The Hobart Zebras denied Devonport for a second time this season, claiming a 1-1 draw in their clash at Valley Road. Much like their game on Easter Monday it was the Zebras striking early before Devonport dominance, as Daniel Syson cancelled out Matthew Pace's early opener.
The game begun much like the last meeting between these sides, with the Zebras scoring an early goal. This goal came after Raphael Reynolds played the ball to Todd Hingston in the middle, with Hingston turning and playing the ball into the path of his opposition player, Matthew Pace. Pace then had space to run before striking the ball past Nathan Pitchford into the back of the net, putting the Zebras 1-0 up.
The Zebras continued to push for a second after this goal, with Dillon hitting two shots straight to Pitchford within four minutes. In the 27th minute the Strikers passed the ball well, with Giampaoli, Fitzgerald and Stone combining nicely before a one-two between Fitzgerald and Syson saw Fitzgerald collide with Whatman, then poke the ball into the back of the net. However, Fitzgerald was adjudged to have fouled the Zebras keeper, and the score remained the same.
In the 33rdminute the Strikers produced some more great play, with Giampaoli producing a run down the right-hand side. Giampaoli then crossed the ball in to Syson, who flicked the ball into the path of Joel Stone at the top of the box, however Stone’s shot flew well over the bar.
Nine minutes after and it was Daniel Syson who almost put his side in front, with Bidwell finding the number eleven In the box. However, Syson’s shot was denied by a massive save from the Zebras keeper.
Just before the break there was another great chance for the home side to equalise, with Bidwell finding Stone in the middle, with Stone hitting just wide of the goal. This was how the score remained, with the Zebras leading at the half time break.
As the second half began chances fell to both sides, before Matthew Pace headed just wide of the goal in the 58th minute. Two minutes later and Henry Fagg found himself on the end of a Dillon cross, forcing a strong save from Pitchford. This save proved to be a big one, with the Strikers finding an equaliser just a minute later.
Giampaloi found himself with space in the middle of the park and produced a great ball, chipping the Zebras defence and falling into the path of Daniel Syson. Syson then struck the ball well, seeing the score move to 1-1.
A minute after their goal, the home side almost had another, when Giampaoli played Bidwell wide. Bidwell then crossed the ball, finding Syson at the top of the box. However, Syson hit well wide.
In the 78thminute, madness unfolded at Valley Road, with three consecutive shots being stopped by the Zebras. The first saw Whatman save a solid Bidwell shot, before Giampaoli’s attempt was blocked, with Dance’s strike flying way over the bar.
Four minutes later and Matthew Pace headed a great chance wide of the goal, before the ball begun to swing from end to end. However, the score would remain the same, with each side taking a point home.
The draw sees the Zebras remain in fourth place, whilst Devonport maintain top spot, much closer to the chasing pack. Next week, these two sides will face off again in a Lakoseljac Cup blockbuster, Sunday, 2pm at KGV.
https://youtu.be/Emelsyx9hks