McDonald’s NPL Tasmania Round 20
Strikers Down Lions and Set Final Day Decider
The Devonport Strikers set the stage for a dramatic final-day clash with the Glenorchy Knights, as they downed the Kingborough Lions 4-1 in their final home game of the year. Needing to win to send it to the final day of the season, the Strikers never looked like slipping up after they struck twice in 90 seconds inside the opening 15 minutes of the match to race to a 2-0 lead. At a muddy Valley Road, the Strikers handled the conditions better than the Lions and caused chaos with their set-piece delivery into the penalty area, with Cappellino extending the lead to 3-0 on the half hour mark. Noah Mies pulled one back for the Lions, but it was immediately cancelled out by a goal and joyous celebration from Miles Barnard to cap an eventful stoppage time period.
Final Score
Devonport Strikers 4 (L.Schofield og 13', J.Payne 14', X.Cappellino 31', M.Barnard 90'+6)
Kingborough Lions 1 (N.Mies 90'+4)
Match Highlights
Interviews
Knights Handle Zebras To Hold Top Spot
The Glenorchy Knights ensured they would head into the final day on top of the table, as they downed the Clarence Zebras 3-1 at a windswept Wentworth Park. The Knights were in danger of a slip-up after Ryan Cook had cancelled out Nick Mearns's opener to send the game into the half time break at 1-1, but Cordwell and Mamic would find second-half goals that hand the edge to the Knights in the title race. It means a draw will be enough for them to claim the title when they meet the Strikers in next Saturday's final round showdown.
Final Score
Clarence Zebras 1 (R.Cook 45’)
Glenorchy Knights 3 (N.Mearns 36', S.Cordwell 60’, A.Mamic 70')
Match Highlights
South Account For Riverside But Title Hopes Vanish
South Hobart downed Riverside Olympic 1-0, but they also saw their league title hopes vanish as a result of both Knights and Devonport also winning their games. An early stunner from Austin Yost was the only goal of the game despite a glut of goalscoring chances for both sides throughout the 90 minutes. Riverside came within a whisker of snatching a point at the death, but a brilliant save from Nicholas O'Connell saw South holding on for victory.
Despite the win, with Knights and Devonport also winning over the weekend, South can no longer win the 2024 title, unless they were to make up 13 goals on Devonport, who would also need to win next week, which is simply not a realistic outcome.
Final Score
South Hobart 1 (A.Yost 11’)
Riverside Olympic 0
Match Highlights
City Claim Final Derby of 2024
Launceston City ensured they remained perfect in derby matches this season, downing Launceston United 3-1 in the Round 20 opener on Friday night. A brace from star striker Thierry Swaby, who also was denied from the penalty spot by Noah Curtis, was enough to set up the victory for City, with Aiden Rigby pulling back a late consolation marker for the visitors. The result keeps City's slim top-four hopes alive, but they would need to beat South Hobart next week whilst also having the Lions losing to Launceston United.
Final Score
Launceston City 3 (T.Swaby 28’, 74’, M.Wilcox 67’)
Launceston United 1 (A.Rigby 82’)
Match Highlights
League Table
