Olympia Warriors v Ulverstone
Date: Saturday 17 October
Venue: Warrior Park
Kick Off: 2:00 PM
2020 Record
Olympia (11-0-1)
Ulverstone (4-3-5)
Top Scorers
Oly: (21) Bonnie Davies
Ulv: (6) Eli Cropp
Recent Head to Head Record
2020: Round 11: Ulverstone 1-8 Olympia
2020: Round 3: Olympia 4-0 Ulverstone
2020: Statewide Cup: Olympia 4-0 Ulverstone
Match Primer
Both clubs would have breathed a sigh of relief following last weekend’s results. Round 13 is a new one, and while the pressure isn’t as high as last time out, nonetheless the foot can’t come off the gas. It’s the home stretch and while Olympia won’t want to slip from the hefty heights of number one spot, Ulverstone will want to respond after being shunted from third following the Lions win last night. Last time out Olympia exploited a dangerously high line from Ulverstone, whose attempt to compress the pitch and press opposition defenders came undone. The question will be whether Ulverstone will decide to return to the same ideas on a smaller pitch that could be a better fit. Or will personnel in defence dictate a different type of approach? The sole time Olympia have come undone this season was against a deep block, which was also the only time they’ve been kept goalless. On paper it’s difficult to see Olympia lose. The pace has been set on the back of tight defences and a knack of scoring during important moments. Still, Ulverstone have shown in the past they can pull out the unpredictable. Olympia may be forced to think their way to a victory, but the ball is in their court to win it. They need just 4 more points to seal the title and will expect 3 of those to come here.
University v South Hobart
Date: Sunday 18 October
Venue: Olinda Grove
Kick Off: 2:15 PM
2020 Record:
South Hobart (4-1-7)
University (0-1-10)
Top Scorers
Uni: (3) Sophie Young, Olivia Young
Sth: (7) Eliane Fader
Recent Head to Head Record
2020: Round 11: South Hobart 5-0 University
2020: Round 3: University 1-4 South Hobart
2018: Round 21: South Hobart 1-0 University
Match Primer
Round 12 saw both teams on the wrong end of a 2-1 scoreline. South Hobart will be out to resurrect their third place hopes. The pressure is on, with anything but a win for South opening up the potential to remain stuck in fifth place. While University is on the hunt for an elusive win that has haunted them this season. Flick back to Round 11, South exploited University’s flanks with devilish optimism. The woes of Uni’s defence was on display for all to see with organisation a problem. The comprehensive win should leave South brimming with confidence ahead of the rematch at Olinda Grove. There’s no need for South to change the game plan too much. Play tidy, hit the space within clumps of chaos and a repeat comfortable win is on the card. A close encounter for Uni last weekend suggested some lessons were learnt, however a midweek 5-0 loss to Kingborough is a sting in the tail. Desperation and organisation could go some way to shifting the momentum in this match up. However, the mathematics doesn’t stack up well for the Bees. Tired legs of a mid-week loss plus South possessing the opportunity to leapfrog to third indicates another tough battle lies in the trenches for University.
Clarence Zebras v Kingborough Lions
Date: Sunday 18 October
Venue: Wentworth Park
Kick Off: 2:30 PM
2020 Record:
Kingborough Lions (4-0-6)
Clarence Zebras (8-1-2)
Top Scorers
CZ: (11) Zoe Nichols, Allie Berry
KL: (9) Laura Davis
Recent Head to Head Record
2020: Round 3: Clarence Zebras 5-1 Kingborough Lions
Match Primer
The pair have met just once so far this season in blustery conditions with a late consolation goal going to Kingborough in an otherwise comfortable Clarence Zebras victory. Midfield on that day dictated the result, with the engine and experience of Clarence too much for the youth of Kingborough. Kingborough arrive with the confidence booster of back to back wins, despite playing an extra mid-week match. Unlike the Zebras, who are left licking their wounds after defeat to the Warriors that realistically puts the title out of reach. The attacking prowess of Clarence Zebras has somewhat dimmed since the season’s early rounds, while Kingborough have tightened things defensively. The lessons of the season have bode well for the young side to scrub out moments of defensive lapses. The chance to secure third spot on the table is right in front of the Lions, ready to grasp, while the title has well and truly left the grasp of the Zebras hands, so motivation should favour the visitors. With second place wrapped up and little else to play for, there’s an argument Clarence could have eyes on experimenting with new ideas and resting any tired legs ahead of a packed end of season schedule, with the focus to shift to the Statewide Cup. But despite this, the Eastern shore team will still go in as comfortable favourites.