Devonport Strikers face another dangerous assignment when they visit Lightwood Park tomorrow [Saturday] to take on sixth-placed Kingborough Lions United.
Devonport dropped 3 points last weekend and had their lead at the top of the NPL standings slashed to just 4 points.
The Lions are an unknown quantity. You never know what you’re going to get from one week to the next.
If they are on song, of course they have the ability to topple the reigning champions and current league-leaders.
But, if they are not, there is the potential for Devonport to give them a thrashing.
Devonport’s confidence, which took a hit last week, will be improved if their skipper, Kieran Mulraney, is fit to play. Hr is a vital cog at the centre of the defence.
It’s probably too much to hope that left-winger Ali Dulleh will be fit to play, but if he does, that will also boost the Strikers’ chances.
Kingborough will need to defend well and they will expect a good display from new goalkeeper Jean Oyanedel.
They will be without captain Kobe Kemp, who suffered a head injury against Knights last week and will miss the rest of the season.
They have sufficient talent to win this game, but will that talent surface when it is needed?
Glenorchy Knights face a tough test against Clarence Zebras on Sunday and they must win to stay in touch with Devonport.
If Knights win and Devonport lose, only one point will separate the sides.
Clarence Zebras hope to have injured central defender Pritchard Adjei back for this game. He was missing last week and they lost to Launceston City after a good showing the week before, albeit against weak opposition.
“We have our final session of the week tonight [Friday] to finalise things for Sunday,” said Knights coach, James Sherman.
“Last week was a good performance and we will need to be right at it again.
“Clarence Zebras have been great at home this season and with their squad now, they’ll be expected to beat us and keep in touch with the top-4.
“It’s another good challenge.
“We are improving every week and will try to do so again on Sunday.”
South Hobart should hold on to third spot by beating the visiting Riverside Olympic at South Hobart on Saturday.
Riverside are second-last, whereas South Hobart toppled league-leaders Devonport away at Valley Road last weekend.
South Hobart seem to have struck form and this game should be a stroll in the park for them.
The remaining game is on Sunday at Birch Avenue when bottom-side Launceston United host Launceston City, who are fifth.
City are inconsistent but should jump this hurdle with ease.
NPL Schedule
Saturday, 8 July 2023
Kingborough Lions United v Devonport Strikers (Lightwood Park, 2pm)
South Hobart v Riverside Olympic (South Hobart Oval, 2pm)
Sunday, 9 July 2023
Launceston United v Launceston City (2pm Birch Avenue)
Clarence Zebras v Glenorchy Knights (Wentworth Park, 2.30pm)
NPL Tasmania (As at 1 July 2023)
|
TEAM |
P |
W |
D |
L |
F |
A |
Pts |
|
Devonport Strikers |
12 |
10 |
1 |
1 |
40 |
11 |
31 |
|
Glenorchy Knights |
12 |
9 |
0 |
3 |
29 |
8 |
27 |
|
South Hobart |
12 |
7 |
2 |
3 |
35 |
21 |
23 |
|
Clarence Zebras |
12 |
6 |
2 |
4 |
34 |
23 |
20 |
|
Launceston City |
12 |
6 |
1 |
5 |
20 |
21 |
19 |
|
Kingborough Lions |
12 |
5 |
0 |
7 |
36 |
25 |
15 |
|
Riverside Olympic |
12 |
2 |
0 |
10 |
9 |
49 |
6 |
|
Launceston United |
12 |
0 |
0 |
12 |
9 |
54 |
0 |
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