Walter Pless on Football

By Walter Pless

Second-placed South Hobart will continue their pursuit of Division One leaders Beachside this weekend in the final round of matches.

South Hobart beat Christian United 3-1 at KGV on Wednesday to move to within three points of Beachside.

Both teams have one game to play - South Hobart are at home to last-placed Huon Valley on Sunday, while Beachside are away to Christian United on Saturday.

If South Hobart are to win the title, Beachside would have to lose to Christian United and South Hobart would have to beat Huon Valley by a minimum of 15-0.

South won the first-round encounter against Huon Valley 10-0 away at Ranelagh.

They are at home at Wellesley Park this time, so anything is possible, but it may well be in Beachside’s hands as they just need a draw to make all the mathematical calculations irrelevant.

South Hobart are likely to field a similar side to that of Wednesday night.

Beachside will be without injured defender Ben Davis, which means Tom Sherman will start.

“We’ll have five 17-year-olds on view, which is quite normal for us,” said Beachside president, John Brierley.

“It’ll be like that when we play Metro in the promotion and relegation play-off.”

Most of the Beachside players were at KGV on Wednesday to watch Christian United and coach Tony Kavanagh will have worked out a strategy for victory.

Beachside beat Christian 3-0 in the first round at home at Sandown Park.

Christian will miss striker Jesse Arnold, who is in Melbourne, but Scott Nicholson will return after being in the north of the State in mid-week.

David Nettlefold may also return if he has recovered from illness.

The other game on Saturday features fifth-placed Kingborough Lions United at home at Lightwood Park against third-placed Kingston Cannons.

Cannons won the first-round encounter 3-1 and coach John Cionci is confident.

“We’ll have the same team as usual and we have held on to third spot, which is great,” said Cionci.

“I watched Kingborough draw with Nelson last weekend and I wasn’t impressed.

“They need to win, though, and they’ll be on their home turf, so they’ll be hard to beat.”

By Walter Pless

Division One, KGV Park, Wednesday, 29 August 2007

South Hobart 3 (T Wailes 19, R Franklin 42, 50 pen)

Christian United 1 (J Arnold 85)

HT: 2-0 Att: 70 Ref: C Ware

South Hobart squad

South Hobart (1-3-4-2): A Hill - D McCormack - N Wardle, S Van Heyster, L Williams - J Van Heyster, H Jarvis, T Wailes (P Cooper 74), T Veness (P Jarvis 65) - A Wilson, R Franklin (B Klasen 68) [Substitute not used: O Roberts] [Coach: J Donoghue]

Christian United squad

Christian United (1-2-5-2): D Kruijver - T Wierenga - D Noble, B De Hoog (A Pilgrim 71) - J Manasseh, I Lucas, P Rae, J Arnold, J De Vries - P Otto, P Laning [Substitute not used: M Rae] [Coach: D Dolliver]

Second-placed South Hobart continued their chase of Division One leaders Beachside and moved to within three points of their rivals with this 3-1 win over second-last Christian United.

The match had been postponed on 14 July and South Hobart gave up home-ground advantage for this catch-up game.

South Hobart and Beachside both have one game to play - South Hobart are at home to last-placed Huon Valley on Saturday, while Beachside are away to Christian United on Sunday.

If South Hobart are to win the title, Beachside would have to lose to Christian United and South Hobart would have to beat Huon Valley by a minimum of 15-0.

South won the first-round encounter against Huon Valley 10-0 away at Ranelagh. They are at home at Wellesley Park this time, so anything is possible, but it may well be in Beachside’s hands as they just need a draw to make all the mathematical calculations irrelevant.

Christian United started well and had South Hobart under early pressure. The three Peters - Laning, Rae and Otto - were playing well. Laning and Rae showed physical strength in holding the ball and shooting, while Otto’s speed down the right flank had South in trouble.

South gradually gained the measure of their opponents and began to initiate dangerous attacks of their own.

In the 7^th minute, Brad De Hoog saved Christian when he blocked Jeff Van Heyster’s header on the line after a corner from the right by Tom Veness.

Travers Wailes engineered South’s first goal in the 19^th minute. It was his low shot through a crowded goalmouth that forced goalkeeper David Kruijver to dive low to his right and concede a corner.

Christian failed to clear the corner and, when Kruijver made a hash of fielding the ball, Wailes gained possession and lifted the ball over the keeper from an angle on the left.

With three minutes of the first half remaining, Rowan Franklin scored to make it 2-0. His first shot was blocked, but when the ball came back to him, he made no mistake with his second attempt.

South were spreading the ball around cleverly and stretching the Christian United defence, but Christian looked dangerous in patches, especially on the break.

Five minutes after the interval, South added their third goal with a penalty, awarded after David Noble had handled while he and Tim Wierenga broke up a South Hobart attack. Franklin easily stroked home the spot-kick.

Far from deflating Christian, this set-back spurred them on and they had some good long-range strikes that kept South’s defence on their toes.

Christian’s efforts were rewarded five minutes from the end when Jesse Arnold volleyed home a great goal from the edge of the box to make it 3-1.

South hit back and, with three minutes remaining, Kruijver produced a fine save when he turned Jeff Van Heyster’s cheeky chip wide for a fruitless corner.

“I thought it was a good contest,” said South Hobart coach, Jed Donoghue. “I thought it was a good game and I enjoyed it.

“I’m glad we got the first goal.

“They had a chance early on and we got the break and we got the goal.

“I think the boys started to relax a little bit more.

“But, yeah, the first half, it was all very fast and we didn’t put the foot on the ball and play it around.

“In the second half, we played better, but our average for the season is 3-1, and that’s what we did, which is a bit disappointing because I wanted above average and to keep a clean sheet.

“I think if we’d been a bit tighter at the back this year we would have had a better campaign.

“We’ll see what happens on Saturday with Beachside. I wish them the best of luck. They’ve been consistent. They’re a good team, but I’m hoping Christian stand up.”

Christian United coach, Dean Dolliver, said: “I thought it was a pretty good game and a pretty high standard all round.

“I thought our boys actually held their own fairly well on the whole.

“They looked as good as the other team most of the time.

“We had a good second half and I’m pretty proud. They all put in really hard and played a little bit above themselves and they looked good.

“It was a good game, a good game to watch.”

South Hobart:

South Hobart Starting XI v Christian United 29.8.07

Christian United:

Christian United starting XI v South Hobart 29.8.07

DIVISION ONE (As at 29 August 2007)

By Walter Pless

______________________________________________________________________

South Hobart Division One coach Jed Donoghue has refused to concede the title to Beachside despite the huge goal-difference in Beachside’s favour.

Beachside have one match remaining - next Saturday away to second-last Christian United at Sherburd - and lead second-placed South Hobart by six points.

South Hobart have two games remaining - Wednesday evening against Christian United at KGV Park at 8.15pm, and against bottom-side Huon Valley at home on Sunday, 2 September, at Wellesley Park.

Beachside have an 18-goal advantage in goal-difference over South Hobart and need just a draw against Christian United to make absolutely certain of the title.

South Hobart need Beachside to lose and then they could catch the leaders on points, but even then, South Hobart would have to win by mammoth scores against Christian United and Huon Valley.

In the first round games, Beachside beat Christian United 3-0, while South Hobart just scraped home 3-2 against Christian United and thrashed Huon Valley 10-0.

“I expect us to win against Christian on Wednesday night and it should be a good game,” said Donoghue.

“We have a slim hope, a very slim hope, of pipping Beachside for the title, but we’ll go for it.”

South Hobart will have David McCormack back, as well as Bernhard Klasen, who had a run in the reserves on the weekend, but the big news is they will field senior Premier League defender Hugh Ludford.

He replaces defender Craig Burgess, who is sidelined with a knee injury.

Christian United welcome back central midfielder Isaac Lucas, who has been ill with tonsillitis but played in the reserves on the weekend.

“We’ll have a similar team to the one on the weekend and it’ll be a tough game,” said United’s Jonathon Wierenga.

“We lost against them 3-2 in the first round but they scored the winner with the last kick of the game.”

By Walter Pless

Beachside can take out the Division One soccer title on Saturday with a win against Northern Suburbs-DOSA at home at Sandown Park.

The league leaders have no injuries and will field a full-strength line-up against fourth-placed DOSA.

“DOSA are always a tough side for us,” said Beachside president, John Brierley. “We beat them last time, but we won’t be taking them lightly this time.

“If we win, we’ve won the title, and then we’ll have a lash at the Premier League.

“We can’t be too cocky as we’ll have to win the next two games in the play-off and we don’t know yet who that will be against.”

DOSA will give a start 15-year-old Calvin Frith in place of Brendan Lietz, who is unavailable, while Derek Story will be playing his 249^th and last match for the club.

Story hit a hat-trick last week to make it 88 goals in his career and coach Stephen Pitchford will be looking for a similar performance from him this time.

Richard Korn will be playing his 214^th and final match, as will Marcus Wilde in what is his 259^th game.

“Keeper Justin Farrugia plays his 100th game for the club this weekend and the team is keen to assist in a clean sheet and postpone Beachside’s premiership celebrations for another week,” said Pitchford.

“DOSA versus Beachside games have been keenly contested over the past few years and this weekend will be no different, with the boys keen to continue on from last weekend’s 4-1 second-half performance against Nelson.

“After we dumped Beachside out of the State-wide Cup on penalties, they came back to win the first league meeting, so the return battle will be a decider for this year.”

Second-placed South Hobart take on fifth-placed Hobart United at home at Wellesley Park on Sunday without Craig Burgess, who is out for three months after a knee injury.

David McCormack is unavailable because of work commitments, but Luke Williams and Bernhard Klasen are back and, together with the in-form Huw Jarvis and Travers Wailes, will give South a formidable combination.

“It should be a good game against Hobart United, but I’m quietly confident of a result,” said South Hobart coach, Jed Donoghue.

“I think the Beachside versus DOSA game will also be a good contest.”

Hobart United beat South Hobart 2-1 in the first round and, with David Jay, Kevin Ochillo and Molano Paulo in fine form, must have a chance this time.

“South Hobart will be more prepared as they are looking for first place, or to keep second place, so we will have to play tactically and play a defensive game,” said United’s Pedro Ramirez.

“Winning this game will give us a good ladder position and we are looking forward to our last challenge of the year.”

Third-placed Kingston Cannons host second-last Christian United at Sherburd on Saturday and United will welcome back Tim Wierenga and, possibly, Glenn Langerak.

David Wierenga is likely to be out because of a foot injury and Isaac Lucas is still ill, but Scott Nicholson is likely to keep his spot and Jesse Arnold is promoted after scoring twice in the reserves last week.

The remaining game of the round is at North Warrane on Sunday when seventh-ranked Nelson Eastern Suburbs host sixth-placed Kingborough Lions United.

Nelson’s Tom Roach returns from suspension, but defender Aaron Wojcik is omitted.

“The team played well in attack for the whole 90 minutes last week, but squandered a two-goal lead at half-time through some poor defending and missed numerous opportunities to score further goals,” said Nelson coach, Michael Roach.

“We’ll go into this game confident of a good showing.

“It’s the last match of the season for us and a last opportunity to show how well we can play.”

Division One Ladder (as at 19 August 2007)

By Walter Pless

With Division One leaders Beachside having the bye this weekend, second-placed South Hobart can make up ground in the race for the league championship.

South Hobart are away to third-placed Kingston Cannons at Sherburd on Sunday and a South Hobart defeat will effectively put them out of the title race.

Even a draw would virtually put South out of the hunt as Beachside would need just a point from their two remaining games to clinch the league championship.

South Hobart will have striker Andy Wilson back after an absence of several weeks, while striker Rowan Franklin also returns from injury and the two will spearhead the South attack.

Sweeper David McCormack and midfielder John McCormack also return to strengthen the South line-up.

Cannons welcome back sweeper John White after injury, while right-midfielder Oliver Giudici retains his spot after impressive recent performances.

“It’ll be a hard game for us to win, especially since South need the three points to keep their championship hopes alive,” said Cannons coach, John Cionci.

Fourth-placed Kingborough Lions United are away to sixth-placed Hobart United at Pontville on Saturday and a win for the home side could see them change places with the visitors on the ladder.

“Last time we met Kingborough we came out with a 3-1 win,” said Hobart United’s Pedro Ramirez.

“This time around, it is going to be a challenge, but nevertheless we feel confident of coming out with a win.

“Kingborough is a very experienced team and we have to play smart on possession and ball distribution.

“David Jay is the man for the job and hopefully he is up to the task, but we also need to tighten our defence.”

Fifth-placed Northern Suburbs-DOSA welcome seventh-placed Nelson Eastern Suburbs to the Showgrounds on Sunday and this will be the second-last game for DOSA’s Richard Korn, Marcus Wilde, Derek Story and Robbie Wilson, all of whom will hang up their boots at the end of the season.

DOSA striker Ryan Murphy is suspended after collecting too many yellow cards.

“We’re keen to win this one as we haven’t beaten Nelson this year,” said DOSA coach, Stephen Pitchford. “We gifted them two goals at North Warrane, but this time we have trained well and we expect a high-scoring game.”

Nelson will be missing Troy Hoppitt, who is in New Zealand, and his replacement is Jayden Andrews.

There is a fitness cloud over Jackson Marsh, and Rick Chew is ready to take his place.

The remaining match is between bottom-side Huon Valley and second-last Christian United at Ranelagh on Saturday.

Sweeper Tim Wierenga and full-back Glenn Langerak are unavailable for Christian United, which means starts for Brad de Hoog, who makes his senior debut for the season, and Scott Nicholson, who has been in the reserves.

Peter Otto returns to the senior side to replace Jesse Arnold as a striker, while central midfielder Peter Rae comes into the midfield in place of Isaac Lucas, who is ill with tonsilitis.

By Walter Pless

Division One leaders Beachside face a relatively easy assignment against second-last Christian United away at Sherburd on Sunday.

Beachside enjoy a comfortable 9-point lead over second-placed South Hobart, although the latter have two games in hand.

Beachside won the first-round encounter 3-0 and should come away with the points again.

Christian will promote Scott Nicholson and 18-year-old striker Jesse Arnold from the reserves.

“It’ll be a tough match for us, but we’re hoping to do all right,” said Christian spokesman, Jonathon Wierenga.

“We usually play well against them and have lost 3-0 and 2-0 in the past two meetings, which aren’t really blown out scores.”

South Hobart entertain bottom-side Huon Valley on Saturday at Wellesley Park, where the conditions are likely to be heavy.

“We’re disappointed after drawing 1-1 with Beachside last weekend,” said South coach, Jed Donoghue.

“Paul Jarvis and Rowan Franklin are both doubtful through injury, but Andy Wilson is back and tells me he is fit.

“I don’t know about Bernhard Klasen, but I don’t expect any trouble at all in winning this game.”

Fourth-placed Kingborough Lions United host third-ranked Kingston Cannons at Lightwood Park on Saturday and a win for the home side would see them swap places with the Cannons on the ladder.

Striker Martin Elliott will be an absentee for the Lions because of injury, while Luke Barlow, recently returned from overseas, will take a turn in goal this weekend.

The Lions have not had a regular keeper this season and Barlow, who is a good cricketer, will be able to demonstrate his goalkeeping prowess.

Seventh-placed Nelson Eastern Suburbs take on sixth-placed Hobart United at the earlier time of noon at North Warrane on Sunday and a win for Nelson will see them leapfrog United on the ladder.

“We should be able to field an unchanged team from the side that beat Cannons 4-3 in our last outing,” said Nelson coach, Michael Roach.

“We’re starting to create and take some goal-scoring opportunities, particularly through Paul Gazzignato and Bill Hanley, and we’ll go into this game with Hobart United feeling pretty confident of playing well.

“We’re expecting a tough encounter again after our 1-1 draw in the first round, but we think we can get all three points this time.”

United are also confident of doing well, but will miss midfielder Mohand Rahni, who has quit.

“We have lost player Mohan Rahni for the rest of the season due to personal reasons,” said United spokesman, Pedro Ramirez. “This will be a huge loss for the club, particularly in the way the team plays, since Mohan Rahni was a team leader.

“After a very disappointing game against Kingston Cannons, the team is in high spirits.

“This week, we will play the same eleven players that we had last week, and I think the selected players had a very good chance of winning last week’s game.

“This weekend, we are looking to have greater ball possession. The lads are more than capable of winning any game when they play united as a team.”

By Walter Pless

Beachside and South Hobart clash in a Division One top-of-the-table match at Sandown Park on Sunday.

Beachside lead the competition with 34 points, nine points ahead of South Hobart, so the visitors cannot afford to lose this match if they are to have any chance of taking the title.

Beachside have only three games to play, whereas South have two games in hand and a win would put them in the box seat.

The sides drew 3-3 in the first round, so this promises to be a very even match and one which could go either way.