The Glenorchy Knights have continued their strong form late in the NPL season, beating South Hobart 2-1 at Darcy Street. Goals to Alex Leszczynski and Nicholas Naden saw the Knights claim a come-from-behind win after Samuel Berezansky had fired the home side into an early lead.
South controlled the tempo for much of the game but struggled to break through a well-organised Glenorchy lineup that has now won five of its last six games. That run has seen the Knights move into fifth place on the ladder, while South Hobart battled manfully with a young and under-strength lineup but failed to make up any ground on the third-placed Olympia Warriors.
The game rolled gently into first gear from the opening kickoff, as South showed patience in possession and Glenorchy looked to feel out their opposition. When both teams did move forward, though, they looked immediately dangerous. The Knights found the woodwork with their first shot of the afternoon, while South grabbed the lead with their first effort just before the 15 minute mark. Sam Tooze broke down the right wing and crossed low, and while Glenorchy's Tyler Harrison was able to block the cross it fell straight to Berezansky who slammed it home.
That goal failed to break the game open, as time continued to tick away with no clear-cut chances for either side. Already content to play the ball slowly across their backline, South settled even further into a high-possession style with a lead in hand. They may have been left regretting that just after the half hour mark, when a momentary lapse saw the Knights equalise from the penalty spot.
A long ball over the defence led Alex Bellini towards goal, and South Hobart goalkeeper Graham Wright came out to cut him off. With the ball in dispute Wright appeared to shove the attacker over, and referee Tony Peart showed no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Leszczynski stepped up and confidently tucked away the penalty to make it 1-1.
Energised by the breakthrough, the Knights looked like the more dangerous team heading into half time. The forward trio of Leszczynski, Naden and Bellini threatened to add to the lead, but the scored remained locked as the teams went in for the break.
Both sides looked to increase the tempo after the restart as they chased the deciding goal. Both Dmitri Nester, playing his last senior game, and Wright were forced into action early in the half, with the hosts seeing the better of the chances. Loic Feral went close with a shot from an Adam Gorrie cross, while a pair of long-range blasts from Kobe Kemp forced two solid saves from Nester.
Just minutes after those close calls, though, came a lightning-quick breakaway and a decisive goal for Glenorchy. A long ball from the backline found substitute Thomas Bellini, and after beating his man he slid it across the area to Naden who dodged a challenge and finished well from close range.
With 15 minutes left South went all-out in search of an equaliser, leaving themselves open on the counter and prompting an end-to-end flurry to finish the game. Kemp, Tobias Herweynen and Sam Tooze all had chances to fire on goal, but none could find the target and force a final save from Nester. The hosts continued to attack right until the final whistle, but they couldn't find a breakthrough as the Knights celebrated a strong away win.
Knights will next week face the similarly in-form Kingborough Lions having now locked down fifth place, while South Hobart will look to finish a difficult season on a high when they host the NPL champion Devonport Strikers.