The Kingborough Lions accounted for the Glenorchy Knights 2-0 at Lightwood Park on Saturday night in their first NPL Tasmania game of the 2020 campaign.
Set piece maestro Chris Downes was the architect, setting up the first goal with a corner to the back post that was guided home by Davis Bryan, before scoring the second himself with a free kick from the centre circle of the pitch that slipped through the fingers of Knights keeper, Lachlan Hart and into the back of the net. After the two early goals the hosts were then rock solid in defence as they saw off the Knights attacking threat and secured a victory that ensure they will sit atop the NPL Tasmania table after the conclusion of Round 1 action.
The work rate and tenacity of the Lions stood out in this clash, they were relentless from the offset in looking to press and harry the Knights players in possession.
The Den is not going to be an easy place to take points from this year and Knights soon learned that as they fell behind to a Chris Downes set piece. Downes whipped it in deep to the back post where Davis Bryan was awaiting to steer it home and hand the Lions the lead.
The second was all Downes, although he certainly had a helping hand from Knights keeper Lachlan Hart who should have done better with it. From the centre circle he launched a free kick that sailed all the way through Hart's hands and into the back of the net, sneaking under the bar.
It put the Knights right up against it and playing with a lead to protect clearly suits the Lions to a tee. Chasing a game probably won't be this Lions side biggest strength, but give them a lead and they are going to be a tough nut to crack when they are able to sit back and absorb the pressure.
So it proved here as despite huffing and puffing for the next 70 minutes, Sherman's men simply could not find a way through, despite creating a host of chances.
They came close in the first half to cutting the margin via a pair of headed efforts from Thomas Young. Twice the ball came in from the right wing to find him at the back stick where he made firm contact both times. His first effort was deflected behind for a corner however before his second drew a strong save out of Mackie, much to his frustration. In the final minute of the half Naden then had a headed chance of his own, rising unmarked from a corner but this time nodding over the bar.
The Knights looked well organised and they moved the ball around well, getting plenty of balls into the Lions penalty area but they lacked the end product they needed to get back into it. Naden came close early in the second half but the squaring header to him was slightly behind him and he couldn't quite get his body shape right to power it home.
The Lions then nearly extended their lead as Cartwright's chipped effort landed on the roof of the net, whilst Hart was shone a Slice of Cheese for rushing off his line and committing a foul that may well have saved a goal.
Hands on heads proved a common sight as a teasing Castaneda free kick bounced through a sea of bodies and just lacked a final touch, whilst Young squandered another glorious chance on 70 minutes as he put an effort wide of the post from close range as the chances mounted.
But it was becoming clear it wasn't going to be the Knights night and when the final whistle rung out, the Lions had their 2-0 victory to start the season with a big win that secures them top spot on the table after the first round of games.
https://youtu.be/OeNhVjxTGtQ