Photos (Top to Bottom): Nathan Robinson, coach of Beachside, is confident of a win against Southern FC; Metro coach Matthew Rhodes addresses his players at half-time in a match at North Chigwell [PlessPix]
It will probably be business as usual for the top four sides in Division One this weekend. All games are on Saturday at 2.30pm.
Leaders Beachside have a relatively easy task against second-last Southern FC at home at Sandown Park, while second-placed University should be too strong for fifth-ranked Hobart United at home at Olinda Grove.
Third-placed Nelson Eastern Suburbs should wipe the floor with bottom-side DOSA at North Warrane.
Fourth-placed Metro entertain the FFT Under-15s at North Chigwell and, unfortunately, it should be another blood bath.
Beachside will be without Ben Davis, who is unavailable, and his place will be taken by Tony Ortuso.
There will be no other changes from the side that beat Nelson in the previous match.
“After a week off, the players are looking forward to getting back into action and we are confident of a home victory,” said Beachside player-coach, Nathan Robinson.
Nelson are still without the injured Craig Stockdale, while Matt Fone picked up an ankle injury in the State-wide Cup loss to New Town Eagles and is doubtful. Fone’s replacement will be Troy Hoppitt.
Rhys Endall is also out because of injury and the leading goalscorer in the reserves, Jordan Brighella, may come onto the bench to join Nick Roberts.
“Our team played well for most of last week’s cup match against Eagles and I think all of the players will have got a lot out of the game, though we are all disappointed to be out,” said Nelson coach, Michael Roach.
“It was good to play against a tough Premier League outfit and I must congratulate George [Krambousanos] and his players on their win and thank them for the gracious way they conducted themselves throughout the day as hosts.
“It’s time now for us to re-focus on the league and we can’t afford to relax against DOSA at home, particularly with a couple of injuries creeping into our side.
“They will be desperate for points and, therefore, will be a dangerous opponent.”
Mykel Porter will retain his place in goal for Metro ahead of Nathan Grandin for the match against the FFT Under-15s.
Geoffrey Wicks and Daniel Brown will come into the Metro line-up in place of Jadyden Wiggins, who is injured, and Danny Cowen, who is in Melbourne and unavailable.
“I’ve made a couple of changes to the side that lost to University and I hope we can bounce back,” said Metro coach, Matthew Rhodes.
In the Forestry Tasmania Northern Premier League, leaders Devonport City host fourth-ranked Riverside Olympic at Valley Road and the home side should be capable of earning all three points.
Second-placed Northern Rangers are at home against seventh-ranked Somerset at the NTCA Ground and should send the Sharks home without them having engaged in a feeding frenzy.
Ulverstone, in third place, entertain eighth-ranked Launceston City at the Ulverstone Showgrounds and, although the visitors have shown some improvement, the Reds should win.
Bottom-side Launceston United visit fifth-placed Prospect Knights at Harley Parade and are unlikely to come away with any points.
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