The Clarence Zebras ensured their maiden NPL TAS season came to a satisfying conclusion, downing Launceston City 2-0 at Wentworth Park to secure their fourth win of the season. They left it late, scoring twice in the final minutes of the game via a brace from Riley Dillon.
The game appeared destined to end in a scoreless draw as neither side found themselves able to break the stalemate through 88 frustrating minutes before the home side struck late to delight their home supporters.
In the 88th minute Sam Hills took the ball on the left and drilled in a cross in after some lovely build-up play, it’s was met perfectly by the run of Riley Dillon who he headed home emphatically, tearing off to celebrate with the Wentworth Park Faithful.
Then from the enusing kick off, a turnover led to a long ball played over the top by Clarence, it landed right in front of Dillon and he hits a perfect chip on the bounce that beat the goalkeeper to seal the result.
It ensured the Clarence Zebras would finish the year on 14 points with a 4-2-8 record with a -12 goal differential in sixth place on the table. Probably short of where they ideally would've liked to be, but something the club can build on into their sophomore campaign.
City meanwhile must be wondering where it all went wrong, as a season that started with such promise by dumping holders Devonport out of the Lakoseljac Cup, ended up with them rock bottom with just the single win to their name. The 1-1-12 record and -19 goal difference paints a picture of a side that was far from disgraced and they were rarely blown out despite their lowly finish, but an inability to take points from close games means they will go down as the 'best worst side' in the NPL Tas history. They do still have a chance to salvage something however, with a Sunday showdown with Olympia in the Lakoseljac Cup looming.