Walter Pless on Football

By Walter Pless

Women’s State-wide Cup Final, KGV Park, Friday, 31 August 2007

Clarence United 1 (M Dixon 36)

Officials (l to r) Stephen Pitchford, Tom Humphries, Matthew Brooks, Jason Priest

Nelson Eastern Suburbs 3 (Hale 59, Dean 101, 102)

HT: 1-0 FT: 1-1 AET: 1-3 Att: 250 Ref: T Humprhries

Clarence United (1-3-4-2): T Joiner-Stewart - M Brighella - M Dabner, K Vienna-Hallam, M Nicholls - K Bolton, M Dixon, E Cripps, J McIntyre - H Dixon, K Enkelaar [Substitutes: J Jarvis, E Batt, S Clifford, E Van Chastelet] [Joint Coaches: R Bolton, A Baxter]

Nelson Eastern Suburbs (4-4-2): K Barker - N Hale, K Clark, L Barnes, A Belbin - S Morris, V Johnson, B Grant, E Longo - C Dean, A Jones [Substitutes: L Hooper, N Smith, A Underwood] [Joint Coaches: O Fitzgerald, G Slicer]

With a large moon rising in the east and rain occasionally pelting down, these two Eastern Shore sides fought out a cup final that really brought to life that old cliché about ‘the romance of cup football’.

On paper, Nelson Eastern Suburbs were hot favourites to win. They had beaten Clarence United 13-0 in their first league meeting, and Nelson had won the Summer Cup and the league. They are also in next weekend’s State premiership final against Launceston City in Launceston.

It was not until July that Clarence scored their first league goal, and they finished the season in second-last place. One could not have envisaged a more David and Goliath pairing than this final.

But, Clarence were a team transformed and they almost pulled off the sort of giant-killing feat that abounds in the annals of cup football.

Clarence were not outclassed. They led 1-0 at the break and were level at 1-1 after the regulation 90 minutes. It was only in extra-time that they ran out of legs and the physically stronger Nelson team gained the edge, despite being down to ten players after only an hour of the game.

Clarence prepare for a kick off

Nicole Hale, who started at right-back, but soon moved up into the attack, was sent off in the 59^th minute when she collected a second yellow card for celebrating her equalising goal. She pulled off her shirt and, clad only in a bra above the waist, ran towards the crowd while swinging her shirt above her head.

Hale had earlier been cautioned for standing over the ball at a Clarence free-kick. Her indiscipline in both instances was, fortunately for Nelson, not to cost them dearly.

Indeed, Nelson could, and probably should, have been down to nine players when Hale was sent off. After only five minutes of the match, goalkeeper Katelin Barker rolled the ball out into midfield for Lauren Barnes, but she was dispossessed by Marlugu Dixon.

Clarence goal scorer Marlugu Dixon - her two goals in the semi-final helped Clarence to reach the final

As Dixon set off for goal, Barnes, the last defender, pulled her back and conceded a free-kick just outside the box. Mr Humphries, surprisingly, did not even caution Barnes when he might easily have sent her off for the infringement.

Harkana Dixon’s free-kick came to nothing, however.

The statistics indicate Nelson’s superiority, but statistics do not tell the whole story.

They do not tell of the bravery of the Clarence side and their not inconsiderable skills.

The Dixon sisters were the equal of any players Nelson had, while goalkeeper Tess Joiner-Stewart was excellent and dealt superbly with many dangerous shots. It was a tragedy that her poor goal-kick in extra-time gifted Nelson their second goal, which ultimately turned the game in Nelson’s favour.

Jess McIntyre was splendid in midfield and her defending reliable. A real chip off the old block. Her father, Michael McIntyre, the former Metro and Juventus star, was in the stands watching and must have been well satisfied.

Nelson’s Vanessa Johnson was always dangerous with her shooting, especially from long range, while Barnes and captain Karen Clark made a formidable central defensive duo that proved almost impossible to break down.

Hale was always dangerous when she moved up to take over as a striker, and her header at the far post in the 8^th minute flew just wide. On the quarter-hour mark, she was put through by a diagonal pass from Johnson, only to shoot straight at the goalkeeper.

Clarence won their first corner of the match in the 36^th minute and it proved decisive. Harkana Dixon floated the ball over and Marlugu Dixon headed it home to give Clarence the lead.

Clarence Captain Emily Cripps receives her losers medal watch over by adoring Clarence fans

Hale equalised in the 59^th minute when she eluded the Clarence defence, got past the last defender and just managed to roll the ball agonisingly slowly towards goal. It beat Joiner-Stewart and hit the far right-hand post before crossing the line.

Joiner-Stewart made excellent saves to deny Belinda Grant and Johnson before the 90 minutes were up.

In the 4^th minute of extra-time, Clarence almost regained the lead when Harkana Dixon sent in a dangerous cross from the right and Barnes, in trying to clear, volleyed the ball against a post. The ball ricocheted to Marlugu Dixon, whose powerful shot flew straight into Barker’s arms.

Five minutes later, Clark pushed forward and fired just wide as Nelson increased the tempo of their attacks.

In the 101^st minute, a poor goal-kick by Joiner-Stewart went straight to Chrystal Dean, who advanced on goal and scored with a shot inside the far post to give Nelson a 2-1 lead.

Clarence’s Harkana & Marlugu Dixon

Within a minute it was 3-1 as Dean was released by a marvellous diagonal ball from the right of the Nelson defence and she raced through to easily beat Joiner-Stewart again.

Marlugu Dixon had another chance before the end, again from her sister’s corner, but she headed straight at the goalkeeper.

Nelson’s captain, Clark, paid tribute to the Clarence side as she hoisted the trophy, presented by Football Federation Tasmania president, Steve Gasparinatos.

“I’m very proud of them,” said Clarence United’s joint-coach, Ronnie Bolton, a former Hobart Olympic star.

“We’ve earned a lot of respect this year and I’m very proud of them.

“It’s very difficult to keep up with a team like Nelson and they’re the benchmark and have been for a number of years.

“Our girls tried, but to do it for ninety minutes is extremely difficult, and in extra-time is almost impossible.”

Nelson Eastern Suburbs joint-coach, Gary Slicer, was relieved to win.

There’s no bad moon rising for Nelson

“Yes, it was a relief after a first half in which the girls didn’t play too good at all,” said Slicer.

“Clarence came out, and, to give them credit, they really gave us a run for the money.

“Certainly a bit of a shaking in the dressing room at half-time.

“Losing a player and being down to ten wasn’t too good either.

“But, very relieved to win. The girls came out and did well in the second half.

“The second half, we came back, and in extra-time it really consolidated it for us and, from then on, they didn’t really worry us too much.

“Clarence didn’t give up right until the end, so they made us play.

“It was a very successful season for us. The Summer Cup, took the league out, and, of course, now the State-wide Cup.

“We’ve just got next week in Launceston for the State final, as well, against Launceston City.

“It’s been a great season for the girls.

Nelson Captain Karen Clark acknowledges and thanks Clarence

“We did very well against Launceston City the last time we came up against them and I think the girls will be really pumped up with this win.

“We’ll have a few tired legs, mind you, and a few of the girls are really aching, so we’ll give the girls a bit of a rest, have a look at what happens on Wednesday at training, and take it from there.”

Clarence United striker, Harkana Dixon, said: “We held them off pretty well as we’re near the bottom of the ladder.”

Harkana and her sister, Marlugu Dixon, worked well together and their corner combinations were a threat to Nelson.

“Too bad our second corner routine didn’t work,” said Marlugu. “We work pretty well together.

“We sort of try and work together. I know her game really well and we try and work together and help out the team.”

CLARENCE		NELSON
6	Goal Attempts	30
4	Shots on Target	16
3	Corners	13
7	Fouls Committed	9
1	Off-Sides	3
1 (M Dixon 76)	Yellow Cards	5 (Hale 40, 59, Jones 44, Belbin 58, Johnson 62)
0	Red Cards	1 (Hale 59)

 

Clarence United:

Clarence coaches Ronnie Bolton & Andy Baxter

PLAYER	GOAL ATTEMPTS	SHOTS ON TARGET
H Dixon	1	0
M Dixon	4	3
McIntyre	1	1

 

Nelson Eastern Suburbs:

Nelson coach Ossie Fitzgerald and assistant Gary Slicer

 

 

PLAYER	GOAL ATTEMPTS	SHOTS ON TARGET
Jones	2	1
Hale	3	2
Johnson	5	3
Morris	2	1
Grant	2	1
Underwood	4	2
Clark	3	2
Longo	3	0
Barnes	2	1
Dean	3	2
Hooper	1	1

By Walter Pless

This weekend throws up some fascinating encounters in the Premier League, with the title finally to be decided and with possibly the last dice to be thrown in the relegation play-off battle.

Tilford Zebras should clinch the title by beating third-last New Town Eagles at home at KGV Park on Friday night.

That should make Sunday’s match at Olinda Grove between University and second-placed South Hobart a non-event.

Hugh Ludford - South Hobart

But, stranger things have happened in football.

But, let’s deal with first things first.

Eagles managed to hold Zebras to a 1-1 draw at Clare Street on June 10 in their first-round clash.

It was Eagles’ first point of the season.

Eagles recently beat Glenorchy Knights 1-0 at KGV Park, which was a bit of a surprise. Considering the Knights’ poor form in the latter half of the season, though, it wasn’t entirely unexpected.

Eagles coach Ian Parker

Barring any shock, though, Zebras should win comfortably and collect the silverware.

South Hobart should have few problems against a University outfit that will be without midfield dynamo Mark Rapley, who is unavailable. Rapley, who also has a broken finger - which didn’t keep him out of last weekend’s game - has gone on a three-week skiing holiday and last Sunday’s game against Clarence was his last at senior level for the club.

Mark Rapley - career at the top level over 

“Mark Rapley is away on a skiing holiday for the next three weeks and so has finished,” said University coach, Matthew Shaw.

“He does not intend to play at this level again, but may appear in the social leagues.

“Family and work mean that he cannot afford the time commitment to continue.

“Mark has played at University since 1994 and was an integral part of our title-winning sides in 1994, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2001 and 2003.

“Mark was also part of the State-wide Cup winning side last season.

“He is one of the best players I have played with in my time at University and the competition will be poorer for not having someone of his ability playing in it anymore.

“Apart from Mark, everyone else who played last week should be available before they all disappear on planned holiday for the university break after the game.

“It would be nice for the side to put on a good performance for what is the final run this season for most.

“We know we will be up against it and that we must cut out some of our lapses.

“This season has seen a number of players who have rarely played at Premier League level get a consistent run in the side and have a chance to test themselves at this level.

“They have acquitted themselves quite well and, hopefully, will be better for the experience in coming seasons.”

University defender John Merry is injured, but he may be included on the bench, while striker-cum-midfielder Aaron Hindmarsh is definitely ruled out because of injury.

It’s starting to look good for Metro-Claremont, who must face University in a replay on 1 September.

At the other end of the ladder, the fight against a relegation play-off continues, with bottom-side Metro-Claremont away to second-last Taroona at Kelvedon Park on Saturday.

Taroona hope to have striker Martyn Wells fit, while winger Jon Mathers is available after returning from interstate.

 
Martyn Wells -  fitness hope

Striker Julian Timmins may be promoted to the seniors after impressing in the reserves last weekend.

“We were disappointed with our performance last week and will be looking for a big improvement this week to make sure we get a win and avoid the relegation play-off,” said Taroona’s Ben Horgan.

“At least we defended better in the second half against South Hobart, and our guys will have learnt a lot from playing against such high-quality opposition.

“We always look better when we try and attack teams and a defensive style of play doesn’t suit us, but we do need to work a lot harder when we lose possession.

Matthew Gasparin

The team won’t be finalised until we see how everyone puts in at training on Thursday night, but coach Greg McVeigh has already indicated there are likely to be some changes to last week’s side.”

Metro have a game in hand - against University on 1 September, and a game that is looking increasingly easier for Metro to win - but they must still beat Taroona they are to avoid the relegation play-off.

The visitors will adopt an attacking formation with three up front - Shane Kent, James Hope and Adam McKeown.

New signing from Hobart United, Mohand Rahni, will be in the starting line-up in place of the injured Darrin Chaffey.

 
Mohand Rahni - first eleven

Metro have trained this week on a pitch marked out to the same dimensions as Kelvedon Park and practised game situations likely to be encountered.

“After a wasted opportunity last week against the Eagles, you can be assured that Metro FC will come out full of enthusiasm against the Taroona Soccer Club this Saturday,” said Metro coach, Matthew Gasparin.

“The team will attack this game with a ‘nothing to lose’ attitude knowing that the lads from Taroona are in a precarious position of trying to hold onto their three-point buffer.

“With nothing to lose, Metro FC will be playing a very attacking brand of soccer this week. We’ll more than likely have three up front for the majority of the game.

Metro scrum

“Partnering captain Shane Kent up front will be James Hope and possibly Adam McKeown.

“This will allow Mohand Rahni to make his first full appearance for Metro, more than likely in a defensive role, at the expense of Darrin Chaffey, who is still recovering from a heavy knock to the head sustained against Eagles last week.

“Training this week has been particularly pleasing, with youngsters Phil Curran and Adrian Lawler carrying on their good form from previous weeks in simulated games, played on the same sized pitch as Kelverdon Park will present this weekend.”

Clarence United cannot be displaced from fourth spot and will field a young side for the trip to Lightwood Park on Saturday to take on sixth-placed Kingborough Lions United.

Clarence will miss experienced midfielder Scott Hadley, who has work commitments, while Chris Hunt (back/ankle) and Dwayne Walsh (groin) are doubtful because of injury.

 
Veteran Scott Hadley will miss the final match prior to retiring

Goalkeeper Michael Moschogianis returns after work commitments kept him out last weekend.

“We’re looking forward to finishing off what has been a very good year for CUFC,” said Clarence coach, Andrew Brown.

“Women’s Premier League side in the final of SWC, men’s Premier League side fourth, the reserves second, and the under-19s champions.

“The Academy program was always going to be a success, but the appointment of Michael Edwards ensured the Academy was an outstanding success.

“CUFC shall look to bear the bountiful fruit of the Academy for seasons to come.

“On Sunday, I shall again offer opportunities to young and aspiring players from the Academy, against a Lions outfit that has under achieved in 2007.

“I expect a high-quality game, with both clubs parading some of the future young stars of our beautiful game.”

The remaining match of the weekend is at the Athletic Centre on Sunday, where third-placed Hobart Olympic entertain fifth-ranked Glenorchy Knights.

Olympic could lose third spot to Clarence if they go down to the Knights and if Clarence beat Kingborough, so the home side will be in determined mood.

Olympic will be without suspended striker Kosta Grillas, who is suspended after being sent off against Kingborough last week, having scored both goals in the 2-2 draw.

Kosta Grillas - will be missing due to suspension

Knights will miss defender Jayden Wiggins, who has work commitments, and midfielder Josh Fielding, who has an ankle injury.

Janko Begovic and Nick Harrison return from suspension, while Kellan Pringle is available again after missing last week’s game.

Youngsters Lindsay Millington, Brodie Green and Martin Cairns will be included in the squad.

Only four senior Knights players trained this week and the rest of the group were under-19s, so things are looking good for Olympic.

Premier League Standings (as at 19 August 2007)

TEAM	P	W	D	L	F	A	Pts
Tilford Zebras	17	13	3	1	59	17	42 : 9
South Hobart	17	12	3	2	42	13	39 : 12
Hobart Olympic	17	10	3	4	37	19	33 : 19
Clarence United	17	9	4	4	32	26	31 : 21
Glenorchy Knights	17	7	3	7	31	36	24 : 28
Kingborough Lions United	17	6	3	8	25	30	21 : 31
University	16	4	3	9	25	33	15 : 37
New Town Eagles	17	2	5	10	14	33	11 : 41
Taroona	17	3	2	12	16	46	11 : 41
Metro-Claremont	16	1	5	10	20	48	8 : 44

By Walter Pless

____________________________________________________________

University defender Taka Manaka chases down the ball

Tilford Zebras have all but won the southern Premier League title with just one round of matches remaining.

Zebras are three points ahead of second-placed South Hobart and have a vastly superior goal-difference.

Zebras would have to lose to eighth-placed New Town Eagles next Friday night and South Hobart would have to thrash University by at least 12 goals for South Hobart to pip the Zebras at the post. And, that just isn’t going to happen.

On Friday night, Zebras romped home 4-0 against the deposed league champions, Glenorchy Knights, who barely managed a shot at goal.

At one point, Zebras goalkeeper Frank Mainella dropped the ball and the Knights had a half-chance, but Henry Fagg booted it to safety.

Eagles Chris Stingle and coach Ian Parker at half time 

The Knights were without the suspended Janko Begovic and Nick Harrison, and the injured Josh Fielding and Matthew Brown, but their dismal display was an embarrassment.

Two goals in each half did the damage, the first coming in the 19^th minute when Jayden Wiggins headed the ball straight to Aaron Brazendale. He advanced on goal and scored with a curling chip that gave Ben Peter no chance.

In the 35^th minute, it was 2-0. Brett Pullen won possession in his own half and released Ricky Self, who raced towards goal. Self then played the ball wide to the right to Pullen, who was in support, and he cut inside before scoring with a low shot.

The two remaining goals came in the final nine minutes through substitute Dylan Fennell, who had aligned his sights by scoring twice in the Reserve League curtain-raiser.

Craig Stockdale tackles George Stevens

In the 81^st minute, Fennell’s glancing header from Brazendale’s right-wing cross beat Peter, while in the 86^th minute, Self released Fennell down the inside-right channel and he held off Peter Frank and Tony Dzelalija before scoring off the underside of the bar.

All credit to Fennell, but it must make newspaper readers who know little about the local game wonder about the standard of the competition. How can someone play in the reserves and then double up for the seniors and score twice in each game? It must seem like a Mickey Mouse league. I cannot think of another top-flight sport where this can happen.

South Hobart were on a goal hunt against Taroona, but managed only one goal in the second half after leading 4-0 at the interval.

David Cooper and Julius Ross both struck the woodwork in the second half, while Taroona goalkeeper Michael McKenna produced some excellent saves in one-on-one situations to deny South Hobart double figures.

Taroona pressured South Hobart for the opening quarter of an hour, but once Bart Beecroft scored South’s opener in the 17^th minute from a corner, the visitors were on the back foot.

Danger for Taroona at South Hobart corner

It was South’s third corner in quick succession and a clear indication that the tide was turning.

In the 26^th minute it was 2-0 as Tom Roach, stationed at the far post, headed home Nathan Robinson’s pin-point cross from the left.

Five minutes before the break, Julius Ross netted his first goal at senior level from a corner taken by Beecroft to make it 3-0.

David Abbott added a fourth two minutes later with a superb free-kick from the right that dipped under the bar and gave McKenna no chance.

Ten minutes after the resumption, Abbott was on hand to sweep home the rebound and make it 5-0 after Cooper’s shot smashed against the crossbar.

Taroona’s only chance of the half came in the 63^rd minute when former South Hobart player Billy Gasparinatos fired against Mark Moncur’s left-hand upright. The ball rebounded across the face of goal before spinning out of play for a goal-kick.

South’s Jonathon Lo lunges for the ball against Taroona’s Hamish MacGregor 

Third-placed Hobart Olympic had to be content with a 2-2 draw against sixth-ranked Kingborough Lions United at the Athletic Centre on Saturday.

Warren Iles put the visitors ahead when he got a toe to Ross Hinkley’s low cross from the left.

Kosta Grillas made it 1-1 after the interval and he then put Olympic ahead with a marvellous volley from Fletcher Tracey’s left-wing cross.

Grillas was sent off shortly afterwards for using foul and abusive language. He must have almost broken his hand after bashing a hurdle on the athletics track as he made his way to the dressing room.

The Lions had another ‘goal’ by Iles disallowed for off-side, although the decision seemed contentious.

A clinical volley by senior debutant Alex Beaumont made it 2-2.

Taka Manaka takes a tumble

On Sunday, Metro-Claremont and New Town Eagles drew 0-0 in a bottom-of-the-table clash at North Chigwell that saw Metro remain last and Eagles move up a place at the expense of Taroona.

Metro have goalkeeper Neil Biggar to thank for the point as he pulled off a remarkable save from Andrew Clark in the first half.

Clarence United fielded a very young side but came out a 3-2 winner against University at Wentworth Park.

University goalkeeper Ashley Winter produced a brilliant save against one of his own players to prevent an own-goal, while later in the match, he managed to catch a ball that had been looped over his head and came back off the underside of the bar and into his arms. His momentum almost carried him over the line with the ball, but he was able to stop just in time.

Kenyi Emmanueli, Chris Nicholson and Ben Hamlett netted for Clarence, while Craig Stockdale and Gerard O’Brien were University’s marksmen.

University’s Colin Shepherd lays off a pass

Premier League Standings (as at 19 August 2007)

TEAM	P	W	D	L	F	A	Pts
Tilford Zebras	17	13	3	1	59	17	42 : 9
South Hobart	17	12	3	2	42	13	39 : 12
Hobart Olympic	17	10	3	4	37	19	33 : 19
Clarence United