Alex Walter played the pivotal role as NPL Tasmania leaders South Hobart extended their unbeaten start to the season with a 3-0 win against third-placed Glenorchy.
Goals early in each half were enough to see Max Clarke’s men to an 11th win from 13 games having only dropped points in two draws.
After putting his side ahead with a deft early header, Walter bagged his second from the penalty spot after being hauled down by Knights defender Zeek Prebble, who was subsequently sent off.
Kobe Kemp tapped in a last-minute third.
Playing a day earlier, Launceston City again enjoyed a brief spell on top of the ladder despite finishing a 3-0 win at Clarence with only nine men.
Striker Ben Berlese struck twice and Angus Taylor added his 11th goal of the season before Tyson Matthews and Mana Yawngtun were both shown red cards.
Kingborough shocked Devonport for the second time this season, holding on for a gritty 2-1 win.
Noah Mies led the Lions with a pair, before Colin Innes continued his excellent form to reduce the arrears late on. But it was not enough, as Strikers suffered their fourth loss of the campaign.
Riverside grabbed the points and local bragging rights with a comfortable 3-0 win at cross-town rivals Launceston United.
Fahim Moradi’s delightful strike had the visitors ahead at the break. Close-range finishes from James Pelletier and Aidan Sands confirmed the result which would have been more emphatic but for former Olympic keeper Daniel Nash in United’s goal.
Women’s Super League pace-setters Devonport and South Hobart warmed up for next week’s statewide cup final with contrasting wins.
Unbeaten leaders Devonport cruised past Kingborough with a 7-1 win at Valley Road which will also be the venue for their cup showdown next Monday.
Grace Sims, Georgia King, Madeline Payne, Abbie White and Annalee Bidwell all hit the target before a late double from Asuka Doi took the Japanese import to 16 goals for the season.
Captain Hannah Walsh claimed the Lions’ consolation goal.
South Hobart were given a major scare before emerging 3-1 winners over Glenorchy.
Charlotte Butler’s lovely chip gave the visitors the lead at D’Arcy Street but Kate Ollerhead equalised on the stroke of half-time.
Caitlin Stalker put South in front soon after the break but they had to wait until stoppage time for Madi Chambers to confirm the points with another excellent finish.
Third-placed Launceston United also gave their goal difference a boost with a 7-0 win over Riverside.
Canadian import Montana Leonard took her season tally into double figures with a four-goal haul which included three in eight minutes around the hour mark.
Chelsea Wing, Dani Gunton and Hollie Jones completed the scoring.
Image: South Hobart's WSL side celebrate a goal in their 3-1 win against Glenorchy Knights at D'arcy St. Picture: Nikki Long.