Zebras coach does not think his side can remain unbeaten

Photo:  Zebras coach David Smith (left) and Knights' veteran defender Jade Clay fronted the media today [PlessPix]

Hobart Zebras will be close to full strength when they take on Glenorchy Knights at 2.30pm at KGV Park on Sunday in the NPL Tasmania match-of-the-round.

Zebras are currently fourth and Knights are fifth.  They are separated by 2 points, with the Knights having played a game more.

Zebras have injury concerns about Nicky Edwards, Dwayne Walsh and Jan Charuza, but all should pass muster for the game.

Luke Huigsloot will be missing as he is on holiday in Thailand.

Zebras coach David Smith said there had always been intense rivalry between the two teams dating back to the 1960s and 70s and Sunday’s game will be no different.

Smith said his team would have a training session on Saturday and work on things such as team shape in preparation for the game.

“We’re aware their strength is basically in their front four or five and it’s a matter of how we manage that and how we break then down,” said Smith.

“They basically play in two groups of five.

“They’ve got a back-five and a front-five and we’ve got to try and work through that.

“Nowicki holds the ball up quite well, while Bellini and Brown break from midfield quite strongly, and their two wide men do a lot of work.

“They’re going to score goals against any team at any stage, so that’s an issue as well.

“We’ll change things a little bit to match what they do.

“Our last two games haven’t tested us defensively, if I’m honest, and this will be a real test.”

Photo:  Zebras coach David Smith accepts his team's vulnerabilities [PlessPix]

Surprisingly, Smith said he didn’t expect his team to remain unbeaten.

“It’d be silly to think that.” He said.  “Every game’s a challenge and we’ve been fortunate in a couple of games.

“It’s only a matter of time before we get beaten.  That’s part of football.

“We haven’t lost, but we’re not at that level and we’ve got a couple of challenges coming up.

“Our next three games are make or break for us.”

Knights may be without Alex Bellini, but centre-back George Hallard comes back from suspension.

 Photo:  Glenorchy Knights' Jade Clay is an accomplished all-round sportsman.  He plays AFL and cricket, as well as football. He is a modest man and always gives of his best when playing for Knights. [PlessPix]

Knights defender Jade Clay said last week’s 4-1 win over Kingborough Lions United was good and had instilled confidence in the players.

“Against Zebras, I think we’ll need to be at our best for 90 minutes,” Clay said.

“There was a lot more passing and movement against Kingborough, but there are still things we need to tighten up on.

“But, we’re only just getting back into the NPL and I’m sure that will come.

“It’s out first year back in the NPL and I think it’ll take a few games to get a full 90 minutes out of our team, but once we do  -  and I hope it starts this week  -  it’ll be good.

“This game will be a good test.

“It’s been tough with a lot of injuries and sickness, but our depth has been quite reasonable.

“The injuries have hurt, but I’m sure once we’re back to full strength we’ll be okay.”

Current league leaders Olympia Warriors have the bye and are sure to relinquish top spot to Devonport City, who should beat the visiting Kingborough Lions United at a canter at Valley Road tomorrow [Saturday] at 2.30pm.

Third-placed South Hobart should have few problems away to seventh-placed Riverside Olympic at Windsor Park at 2.30pm tomorrow.

One of the most intriguing games is at Wentworth Park at 4pm tomorrow when the two bottom sides, Clarence United and Launceston City, meet.

Clarence will be playing at their home ground for the first time this season and will be hoping they can turn the tide.

They have lost all six of their games and have yet to score, while conceding 53 goals.

Launceston City are second-last, but they at least have 2 points to their name from two draws.

A win could be on the cards here for the visitors and that would probably move them up a place to seventh.

If Clarence can win, they will move off the foot of the ladder, which would be a real morale booster for the Eastern Shore side.

NPL Tasmania (As at 10 April 2019)

TEAM	P	W	D	L	F	A	Pts
Olympia Warriors	8	6	1	1	26	6	19
Devonport City	6	6	0	0	19	1	18
South Hobart	7	4	1	2	25	6	13
Hobart Zebras	6	3	3	0	26	5	12
Glenorchy Knights	7	3	1	3	17	14	10
Kingborough Lions	6	2	0	4	13	14	6
Riverside Olympic	5	1	0	4	4	15	3
Launceston City	6	0	2	4	7	14	2
Clarence United	6	0	0	6	0	53	0