Devonport continue to set the pace in NPL

Photo:  Glenorchy Knights pose for a photo before their game against Kingborough on Saturday. [PlessPix]

With a third of the 2022 NPL Tasmania season played, Devonport Strikers appear to be shaping up as title favourites.

They beat Clarence Zebras 2-0 at home at Valley Road last Saturday and sit at the top of the standings, 2 points ahead of second-placed title-holders Glenorchy Knights.

The Knights downed third-ranked Kingborough Lions United 3-1 away at Clennett’s Lightwood Park.

Fourth-placed Launceston City won 4-2 against the visiting second-last Olympia Warriors.

South Hobart, in an unusual fifth place on the standings, triumphed 6-0 away against bottom-side Riverside Olympic at Windsor Park.

Photo:  Knights' Adam Gorrie gives Kingborough's Ramiro Vilar a piece of his mind. [PlessPix]  

At Valley Road, Henry Andrews put Devonport ahead against the visiting Clarence Zebras in the 32^nd minute, while Brody Denehey assured the league leaders of all three points when he netted the second in the 56^th minute.

Glenorchy Knights hit the front against Kingborough Lions 3 minutes before the interval when Kyle Vincent showed pace, skill and determination in beating three defenders before firing home.

With 15 minutes remaining, Greg Downes equalised for the Lions with an excellent free-kick that beat keeper Reef Murfett and went in off the left-hand post.

The game appeared to be heading for a draw, but two late goals gave the Knights victory.

Photo:  Knights' skipper Eli Luttmer wins a header against Kingborough's Greg Downes. [PlessPix]  

Eli Luttmer restored the Knights’ lead with a penalty 11 minutes from the end, while substitute Thomas Walpole hit the third with a low drive from the right a minute into stoppage time.

Walpole almost added a fourth but his effort came back off the crossbar.

South Hobart were untroubled in overcoming Riverside Olympic away from home.

Iskander Van Doorne and Nick Morton each scored a brace, while Bradley Lakoseljac and Josh Divin completed the scoring for South, who led 2-0 at half-time.

Albert Amankwaa gave Launceston City a 1-0 lead at the break against Olympia Warriors at Buckby Land Rover Park when he scored after just 8 minutes.

Photo:  Kingborough's Kobe Kemp (left) and Greg Downes having a natter as they head for the impressive new dressing rooms at half-time.  Oh to have such facilities at KGV Park. [PlessPix]  

Adam Pickup’s goal 3 minutes after the resumption made it 1-1.

Jaden Fidra restored the home side’s lead 5 minutes into the second half but an Alex Holmes strike 13 minutes from the end made it 2-2.

A superb free-kick by Gedminias Krusa in the 88^th minute and a goal deep into stoppage time by Daniel Smith saw City win 4-2.

Photo:  Gedminias Krusa scored a sensational free-kick for Launceston City against Olympia Warriors. [PlessPix]  

NPL Tasmania Standings (As at 14 May 2022)

TEAM	P	W	D	L	F	A	Pts
Devonport Strikers	7	6	0	1	21	1	18
Glenorchy Knights	7	5	1	1	17	4	16
Kingborough Lions	7	4	1	2	23	13	13
Launceston City	6	4	0	2	14	13	12
South Hobart	6	3	2	1	20	6	11
Clarence Zebras	7	1	1	5	8	18	4
Olympia Warriors	7	1	0	6	8	26	3
Riverside Olympic	7	0	1	6	1	31	1

Photo:  Knights' Kyle Vincent showing a clean pair of heels to Kingborough's Alfred Hess. [PlessPix]