A Miles Barnard special led the Devonport Strikers to a come from behind victory against the Clarence Zebras on Saturday afternoon.
A brace to the ‘Fox in the Box’ was enough to cancel out Matthew Pace’s first half strike, as the men from Devonport tighten their grip on another NPL Tasmania title.
The game started with both teams battling for possession before the home side got control of the ball. Chances fell to both Stone and Reynolds, before Denehey and Syson made some good combination play, however it was the visitors who would draw first blood.
The first goal of the game came when Reynolds played the ball goalward in the box, this pass was then intercepted by Lachlan Burt who put it on a tee for Matthew Pace who went around Mulraney and struck the back of the net, moving the score to 1-0.
Despite being a goal behind it was Devonport who looked more likely to score as the first half wore on. The home side held the majority of possession and continued to create chances. Eddie Bidwell had a number of good opportunities and Denehey struck the side of the net, however the score remained 1-0 to the Zebras at halftime.
The second half began much like the first, with the Zebras looking for counter attacks and the Zebras holding the ball. Along with this strategy the visiting team kept holding on, defending well and keeping the home side out, however a 65th minute substitution would prove to be the difference.
In the 65th minute Miles Barnard entered the arena, and it took just ten minutes for the Fox in the Box to make an impact. His first goal came when Joel Stone beat three of his opponents, before crossing into the box. Denehey then hit the ball goalward before Barnard hit the ball with his heel into the back of the net.
This goal brought the scores level and after winning the ball from the Zebras kick off Barnard almost had another, but despite this missed chance he would not have to wait long for his second.
Barnard’s second goal came in the 77th minute when Parke whipped a ball into the box. Barnard then produced a brilliant diving header to score, winding away in a shirtless celebration as he put his side 2-1 up.
Chances fell to both teams as the game drew closer to a conclusion, however the score did not change, with Devonport running out 2-1 winners.
The win keeps Devonport atop of the ladder with a solid buffer over the Glenorchy Knights, whilst Clarence remain in sixth.
Next week the Strikers host Launceston City, 2:15pm at Valley Road, whilst the Clarence Zebras travel to Darcy Street to take on South Hobart at 2pm, both on Saturday.