Devonport City continued on their way to the NPL Tasmania title with yet another 1-0 win yesterday.
This time it was at home at Valley Road against second-last Riverside Olympic through a 74th-minute penalty converted by defender Raphael Reynolds.
Devonport had more than enough chances to win comfortably but couldn’t find the net in open play.
Goalkeeper Nathan Pitchford saved them yet again on one occasion, while Riverside keeper Jarrod Hill turned back the yellow-and-blue tide time and time again in another impressive display.
It’s the win that counts, however, and Devonport got the 3 points that keep them 4 points ahead of second-placed Glenorchy Knights.
The Knights demolished Kingborough Lions United 7-0 at KGV Park, but it took a while for them to hit their stride.
They led 1-0 after a quarter of an hour when Alex Walter outpaced Davis Bryan and finished past keeper Lee Mackie.
A couple of minutes later it should have been 2-0 when Mackie brought Walter down and conceded a penalty. Mackie saved Walter’s spot-kick and it remained 1-0 for the home side until the interval.
But, the crucial moment came just before the break when Bryan was sent off for a last-ditch foul on Nick Naden, forcing the Lions to play for 50 minutes with just 10 men.
Joel Sammut was taken off and replaced by defender Jackson Nugent, but the logic of the move was hard to fathom. Sammut had been playing in midfield and he is normally a full-back so it would have been easier to just drop him into the defence rather than use up a substitute. Sammut was not pleased at being the sacrificial lamb and he did not acknowledge coach Jez Kenth as he extended a hand as Sammut walked back to the bench.
Incidentally, Bryan’s red card was the 100th red card in this league since the inception of the State League in 2013. It was a dubious honour for the American and it was his second red card of the season.
Knights were rampant in the second half as Walter scored twice in 6 minutes just before the hour mark to complete his hat-trick and give his side a 3-0 lead.
Connor Schmidt went on to score a brace and goals by Cade Smith and Joffrey N’Koso completed the execution of the Lions.
How the Knights must be rueing that 2-0 loss to Kingborough earlier in the season and the 1-0 defeat away at Devonport. The title is looking so near yet so far.
South Hobart’s Kasper Hallam hit a hat-trick as his team downed bottom-side Launceston City 3-1 away at Launceston’s Bucky Land Rover Park.
Josh Bula replied for City, who remain 4 points adrift of Riverside Olympic.
Clarence Zebras made Olympia president George Mamacas eat his words when they beat the Warriors 2-1 away at Warrior Park on Saturday evening.
It was referee Stratos Plomaritis's 50th NPL game in charge.
Good work down the right-byeline by Samson Juju set up a header for Luke Huigsloot at the far left-hand post in the 17th minute to give Clarence Zebras the lead.
Callum Brown equalised for the home team in the 27th minute with a clinical finish from wide on the left of the penalty area.
Defender Thomas Little headed home a corner from the left at the far right-hand post in the 36th minute to restore Clarence Zebras’ lead and they hung on for the win despite intense Olympia pressure throughout the second half, including a shot against the crossbar by Joseph Mwarabu.
NPL Tasmania
Devonport City 1 (R Reynolds 74 pen) beat Riverside Olympic 0
Launceston City 1 (J Bula 68) lost to South Hobart 3 (K Hallam 12, 52, 82)
Glenorchy Knights 7 (A Walter 15, 51, 56, C Schmidt 62, 93, K Smith 74, J N’Koso 86) beat Kingborough Lions United 0
Olympia Warriors 1 (C Brown 27) lost to Clarence Zebras 2 (L Huigsloot 17, T Little 36)
NPL Tasmania Standings (As at 19 September 2020)
|
TEAM |
P |
W |
D |
L |
F |
A |
Pts |
|
Devonport City |
9 |
8 |
1 |
0 |
16 |
5 |
25 |
|
Glenorchy Knights |
9 |
7 |
0 |
2 |
26 |
7 |
21 |
|
South Hobart |
9 |
5 |
0 |
4 |
17 |
13 |
15 |
|
Kingborough Lions |
9 |
4 |
3 |
2 |
15 |
21 |
15 |
|
Olympia Warriors |
9 |
4 |
1 |
4 |
19 |
16 |
13 |
|
Clarence Zebras |
9 |
2 |
2 |
5 |
11 |
19 |
8 |
|
Riverside Olympic |
9 |
1 |
2 |
6 |
12 |
22 |
5 |
|
Launceston City |
9 |
0 |
1 |
8 |
8 |
21 |
1 |
48 comments:
If Clarence Zebras could have a recording of Georges conference play in the sheds before each game they would be on top of the ladder, worked out well for you , hete goes another coach
Crazy that STratos has only reffed 50, feels like he has been around forever!
The Zebras VS Olympia game was an awful standard to watch. It's no suprise we are lucky to get 100 people to a game when that's what you pay to watch. You would be able to count on 1 hand how many times a team was able to put 5 passes together. Knights again look great going forward and easily done the lions who cannot play on big open grounds. Devonport will win the title but they have been disapointing this year. Pitchford and their defence has got them the title as there attack is very average. Riverside deserved a point atleast. South again showed they are 1 of the only clubs with some quality youth coming through. City need to start again they are getting worse every year
Agreed, the quality has been awful this year. The fact that Devonport are winning the league, and it's probably one of the worst performing Devonport teams over the last few years shows what kind of standard it's at. Knights are actually the best team in the competition but the slow start against Kingborough and wasteful finishing against Devonport has cost them the title... It's been a bad year but at least we have some kind of competition too.
It’s interesting people keep saying the standard this year is so bad when in previous years you had one team getting beaten by 10+ goals every game and the title over half way through the season with top 4 teams never losing to the bottom 4 and strikers with over inflated goal figures due to one team. This season essentially every game is up for grabs even Devonport who have been very fortunate with win after win by 1 goal top 4 teams are able to be beaten and even last place Launceston City have been very unlucky to not win 2 or 3 games and have only been losing by small margins. Oh and that’s right young players are finally being given a pathway to seniors which I’d suggest can only put our local competition in a good position for future years. Just my opinion but I’m a bit sick and tired of hearing how bad it is now and how good it used to be maybe if you’re taking about the 70’s, 80’s & 90’s I might agree but don’t kid yourself over the last few years compared to this year which I’ve found quite refreshing.
As a hated Olympia man and old player and lover of the game for 68 years now I would like to congratulate the Clarence Zebras for last nights win . There speed to get back in defence at times and shut down the too many long balls we played was a credit to the players and coach , they just seemed to turn up for each other in numbers and frustrated our boys and held on well, the last 15 minutes was exciting and both teams made the other look scrappy at times just by good defence that’s all , these people that comment saying it was crap and bla bla bla are just obviously supporters or players from other clubs and get to have there selective video playback moments to comment on as a gee up , Last night was a great atmosphere as always at Warrior Park and previously at Wentworth and the fans of both clubs are the only ones comments that count
Name 1 team that is stronger than last year apart from knights??
Anon 7.27 pm.
I do not agree with your comments. The league this year is poor . If you know anything about football you would agree.
The league is much closer and many of the teams can beat any other on their day which makes the competition close.
However it doesn’t make it better.
Fair comment closer comp doesn’t always mean better skills but this season is far less boring than previous years and interestingly a certain striker who scored 8 goals in one game last year against a side that skewed the whole comp can’t even score at all this year
Every year there are clubs criticised for bringing in imports instead of playing youth. This year thanks to Corona there aren’t many imports and clubs have to play youth. Of course the standard isn’t going to be as good!
Don’t think I said any specific team was stronger this year but agree Knights are the obvious improvers in that regard not through developing players of course ... just think it’s a bit disrespectful to the guys that are playing to say they are sub standard and if so why are Devonport who have had little changes finding it so hard to score and win games
Knights gave spent a lot of money to create that team. Take away the cash and half would be gone. Yes they are the best team by miles but their culture is all about the $$$$$$$$$.I for one am enjoying the irony that its all for nothing. GO PORT!!
I'd like to know what the hell is happening at Kingborough.
A club with huge potential but appear to be going backwards. Across the board their results have been very ordinary in 2020.
Anon 7,42 totally agree we all like to criticise Olympia (and no I’m not a supporter) for trying to buy titles but Knights get a very easy ride and cop nothing when they are probably worse so even though I’m a bit sick of Devonport winning each year it’s the better option of bad situation ..... also makes me laugh how Sherman has been put up as some master coach when he’s been given at least half a dozen of the better more experienced players in the comp ... give me a break .... what I would say is that’s good to see some of the Knights champ and u20 teams doing well perhaps that has something to do with Dale trying to develop players
Anon 7:42 AM
And other clubs aren't paying players?
I think if everyone sat back and looked at the year as it is, in Australia, around the world, look at AFL results, EPL etc, it has been a strange and difficult year for everyone. I am just grateful we actually have the ability to play our local sports and support them, whereas else where, people can't do that.
I know players and myself at times, struggled to find that motivation. Things can't be perfect all the time, so relax and enjoy the fact we can go out and support our sports / clubs.
There have been some good things come out of 2020.
Reply to Anon 8:59 AM
Kingborough have lost two games?
Last year they got 30 points from 24 games, = 1.25 points/game.
This year they are on 15 points from 9 games, = 1.66 points/game.
Probably could have taken the chocolates against Dev a couple weeks ago too. Agree their two losses to South and Knights have been embarrassing, but I actually think they are on the up.
Not the sums some Knights are getting, not even close. Oh all you Knights people. Loose lips sink ships. Some players like to brag.
Some clubs pay players, some clubs have full time coaches both cost considerable $$$.
Haven't heard anyone of real note mention Sherman as a master coach how could they there isn't a base for it.
I do agree the knights do tend to receive less grief for spending the way they do however. They could just lie about it like one club in particular that I'm sure you are very fond of.
Anon 9.08
I state weeks ago that Kingborough are on a downward slide.
Wow people, get some positivity! There are several clubs who have been building their youth teams for several years. Well done to all those clubs The future of Clubs with local NPL players are looking bright especially as many that would have gone away will stay at local Universities now. Please also consider your wording. HATE is an ugly word that says more about the user/writer than the Clubs you are trying to damn.
Anon 7:42 AM
I would have agreed with you in years past.
But this Knights team looks different. They're playing for each other now.
And culture? It has improved over the years with people staying at the club. Name another club where the ressies and socials sit behind the goals and drink beers and try to create an atmosphere.
Oh here we go again Knights bashing because they are performing well. Jesus christ there are some losers in this world. The Knights do not pay there players over the top, exactly the opposite, some of them have knocked back double the money they get paid to stay at a club that has built a great culture amongst the Senior team. Those people knocking Sherman for his coaching obviously know nothing about football, if it was just about having good players wouldn't Olympia be doing great things, look at their team on paper.... but. An old adage, a team of champions does not make a champion team. Bear in mind they have not won anything yet, and may not, it does not take away from the fact that they are building something special. It has nothing to do with Money, it has a huge amount to do with training methods, coaching methods, coaching attitudes. Not one of those players that have joined the club recently have come for the money. The players are just happy to be playing together, take your time and go and talk to them.
Anon September 21, 2020 at 3:39 PM
What a load of crap.
3:27pm New Town White Eagles do. There's a great culture as well a good place to be.
Anon 3.39 ,,,l Surely you jest Mr Sherman ,, like a previous comment stated unfortunately players just don’t know how to keep there mouths shut these days , for real
Question for you Walter.
How do you rate the top teams in the Southern Championships to those in the NPl. I know that Uni are very competitive against NPL sides.
Especially style of play.
September 21, 2020 at 12:56 PM;
Kingborough seniors are awful away from the Den. They get caught out on the bigger grounds like KGV and South Hobart where better teams exposes their weaknesses, which are many.
1.66 points a game?? That's clutching at straws. 1 point or 3 is all that matters. They got pumped again on the weekend, that's the bottom line. We'll learn a fair bit about them this weekend at Valley Road.
If not for McKeown they'd be in all sorts of trouble. Where are the young lads coming through the system? Time for them to be given a chance.
Sept 21 9.23pm Anon. Have the courage of your convictions and name them, and how much they get paid. Bet you wont, key board cowards, make lots of accusations and can't back it up. Please tell us all how much everyone is getting paid you seem to know it all, it must be public knowledge, don't be afraid. How much is too much by the way, you are the expert tell us all, enlighten us with your knowledge of the finances of the NPL clubs. By the way which club are you a financial member of. What work do you do behind the scenes that actually benefits anyone other than yourself, why are you so interested in the GK's players finances, are you a disgruntled ex player who couldn't or wouldn't make the commitment. No one is committing a crime here, players are playing coaches are coaching people get paid, what is your issue. You obviously have a hang up with GK or Sherman or both. Get over it, try and do something positive and stop trying to drag people back to your level, some people actually try and improve themselves and in doing so help other along the way, you should try it some time. Now go ahead and reply and don't forget to name the players and there wages.
Uni got spanked by Hobart utd and Hobart utd won the comp last year.
Anon 12.56 pm.
It has all been said before about Boro numerous times and for many years but still they don’t get it.
It will never change whilst things stay the same.
Mr Pres needs to move out the furniture snd shift some around in order to get improvement.
Some decent people involved there , but some have been and are holding the club back , still.
Did you watch them play Olympia in the cup?? There was no style there at all.
Not sure what drugs your on but what's this got to do with someone asking about Uni??
Im pretty sure this is not the forum to name people and their earnings. Im also 100% sure Walter wouldn't publish it either.
Anon 10.35 am.
Please grow up. Players who get paid always tell their mates and then the rumours spread.
Many Knights players have done the same and it is a well known fact that they are well paid.
No point denying it. Maybe the players should keep their gibs shut rather than brag to their mates.
Sobering the figures may be distorted but please do not deny that Knights do not pay ridiculous money to players.
And on a much brighter note , did anyone watch Clarence Zebras beat Olympia ? AGAIN ! Could not believe the odds on offer. AGAIN !
Spot on comment. As I said loose lips ...... The sad part is people on here trying to defend that. Maybe THAT person should talk to the players and ask " who have you told?" Actually don't bother, the answer is everyone.
One can only sit back and laugh when everyone is up in arms about how much knights pay their players. There is no doubt, nor do the knights try to hide the fact that they pay players, unlike zebras and south have done on numerous occasions. There is never any mention of Devonport and Zebras paying/employing a full-time coach or Kingborough and Launceston forking out on imports? David Smith is on a small fortune...quite frankly, from the job that he’s doing I don’t quite understand why more criticism isn’t heading his way. There is a lot of truth to the fact that the culture at knights has played a factor in attracting players, yes the monetary side of things was also a draw card, it’s common knowledge that Olympia have offered many of the knights players more money, so what does that tell you. Everyone spends money, it’s about doing it in the right manor to help your club succeed and I personally see that knights are investing in local talent, they all seem to be decent enough blokes and decent footballers, good luck to them.
Anon 9:11 AM
You are a peanut if you don't understand averages..
sept 22 1.35pm and sept 22 6.07pm.... no one, NO ONE denies the players get paid you fools, but what you suggest is that they get paid well above the average, they do not, the GK's do not have the funds to pay the big money, simple as that over and out, once again, stop being cowards and give us all the figures you SAY you have been told. I challenged you before and i said, bet you wont, and you have not. Key board cowards, put up or shut up.
sept 22 6.31pm The voice of reason and common sense.
Mate...a keyboard coward is someone who hides behind a fake profile or by being anonymous. Get it...they are too cowardly to say who they really are...like you! Pot meet kettle...and there the lesson endeth.
Can you read? Just curious because you seem to be unable to read some of the comments on here. Its been done to death pal. Nobody is going to put private information on here nor would walter publish it.
You keep living in denial. This is done seriously.
Yes some very valid points.
Charles Calthrop .Day of the Jackal. Say no more.
Yeah sorry mate. I hadn't posted before on this subject. That was someone else. I have absolutely no idea whether Knights players get paid at all and couldn't care less. I was just trying to point out your double standard of calling people keyboard cowards when you are upholding the very definition of the phrase. Jog on...
Walter I love this midweek banter when there’s no football news from anywhere , brilliant stuff
Charles Calthrop. the real difference is that someone insists on spreading lies and distorted information without having the courage to identify themselves, correcting them should not be an issue. Of course your name is your real name. there are some seriously loathsome people posting malicious bullshit, i'm not sure of their motives but i will not let it go by. i only answer their lies, they start it, i'm just trying to keep them truthful. if you want to lie with dogs you'll catch fleas, of course being a Jackall you have a head start.
Everyone jumped on Mamacas and hated on him.. But look what he did. How active has the blog been? I haven't seen it this active for a long time. How heated was the game on the weekend, and how heated will future Oly v C.Zeb games be in the future? I give my credit to George, he has spiced things up in a lacklustre year of NPL football.
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