Western United men and women in action tomorrow at North Hobart in A-League fixtures

Photo:  Hobart youngster Viktor Gordon poses with Western United star Alessandro Diamanti at today's training session at North Hobart Oval. [Photo courtesy of Tom Gordon] 

Reigning A-League champions Western United take on Sydney FC at North Hobart Oval at 5pm tomorrow in a game of vital importance to both sides.

Western United are currently languishing in 11 spot, while Sydney FC are in 8^th place.

The reigning champions have a better recent record, having won three and drawn two of their past five games.

Photo:  Former Tasmanian David Clarkson (left) with Western United coach and former Socceroos star John Aloisi at North Hobart today. [PlessPix] 

In contrast, Sydney FC have lost three, drawn one and won one of their past five games.

Western United conducted junior clinics at North Hobart on Wednesday and Thursday of this week which were well-attended by local youngsters.

At 2.20pm tomorrow, Western United women’s team meet Brisbane Roar.

Western United are in first place in the Women’s A-League, having won four and lost just one of their past five games.

Brisbane Roar are seventh and have won two, drawn two and lost one of their past five games.

Both of the Western United teams (men and women) had training sessions on North Hobart Oval this afternoon in preparation for tomorrow’s games.

Photo:  Italian international and Western United star player Alessandro Diamanti at North Hobart today. [PlessPix] 

Both Western United and Sydney FC have some links with Tasmania.

David Clarkson, who is Western United’s Tasmanian football ambassador and who ran this week’s junior clinics, started his career in Tasmania before playing in England for Brighton, as well as in Hong Kong.

He was also a star of South Melbourne Hellas in the old National Soccer League.

I reckon he is one of the best players never to have played for the Socceroos, although some pundits think Dr Andy Harper deserves that honour. I’d stick with my choice of Clarkson.

Western United women’s player Aimee Medwin is from Tasmania originally and joined Western United after stints in college football in America.

She will be delighted to play at North Hobart in front of family and friends.

And, the Chairman of Sydney FC is Scott Barlow, who is from Tasmania and once played for Kingborough Lions United.

Sydney FC are no strangers to North Hobart Oval.  They played there against Melbourne Victory in an A-League pre-season friendly on 28 September, 2014.

Photo:  Western United manager John Aloisi (right) with his coach, Hayden Foxe. [PlessPix]
 

Photo:  Western United players signing autographs for fans after training at North Hobart Oval. [PlessPix]

Photo:  Alessandro Diamanti in training today at North Hobart. [PlessPix]