Tuesday, April 9, 2019

Zebras to field strong side against Clarence in Lakoseljac Cup match tonight


Photo:  Hobart Zebras coach David Smith (above) said he wants the club to go as far as possible in the Lakoseljac Cup [PlessPix]

Hobart Zebras will field a near full-strength side for their Lakoseljac Cup match against Clarence United at KGV Park at 7.30pm today.

Nicky Edwards will be rested after a shoulder injury on the weekend, while either Jordan Muller or Jayden Hey may also be omitted.

But, striker Mathew Sanders will fly in from Melbourne and Henry Fagg will get a run in defence.

“We’ll field close to our best side,” said Zebras coach, David Smith.

“We want to get as far as we can in this competition and we won’t be taking any chances.

“It’s a good test for us and it’s just another game we can fit into our schedule.”

Zebras beat Clarence 9-0 in the league a month ago and there is no indication that this cup tie will be any different.

Smith is unable to use his younger players from the Under-18s as they would be cup-tied from their own cup competitions if he plays them.

Two of his back-ups in the senior squad have left because of lack of game time.

Midfielder Lachie Burt has joined Clarence, where his father is coach, and will face his former club tonight, while defender Luke Bighin has retired at the age of 19, which Smith says is disappointing.

“Some of these younger guys would probably have played tonight,” Smith said.

“At the senior level, we’re interested in winning because that’s what our sponsors and supporters want.

“At the younger levels, it’s about development, but at the top it’s about winning and you have to field your best and strongest side.”

Smith said it was sad to see some players not willing to persevere and earn a senior berth on merit.

Clarence will be without the suspended Paul Bremner.

Paul Palmer, a former Zebras player, will partner Jeremy Price at the centre of the defence.

Mitch Voss is out injured and this will enable Sam Randall to move from fullback to midfield.

Coach Warren Burt said he will expect a good performance from youngster Jackson Ebini, formerly with Olympia Warriors.

4 comments:

Ffa cup said...

Spot you have to earn your place.yes this competition is probably bigger than title with ffa cup.After what Devonport have achieved around the country

How funny said...

What a joke ,, yes It’s really sad to see 19 year old players retire when you can fly someone in from Melbourne ? This is exactly why Tasmania should never ever have a team !

Anonymous said...

Shame about Luke had potential to be a quality player

Anonymous said...

How funny . You are 100% correct. And it doesn’t look like they will go anywhere near winning this year either. What a joje