The Devonport Strikers will be looking to wrap up the 2019 NPL Tasmania title tonight when they host Riverside Olympic at Valley Road.
The Strikers are just one point away from making certain of their title triumph, meaning a draw is all they need as they prepare to host the Roos for the second time in a week in a rearranged fixture, originally scheduled for Round 15.
The sides played out an enthralling 4-2 game on Saturday and despite forecasts of inclement weather, Wednesday bodes well for another entertaining encounter.
The title would be Devonport's third triumph in four seasons, a remarkable achievement and a stat that really underlines the dominance of the Strikers in recent years.
Talking to Brad Cole of the Advocate, coach Rick Coghlan said his side were relishing the occasion.
In a subplot to the game, Miles Barnard will look to close in on Mathew Sanders in the Golden Boot race. Sanders (27 goals) currently leads Barnard (24 goals) with both players having 3 games remaining. Barnard will take on Riverside, Clarence and South Hobart, whilst Sanders will face Knights, Launceston City and Riverside. Given Barnard's haul of eight the last time his side played Clarence, he remains a strong chance to take out the award as the battle between the two prolific front-men heads right down to the wire.
As has typically been the case when Valley Road has hosted big games in recent years, the weather forecast is for a downpour.
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The game kicks off at 7:30pm and will be Live Streamed for those unable to make the game. Catch it via the link below.
https://www.sliceofcheese.net/scoreboard/13095/
"There will probably be a bit of nervous energy and excitement as well in the change rooms before the game," Coghlan said.
"We treated Saturday as a semi-final, so this is our own personal grand final.
"It doesn't happen very often that the title-winning game lands as your last home game of the season under lights so we want to ensure we make the most of this opportunity."
Riverside Coach Alex Gaetani, was hopeful his side could play spoiler, telling The Examiner's Rob Shaw
We have a second chance to upset them and if you bring Wadey into that side it's on the cards,"
Praising the impact of his trio of imports Sanz, Wademan and Vigilante.
"They've come in and brought a big change. It's made the dressing room a really nice place to be. They are all very passionate boys and football is life to them which is different to a lot of Tasmanians."