Launceston City conquered their Devonport hoodoo to keep the pressure on South Hobart at the top of the McDonald's NPL Tasmania.
Building on last week’s season-defining win at D’Arcy Street, second-placed City enjoyed a rare 4-1 win over Strikers to ensure the title race remains on course for another final-day climax.
The prolific partnership of Angus Taylor and Thierry Swaby continued to fire with both strikers scoring twice to take their combined contribution to 47 goals this season.
Taylor unleashed two trademark right-footers while Swaby produced a powerful header and long-range curler after Colin Innes hit Strikers’ consolation from the penalty spot.
Leaders South Hobart had earlier cruised to a 7-1 win at Launceston United meaning the gap between the top two remains five points with City retaining a game in hand - also against their near neighbours.
Max Clarke’s double-chasers ensured the goal differential remains firmly in their favour as Alex Walter and Nick Morton both hit braces with Harrison Oates, Austin Yost and Alfred Hess completing their scoring. Yousuf Toure bagged his fifth goal in three weeks for United.
Across town Riverside Olympic also put some distance between themselves and United by beating bottom side Clarence 1-0.
The Windsor Park side needed a sweet strike from David Owusu and instinctive late save from keeper Noah Allouche-Sukkar to secure the points.
A stoppage-time equaliser denied Kingborough a third-straight win as Glenorchy grabbed a 1-1 draw at KGV on Friday night.
Noah Mies’ 19th goal of the season gave Lions a first-half lead, but Knights hit back at the death when Nic Naden’s cross was diverted in by his opposite number Eli Luttmer.
The second-versus-third match of the round in the Women’s Super League went to form with South Hobart prevailing 3-0 at Launceston United.
The familiar sources of Laura Davis and Jaz White had the visitors in control before sub Matilda Heddle tapped in her first WSL goal soon after the break.
Leaders Devonport mirrored the scoreline with a 3-0 triumph of their own at winless Taroona.
Sensational Japanese import Asuka Doi took her tally to 25 for the season with goals at both ends of the contest while Grace Sims completed the job.
Kingborough came from behind to equalise with Glenorchy 2-2 and stay in the hunt for third place.
An Eve Swan solo effort on the half-hour put the hosts in front but Hannah Walsh equalised soon after the break and Teigan Hennessy steered in the winner 15 minutes later.
Riverside had the bye.
South Hobart's Caitlin Stalker guards the ball from Amelia Wing of Launceston United. Picture by Nikki Long.