The Devonport Strikers are now just a point away from hoisting the 2019 NPL TAS title, as they downed Riverside Olympic 4-2 on Saturday at Valley Road.
The result means they can officially seal the title on Wednesday night in front of their home fans when they meet the Roos for a second time in 4 days; in a catch up of their previously postponed fixture.
The scoring started on 15 minutes when Eddie Bidwell received the ball on right and crossed for a lurking Miles Barnard who made mistake from close range to open proceedings.
Barnard then doubled his tally, moving with 3 goals of Mathew Sanders in the Golden Boot race as he flicked home Connor Parke's cross to make it 2-0.
The Strikers were firmly controlling possession early on, but Riverside grew into the game as it wore on and then hit back before half time, attacking down the left and finding Sanz in the box who fired home to pull it back to 2-1.
Talisman Joel Stone then continued his goal scoring form, blasting home from the top of the box after Bidwell's cross had been cleared to create a two goal buffer with 20 minutes to play after both sides had traded chances early in the second half.
The game was then iced when Daniel Syson was brought down in the box, Todd Hingston stepping up to dispatch the spot kick, making it 4-1 and ensuring every regular Strikers outfielder has now scored in 2019.
A late counter attacking goal from Will Coert restored some respectability on the scoreboard for Riverside, as he made it 4-2 late on, and that was how it ended.
For Devonport they have now all but sealed the title and will be able to hoist the trophy with a point on Wednesday night when the sides meet again. The Roos meanwhile will be encouraged by a competitive performance away to the Champions, as the continue to develop in the top flight.