Division One Preview for the Weekend of 28-29 July 2007
By Walter Pless
Division One leaders Beachside face fourth-placed Kingborough Lions United away at Lightwood Park ton Saturday and are likely to increase their lead at the top to 12 points with a win.
But, that lead should be cut back to nine points on Sunday when second-placed South Hobart host fifth-ranked Northern Suburbs-DOSA at Wellesley Park.
Beachside lost 5-1 to Kingborough in the first round, but that may have been an aberration and the Lions are unlikely to repeat their performance.
DOSA coach, Stephen Pitchford, has cause for confidence against South Hobart after a win and two draws from the past three outings.
“Whilst Derek Story failed to score last week, the two goals by Robert Wilson and Jonno Bellette were fantastic strikes at the end of some good approach play,” said Pitchford.
“Derek Parry will start this week in place of Ryan Murphy, who was injured in a tackle from behind that didn’t even result in a free-kick.
“South will be keen to stay in touch with Beachside, but we are playing some good possession soccer of late and this match will be a lot closer than the 4-1 loss of the first round.”
Third-placed Kingston Cannons are away to seventh-ranked Nelson Eastern Suburbs at North Warrane on Sunday.
The Cannons blew Nelson away to the tune of 7-0 in the first round, but this should be closer.
Sixth-placed Hobart United entertain bottom-side Huon Valley at Pontville on Saturday.
Hobart United won 1-0 in the first round, but this should be a higher scoring match.
“We had a good training session this week and everyone worked really hard to improve our performance on the pitch,” said United’s player representative, Pedro Ramirez.
“We also worked on set-pieces and we will put these in to practice at the game.
“Coach Aubert Ruzigandekwe was pleased with his team selection.
“This week we have Jacob Kuel back in the squad, but we will be missing key striker Akuel Makuer Guot due to school commitments, while Thon Youl is out through a knee injury.
“We are confident we will come through with a win.”
Second-last Christian United have the bye.
DIVISION ONE (As at
|
TEAM |
P | W | D | L | F | A | Pts |
|
Beachside |
12 |
10 |
1 |
1 |
57 |
15 |
31 : 5 |
|
|
10 |
7 |
1 |
2 |
37 |
14 |
22 : 8 |
|
|
11 |
7 |
1 |
3 |
33 |
31 |
|
|
Kingborough Lions United |
11 |
6 |
1 |
4 |
34 |
23 |
|
|
Northern Suburbs-DOSA |
12 |
5 |
3 |
4 |
27 |
23 |
|
|
|
11 |
4 |
2 |
5 |
18 |
19 |
|
|
Nelson Eastern Suburbs |
12 |
3 |
3 |
6 |
15 |
30 |
|
|
Christian United |
11 |
2 |
2 |
7 |
18 |
32 |
|
|
|
12 |
0 |
0 |
12 |
12 |
64 |
0 : 36 |