Strikers Claim 2020 NPL TAS Title

The Devonport Strikers have claimed the 2020 NPL Tasmania title, as they ground out a 1-0 win over Launceston City to move an unassailable 7 points clear on top of the table. Raph Reynolds converted from the penalty spot on 70 minutes after Lachie Clark had previously kept them at bay with a trio of fine saves. But there was to be no denying the Strikers on this day, as they claimed a third successive league title and their fourth in five seasons. This game might've played out in a familiar manner, with a late strike securing the Devonport win but in truth it would've been wrapped up much sooner if not for Lachie Clark in the Launceston City net. The City gloveman made three quality saves, including an incredible reaction block to deny Brody Denehey inside the first 10 minutes of the game. He was called into action moments later to get down low and keep out Bidwell's low driven shot. As the first half wore on the visitors began to find their feet and spring some dangerous counters, but the Strikers defence proved as tough to break down as they have been all season, and asides from fisting away a Rob Gerrard Free kick, Nathan Pitchford was relatively untested. Barnard came close to breaking the deadlock just past the hour mark but again Clark came up with a quality save, before The Fox in the Box won his side a penalty when he was chopped down by Matty Oh. Up stepped the unflappable Raph Reynolds who drove his spot kick home and secured the 2020 NPL crown for the Strikers. It makes it three titles in consecutive seasons for the Strikers and four in five years. Since 2016 they have been the power side in Tasmanian Football and they have forged a dynasty to carve their name down alongside the great sides in Tasmanian Football history. [caption id="attachment_16102" align="alignnone" width="615"] Picture: Brodie Weeding. 17 October 2020. The Advocate SPORT.[/caption] https://twitter.com/FootballTas/status/1317328015009800192 https://twitter.com/FootballTas/status/1317336290589773825