Saturday, April 17, 2010

Exciting round of matches in store this weekend in Division One


DOSA will have their best chance so far of winning three points when they take on the FFT Under-15s in their Division One clash at the Showgrounds at 2.30pm on Saturday.


“We have been training well and concentrating on 50/50 challenges,” said DOSA coach, Pedro Ramirez.


“We won’t underestimate the Under-15 boys as they have been playing some really good football.


“Their first touch and passing are good, so we have to play attacking football to have a chance of winning this game.


“Richard Korn will still be missing from our squad, so Delaney Reid will make his first appearance for the seniors in attack.


“It will be a game of youth versus youth. We played well against Beachside, but this time we’ll have to play for 90 minutes.”


Two other games on Saturday will be fascinating encounters. Leaders Beachside travel to Olinda Grove to take on fifth-ranked University, while third-placed Metro entertain second-placed Nelson Eastern Suburbs at North Chigwell.


Beachside will include Patrick Dunne in their squad and no other players are missing, so they should be at full strength and they will also have benefited from their 0-0 draw with Premier League outfit South Hobart in a mid-week friendly.


“The players have trained well during the week and are looking forward to the challenge of playing University away this week,” said Beachside player-coach, Nathan Robinson.


“University have a strong squad led by Julian Proud and with Kevan Wright as their coach they will be well organised and we are expecting a difficult game.


“It will be a special occasion for Colin Shepherd, who returns to Olinda Grove for the first time to play against a club where he was a key member of some very successful teams, won two Vic Tuting Medals and where he is a life member.”


Nelson will introduce Under-19 midfielder Rhys Endall into their starting line-up for the game against Metro. He replaces Craig Stockdale, who is unavailable.


Matt Fone will move back into defence as Stockdale’s replacement.


Under-19 defender Ollie Ireland and midfielder Nick Roberts join forward Ryan Mills on the bench.


“We were a bit flat last week and had a close match in the end with Southern FC on a bandicoot-affected North Warrane Oval,” said Nelson coach, Michael Roach.


“But, the players should be up for this match against Metro, who caused us trouble in the Summer Cup, particularly on the flanks, and they jumped us early for an easy win.


“But, we’re a different squad now and have strengthened in all areas with a few games under our belt.


“I’m expecting a close match, but we can definitely get a result if we play the way we are capable of.”


The only match on Sunday is between third-last Southern FC and fourth-ranked Hobart United, which kicks off at the earlier time of 12.30pm at Sherburd Park.


Hobart United must be favoured to win against the home side, who are still finding their feet at this level.

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