Taroona and Metro to stay at the top in Division One

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TAROONA V HOBART UNITED
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Kelvedon Park, Saturday, 11 April 2009, 2.30pm

Division One leaders, Taroona, should be untroubled in beating bottom-side Hobart United at home at Kelvedon Park.

Taroona will be without goalkeeper Rob Hortle and defender Llewyn Tubb, who will be replaced by Jon Burridge and Ruaidhri Carey.

“I’m confident we won’t repeat the same silly defensive mistakes which marred our first half against Metro and we’ll be better for the experience,” said Taroona’s Ben Horgan.

“The second half fight-back was pretty impressive, though, and it was a great sign for our future that young guys like Marcus Atkinson and Jack Elliott were the ones who led the way.”

Hobart United are struggling this season and even a draw in this game would be a welcome outcome for the visitors.

Prediction: Taroona
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METRO V NORTHERN SUBURBS DOSA
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North Chigwell, Saturday, 11 April 2009, 2.30pm

Second-placed Metro entertain second-last Northern Suburbs DOSA at North Chigwell without suspended Scottish import Colin Sweeney, who was sent off last weekend.

He will be replaced in midfield by Kye McQueen.

DOSA has David Visentin, Zak Alumbulwa and Simon Natoli unavailable, which will make the task even more difficult.

“With half a senior side out, playing arguably the favourite for the title, the odds are well and truly stacked against us this weekend,” said DOSA’s Richard Korn.

“All we can do is give one hundred per cent to achieve the best result possible, which realistically should be an honourable or narrow loss.”

Prediction: Metro

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BEACHSIDE V NELSON EASTERN SUBURBS
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Sandown park, Saturday, 11 April 2009, 2.30pm

Third-placed Beachside host the visiting fourth-ranked Nelson Eastern Suburbs at Sandown Park in a game that Beachside must win to stay in touch with the leaders.

Beachside will miss Damien Lowe through injury and Colin Wain, who is unavailable, and their replacements are Sebastian Milford and David Long.

“We’re expecting a close contest, but are confident of building on our strong home victory last week,” said Beachside’s coach, Nathan Robinson.

Nelson will be without striker Tom Gordon and midfielder Adam Mills, who are both injured.

Cody Flynn and Dean Melville retain their places, while Jayden Andrews and Robert Brooke return after missing last week’s games.

Tom Roach also comes back to the defence, while under-19s striker Andrew Gaskell will get a run at some stage.

“We’ve picked up a couple of injuries, but have more depth in the squad this year to act as cover,” said Nelson coach, Michael Roach.

“I was reasonably happy with our performance last outing, but not happy to give away two goals when our opponents had so few opportunities.

“We’ll need to be better this week in defence and take our chances in front of goal as well.

“It should be a close match and we are capable of winning it.

“There are different squads this year for both clubs, but I don't think we’re any fonder of Beachside or of the sandpit than in the past, so there should be plenty of feeling in the match.”

Prediction: Beachside