Hobart Zebras find themselves in the Statewide Cup Semi Final following a 5-1 win over Super League rivals Ulverstone. A Danielle Kannegeisser brace gave them the lead at half time and they carried on scoring until late in the game to book themselves a spot in the final four alongside Kingborough, Olympia and Northern Rangers.
The two Super League giants attacked back and forth for the opening 20 minutes until Kannegeiser scored the opening goal. The Zebras attacker pounced on the end of a through ball and though Anderson attempted to clear, the effort ricocheted off Kannegeisser who was able to steer it past a last ditch effort from Carpenter and into the empty net.
The Zebras came close again in the 38th minute when a Berry cross was deflected by Nellis over the outstretched hands of Anderson. The ball bounced on the line and spun away from the net into the grateful arms of the Ulverstone shot-stopper.
The visitors weren't without their own chances however and in the 44th minute Bissett struck the base of the post with a well taken shot. It was Zebras who scored again however, as Danielle Kannegeisser secured her brace in what seemed to be a cross-come-shot that found its way over Anderson and into the back of the net.
The half time whistle followed shortly after but despite the two goal difference it was a competitive half that was bound to bring more in the second. Ulverstone were going to need to chase goals in order to qualify for the Semi Finals.
It was this pursuit of goals that sparked a valiant fight in the early stages of the second half culminating in Ulverstone's best opportunity of the game so far. A shot was blocked by a Zebras defender, seemingly with an outstretched arm but as play continued despite the penalty shouts, the ball fell to Bissett who struck a good effort that rattled the crossbar. The rebound hit the outstretched arm of Cook but fell tamely at her feet rather than inches to the right which would have been enough to award the visitors a goal.
Kayla Mason then had herself in hot water 50 minutes into the game as, despite being yellow carded just two minutes earlier, she lunged into a challenge on White that resulted in a foul. Mason was extremely lucky to remain on the field following the challenge, with a stern discussion between referee, player and captain the only outcome.
On the hour mark it was Zebras who again found the net, this time from a penalty awarded following a rash tackle from Anderson on Nichols. The Ulverstone goalkeeper was put under pressure following an errant back-pass that was mis-controlled, falling to the feet of Nichols. Nichols got her shot away but was cleaned up by the attempted clearance of Anderson.
Steventon then made no mistake in putting the game well into the Zebras hands with the third goal from the penalty spot.
Four minutes later and the Zebras found another, again from a set piece as Burt sent a floated free kick toward goal that Anderson got hands on but fumbled the ball over the line. The home side seemed well in control for the 10 minutes that followed but were caught out in the 79th minute when Bissett gave her side a slight lifeline in the form of a stunning goal from the side of the 18-yard box. Her effort was unstoppable as it rocked the net pulling the scoreline back to 4-1.
It was too little too late however as Ulverstone were unable to sore again, conceding in the meantime as two Zebras substitutes linked up for the fifth, Fulton sending a well placed cross into the path of Hulton who had time to guide her first time shot past Anderson.
The 5-1 victory gives Zebras a date with either Kingborough, Northern Rangers or Olympia in the Semi Finals of the competition. One of the favourites to win the cup, Zebras have now scored a stunning 32 goals from five home games in all competitions giving them great form heading into the next round.