The Devonport Strikers defeated the Kingborough Lions 2-1 at Valley Road to move a step closer to securing the title, with a stunning late Joel Stone free kick firing the home side to the win.
The Strikers controlled the first half with the majority of the attack being in their favour, but to their credit the Lions defended well and managed to keep Devonport goalless to half-time.
The major flash-point of the half came when Lions keeper Kenneth Perkinson caught a studs up tackle in the box from Miles Barnard. Barnard somehow escaped without a booking, whilst Perkinson argued his case and was given a booking at the end of the half for arguing.
The second half started with real fire from both teams. Jack Turner and Nick Cuthbertson were shown yellow cards early on, demonstrating that it was going to be a real physical contest.
Devonport were then awarded a spot kick after Eddie Bidwel lwent down after a challenge from two Lions players. Up stepped Max Fitzgerald, who fired home past Perkinson into the bottom right corner to give the Strikers the lead.
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Fitzgerald celebrates[/caption]
But the Lions were not going to roll over and Keenan Douce gave the visitors hope in the 78th minute with his fine equalising strike. Douce shot from just outside the box and caught Nathan Pitchford off his line, to make the scores 1-1 with 15 minutes to play!
Joel Stone would have the final word however, when he scored the winning goal from a fine free kick. Stone picked the top right corner perfectly and the Devonport fans and players celebrated hard, as they moved ever closer to defending their title.
After the game Strikers Coach Rick Coghlan praised his team for coming away with the 3 points. "A hard fought game... most of it was played in our attack... Stone's free kick was unbelievable"
Kingborough Manager Jez Kenth was pleased with his sides fight "One thing I did enjoy was when we went one goal down we came back harder... Keenan's goal was great.... Kenny played well in goals too but the result is disappointing."
The Striker's win puts them in a favourable position to take out the title. They will keep a close eye on Olympia's result with Hobart Zebras tomorrow at Warrior Park in a game that the Warriors simply have to win to keep their slim title hopes alive.
Fitzgerald celebrates[/caption]
But the Lions were not going to roll over and Keenan Douce gave the visitors hope in the 78th minute with his fine equalising strike. Douce shot from just outside the box and caught Nathan Pitchford off his line, to make the scores 1-1 with 15 minutes to play!
Joel Stone would have the final word however, when he scored the winning goal from a fine free kick. Stone picked the top right corner perfectly and the Devonport fans and players celebrated hard, as they moved ever closer to defending their title.
After the game Strikers Coach Rick Coghlan praised his team for coming away with the 3 points. "A hard fought game... most of it was played in our attack... Stone's free kick was unbelievable"
Kingborough Manager Jez Kenth was pleased with his sides fight "One thing I did enjoy was when we went one goal down we came back harder... Keenan's goal was great.... Kenny played well in goals too but the result is disappointing."
The Striker's win puts them in a favourable position to take out the title. They will keep a close eye on Olympia's result with Hobart Zebras tomorrow at Warrior Park in a game that the Warriors simply have to win to keep their slim title hopes alive.