The Devonport Strikers defeated University 2-1 in Saturday's Lakoseljac Cup clash to book their place in the Final for the third time in four years. Holding on to win despite a late goal from the Students giving them a scare in the closing minutes.
The visitors were far from their best but the NPL ladder leaders managed to hold on for the win against a compact, persistent University side thanks to a goal in each half from Barnard and Giampaoli respectively.
The tone was set early as Devonport pushed for the opening goal from the kick off, Max Fitzgerald having a bursting run down the right after just three minutes and earning his side a corner.
Despite their immediate dominance it was University who had the first real chance of the game after Pitchford put his team in hot water by advancing outside his area and opening up the goal for Harris to get a shot off. Despite having plenty to aim at, Harris wasn't able to capitalise and put his shot wide.
It was all Devonport from here until half time and in the 10th minute Fitzgerald got the crowd excited thanks to a long range volley that forced Hoysted into a fine save, tipping the ball over the bar in impressive style. Barnard had the next chance, a six yard header that he wasn't able to find the target with and it was Barnard and Fitzgerald involved in the next attack also, this time a lack of communication leading to the team-mates colliding, Fitzgerald's shot floating over the bar.
Just as University finally got a foothold in the match, Devonport struck a killer blow as Miles Barnard climbed high in the box to head home unmarked and give the Strikers the lead.
On the stroke of half time it seemed destined that Devonport would enter the break with a two goal cushion as Bidwell's cross had Hoysted stranded at the front post and Barnard, lurking at the back, found himself with all the time in the world and the ball at his feet. His shot was rushed and it was mis-hit, straight into the grateful arms of Hoysted scrambling back across goal and Uni were given a lifeline heading into the break.
The first half was cagey and interrupted as each team's determination was shown by the foul count which tripled in the opening fifteen minutes of the half. On the hour mark Devonport were left dumbfounded as a goalmouth scramble led to hitting the post twice and a goal-line clearance all within the space of ten seconds. In a crowded box the University defenders couldn't get a definitive clearance but luck was on their side as Fitzgerald, Stone and Smith all saw their efforts go as close as possible without crossing the line.
The Strikers finally broke through again however when Fitzgerald's flick on header found the feet of Giampaoli who made no mistake in his finish to the bottom left corner past Hoysted. Devonport's two goal cushion was short lived as three minutes later Thomas Roach was fouled just after entering the 18-yard box giving University a penalty and a potential path back into the match. Fahey dispatched his penalty past the outstretched Pitchford and the lead was pulled back to a single goal.
Devonport managed to hold on for the last ten minutes despite a final flurry from University seeing multiple nervous moments for Pitchford who rose to the occasion and secured his side's win.
Devonport currently see themselves in a good position to repeat the double, sitting atop the NPL and now progressing to the final of the Lakoseljac Cup. With the winner being Tasmania's representative in the nationwide FFA Cup, the Striker's will find out their opponents after tomorrow's all NPL clash which will see South Hobart host Olympia at 1pm at Darcy Street.
https://youtu.be/Py1jgoW4-3s
https://youtu.be/K1dbQkT_jug
On the stroke of half time it seemed destined that Devonport would enter the break with a two goal cushion as Bidwell's cross had Hoysted stranded at the front post and Barnard, lurking at the back, found himself with all the time in the world and the ball at his feet. His shot was rushed and it was mis-hit, straight into the grateful arms of Hoysted scrambling back across goal and Uni were given a lifeline heading into the break.
The first half was cagey and interrupted as each team's determination was shown by the foul count which tripled in the opening fifteen minutes of the half. On the hour mark Devonport were left dumbfounded as a goalmouth scramble led to hitting the post twice and a goal-line clearance all within the space of ten seconds. In a crowded box the University defenders couldn't get a definitive clearance but luck was on their side as Fitzgerald, Stone and Smith all saw their efforts go as close as possible without crossing the line.
The Strikers finally broke through again however when Fitzgerald's flick on header found the feet of Giampaoli who made no mistake in his finish to the bottom left corner past Hoysted. Devonport's two goal cushion was short lived as three minutes later Thomas Roach was fouled just after entering the 18-yard box giving University a penalty and a potential path back into the match. Fahey dispatched his penalty past the outstretched Pitchford and the lead was pulled back to a single goal.
Devonport managed to hold on for the last ten minutes despite a final flurry from University seeing multiple nervous moments for Pitchford who rose to the occasion and secured his side's win.
Devonport currently see themselves in a good position to repeat the double, sitting atop the NPL and now progressing to the final of the Lakoseljac Cup. With the winner being Tasmania's representative in the nationwide FFA Cup, the Striker's will find out their opponents after tomorrow's all NPL clash which will see South Hobart host Olympia at 1pm at Darcy Street.
https://youtu.be/Py1jgoW4-3s
https://youtu.be/K1dbQkT_jug