May 31, 2007
Southern Leagues 1-3 June
Southern Premier League
Friday 1st June
Tilford Zebras 3 v Glenorchy Knights 1
Fagg Huigsloot
Lapolla
Cox
Reserves: Zebras 2 v Knights 4
19s: Zebras 3 v Knights 2
University 2 v Clarence 0
Rapley
Stockdale
Reserves: University 0 v Clarence 2
19s: University 0 v Clarence 4
Taroona 0 v South Hobart 1
Beecroft
Reserves: Taroona 0 v South Hobart 1
19s:
Kingborough Lions 0 v Hobart Olympic 2
Bulis 2
Reserves: Kingborough 0 v Olympic 0
19s: Kingborough 3 v Olympic 1
New Town Eagles 2 v Metro Claremont 2
Leszczynski Hope
Reeks Kent
Reserves: Eagles 1 v Metro 3
19s: Eagles 3 v Metro 0
Zebras………..21
Olympic………16 (GD +8)
South Hobart…16 (GD +7)
Clarence……..15
University…….13 (GD +5)
Knights……….13 (GD 0)
Kingborough….8
Taroona……….5
Metro………….3
Eagles………….1
WALTER’S WEEKEND WRAP UP
Division 1
Beachside 3 v Christian United 0
Reserves: Beachside 5 v Christians 0
Huon Valley 0 v South Hobart 10
Reserves:
Hobart United 1 v Nelson E.S 1
Reserves: Hobart Utd 0 v Nelson 0
Kingston Cannons 3 v Kingborough Lions 1
Reserves: Cannons 0 v Kingborough 6
Knights V Zebra’s will be game of the season as this will pritty much tell who will win the league title. I think Knights will win 2-1 as i think Knights have the better side allround. Talking about Ryan Smith as a good defender, which is true. I think Janko is the best defender in the league and the most inform player at the Knights.
Comment by LARRY — May 31, 2007 @ 7:25 pm
Zebras v. Knights - who’s the home team?
Comment by tasblue — May 31, 2007 @ 7:41 pm
Would have to be one of the best rounds for the season. Every game could go either way.
Eagles to win their first game.
Comment by Lost — May 31, 2007 @ 9:01 pm
Zebras & Knights has the potential to be a very skilful match as both teams have more than their fair share of skilful players. If the truth be known it will depend on Knights actually showing up to play football or if they are just there for the theatrics, as well as the BS and bravado. If Knight do want to play they could wipe the floor with Zebras but I don’t think Zebras will allow them to do that, because Zebras are starting to believe they are a real shot at this years title, and win here will put the first nail in the Knights coffin of their aspirations for a third title. Zebras are too consistent for me to hand the mantle to Knights for this one.
Uni and Clarence sounds like another mouth watering match up but I don’t think Uni are going to have a team that comes anywhere near the best they can put on the park. The loss of Shepherd & Bull alone will be too much to bear and even if Rapley does play (50/50 only) his talent will not be sufficient to hold Clarence at bay even with home ground advantage. Clarence have averted a disaster by retaining Dwayne Walsh and it would be nice to see the youngster start to stamp his authority on a few matches where the opposition is a bit above the ordinary. I am left with a sense of foreboding that if Clarence start to come apart that it could be spectacular because they rely so heavily on positive results. Having watched Clarence against South Hobart, they ain’t anything special so positive results have become the life blood for Clarence.
Taroona & South Hobart could be an entertaining match for all the wrong reasons. There will be a lot of feeling flowing from ex-South Hobart players like Billy Gasparinatos & Marcus Atkinson but both of their emotions will pale compared to Matty Rhodes. Frankly it will probably be worth the exorbitant entry fee (why so expensive Roona?) just to see Matty go ape s**t and Gasparinatos bounce people in his desperation to be the Roona pin up boy (big responsibility for an 18 year old). South Hobart is a team that has big sails that should have then driving through this season as easily as a hot knife through butter. Yet they are looking like an old Chinese junk with wet sails. They’re going forward but it looks anything but attractive and far from entertaining. Why can’t they live up to expectations?
Sunday’s matches could be a big yawn or just a battle of the desperates. Olympic want to stay in touch with those more worthy but now have to deal with stigma of being beaten by Taroona. While Lions are proving to be the season’s most inconsistent team. How can a team play so well (as against Knights and even Zebras) then look plain silly against Taroona and Metro - and by all accounts Burnie too. The Lions have surrendered any chance of being ladder leader and now assume the fall back position of retaining respect. But Lions won’t be able to chalk up any respect this weekend (unless their Div.1 team smacks another brace in) as Olympic have too much ability for the Lions to withstand the onslaught. Put the bins away boys.
New Town Eagles and Metro could both be playing for their seasons this weekend so forget the Lightwood Park fixture and get out to Clare St (it’ll be raining too so the middle will be like a skating rink) and watch what should be a match of pure emotion. Expect a few cards, especially with the resident hot heads on both teams. Nothing to loose on this one except a place in Premier League for 2008 and won’t that fire up both squads. Has a game ever been abandoned in Hobart because there weren’t sufficient players to continue.
I just want to apologise for the above preview. I’ve only had a few hours sleep and I’m not well (bloody flu). So I’m hardly in a positive frame of mind. Please forgive me and please take most comments above with a grain of salt.
Comment by Blackjack — May 31, 2007 @ 11:18 pm
Hey LARRY…I am waiting for the punchline to the joke. The opening line was good “I think Janko is the best defender in the league”…but you didn’t finish the gag.
Comment by A whisper — June 1, 2007 @ 9:08 am
Larry, if it was based on the better all round team the Zebras would bolt in. AT THE MOMENT the Knights rely heavily on Huigy, Janko and Corey to have big games. If any of those are off… then the knights dont get the points. Where the Zebras have mixed experience and youth very well… Maniella, Pullen, Falzon, Brazendale, Cox,…. Zebras for me tonight…. It should be a great game!
Comment by Mike Mckenna — June 1, 2007 @ 9:48 am
I’d have to agree with you Black Jack, I expect the Metro v Eagles game to be FURIOUS contest. Metro have been starting to hit some form & Eagles will see it as game they might sneak a point from.
Not sure about cards and losing players though, let’s hope the man in the middle controls the game!!!
Comment by Eleventy Seventy — June 1, 2007 @ 10:27 am
I think you will find the Eagles lineup is changing a little and there may be a little less of the hot headedness (sp?) instead replaced with some invaluable experience. And hopefully a few results going their way.
Comment by A Zed — June 1, 2007 @ 11:16 am
Hey Mike, you missed about 6 or 7 others that have to have good games for the Knights to do well: Jayden, Jade, Fish, Jonno, Benny, Tony, Link, Harro… Spose that like any other side isn’t it?
If the whole team doesn’t step-up, like any other team, they won’t go so well…
Comment by Sk — June 1, 2007 @ 1:59 pm
But at the moment….. ok.
Comment by Sk — June 1, 2007 @ 2:00 pm
SK, Yeah all those names you mentioned are good players… but I just meant that at the moment those players I mentioned seemed to be getting the results…
Comment by Mike Mckenna — June 1, 2007 @ 3:29 pm
Kick people hey blackjack billy does nothing of sort do you wish you had his ability cause what your writing is slander mate I thought you were out to curb the attacks on people pretty plain to see your instigating one here mate! Roona pin up boy I just really dont know where you come up with all this
Point taken, but I refer you to the last statement I made…it should all be taken with a grain of salt!! (you need to read more than just the ‘Roona bit). Billy IS the Roona pin up boy, I mean compared to Mike McK I’m a pin up boy!!! LOL Anyway, I’ve changed the words so we won’t be bad friends.
And just for your own interest, yeah, I do wish I was as good as Billy G. He’s a good kid just gets a bit carried away at times. BJ
Comment by Roona Faithful — June 1, 2007 @ 4:14 pm
hopefully tonight is our turning point!! will take a very big effort and will need all 11 firing if we are to beat zebras!! fair enough they may not have the squad south has but at the end of the day you cant argue with the depth and the individuals they have….. they are on top because they are the best team this season to date so they would have to be favourites!! very similar pattern to their season this year as they had when they last won the premiership so signs are ominous but hopefully we will come up trumps with a game that could shape our season!!! also sk four of those guys you mentioned have been injured or in reserves??
Comment by corey smith — June 1, 2007 @ 4:30 pm
It is true Billy G is our Pin Up boy!… He spends that much time in front of the mirror, he has to be… we thought a good fundraising Idea would be… Win a date with Billy G???
Comment by Mike Mckenna — June 1, 2007 @ 5:21 pm
But god is he going to be a good player!
Comment by Mike Mckenna — June 1, 2007 @ 5:21 pm
Thanks Blackjack much appreciated its just people slander our players alot for the same little things and it is starting to make people round the club and community a bit sick but yes point taken BJ im glad you rectified this situation and we can all be grown up
Comment by Roona Faithful — June 1, 2007 @ 8:38 pm
Well a great contest tonight, I’m just interested to see what the comments about the game are now…. Questions were asked about our depth!!! If tonight was a sign of Knights depth then their season is going to be hard now with Corey going down tonight…. A credit to the guys, One clear cut chance missed by Hugi but I recon we had several more!!! Go Juv
Comment by Brett Pullen — June 2, 2007 @ 12:15 am
To the victor go the spoils…and the bragging rights.
Not your best tonight Brett but they didn’t need you as much I guess. Was that part of the game plan, take the focus away… Thought young Lapolla was quality, while Fagg scores from full back again. Zebras don’t need strikers they just have to have a backline full of Faggs (that doesn’t sound right but you know what I mean)
Both teams had some shocking misses. Seriously, this competition is still wide open.
Comment by Blackjack — June 2, 2007 @ 12:43 am
As I said earlier today if any of the three knights players that i mentioned dont have good games… they miss out on points. Corey went down with an injury… Minutes later they scored, Huigy missed a couple of clear cut shots… Janko had a good game. Well done to the Zebras, easily the best team to watch at the moment… From goalkeeper to Lapolla up front.
Comment by Mike McKenna — June 2, 2007 @ 1:00 am
you bloody beauty zebras who cares what the game or players looked like a 3 1 win is a great result in anyones book as i have said b4 all the way to the premiership boys yeee haaa
Comment by fan — June 2, 2007 @ 1:20 am
Brett you’re forgetting the curler fishy cracked that hit the crossbar..looked nice from behind the goals.
I’m with smithers at the moment and his knee isn’t looking very good. could be the season for him, hes going to get it checked out tomorrow.
Reserves game was fun to play in, plenty of friendly fire between the teams. We won 4-2 (Knights). I’m pretty sure they would of heard us singing the song miles away.
Pretty average that we couldnt have beers outside. I understand the reasoning but it’s still disappointing for true supporters that love a stubbie.
Comment by Chalky — June 2, 2007 @ 3:26 am
I really hope people keep writing the Zebras off and I really hope they continue to prove them wrong!
End of the day both team did not play to their potential however Zebras came away 3-1 victors and looked better, forget about the missed opportunities as the stats will indicate Zebras had more shots.
Comment by wingman — June 2, 2007 @ 11:19 am
BJ. Would like to say it was a “tactical” ploy for me to have a poor one but alas can’t blame that on anybody but myself. The thing I like about this team personally, is it reminds me of the Knights team in 2000, anyone of six to eight players can lift the team and take the game by the scruff of the neck, that allows lower performances from individuals from time to time without the greater impact… Great game by little chipper and a full on effort by everybody else.
PS.. Ricky Self found some great form last night too, and a little bit of “bitch” looks good for the future…..
Comment by Brett Pullen — June 2, 2007 @ 2:49 pm
Fantastic game last night zebras and great to see “Sal” Mainella keep us in the game again!
Comment by b&w — June 2, 2007 @ 4:40 pm
For everyones information regarding NTE, the team has undergone some serious changes over this last week, with players being dropped and experience being brought in. Pitchford will return to the stix, as for the other three young guns, they will await their fate Sunday. The 4 lads were dropped for numerous reasons, and it was clear they were missed in the Statewide Cup game against Somerset. Hopefully the lads will get it sorted mentally and turn on the performance for their club. Goodluck to them and the team!
Comment by youwanadowhat — June 2, 2007 @ 6:10 pm
went to physio today and looks like i will not play this season again. have starined or torn my medial ligament and also ripped the medial cartiledge off the bone. cant move it at all at the moment and wont know too much more until the swelling goes down but not looking great at the moment. Although one positive is it looks not to be a cruciate which i was worried about originally but still pretty shattered.
as for the game congratulations for zebras and i must say i was shattered not to have been able to play any real part in the game. I think with a full contingent of fit players we would definately give them a shake but it is extremely hard for us now to get back in it from 9 points a drift now. Well done yound Daniel Lapolla who had a fine game. and as for walters report which states i injured my knee with a reckless tackle on brett?? if feeling a massive crunch and snap in your knee and grabbing the closest body to you on your way down is reckless so be it.
would also like to take this opportunity now that i may not play for a while to have a swipe at how comical FFT’s dealings of some issues this season have been and the fabricated stories which have come out the last few days. Cant give too much away but i will update once i can… and i am sure a lot will get a giggle at how pathetically desperate and laughable they are.
Comment by Corey Smith — June 2, 2007 @ 6:33 pm
Tough result for Taroona - a goal in the last 2 minutes from South Hobart gave them a 0:1 loss. Need to keep the legs moving until the final whistle. South had a few periods (start of each half and the last 15) where their experience showed…but Taroona was not discraced at all, they had their chances as well. A draw wouldn’t have been an undeserved result for either team.
Comment by roundball — June 2, 2007 @ 6:41 pm
sorry to hear about the knee corey can’t wait to see what stories you send our way nothing would surprise me with fft just be careful what you say or they may come after you for slander thats if what you say gets past bj stong sensoring.Thanks uni for beating clarence that gives us ( zebras) more breathing space at the top
Comment by fan — June 2, 2007 @ 7:14 pm
I forgot to warn you all, but WIN News featured highlights of last night’s match tonight. A friend of mine that works there said they were going to start covering the soccer more. Whether that’s due to feedback received since last week, or what I don’t know. I will suggest to him that they post the Saturday scores as a graphic as well after the story if they keep doing it, although the fact there’s rarely an official result from FFT to be found, they may not..
Comment by Ril — June 2, 2007 @ 7:39 pm
Was at Kelvedon Park most of the day .
U/19 . Taroona a well organised outfit of u/16. Both central defender and central striker deserve mention . result Roona 4 SH 2. not a true reflection but they put their chances away .
Reserves . up and down . chances both ends . SH better 1st touch but countered by the home sides work rate . A goal had to come and SH pinched it in the concluding minutes . From a corner after a monumental all fall over , ball fell free to Horsley who side footed home from 2 metres .
!st XI much the same both had chances especially Roona in 1st Half . Both Keepers whist not over worked had to pull off vital saves .
2nd Half SH slowly but surely shaded Roona . Game was in waves of possession but the SH waves were longer from peak to peak .
As above a goal had to come either end . From a free kick on the RH side facing town taken by Cooper Floated across head high flicked on by Beecroft in to top L hand corner . Keeper no chance . Time 88th Minute . .From a neutral point of view good entertainment , from a supporters point of view white knuckles culminating in either despair or elation .
Afterwards invited to Taroona Clubrooms . Lets hope this tradition continues .
Am worn out to old for this sort of thing .
Comment by Brian Roberts — June 2, 2007 @ 7:44 pm
The game between Taroona and South’s was an entertaining match to watch. Both teams were fast and physical and very even as far as quality goes. I don’t follow these teams usually; however I must say I enjoyed the game as a spectator with no bias. The referring was also to be commended as the ref allowed the game to flow which is the way it should be. Taroona conceded with only minutes to go, and quite frankly it could have gone either way. Anyway, a good match all around.
Comment by Boots — June 2, 2007 @ 8:50 pm
corey i have heard rumors that u have reitred from premier leauge after last nights injury and will be playing for pie and coke at nelson in div 1 next season
Comment by kermit the frog — June 2, 2007 @ 11:15 pm
The goal that was scored against Taroona in the last minutes of the game was a free kick. Very little actual skill from South Hobart. I’m glad that the Taroona boys showed them that they needed bad luck on TFC’s part to score. They couldn’t just walk on them. It deserved to be a nil-all draw. South Hobart did well as well as TFC. As I said, it deserved to be a draw, the South boys got lucky.
Frankly I’m glad to see a new side penetrate the premier ranks. It can be tough for them. The stigma on them has really been tough on a few of their games. People get talked into Taroona being the desperate new side, so that MUST mean they’re going to play dirty to hang onto their position.
Now I’m not saying that the free kick in the South/Taroona game was wrong, but in other games Taroona’s chances have been compromised by some slightly dubious calls.
Better luck next time, Taroona.
Good game, South.
Comment by Lowry — June 2, 2007 @ 11:49 pm
Is it just me or are the knights 50th year celebrations turning into 50th year nightmares????? in tomorrows bottom of the table clash, i’m predicting Newtown to take the points. anyhow im sure it will be a very entertaining match, especially in the clare st. conditions. id highly recomomend making the effort not to miss this 1.
Comment by ravine — June 2, 2007 @ 11:55 pm
Corey, Don’t do it! The pies are crap and the coke is warm at North Warrane to say the least
Comment by 1878 — June 3, 2007 @ 12:19 am
Ril. I think we all have Jeremy Arnold to thank for WIN TV’s coverage of soccer. Jeremy, a recent graduate in journalism from the University of Tasmania, played for Hobart Olympic until early this season. He got a job with WIN as a reporter and he has managed to persuade them to cover football (soccer). He has had to stop playing because his job means he’s at work on weekends.
It was a real surprise to see the WIN TV cameras at KGV Park on Friday night. Let’s hope it continues because that’s what the local game needs.
We should receive national exposure within the next few weeks when Tasmanian football (soccer) is covered in a 10-15 minute time slot on the FOXTEL (Channel 183) Premier League Football show each Thursday evening, which currently covers South Australia, Victoria and NSW.
There should now be a push for the ABC to televise games live each week, as they do hockey. Get your letters in!
Comment by Walter Pless — June 3, 2007 @ 1:26 am
haha i wont be retiring! as most of you know my mother is quite sick still in hospital from the start of the year. my parents have given me every opportunity in soccer over the years and i owe it to my mother to come back as soon as i can!! pretty shattered i am out because soccer has been my escape this year and thats now been taken away but life goes on! no pies and coke at nelson for me just yet.
Comment by Corey Smith — June 3, 2007 @ 12:16 pm
Well done Jeremy Arnold!! Thats quality mate. Keep it up
Comment by Borat — June 3, 2007 @ 3:04 pm
A great win for the Olympic boys against Kingborough. Olympic were without some of their key players today which did not show in the performance of the overall match. From a spectators view point, Kingborough failed to get going even though they had most of the play early in the second half, after which Olympic again dominated the rest of the game. The win also puts Olympic in second place on the league ladder, and like somebody wrote in an earlier blog, at this stage the final outcome could be anybody’s.
Comment by Boots — June 3, 2007 @ 6:14 pm
Sorry Blackjack, but how are Metro on 5 points?
picky picky!!!
Comment by Mike McKenna — June 3, 2007 @ 7:38 pm
Well done to Olympic today, but if they are regarded as Zebras biggest threat for the title then hand over the cup today — long way to go and numerous teams still with the possibility of a good last round run
Comment by Brett Pullen — June 3, 2007 @ 8:10 pm
From what I have seen and played against only injuries (Alot of them) will prevent the Zebras from winning the title this year… Clearly the best side in the competition…
Comment by Mike McKenna — June 3, 2007 @ 9:52 pm
Re: The apparent WIN TV coverage.
Jeremy, I still can’t forgive you for the goal you stole from my hands in the Sportivale Fawaz Cup Final, but good stuff on spreading the word! We hope your contribution will see wider publicity for Tasmanian football across the board.
Comment by Stefan Kowalik — June 3, 2007 @ 10:20 pm
FYI BJ (BTW can you put a link to your email address?)
Football Federation Australia today confirmed that the highly-anticipated match between the Qantas Socceroos and former world champion Argentina at the MCG had been re-scheduled for Tuesday 11 September 2007.
FFA had agreed to the Argentinean Football Association’s request to re-schedule the international match with the Qantas Socceroos which had been planned for the MCG on 6 June.
Comment by vivailcalcio — June 3, 2007 @ 10:46 pm
Eagles first point of the season. Will upset Zebras next week and restore some competition to the competition.
Comment by sj — June 3, 2007 @ 11:57 pm
Oh, and Corey… I saw you make the same mistake that I made when I did my knee a couple months ago… Play on! As much as I admire your courage I cringed when I saw you readying yourself to come back on the field.
One thing I’ve learnt recently from knee injuries is that they’re often followed by surgery and a long hiatus from the game. But as they say… “If you can’t be a good example, then you’ll just have to serve as a horrible warning.”
But best of luck with it, I felt that one. I hope your mother comes through ok too.
Comment by Stefan Kowalik — June 4, 2007 @ 1:07 am
Whilst it was a fairly insipid performance from the Knights , i must apologise to Player and his other Zebra cohorts on winning again- yes without the usual standouts . Workrate not technical were excellent - it is a bit like lower league in UK pretty football does not win the league - how you get results is most important at end of year .All the best for the season i will sit back and watch with interest.
Comment by sent off — June 4, 2007 @ 11:40 am
Tilford Zebras vs Glenorchy Knights
The Tilford Zebras were simply too fast and too good for the Knights running out winners 3-1. The Knights scored an excellent opener that made a mockery of their recent profligacy but from then on it was pretty much all Zebras. The Zebras were relentless in their pressure, their speed and movement caused the Knights endless problems. Frediani was tireless as he made excellent openings for the indefatigable Lapolla and provided a target for his defence and midfield. Brett Pullen no longer a box to box player was excellent, picking up Knights runners as they moved forward, making critical tackles and interceptions and his ball usage was for the most part superb. Fielding was clearly the Knights’ best. In the early exchanges his movement caused the Zebras concern as he would drift inside to open space for team mates and question the Zebras defensive shape. The loss of Corey Smith to injury was costly for the Knights, they didn’t have a fresh substitute and the resulting positional changes – Dermody up front, Clay to right midfield and Fielding to central midfield – negated the issues Fielding had been causing. From my understanding Clay is a left footer, why not place him at left midfield where he has played his best this season, leave Fielding on the right and move Hickey one of the most skillful and astute ball players in the league to the centre of the park? I am a big fan of Hickey and was at a loss to see him stranded out on the left where he was mostly reduced to a defensive role against Self.
Fielding setup the Knights only goal with a great run, he received the ball from Ladic and cut inside towards the centre beating Connolly for speed and as Connolly chased, Fielding narrowed the Zebras defence as Smith came across to cover. Huigsloot smartly peeled outside to the right where Fielding fed him the ball and his left foot chip was first class.
The Zebras duly equalised through Henry Fagg, their joint top scorer, how do you mark a right full back out of the game? Ben Peter was all that stood between the Zebras and what would have been an unassailable lead given the circumstances. The Knights were mostly restricted to long range efforts.
The second half was much like the first with the Zebras dominating. They took the lead early through a Danial Lapolla cracker. The ball swerved and dipped before hitting the underside of the crossbar and the back of Peter before resting in the net. The Knights should have equalised but Huigsloot managed to put the ball over the bar from eight yards out when it seemed easier to hit the target. Peter came to the rescue of the Knights again as he saved from Brazendale. Chris Cox scored a third for the Zebras as he headed in from Self’s cross from the right.
This finally sparked the Knights into greater action and Fielding saw an effort come back off the woodwork, his efforts deserved a goal but you don’t score through deserving too.
The Knights lacked a presenting forward, too often Huigsloot was hiding behind defenders looking for balls over the top. They really missed Lincoln Conquest who any defence will tell you is a nightmare to mark, his movement is intelligent, always threatening and opens up the space which Huigsloot normally exploits. Romeo Frediani and then Josh Thorpe provided this impetus for the Zebras.
Man of the Match: Lapolla was tireless and scored a great goal, Falzon covered excellent ground and was involved in so much but I felt it was Pullen that provided that freedom for him, sitting back and covering whilst breaking up the Knights play. His use of the ball bar a small percentage of passes was excellent, not just maintaining possession but launching attacks, he’s no longer a full field covering player but he needn’t be in the current squad, so Pullen just shades it over Falzon. Special mention to Fielding who was excellent in a losing side.
Moan of the Match: The Knights inability to adapt once Smith was substituted.
Comment by Tommy Fotak — June 4, 2007 @ 11:44 am
Metro v Eagles game was a hard battled game as expected.
And as expected by Black Jack anyway, there were lots of cards dished out…………unfrortunately though, I’m not sure it was because the players were hot headed as expected.
Interesting amount extra time played too………should’ve had the flood lights on!!!
Comment by Eleventy Seventy — June 4, 2007 @ 11:44 am
New Town Eagles vs Metro Claremont
New Town Eagles lack a pure Premier League quality forward and this is all that prevents them from being off the foot of the ladder. They had the better of the play against Metro but were wanting in the final third. The endeavor of their forwards is not in question but it was evident that they were struggling to turn their play into genuine chances.
Despite the width of the Clare Street pitch the game was quite narrow with neither side exploiting the room available. Clare Street is crippled by the cricket surface in the centre, hard as rock when dry, as heavy as mud when wet and slippery like an ice rink when dusted with water, it’s important to use the consistent surface out wide on this ground. Arguably Eagles two best players Comic Collins and Alexander Leszczynski were in the wide positions for this match, they both found a lot of the ball but not often in enough in wide areas so as to open the Metro rear guard. Both are quiet players and Leszczynski in particular could be more assertive in demanding the ball when in good positions.
Eagles were worth their lead and credit must go to spell checkers nightmare Leszczynski for his finish. Metro were conceding ground and possession to Eagles, happy to hit with quick counter attacks and looked dangerous every time Terry Kent had the ball at his feet. He tended to patrol the centre circle and let the younger lads do the leg work. Graham Reeks providing a similar, but more mobile influence for Eagles. They will benefit and improve as he spends more time on the ground, he looked one of the more assured players on the park and demonstrated good ball control.
Metro equalised early in the second half with a brilliant effort from James Hope. He received the ball in a seemingly innocuous position but unleashed a wonderful effort that gave ‘keeper Nathan Pitchford no chance. Metro took the lead in classic counter attacking style and demonstrated the worth of a good striker. Terry Kent received the ball and played a neat pass through to the well positioned and moving Shan Kent who neatly finished into the far side of the goal.
As Eagles chased the game they became their own worst enemy. Too often the ball was carried or played towards the ‘D’ of the box when it would have been wiser to stay or move wide to stretch the defence. To their credit the pressure was relentless and they clearly had Metro on the back foot hoping for the final whistle. A deserved equaliser came at the death through Reeks.
A draw was a fair result, Eagles dominance across the rest of the park warranted a win but their lack of ideas in the final third proved costly. Given their current situation and ladder position they were always going to have a go after the game against their nearest rival on the ladder, Metro rightly took advantage of this and played on the counter, demonstrating the worth of a good striker. Despite half the chances and limited possession they were a minute away from three points.
Man of the Match: Graham Reeks, he may yet determine Eagles future, special mentions to Cormac Collins – this boy has talent to burn - and Terry Kent.
Moan of the Match: Metro supporters. I understand passion and it’s wonderful to see so many ‘traveling’ supporters but the language directed at the referee and their obliviousness to fouls committed by their side is beyond belief.
I wish Tommy had used a spell checker BJ
Comment by Tommy Fotak — June 4, 2007 @ 12:23 pm
anyone have more of an insight on the Clarence - UNi game???
see Walter Pless’ report
Comment by Midge — June 4, 2007 @ 1:26 pm
In addition to my spelling (thanks for the fix Blackjack) apologies for some of the grammar in my reports, tired eyes, Monday morning all that.
Comment by Tommy — June 4, 2007 @ 1:41 pm
i read the report thanks BJ but i thought that one of the reasons for your blog was to get more points of views on games other then walters??? thats what I meant by “anyone” have more of an insight on the game……
Where did you get THAT idea?? Maybe you should go to the games that interest you that way you could formulate your OWN opinions rathern than relying on others!! Now that would be a radical idea!! Sheesh…BJ *shakes head*
Comment by Midge — June 4, 2007 @ 3:01 pm
thanks BJ! again…. well if i went to all the games that i was interested in then i wouldnt need to vist your fantastic site to find out about the those games now would I? - I really didnt think I was asking too much but if it means next time I have to have a conversation with you about my simple question then I might not bother
Sorry Midge, did I hurt your feelings??
Seriously though, where did you get the idea that this blog was set up to air opinions other than Walter’s?? This notion has got me fascinated. BJ
Comment by Midge — June 4, 2007 @ 6:34 pm
BJ, I don’t know if I am reading your post correctly! Shall we all take Walters reviews/reports as Gospel??? and not make comments on the games? does seem a little hypocritical too when Tommy is also reviewing games on this Blog? Sorry if I’m missing sarcasm or a metaphor.
Comment by Wingman — June 4, 2007 @ 7:08 pm
Sent Off your aplology is accepted but I ask instead of apologizing just watch football in tasmania, cheer it on and help build its future. Also I hope that in recent weeks you have come to accept Zebras for their football and who they are.
Comment by Player — June 4, 2007 @ 7:25 pm
sj you have rocks in your head how on earth are eagles going to upset zebras when they wiped out the only team in the league that had any chance get a grip.
Comment by fan — June 4, 2007 @ 7:36 pm
Some people are taking themselves just a little too serious lately…lighten up folks.
It seems Zebras are a team in more ways than one.
Comment by Blackjack — June 4, 2007 @ 8:19 pm
thats right bj we zebras are a team on and off the park
go the black and white
Comment by fan — June 4, 2007 @ 9:30 pm
oh god! Where was all this team work last year?
haha
Comment by 1878 — June 4, 2007 @ 10:33 pm
Gee I feel like a big group cuddle!!!!!. Nice game reviews Tommy good to read somebody else’s views on games (no disrespect to Walter either)…variety is the spice of life…… BJ don’t worry too much about Midge we are still trying to work him out sometimes!!!???
Group cuddle?? Bleh…pass!! So Midge is THAT Midge…it all makes sense now!!
Comment by Brett Pullen — June 4, 2007 @ 10:49 pm
No comment from Lionheart about Div 1 results this week?
Comment by Jacko — June 5, 2007 @ 10:19 am
Interesting Article in the Mercury today regarding bringing back Statewide Aussie rules - http://www.news.com.au/mercury/story/0,22884,21849172-13222,00.html
The Idea is having 2 conferences of 8 teams each, North and South - play teams in your own conference twice and play each team in the other conference once making 14+8 = 22 games total. This would only mean 4 road trips per team reducing the travel costs and raising the standard of Tassie Football. It would also mean two teams would drop back to Div 1 in the South further strengthening that Division with relegation/promotion still in place. It would take a fair bit of organizing but i think the idea has some promise and would showcase the best in Tasmanian Football, thoughts?
Comment by TeddySheringham — June 5, 2007 @ 10:42 am
No, all power to the Cannons. A 3-1 scoreling is a fairly convincing victory in anyone’s language. My ‘attitude’ last week was merely in response to a number of bloggers who had predicted a big defeat for Kingborough at the hands of Beachside and to be honest, no one was more surprised by the 5-1 scoreline then me.
Realistically, it’s still too early in the season to claim bragging rights by any team.
Comment by Lionheart — June 5, 2007 @ 11:48 am
The Conference system may sound good for Aussie Rules, but not for soccer. Soccer already has a state-wide knockout cup competition which potentially pits southern clubs against northern sides. There’s no need for an artificial and uneven conference league system.
The essential ingredient in league competition in soccer is that teams play each other an even number of times, home and away. That’s fair and no-one is disadvantaged.
A true state league is the only way to go, in my opinion.
Comment by Walter Pless — June 5, 2007 @ 1:59 pm
How many teams get relegated from the Premier League this year? Is it one or two?
Comment by Onlooker — June 5, 2007 @ 2:03 pm
TS — the difficulty is you have 9 teams in north, and nowhere for any team to drop down to. That is one of the difficulties for a state league proper - what is left in north when 2,3 or 4 teams are in state league. The ‘conference’ idea is not a new one, does have some merit, but also some problems.
Comment by sj — June 5, 2007 @ 2:18 pm
The Aussie Rules S/W concept was floated at Board level as a compromise after the dissolution of the last S League .
Management not the Board opposed it on the grounds of being to difficult and would the Clubs really want it.
Comment by Brian Roberts — June 5, 2007 @ 2:30 pm
Yes certainly understand the issues with the conference option and also 9 teams in the North does pose problems. In my opinion the Statewide needs to be reformed for the growth of Football in the state. A Statewide league would certainly attract more media and sponsorship interest and all other states from memory have state leagues. Whilst there are logisitical problems with a conference structure all options need to be explored. Maybe a finals system at the end of the year to determine the Statewide champion could be explored too with say the top 4 teams from each region playing off in some sort of format. Whilst the Statewide Cup works well we need more if the game is going to develop and prosper further in this state.
Comment by TeddySheringham — June 5, 2007 @ 3:34 pm
So we’re in June 07 & FFT are yet to advise the system for 08 and if teams or how many teams are to be relegated from the Premier League & Div 1 etc.????
Surely something concrete has to arise soon???
Does anybody know a firm date of when a decision is to be made?
Comment by Eleventy Seventy — June 5, 2007 @ 3:45 pm
Dear Tommy, how long does a game go for? How many bad tackles were made in the game? Not sure six yellow cards, (from one team) were a fair result of the nature of the game. No wonder some of the Metro fans were a wee bit p–sed at the ref’ over seven minutes extra time! Yeah, a fair report, from a NTE point of view, don’t you think. I do.
Comment by THE "BIG YIN" — June 5, 2007 @ 9:08 pm
11t70,
Next season starts mid April? My guess will be .. March 21st. 2008. And on the FFT website 6 months later.
Comment by tasblue — June 5, 2007 @ 10:12 pm
THE BIG YIN - ref stops watch for every stoppage - there were a couple on lengthy injury stoppages - a few yellow cards - a few substitutions - a goal - think the ref got it right. Did u stop yr watch every time as required?
Comment by sj — June 5, 2007 @ 11:23 pm
SJ,
I don’t keep a stopwatch, but I do time the start of each half. I don’t recall any games going for 52 minutes for a half this year. They all had substitutions, although Metro didn’t make any, (may have gone for 55 minutes if they did), injuries, and cards. The amount of cards dished out to Metro players (even the most biased person would be struggling to come up with why Adam McEwan received a yellow card when he was clearly obstructed, however I, guess you’ll come up with a reason) appeared to be over the top.
However, I thought THE BIG YIN should have known better than to comment. The cards, nor the time the second half went for should have come as a surprise. Read into that what you like.
If you think the ref got it right, you obviously didn’t stop your watch every time either, or you’d know he was right.
Comment by Timekeeper — June 6, 2007 @ 9:16 am
Dear THE BIG YIN,
A game goes for 90 minutes plus stoppages. I don’t go to games to count free kicks and yellows for and against any team. The second half did seem long to me as well, but there were three people on the field keeping time who am I to judge.
I believe my report was a fair reflection of the game you haven’t seemed to counter any of the comments made about the play? I can understand the Metro supporters being upset about decisions going against them but that is no excuse for some of the language being used, and whilst they might have been wronged in some cases others were clear and obvious fouls yet they protested against those too.
Timekeeper makes a good point regarding Adam McEwan’s booking, I thought that he was being obstructed as well - and said as much to those people I was watching with, someone in that group stated that they had seen him impede the Eagle’s player prior to that. We were all stumped by the card and deduced that it must have been for dissent, from experience Dirk Gadd doesn’t tolerate dissent, fair play to him.
Comment by Tommy — June 6, 2007 @ 11:06 am
Maybe Metro could have scored another goal in that so called “extra” 7 minutes to put the game beyond doubt instead of conceding one?
Comment by A Zed — June 6, 2007 @ 1:54 pm
Got some interesting stats to show the overall performance of Top Flight clubs over the three leagues (Seniors, Reserves and Under 19’s). I have just added the position of each team per club together, therefore if a team is 2nd in reserves, 3rd in under 19’s and 6th in Seniors their score will be 2 + 3 +6 = 11, obviously the lower the score the better reflecting good depth for a club.
Scores -
Clarence - 10
South - 11
Zebras - 12
Olympic - 12
King Lions - 17
Knights - 17
University - 18
Taroona - 18
Eagles - 22
Metro - 28
Interesting stats.
Comment by TeddySheringham — June 6, 2007 @ 3:18 pm
interesting stuff Ted. Ive read yours and decided to do one of my own. exactley the same but ‘weighted’ accordingly to the level of the game. the clubs senior rank has been multiplied by 2 (as the senior position is the most vital), reserves by 1.5, and u19s by 1. a club winning all 3 leagues would be on 4.5, and a club last on the ladder of all three would be on 4.5.
1. South Hobart…………………..14.5
2. Hobart Olympic………………..16
3. Clarence and Zebras…………16.5
5. University……………………….24.5
6. kingbourough Lions……………25
7. Glenorchy Knights……………..26
8. Taroona………………………….32
9. Newtown Eagles………………..36.5
10. Metro Claremont………………42
Fairly similar… i noticed Taroona and Newtown, although down the bottom in reserves and seniors, are performing well in the u19s, could this be where the future will take us???
So if the 19’s are the future, more so than reserves, why don’t they have a higher weighting?? Just a thought?? BJ
Comment by statistician — June 6, 2007 @ 9:12 pm
A Zed,
maybe they could, maybe they could have scored 2, maybe Eagles could have scored 3. There were no “so called” extra 7 minutes, there were an extra 7 minutes.
In relation to Tommy’s comments about the 3 officials keeping time, it was only a matter of approx 4 games back during an Under 19 game the referee blew the whistle for 1/2 time after 36 minutes. An honest mistake ? One would assume so. The issue is there were 2 linesmen who had watches officiating as well and neither of them did anything to let the referee know that the game had only gone for 36 minutes. Maybe the club official that brought it to the referees attention “was the one to judge”. Am therefore not sure what influence the linesmen have on the referee, in that particular case none.
Comment by timekeeper — June 7, 2007 @ 10:07 am
Because the u/19s winning isnt going to stop them getting relegated
lol
Comment by Borat — June 7, 2007 @ 10:39 am