https://www.facebook.com/NPLTAS/videos/658391144755709/
The Devonport Strikers have continued their perfect start to the 2020 NPL season, making it 3 wins from 3 games as they accounted for the Olympia Warriors 3-2 at Valley Road. A brace from Brody Denehey after Miles Barnard had opened the scoring did the damage for the hosts, as they did enough to hold on despite both of the Brown twins finding their way onto the score sheet.
Joel Stone tested the Warriors early in the game with a long range shot and some teasing set pieces, but it was the Warriors with the first clear cut chance when Wadawu drew a save from Pitchford with a powerful hit.
Devonport began to work their way on top however and it was a familiar avenue that provided the opening goal. Golden Boot holder Miles Barnard chalked up his first goal of the season when he glanced a Stone free kick past Randall and sent the Valley Road crowd in raptures.
The game appeared set to head into the half with the score at 1-0 but Declan Brown struck with just second left in the half to ensure an even ledger at the break.
Both sides traded chances early in the second half before Brody Denehey restored the Strikers lead. A cross from Eddie Bidwell made its way to Denehey in the box, who found the roof of the net with his finish from close range, leaving the keeper with no chance.
The lead lasted all of 2 minutes however, as Callum Brown beat Dom Smith with a deft skill move before cutting inside and picking out the far corner with an unstoppable hit to tie it back up at 2-2.
With 20 to play and the game locked up, it was the hosts who struck again when Denehey was fouled in the box by Darby Randall and a spot kick duly awarded.
Up stepped Denehey and the winger made no mistake, bagging his second and restoring the hosts advantage.
Olympia pushed hard to find another equaliser, but none was forthcoming as the Strikers saw off the Warriors and secured the 3-2 win.
The result leaves Devonport alone atop the table with 3 wins from 3 games and in a strong early position to defend their title and make it an NPL Tasmania Threepeat.