The Hobart Zebras claimed a 3-0 win over the Kingborough Lions to move into first position on the Super League ladder. Defensive discipline was a major feature of this match, with both sides putting in the hard work to keep their opponents at bay. Whilst space was a rare commodity, it was the Zebras who could best capitalise on their opportunities and looked the more dangerous in the final third. The experience of the away side ensured they went home with a 3-0 victory.
In the opening exchanges, both sides were keen to test out their opponents. The Lions looked to get play chugging through the wings as the Zebras front four slowly clicked into gear in a game of cat and mouse. A smattering of poor crosses and quality defending gave the vibe this wasn’t going to be a goal spree of their previous 4-3 encounter.
Instead of a piece of brilliance to break the deadlock, it was a bouncing ball and goalkeeper blunder that produced the opening goal. On the 20th minute, a sweeping pass from the flank saw Zoe Nichols in control in the centre of the pitch. From a distance the Zebras forward sent in a dinking shot that bounced and left Olivia Gardner unable to control the ball in time to prevent it from crossing the goal line.
Looking for a quick reply, the Lions were unable to get it with the Zebras centre back Kayla Mason seemingly at the heart of stopping every opportunity. The away side soon wrestled the play back, creating the better of the limited chances to see out the half. Towards the end of the first half, Kingborough received an injury blow to their centre back, Airlee Lawson, resulting in a reshuffle in defence. Perhaps coinciding with the reshuffle, or looking for different solutions, Laura Davis moved higher into an out and out centre forward role with the changes.
With the confidence of a 1-0 lead, the Zebras looked in control of the midfield battle that ensued for the second half. The Lions turned to releasing the ball to Davis up top, struggling to find the extra creativity through the centre of the park in Zoe Horgan’s absence. It was more of a mouse squeak than Lions roar, with their opposition left untroubled.
Up the other end the team in black and white saw a penalty go in their favour after Danielle Kannegiesser sent in a cross that deflected off the arm of a defender. The ever reliable Selina Steventon stepped up to the mark and skied the first attempt, but quickly the referee made it clear the defender would have a chance at redemption, as an encroachment into the area ensured a retake of the kick. Steventon wasn’t going to miss the second time, hitting it sweetly low and hard to the keepers left side.
Routine saves was all the Lions could force, as they continued to look for answers in reply. However, the match’s choppy feel did no favours for the home side. Rather it was the Zebras who were producing hints of promise, with combinations in the final third better than the satay combo at the local chinese takeaway.
Finally with five minutes of regular time the Zebras front line could boast about a clean goal. Already providing glimpses of terror in a similar position, Allie Berry received the ball behind the defence to go one on one with Gardner. The Lions keeper met the forward in a dual that left Gardner well out of position and provided the golden opportunity Berry had been searching for all match to whip it into the back of the net.
The third goal was a final nail in the coffin, with a late revival not on the cards. The Zebras showed their quality in finding goals, while the Lions just couldn’t find the right formula to really turn up the heat. With the result at Warrior Park falling the way of the Zebras, three points at the Den sees a shift in the WSL ladder and ensures they now hold the edge in what looms as a thrilling final month of the title race.