide of the target.

Rory McCallum equalised for the Students in the 27^th minute after good work down the left by Richard Delara had opened the Zebras defence.

Zebras regained the lead in the 40^th minute when Kurt Engels cut in from the right and hit the bar with an excellent shot.

University were unable to clear from the rebound and Walsh poked the ball home from close range to give the visitors a 2-1 lead at half-time.

Engels made it 3-1 ten minutes after the resumption, but University were far from finished.

The home side should have scored at least twice, but were unable to finish from close range.

In the 68^th minute, King squared the ball across the face of goal, but Besley over-ran the ball with the goal at his mercy.

In the 77^th minute, only a timely tackle by Matt Hall prevented King from scoring, while three minutes from the end, Zebras goalkeeper Troy Kaden parried a powerful shot from Alexis Bull and Zebras defender Brayden Pace thwarted King and McCallum from the rebound.

In between, Hall was unlucky when his shot struck the University woodwork.

In Division One, Hobart United drew 1-1 with Northern Suburbs DOSA, while leaders Metro downed Christian United 7-1.