Devonport show they are determined to retain their NPL Tasmania crown

Photo:  Does Devonport's Connor Parke get the final touch to Joel Stone's free-kick for the opening goal? [PlessPix]
 

Devonport City played their best game of the season yesterday when they beat South Hobart 4-1 away at South Hobart Oval to retain a 4-point lead at the top of the NPL Tasmania standings.

South Hobart, who dropped to fifth on the standings as a result of the loss, might have done better, but at least seven excellent saves by Devonport keeper Nathan Pitchford dashed their hopes.

Photo:  Devonport goalkeeper Nathan Pitchford showed he is Tasmania's best goalkeeper with his display against South Hobart [PlessPix]

Pitchford was unbeatable until late in the game when Nick Morton ran onto a superb through-ball from Andy Brennan and beat the keeper with a low drive from the right that ended up just inside the far post for South Hobart’s consolation goal.

South Hobart might even have taken the lead in the opening minute following a corner, but Devonport cleared a resultant attempt on goal off the line.

Photo:  South Hobart's Bradley Lakoseljac surrounded by Devonport opponents.  Lakoseljac was denied a goal by a brilliant save by Nathan Pitchford.  [PlessPix]
 

The visitors took the lead in the 12^th minute when Joel Stone’s curling free-kick from wide on the left appeared to elude everyone and the ball ended up in the far corner of the net.  Connor Parke may just have got a final touch with an outstretched leg.

Devonport did not miss Miles Barnard in attack one iota.  His absence appeared to give them new and more attacking options and they made the most of it.  Harry Crocker was a useful newcomer in midfield and his physical and technical performances made his inclusion in the starting side worthwhile.

Pitchford saved several times before Devonport eased the pressure with a  second goal, again from a Stone free-kick from wide on the left.  This time, Connor Parke did score to make it 2-0 for the North-West Coast side.

Photo:  Devonport's Raphael Reynolds towers over South Hobart's Kasper Hallam [PlessPix]
 

Within 2 minutes, Devonport’s lead was 3-0 as Eddie Bidwell tore the South Hobart defence to pieces on the left and fired home.

Bidwell took advantage of a misdirected clearance by Nathan Reid to make it 4-0 in the 68^th minute, but to South Hobart’s credit, they continued to plug away and Morton netted a consolation goal 14 minutes from the end.

On this display, Devonport sent out a strong signal that they are in the box seat to retain their title.

Photo:  Devonport's Joel Stone leaves South Hobart's Declan Foley grounded [PlessPix]
 

Clarence Zebras slipped to second-last on goal-difference when they succumbed 3-0 at home at Wentworth Park to second-placed Glenorchy Knights.

Knights were physically stronger and faster than their opponents and were rarely troubled.

Hesitation and misunderstanding between goalkeeper Nick O’Connell and defender Deans Bloomfield allowed Alex Walter to nip in and roll home the opening Knights goal in the 12^th minute.

A corner by Joffrey N’Koso on the half-hour saw defender Oscar Thomas make it 2-0.

Photo:  Glenorchy Knights' Tom Young troubles two opponents while team-mate Joffrey N'Koso offers support [PlessPix]
 

Six minutes after the resumption, N’Koso fed Walter with a through-ball and he completed his brace with a low shot to make it 3-0.

Shortly after, O’Connell saved well from Nick Naden, while 2 minutes later, Thomas headed against the crossbar.

Clarence Zebras were surely creaking, but they did not crack and the game finished at 3-0.

Photo:  Clarence Zebras' Luke Huigsloot heads clear while under pressure from Glenorchy Knights' Oscar Thomas [PlessPix]
 

Kingborough Lions United moved up a place to third after beating Launceston City 2-1 away at Launceston’s Bucky Land Rover Park through a late brace by Adam McKeown.  How did Clarence Zebras ever let him go?

Sam Ridgard had given Launceston City a 27^th-minute lead.

Olympia Warriors seem to be resurrecting their season.  Their 3-1 away win over Riverside Olympic at Winsor Park in Launceston moved them into fourth place on the standings.

Lucas Hill gave Olympia the lead in the 31^st minute before Tom Prince equalised in the 39^th minute.

Austin Yost’s excellent goal in the 43^rd minute gave the visitors a 2-1 advantage at the break.

A Jake Vandermey penalty 10 minutes from the end ensured the southerners of victory and marked the revival of their season.

Photo:  Clarence Zebras' Jeremy Price goes to clear while under pressure from Glenorchy Knights' Tom Young [PlessPix]
 

NPL Tasmania Results

South Hobart 1 (N Morton 76) lost to Devonport City 4 (C Parke, 12, 33, E Bidwell 35, 68)

Riverside Olympic 1 (T Prince 39) lost to Olympia Warriors 3 (L Hill 31, A Yost 43, J Vandermey 80 pen)

Clarence Zebras 0 lost to Glenorchy Knights 3 (A Walter 16, 50, O Thomas 29)

Launceston City 1 (S Ridgard 27) lost to Kingborough Lions United 2 (A McKeown 70, 86)

NPL Tasmania Standings (As at 11 September 2020)

TEAM	P	W	D	L	F	A	Pts
Devonport City	8	7	1	0	15	5	22
Glenorchy Knights	8	6	0	2	19	7	18
Kingborough Lions	8	4	3	1	15	14	15
Olympia Warriors	8	4	1	3	18	14	13
South Hobart	8	4	0	4	14	12	12
Riverside Olympic	8	1	2	5	12	21	5
Clarence Zebras	8	1	2	5	9	18	5
Launceston City	8	0	1	7	8	18	1

Photo:  Devonport's Connor Parke tackles South Hobart's Andy Brennan [PlessPix]