Glenorchy Knights easily accounted for fellow NPL Tasmania side Clarence United 8-0 in a pre-season friendly at KGV Park this evening.
The alarm bells must surely be ringing at Clarence and new
coach Warren Burt has a huge job ahead of him to make them competitive.
Clarence had just one substitute and used goalkeeper Matt
Dyson in the outfield, while newly signed goalkeeper Jake French played between
the sticks for the entire 90 minutes.
French was very busy in the first half and he conceded just
once.
That goal came in the 26th minute from Daniel
Goodluck, who swept the ball home after collecting a through ball inside the
box on the right.
The Knights could have led by four goals by that time, but French
produced some outstanding saves to deny the Knights attackers.
It was a different story in the second half. Something had to give, and it did, with the
Knights netting seven times.
Declan Brown hit a hat-trick, Sam James grabbed a brace, and
Alex Bellini netted once.
The remaining goal was an own-goal.
Knights were without several regular first-team players.
Jonathon Ladic signed this week with Olympia Warriors,
Mathew Nowicki was injured, and Thomas Bellini, Tom Young and Callum Brown were
all absent.
New signing Lachie Hart, from South Hobart, was in goal in
the first half for Knights, while James Wilson took over in goal for the second
half but barely touched the ball.
Clarence were missing two or three players from last year
who are expected to front up for the league season, but the omens are not good.
They have now conceded 9 goals and scored just one in two
recent friendlies.
The irony is that Clarence replaced Glenorchy Knights three
seasons ago in the NPL after the Knights finished last with a horrific
goal-difference.
Tonight, the Knights thrashed a Clarence outfit that
finished last in 2018 with an abysmal goal-difference but survived in the NPL,
probably because the competition was to be expanded to 10 teams for 2019.
Northern Rangers subsequently withdrew, making it a 9-team
competition for 2019.
Clarence can consider themselves fortunate that Football
Federation Tasmania didn’t subsequently decide that the competition would
remain an 8-team league and that Clarence’s results were not worthy of them
retaining their place.
Such a decision would probably not have been fair as
Clarence would not have had sufficient notice.
But, after results such as tonight’s, one must wonder if
they are worthy of a spot in the top flight.
17 comments:
Oh dear clarence drew with beachside last week.thats probably your level championship.this season i think your best week will be the bye
Huh, a once very proud and good club were Clarence, The Knights management have done a fantastic job in earning there spot back in the top league and deserve it thoroughly, Clarence management have done absolutely Zilch to retain there spot and should pack it in now before they scar the lives of the few young guys they have that really put in , its not the players fault they don’t have leaders in place to build and compete at this level . Shame on Football Federation Tasmania for not warning the club management to get off there asses or get out ! None of us that love the game should be laughing about it one bit it’s a crying shame to see this club destroyed by pure laziness. Why not even try amalgamate with another club or do something . Selling sausages on a game day at Wentworth Park when they can’t even get 20 people to watch just ain’t gunna cut it you fools ! The players fees for juniors and Seniors are apparently used for what ? Obviously not to stay in the NPL because it’s goodbye
All I hope is they don't fold as last year they had games changed so they could fulfil two teams as they were struggling then.
the Gaffa is going to have to preform miracle's
I would be careful writing off Clarence United.
Olympia did not beat them the last game of the season last year.
That result gives them much to hope for in season 2019.
It may not be much but I hope for the clubs sake you get at least get Odaine Demar back he might help to stop the bleeding
I went to the game with much anticipation of a tough match given the verbal slinging match between the two clubs in the last three years.
I was very disappointed, clarence were woeful.
They applied no pressure to Knights what so ever and were content to just park the bus on the 18 yrd line and hope they didn't get smashed by too much.
If the Knights finished 10% of the chances they had it should have been 20 nil.
Correct me if I'm wrong Walter, but I believe clarence only went into their attacking half about 4 times in the second half. they look slow and very unfit.
huge loss for south as young hart is a very promising keeper. Kenny may have to pull the cheque book out s Kenny going to have to bring players in if they want to win the league and also the progression into the Vic NPL tier 2
This is a bad look for the game. They'll be cricket scores against Clarence this season.
The biggest two issues is the Committee aren't willing to invest in the senior men, so no new players will come in to strengthen the squad. Secondly, the fringe players in Tasmania who play Challenge League will continue to do so and play 3 NPL games all season.
Hart a good pick up for Knights.
YOUNG PLAYERS FOLLOW IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF LACHIE HART!! THERE IS NO POINT SITTING IN THE RESERVES OF AN NPL TEAM.. PLAYING CHALLENGE LEAGUE WILL NOT HELP YOU DEVELOP. THERE ARE SO MANY TALENTED LADS FROM SOUTH, OLYMPIA, ZEBS ETC YEAR AFTER YEAR PLAYING CHALLENGE DONT BE AFRAID TO LEAVE FOR ONE OF THE OTHER CLUBS AROUND THE LEAGUE THAT WILL GIVE YOU PLAYING TIME. GLAD FRENCH DECIDED TO LEAVE ZEBS EVEN IF IT WAS FOR CLARENCE! IT WILL ONLY BETTER THE LEAGUE SOONER OR LATER TO SPREAD THE TALENT INSTEAD OF STOCK PILING A RESERVE TEAM. SOMEONE LIKE KENAN DOUCE EVEN SAT BENCH AND PLAYED CHALLENGE AND IS NOW AT BORO (GREAT PICK UP) PLAYERS NEED TO START DOING THIS MORE OFTEN.
Lachie Hart is definitely a very good pick up for the Glenorchy Knights, he will be missed by South in the future. We have these promising young players coming into the NPL and the FFT doesn’t seem to have any pathway to the next level for our young talented players. It’s all left to luck.
Can Some one please explain to me how taking someones reserves is going to help you beat or be better than that someone? This is NOT the answer for Clarence United.
I think what they mean is there are players in challenge league that are not getting an opportunity to play NPL as their club already has their positions filled, but could easily fill the spot in another Club. Like the young man that has left South to go to the Knights for example.��
I believe more will leave south whether on their own accord or being politely told they are no longer required or will get little game time.
There's about 40 at South training at the moment so ken will only make his squad stronger as the signing of Declan Foley for example and you can't forget about Jack Turner.
Great point made here by a few people in the recent comments. I think it will benefit both the players and the league itself when players capable of playing NPL decided to stop playing challenge all for the sake of playing for a reputable club and move to the likes of Clarence, Boro etc. Those who know Warren can testify for his soccer education and professionalism, Greg Calvert one of the most likeable people and coaches around so truly no excuses for players not wanting to go to these lesser clubs.
That being said best of luck to all the coaches, players and clubs in the upcoming NPL season!
Well said
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