South Hobart pull Lions by the tail

Photo: Alfred Hess in possession as the dangerous Iskander Van Doorne looms. [PlessPix] 

South Hobart made light work of beating Kingborough Lions United 5-1 in Saturday’s opening round of NPL Summer Cup matches.

Iskander Van Doorne and Bradley Lakoseljac each netted a brace, while captain, Nick Morton, added a fifth.

Van Doorne’s opener was a long-range chip that caught Lions keeper Lee Mackie off his line.  It was a bit reminiscent of Alessandro Diamanti’s outrageously cheeky effort against Sydney FC in the A-League game at North Hobart recently.

Bradley Lakoseljac made it 2-0 with an effort he could have converted with his eyes closed.

Photo:  Bradley Lakoseljac about to pop in the second goal. [PlessPix] 

The danger came from the wings and three more crosses were tucked away by Van Doorne, Lakoseljac and Morton before Joseph Ojwiya netted a consolation goal for the Lions.

Ahmed Othmann had hit the base of a post for Kingborough just before that goal, but I’m afraid the horse had already bolted by then.

Noah Mies had a couple of half-chances for Kingborough but was unable to score and he was generally well held.  He had one powerful shot blocked and another chance was spoiled when he failed to connect properly with a cross.

Photo:  Kingborough's Noah Mies in possession but under pressure. [PlessPix] 

Kingborough player-coach Alfred Hess played at the back and tried to inspire his team, but there is still work to be done.

They replaced Mackie at half-time with Futsal goalkeeper Eisa Azizi.  He adjusted to the outdoor game and did not fluff his lines.  He thwarted Morton twice in a many seconds at one point, which was to his credit.

South Hobart were without Jack Bowman at centre-half, while Nick O’Connell played between the sticks for the whole game, with Jake Hayers playing in goal for the Under-21s in the curtain-raiser, which South Hobart won 6-2.

A good day overall for the home club  - they did lose 2-1 to Hobart United in the Southern Championship Summer Cup  -  but not such a good one for the visiting Lions.

Photo:  Former Olympia stalwart Jake Vandermey is now an assistant coach at Kingborough. [PlessPix]

Photo:  Alfred Hess has a tough gig coming up as Kingborough's coach. [PlessPix]
 

Photo:  Kingborough;s Greg Downes has a shot from midfield. [PlessPix]  

Photo:  South Hobart skipper Nick Morton confronts Kingborough keeper Lee Mackie. [PlessPix]
 

Photo:  The Lions defend their territory. [PlessPix]