Walter Pless on Football

By Walter Pless

The battle for pole position in the run-in to the Premier League title will be on in earnest on Sunday when the top four sides, separated by only three points, are in action against their major rivals.

Leaders Hobart Zebras are away to fourth-placed Clarence United at Wentworth Park, while second-placed South Hobart host third-ranked Hobart Olympic, at South Hobart.

None of the sides can afford to lose with only five games remaining, so there should be plenty of drama.

Zebras may have run out of puff as they have lost their past two games - one in the cup and one in the league - and they face a Clarence outfit that has started to hit form after a mid-season slump appeared to have rule it out of title contention.

Clarence will have experienced midfielder Scott Hadley back from suspension and home-ground advantage, including vociferous support from its fans, all of which will be key factors in the outcome.

“We have no injuries and everyone is available for selection, although we weren’t able to train on Tuesday due to the ground being closed,” said Clarence coach, Andrew Brown.

“I realise that this game could have a huge bearing on the Zebras’ title aspirations because, if they drop points, the new favourite for the title would certainly be the winner of the game between the two form sides Olympic and South Hobart.

“After our 0-0 draw at KGV earlier in the year, I would expect a similar result given the closeness of the teams this season and my players are expecting an onslaught from the team that is trying to hang on to the league lead for the whole season.

“It’s a tough ask, but, nevertheless, they do have the players capable of doing it.”

South Hobart hit top form last weekend when they brushed aside the challenge of outgoing champions Glenorchy Knights to win 5-0, and they must be favoured to hold off Olympic’s challenge on their own turf.

The loss of Matthew Hill is a blow for South as he produced his finest performance of the season against Knights. Hill has gone to Melbourne to find a club.

Olympic have players capable of snatching victory and South will have to reproduce last week’s form to be certain of three points.

Kosta Grillas, Michael Bulis and Daniejel Djekanovic are Olympic’s danger men in attack and they will test the defensive capabilities of Nathan Robinson, Jon Foley-Donoghue and Mark Moncur.

On Saturday, seventh-placed University entertain bottom-side Metro-Claremont at Olinda Grove and sixth-ranked Kingborough Lions United take on eighth-placed Taroona at Lightwood Park.

University will be without Brook Teale, Tyler Duniam and Luke Temby, while Alexis Bull is also an uncertain starter.

“It remains to be seen what effect having two weeks off has on the side,” said University coach, Matthew Shaw.

“Hopefully, it will see all of the players refreshed and have allowed some niggling injuries and knocks to have cleared up.”

On Friday night, fifth-placed Glenorchy Knights are at home to second-last New Town Eagles at KGV Park.

Knights have to redeem themselves in the eyes of their supporters after last week’s debacle, while Eagles are fighting to avoid the wooden spoon and will be desperate for the three points.

Knights have greater potential and should demonstrate that last week’s poor performance was merely an aberration.