https://youtu.be/CmPazIw-s84
A superb piece of goalkeeping from Nathan Pitchford has helped secure the Devonport Strikers a 1-0 win over Riverside Olympic on the road at Windsor Park. The State's premiere goalkeeper produced a massive diving stop, flinging himself at full stretch to his right in the 93rd minute to preserve the win having watched his side completely dominate the bulk of the contest, but find themselves unable to find a second goal.
In a game featuring Tasmania's top 2 goalkeepers, Jarrod Hill also showed his credentials when he denied an Eddie Bidwell penalty just 11 minutes into the game, but there was nothing he could do to keep out reigning league MVP Joel Stone's powerful shot from the top of the box on 38 minutes.
It had been a frustrating outing for Devonport for the majority of the contest, as they toiled away and created plenty of chances but failed to convert them.
Hill was looking sharp in net for the Roos and he showed his mental strength to bounce back from a rare off colour day in the Lakoseljac Cup the week prior. He denied Bidwell from the spot just 11 minutes into the contest with a fine diving save. Including pre-season action, he has now made penalty saves on the last 5 spot kicks he has faced, a simply incredible record!
https://www.facebook.com/NPLTAS/videos/412340799690980/
There was nothing Hill could do on 38 minutes however, when reigning league MVP Joel Stone found some room at the top of the box, after Brody Denehey worked the ball to him and he picked out the bottom corner with a quality strike.
The second half saw the Strikers continuing to control the contest and create chances, but their finishing was lacking and it allowed the hosts to remain in the contest right up until the final moments of the game.
With time close to expiring, Aaron Campbell bent in a super cross from wide on the right that picked out Tom Prince in the area. Prince made great contact with his header which appeared destined for the back of the net, only for Nathan Pitchford to fling himself at full extension to his right and produce an early save of the season contender.
Moments later the final whistle blew and the defending champions had managed to walk away with the 1-0 victory.
Strikers Coach Chris Gallo was full of praise for his star gloveman when speaking to Jarryd McGuane of the Advocate.
"He hadn't done anything for the previous 89 minutes and when he was called into action, he was there and that is why he is the best goalkeeper in the league."
"Pitchy's save typifies why he is rated as highly as he is and was a great example of players stepping and showing why they are some of the best in the league."
https://twitter.com/FootballTas/status/1284402814764998656