Photo: Dandenong Thunder were always dangerous in attack against South Hobart. [PlessPix] (Pre-season Friendly, South
Hobart Oval, Saturday, 28 January 2023)
South Hobart 3 (Jackson Dent
12, Iskander Van Doorne 26, Sam Lancaster 69)
Dandenong Thunder 3 (Joshua Meaker
20, Seva Ismali 60, Grad Daman 76)
HT:
2-1 Att: 200 Ref: S Plomaritis
____________________________________
Photo: Kasper Hallam warms up before the game. [PlessPix] The return of former South Hobart winger
Kasper Hallam was eagerly anticipated in this game, but the youngster went off
after just 20 minutes as he felt a tweak in the quadriceps.
It was a pity as he had a hand in
Dandenong Thunder’s early equaliser and must have been looking forward to
showing what he has learned from his stint with A-League club Melbourne
Victory.
Dandenong looked the technically more
accomplished team, but South Hobart demonstrated grit and determination and also
a fair amount of skill, too.
Dandenong switched play from one flank
to the other constantly with long diagonal passes, which had the South Hobart
defence scampering to cover their opponents.
The Dandenong wingers were fast and
skilful and used feints and other tricks to round opponents, get to the byline
and send in dangerous crosses for lurking team-mates.
Photo: A Dandenong shot at South Hobart's goal. [PlessPix] Jackson Dent put South Hobart ahead
from close range in the 12th minute, but a cross from Hallam paved
the way for Joshua Meaker to equalise 8 minute later.
South Hobart restored their lead before
half-time when Alex Browne’s shot was turned against the inside of the far
left-hand post by Dandenong keeper Majak Mawith and, as the ball rolled back
across the face of goal, Iskander Van Doorne slammed it home.
Dandenong increased the temp in the second
half and Kieran Dover was menacing down the flanks, as was Sanih Zijai.
Photo: A Dandenong player slides for the ball. [PlessPix] Josh Karanz was dangerous in a central
role and he almost scored with a fierce shot that South Hobart keeper Jake
Hayers turned against the bar. Hayers had
come on at half-time in place of Nick O’Connell, who has returned after a
season at A-League side Brisbane Roar.
Zijai was unlucky not to score when he
headed Dover’s cross from the right against the bar from beyond the far post.
Seva Ismaili made it 2-2 on the hour,
but South Hobart refused to surrender and kept pressing whenever they could.
They were rewarded in the 69th
minute when Sam Lancaster out them ahead with a fine goal.
With 14 minutes remaining, Dandenong
again attacked down the right flank and the tricky Zijai beat his fullback and cut
the ball back for Grad Daman to make it 3-3.
Photo: Ken Morton (left) and David Chick. [PlessPix] South Hobart coach, Ken Morton, said:
“We wanted to get a good hour in with a
strong team and I think we just did that so we’ll be good for the run.
“We needed a good hit-out and we got
that today.
“They were very sharp and slick in different
periods of the game with good flank attacks and we had to defend well to keep them
out.
“Overall, an enjoyable game for the people
to watch and a pleasure to have Dandenong in Hobart. It was great.
Dandenong Thunder coach, David Chick,
said:
“I think it was a good hit-out against
good opposition who tested us all the way through. They were well organised and worked hard and
we got a tough game, which is what we wanted.
“It was a very competitive game with
six goals so it was entertaining for the neutral.
“There’s a bit for us to work on, but
we know that.
“I enjoyed the hit-out. I’ve been here before with a different team
and it’s always good.”
Photo: Dandenong get in a shot at goal. [PlessPix]
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