Friday, February 19, 2021

It should be a torrid affair when tonight's second round of the Championship Summer Cup kicks off the weekend's action

Photo:  The Beachside squad which will play Hobart United in tropical conditions this evening. [Photo courtesy of Beachside FC]
 

Beachside will feature four Under-16 players in tonights Championship Summer Cup second-round game against Hobart United at KGV Park at 5.45pm.

Another point of interest is that Beachsides new coach, Romilton Amaral, is a former Hobart United player and coach.

“Today we can expect a very difficult game, but for the right reasons,” Amaral said.

“Beachside versus Hobart United in their last encounter was not a pretty game and many cards were given on that occasion.

“Today both teams have the challenge to move away from that style of football.

“From Beachside’s perspective, we are going through a renovation and our squad will showcase four Under-16 players.

“I will be looking forward to watching this important moment in the lives of these young players and I hope that Hobart United will bring to the front page the beautiful African style of football.

“It is early days and just pre-season, but I believe the supporters will not be disappointed with our game.”

Beachside drew their opening game last week 1-1 against New Town White Eagles and won the resultant penalty shoot-out 4-3, while Hobart United scored a 1-0 win over South East United.

Tonights second fixture is the Clarence Zebras versus Metro game at 8.15pm.

Tomorrow, Kingborough Lions United entertain New Town White Eagles at Lightwood Park at 2pm.

Kingboroughs Vincent Turner said the Lions would feature a lot of talented youngsters against Eagles.

“Even with the young team that will be fielded, I feel like we can really trouble the Eagles and take home the 3 points,” Turner said.

“It will be a tough game but one that will be a good experience for all players coming into the side.

“New Town have always been a strong team, but I think they will be surprised by what they face in tomorrow's game.”

New Town White Eagles will be without Andrew Telega, who as an Achilles tendon injury, but David Cox will make his debut after signing from Beachside.

Ronan Longden had a minor back strain earlier in the week and will still take part in the match but will make way in the starting eleven for Callum Back - somewhat ironically, said Eagles coach, Tommy Fotak.

We're a work in progress and we'll continue to look at different combinations of players to find what we are capable of and test our depth.

I was really pleased with our game against Beachside and there were a couple of really good lessons to take out of that match.

The bedrock of how we want to play is there and it's a process of building on that each week and being more consistent for the full match.

The atmosphere at training was fantastic and there's a really great energy around the club.

Our women's side - colloquially known as the Ea-Gals - open their season this week after our match and it's really exciting to have the chance for a double header like this and to see a senior women's program at Eagles.

This is a massive credit to the committee and all others at the club for getting it up and running.

I wish Shane Revell and the ladies the best of luck.

South Hobart, who began their campaign well with a 5-0 win over Clarence Zebras last weekend, travel to Olinda Grove to take on University, who drew 3-3 with Taroona and then won the penalty shoot-out 4-2.

 “Last week we had two debutants who will play again this week,” said University coach, Lochie Brown.

“They are Zac Flanagan at striker and Rhett Martin, our new attacking midfielder, who is also studying medicine at UTAS.

“We'll also be playing Chris Son, our South Korean import, who has sorted out his work commitments and will be playing with us for the 2021 season.  His speed and technical ability are reminiscent of Tottenham's Son Heung-min.

“We'll also debut our South Australian import, Tristan Gutteridge, who's a technically talented CM or CB.

“We will continue to debut new players, and players in new positions in this Summer Cup tournament.

“This is important while we build new chemistry amongst the 2021 championship squad.

“We'll also miss our former championship captain Toby MacGregor after his move to Queensland.”

South East United host Glenorchy Knights at Pembroke Park, while Olympia Warriors welcome Taroona to Warrior Park at 2pm.

Taroona coach, Anton Rohner, said:  We’ve still got three or four players to come back.

“It’s our second game of the year and we have to make sure everyone gels together.

“The boys are looking good and looking forward to having a run.”

 

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Great to see double headers. hopefully there will be a lot more of them.

Anonymous said...

Eagles have been busy and I wish them all the best for their 60th anniversary.