Knights must rein in Devonport to keep title race alive

Photo:  Knights' Nick Naden (right) could test the Devonport rearguard. [PlessPix] 

Devonport Strikers can open up a potentially title-winning lead at the top of the NPL Tasmania standings tomorrow by beating second-placed Glenorchy Knights at home at Valley Road.

If the home side wins, they will have a 4-point lead over Knights and possibly a 9-point or 6-point lead over third-ranked South Hobart.

South Hobart are away to bottom-side Riverside Olympic at Windsor Park at 2.30pm.

Fourth-placed Kingborough Lions United are out of the running for the title but will be keen to overcome fifth-placed Olympia Warriors at the latter’s home pitch tomorrow as they are only 6 points ahead of the Warriors on the standings and can probably feel them breathing down their necks.

What was once termed ‘the Italian derby’, featuring Launceston City and Clarence Zebras, will be fought out at Buckby Motors Park in Launceston at 4.30pm tomorrow.

The two sides are level on points and only a better goal-difference has  Clarence Zebras’ noses in front.

A win could move either up a place in the standings, depending on how Olympia go against the Lions.

Photo:  Knights' Austin Yost (left) shhots for goal against South Hobart last week. He has been an important signing and Devonport must watch him closely. [PlessPix]  

Devonport will start as slight favourites against the Knights, but there won’t be much in it.

The two sides went to extra-time and penalties in the Lakoseljac Cup Final, which Devonport won on penalties, but that doesn’t tell us much as this is a league game and there is no extra-time.

Devonport, who have been drawn away against Victorian powerhouse Altona in the FFA Cup, should be at full strength with extra firepower in reserve.

Knights may be without injured skipper Tyler Harrison, who went off early in last Saturday’s 1-1 draw with South Hobart.

Photo:  A despondent Knights captain, Tyler Harrison, returns to the dressing room at half time after being injured early in the game against South Hobart.  He is accompanied by goalkeeping coach Michael Soszynski (left) and assistant coach Anton Baltic. [PlessPix]  

They would have to revamp their defence and Eli Luttmer may partner Lucas Hill in the centre at the back, with Connor Schmidt and Jack Bowman as the fullbacks.

Nick Naden will play a key role in attack for the Knights.  He displayed some marvellous skills against South Hobart and, if he is on target with his finishing, could worry Devonport.

Coach James Sherman named himself on the bench against South Hobart but did not play.  His leadership near the end could have been crucial as the side fell to a sucker punch from the home side.

Knights have young talent available, such as Yianni Skalkos and Kalvin Pitt, but more experienced heads may be required against reigning champions.

Knights have a chance if they play to their strengths and convert their openings, but Devonport at home will be a huge hurdle to overcome.

Riverside Olympic were very disappointing last week against Launceston City and South Hobart should have their measure.

The visitors’ defence is strong and experienced in the middle and fast and adventurous on the flanks and Riverside will know they have been in a game.

Photo:  South Hobart's defence takes no prisoners.  Here, Patrick Kibler (left) and Luke Bighin try to prevent Knights' Nick Mearns from shooting. [PlessPix]  

Kasper Hallam is in terrific form for South Hobart down the right and he sets up great chances for team-mates in the middle.

Riverside will find it difficult to counter South’s attacks and are unlikely to salvage even a point.

They had their three suspended players back against Launceston City but it had no effect, so even with their strongest side on view, they are unlikely to trouble South Hobart.

Olympia will be missing two key youngsters through suspension when they entertain Kingborough.

Koby Moschogianis and top scorer Kyle Vincent were sent off against Devonport last week and will be suspended just when their team needs them the most.

Kingborough lost at home to Clarence Zebras last weekend and have much to prove to their supporters.

They may just be good enough to come away with the 3 points, especially if former Olympia striker Ben Hamlett produces the goods.

Launceston City and Clarence Zebras could end up all square at the end of the 90 minutes at Buckby Motors Park as they look evenly matched.

The atmosphere should be electric.  Two traditional rivals, a twilight match, freezing temperatures mitigated somewhat by the roaring wood fires near the club house, make for a great atmosphere for football.

It’s to be hoped the standard of play matches the ambience.

Photo:  Kasper Hallam (left) tackled by the Knights' Lucas Hill.  Both will play crucial roles in their teams' games tomorrow. [PlessPix]  

NPL Tasmania schedule for Saturday, 10 July 2021:

Devonport Strikers v Glenorchy Knights (Valley Road, 2.15pm)

Riverside Olympic v South Hobart (Windsor Park, 2.30pm)

Launceston City v Clarence Zebras (Buckby Motors Park, 4.30pm)

Olympia Warriors v Kingborough Lions United (Warrior Park, 4.30pm)

NPL Tasmania (As at 3 July 2021)

TEAM	P	W	D	L	F	A	Pts
Devonport City	12	9	1	2	25	10	28
Glenorchy Knights	11	8	3	0	39	11	27
South Hobart	11	6	4	1	26	13	22
Kingborough Lions	12	5	2	5	22	23	17
Olympia Warriors	11	3	2	6	18	28	11
Clarence Zebras	11	3	1	7	20	30	10
Launceston City	11	3	1	7	13	27	10
Riverside Olympic	11	0	2	9	17	39	2