A vintage performance from goalkeeper Nathan Pitchford helped secure a massive three points for the Devonport Strikers, as they overcame South Hobart 1-0 at Darcy Street. In a tightly fought, physical affair, the Strikers keeper produced a number of top drawer saves to deny the hosts, before Miles Barnard came off the bench to head home the match winner 15 minutes from time.
The Devonport Strikers have continued their undefeated start to the season, downing South Hobart in dramatic fashion at Darcy Street on Sunday.
The game begun with hearts in mouths for the travelling Devonport supporters, as their team played the ball around the back in an unconvincing fashion. This pattern continued throughout the beginning of the first half, with both sides giving the ball away, before Devonport created a great opportunity.
In the 8thminute it was Daniel Syson heading just wide of the goal, after an impressive Joel Stone cross hit the Strikers’ number 11 on the head. Just a minute later and it was South Hobart with a good opportunity, with Nick Morton spreading the ball wide to Adam Gorrie. Gorrie then whipped in a good cross towards Jack Turner, however Nathan Pitchford put his body on the line, preventing a South Hobart chance and hitting the deck hard in the process.
Soon after this tough challenge, Nathan Pitchford was called upon again, denying South Hobart a fantastic opportunity. It was the 12thminute, and a diagonal Nick Morton pass fell to Darcy Hall. Hall then cut inside his man, putting it on a platter for Gilly Desouza, but Desouza was denied by a brilliant Pitchford save.
In the 37thminute the ball fell to Max Fitzgerald after a Strikers corner. Fitzgerald then produced a powerful strike into the bottom corner, forcing a great save from Kieran Brown. Three minutes later and the home side were the ones missing an opportunity, with Alex Walter heading a chance straight into the hands of Pitchford. These missed chances summarised a tough first half for both teams, and the score at half time remained 0-0.
The second half began with South on the attack, producing a number of good passes early. These passes soon turned into a chance, when Morton found Van Doorne on the wing. Van Doorne found himself one on one with Pitchford, but a solid save from the keeper kept his side in the game.
In the 54thminute it was Van Doorne with another golden opportunity, this time the Canadian hit the crossbar from close range. Three minutes later and Desouza played Morton through well. Morton then hit the ball with power, but yet again Nathan Pitchford produced a great save to deny the home side.
South continued to push for an opener, and with the wind at their back, the opportunities kept coming. However, in the 74thminute a fantastic run from Joel Stone almost saw the visitors take the lead. Stone ran down the left wing before cutting inside, forcing Kieran Brown to make a save.
This save led to a corner for the visiting side, and with Joel Stone over the ball it was a dangerous situation. Stone’s cross found its way through the box to Miles Barnard, with the substitute heading the ball into the back of the net, putting the Strikers 1-0 up.
In the 83rdminute Nick Morton hit the roof of the net, before striking just wide from distance in the 90th. Just a minute after this came one of the greatest moments so far this season. With the clock winding down, Tobias Herweyen produced a spectacular shot from outside the box towards the top corner of the goal. This shot was hit with some pace, however Nathan Pitchford managed to punch it clear, with a top class save. This save kept the score at 1-0, and this was how it remained, with the Strikers running out winners.
Speaking post-match South Hobart coach Ken Morton thought the game was “an exciting game for the supporters to watch”. However, he said it was “disappointing” from his sides point of view, with his side losing the game when they had a number of good chances.
Devonport coach Rick Coghlan labelled Nathan Pitchford his sides man of the match. He explained how his side had to adapt in the second half, due to the weather conditions. When asked if his side were the title favourites he believed it was “too early” to discuss, but he was happy there were on top of the table.
The win sees the Strikers continue their unbeaten run, while it is South Hobart’s second loss of the season. Next week, Devonport welcome Kingborough to Valley Road, 2:30pm on Saturday. Meanwhile South Hobart travel to Windsor Park to take on Riverside Olympic, 2:30pm on Saturday.
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