A dominant second-half display from the Hobart Zebras against Launceston City was enough to help them return to winning ways after some less than desirable performances in recent weeks. The Zebras captain, Matthew Sanders, lead by example after urging more from his players during last week's post-game interview. Two goals and an assist from the skipper will go a long way towards restoring the passion in the Zebras dressing room as they claimed a 3-0 win.
Throughout the first half, the contest flowed somewhat evenly. The Zebras were presented with slightly more opportunities, but the more clear-cut opportunities fell the way of the hosts. Most notably when Charlie Dyer blasted a shot into the crossbar after a counter-attack involving Jarrod Linger and Dan Smith.
Patrick Sullivan also had an opportunity to send his side into the lead just after the half-hour mark. A Martin Mitreski freekick from near the corner flag floated straight to an unmarked Sullivan who couldn't quite get his head over it and sent it over the crossbar.
Following the half time break, the visitors came into their own, displaying the difference in class between the two sides. Matthew Sanders registered his 21st and 22nd goals of the season, both from Riley Dillon crosses. In the 58th minute, Dillon took a short corner with Nicky Edwards before sending a looping cross to the back post where Sanders was waiting to head it home.
Before Sanders completed his brace, he popped up with an assist of his own. After beating Millington, he cut the ball back to Dwayne Walsh who was waiting free in the middle. After settling the ball, Walsh blasted his shot in off the crossbar to send his side 2-0 up.
Then in the 74th minute, Dillon displayed his brilliant dribbling and took the ball past his opponent. He then played the ball into Sanders who guided the ball past the keeper to put the result beyond any doubt.
Despite their valiant first-half display, Launceston City couldn't match the Zebras in the second half. Missing a key player like Shane Cartwright in the midfield was less than ideal for the hosts. Noah Mies also struggled to get himself into the game after missing the first half due to an exam. One wonders whether his presence up top and killer instinct in the box could have been the difference for his side in the first half to break the deadlock.
Take nothing away from the Hobart Zebras, especially players like Matthew Sanders and Riley Dillon who were unplayable throughout the second half. Sam Whatman also pulled off several crucial saves for his side to keep a clean sheet. The visitors can take many positives from their performance in the second half.