Game against Lions will be important sparring practice for Devonport's Australia Cup showdown

Photo:  Greg Downes is an important player in the Kingboorugh defence and will be tested against Devonport. [PlessPix] 

NPL Tasmania leaders Devonport Strikers face a searching test of their credentials tomorrow when they entertain third-ranked Kingborough Lions United at Valley Road at 2.30pm.

The Lions have had the occasional hiccup but did well last week to beat the reigning champions, Glenorchy Knights, 4-1 away at KGV Park.

It was a deserved win for the Lions, who showed tactical awareness, effective planning and produced excellent team and individual performances to achieve the impressive victory.

This will be a harder assignment, but Devonport may not have their minds fully on this game.

They virtually have the NPL title sewn up and they may consider they have bigger fish to fry.

They host A-League side Wellington Phoenix in the Australia Cup on 3 August and their minds must be starting to focus on that task.

Having said that, they will be preparing themselves for the visit of the A-League side and so the game against Lions will be an important chance to perfect things.

This should be a close contest and ideal preparation for Devonport’s upcoming Australia Cup fixture.

Photo (L-R):  Adam McKeown, Keenan Douce and Danny Cowen all started on the bench for Kingborough against Knights last week.  They will be keen to get a run against Devonport. [PlessPix]  

Glenorchy Knights have a snowflake’s chance in hell of retaining the title and their aim must be second place.

They should be able to beat bottom-side Riverside Olympic at 2.30pm at KGV Park, although the northerners embarrassed South Hobart last week by drawing 1-1.

Knights won’t be able to take Riverside lightly, but anything other than a victory will be a huge disappointment for the home side.

Clarence Zebras face a tough task against Launceston City at Wentworth Park at 4.30pm.

City are a solid side who are punching above their weight and they may just get home against a Clarence Zebras side that has shown improvement but who are still very vulnerable in defence.

South Hobart have been very disappointing this season and they must beat Olympia Warriors to regain some pride.

Olympia have shown improvement and will not make it easy for the visitors.

NPL Tasmania schedule for Saturday, 23 July 2022:

Devonport Strikers v Kingborough Lions United (Valley Road, 2.30pm)

Glenorchy Knights v Riverside Olympic (KGV Park, 2.30pm)

Clarence Zebras v Launceston City (Wentworth Park, 4.30pm)

Olympia Warriors v South Hobart (Empire Couriers Park, 6.30pm)

Men’s Southern Championship NPL Tasmania Standings (As at 16 July 2022)

TEAM	P	W	D	L	F	A	Pts
Devonport Strikers	14	13	0	1	50	8	39
Glenorchy Knights	14	9	1	4	32	14	28
Kingborough Lions	14	9	1	4	39	24	28
South Hobart	13	7	3	3	38	10	24
Launceston City	13	7	1	5	25	25	22
Clarence Zebras	14	3	2	9	23	34	11
Olympia Warriors	14	2	0	12	16	51	6
Riverside Olympic	14	0	2	12	7	65	2