Walter Pless on Football

By Walter Pless

The Tasmanian senior state men’s team will be in action for the first time in more than a decade when they take on a South Australian amateur representative side at KGV Park on Friday at 7.30pm and at Launceston’s Mitsubishi Park on Saturday at 2.30pm.

The Tasmanian side was chosen after the two recent north versus south intrastate representative games.

Tom Roach will captain the Tasmanians, who have worked a lot on set-pieces at training this week, as well as on fitness.

The home side is likely to line up in a 3-5-2 formation for Friday’s opening match and the team is likely to be in the care of assistant coach Tom McGinn as coach Eamonn Kelly is reported to be entering hospital for surgery.

Frank Mainella is likely to be in goal, while Nathan Pitchford is likely to get a start between the posts in Saturday’s match.

The back-three is likely to comprise Andrew Telega, Ryan Smith and Henry Fagg, while the midfield combination seems certain to be Roach, Bart Beecroft, Jonathon Ladic, Billy Gasparinatos and Jonathon Lo.

Aaron Brazendale and possibly Chris McKenna will lead the attack.

Northerners Alex Brownlie and Thataetsile Kakadumane are likely to get their chance on Saturday, while no-one seems certain whether Ben Crosswell will make an appearance as he has not attended training.

The South Australians do not represent the top tier of soccer in that State, although they have performed well at national amateur championships and won the Australian title four times since 2001.

Friday’s game will be the first time the team have played together in serious competition, although they have been training for six weeks and have played two practice matches.

The coach is Eric Norman, a former player with Adelaide Juventus. He also once played with Launceston Juventus.

The South Australians are due to arrive in Hobart on Thursday at 5.30pm and may have a light training session on Friday prior to the evening’s game.

Tasmania drew 0-0 with a top-flight South Australian State side at South Hobart in the early 1960s.

Tasmania’s most recent performances were in the early 1990s and included a 3-0 loss to J-League side Nagoya Grampus Eight at North Hobart in 1993, a 5-4 loss to New South Wales, coached by Rale Rasic, at South Hobart, and a 2-0 loss to Victoria at South Hobart.

The South Australian squad is: Brian Gale, Tyson Vickery (St Peter’s O/C), Robby Greenwood, Paul Jones (Ingle Farm), David Ironside (Stirling District), Drago Klajic (USC Lion), Martin Barber (Riverland), Tony Reeves, Roberto Fuda, Sean Butler, Matthew Andrews (Elizabeth Downs), Scott Wilson (Salisbury Inter), Tony Scalzi, Rick Cerrachio (Adelaide Villa), Trevor Elliott (Salisbury Florina), Michael Brooks (Elizabeth Vale); Eric Norman (Coach), Gary Collis (Assistant Coach), John Brown (Trainer), Hugh McGibbon (Manager).

By Walter Pless

Division One champions Beachside have signed South Hobart’s experienced utility player, Bernhard Klasen, on the eve of their promotion-relegation clash with Premier League wooden-spooners Metro-Claremont.

The sides meet at North Chigwell on Sunday in the first leg of the play-off, and again next Saturday at KGV Park in the crucial second leg.

Klasen was a match-winner in his prime, but injury has restricted his senior Premier League appearances this season, although his reading of a game, his technical prowess and his ability at free-kicks still make him dangerous.

Beachside’s other trump cards could be youngster Jacob Kavanagh and experienced goalkeeper Michael Soszynski.

Soszynksi has shunned the top flight in recent years and openly expressed his disdain for it, so now will be his chance to prove his mettle again.

Beachside’s players and coach Tony Kavanagh have watched Metro in recent weeks and will be well aware of what they will be facing.

Metro, whose Premier League future is at stake, must win convincingly tomorrow on their home turf, but they will have to improve their finishing.

Last weekend, in their final league match, Metro created numerous chances in the opening half against University but trailed 1-0 at the break before eventually losing 3-1.

They cannot afford similar lapses this time.

The return of the experienced Terry Kent at sweeper after a one-week suspension is a bonus for Metro, but it is in the goalscoring department that they will need to sharpen up.

Metro coach, Matthew Gasparin, admits to tension in the Metro camp and said that training had been less than impressive, with numerous absentees due to injury or illness.

“Veteran goalkeeper Neil Biggar and experienced defender Royston Dutton have the ‘flu and, if they can’t play, Troy Kaden will go in goal and Andrew Herring will come in to the side,” Gasparin said.

Defender Darrin Chaffey has a back injury, striker Aaron Marney has a neck problem, and midfielders Adam McKeown and Mohand Rahni have leg injuries.

“On the positive side of the ledger, the return of Terry Kent is good news,” said Gasparin.

“He has provided great penetration going forward since his stint as sweeper started some time ago.

“His cool head and impeccable ball skills will prove a handful for Beachside.”

Surprisingly, Gasparin said his team may adopt a defensive approach in an attempt to suss out Beachside’s capabilities and exploit these in next week’s return leg.

This could be a recipe for disaster as Metro need to establish their dominance in the home leg.

The women’s State premiership will be decided at Mitsubishi Park in Launceston on Sunday when northern champion Launceston City takes on southern title-winner Nelson Eastern Suburbs.

Nelson will be without the suspended defender Nicole Hale, who was sent off last weekend in the 3-1 win over Clarence United in the State-wide Cup final.

These two sides are perennial opponents at this level and the game should be very close.

Nelson won 3-2 when the sides met last season, but home-ground advantage may just tip the balance in City’s favour this time.

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

______________________________________________________________________

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)

Team	Played	Won	Drawn	Lost	For	Against	Points
BeachSide	14	11	2	1	61	16	35
South Hobart	13	9	2	2	44	17	29
Kingston Cannons	14	8	1	5	40	41	25
Northern Suburbs DOSA	15	7	3	5	34	29	24
Hobart United	15	7	2	6	27	23	23
Kingborough Lions	14	7	1	6	38	31	22
Nelson Eastern Suburbs	15	4	3	8	22	38	15
Christian United	13	3	2	8	23	36	11
Huon Valley	15	0	0	15	16	74	0

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

Hobart Zebras will win the southern Premier title this weekend if they beat out-going champions Glenorchy Knights at KGV Park on Friday night and South Hobart lose or draw against Taroona at South Hobart on Saturday.

Zebras will be at full strength and rookie coach Nick Lapolla said it would be fitting for his side to collect the title by beating the reigning champions.

Knights have Josh Fielding (ankle), Matthew Brown (hamstring), Nick Harrison and Janko Begovic all doubtful. Harrison and Begovic are suspended after collecting too many yellow cards.

Jade Clay is likely to return after being unavailable last week.

Knights had 26 players at training on Thursday evening and midfielder Jonathon Ladic said the team was fired up for this clash.

“The boys at pumped up and we’d rather see South Hobart win the title because we think they are the best team,” said Ladic after training.

Ladic suffered a corked thigh near the end of training and was the last player to finish the ‘warm down’, but he was confident of being fit to play.

There is important action at the bottom of the ladder, too, with Taroona, Metro-Claremont and New Town Eagles all fighting to avoid a relegation play-off.

Taroona should retain the same line-up that beat University 3-2 last weekend when they face second-placed South Hobart, at South Hobart, on Saturday.

The win lifted Taroona to eighth place and within sight of safety, but their fate may be determined by the outcome of Sunday’s Metro-Claremont versus New Town Eagles match at North Chigwell, which kicks off at the earlier time of 1.30pm.

South Hobart seem to lack tactical nous when they come up against stubborn opponents and a win against Taroona is far from assured.

Bottom-side Metro-Claremont are likely to change formation against second-last Eagles, with Royston Dutton and James Hope playing farther forward than usual in order to pressure the opposition.

Veteran sweeper Terry Kent may also be used in a more offensive role as Metro look for the win.

Adam McKeown (hamstring) and Adrian Lawler (calf) are Metro’s only injury concerns and both will undergo fitness tests prior to the match.

“Around 32 players attended training both Tuesday and Thursday nights this week, providing a real level of excitement around the club, a club that is looking forward to a very challenging clash that provides a great opportunity to gain valuable points,” said Metro coach, Matthew Gasparin, who has announced his retirement as a player.

“Training this week has been exceptional, with continued improvement in youngsters Aaron Marney and Jason Dawes, who have grown as players in the last few weeks, particularly with the defensive side of their game.

“For two young players, they have shown maturity above their years recently.

“We’ve had two very encouraging performances against Kingborough Lions and the Glenorchy Knights recently and this has instilled a heap of confidence going into this week’s game.”

In other games, fourth-placed Clarence United host seventh-ranked University at Wentworth Park on Sunday, and third-placed Hobart Olympic entertains sixth-placed Kingborough Lions United at the Athletic Centre on Saturday.

University will miss Aaron Hindmarsh, Alexis Bull and Brook Teale, while Julian Proud, Mark Rapley, John Merry, Craig Stockdale, Gerard O’Brien and Taka Manaka may return.

Clarence will undoubtedly introduce more youngsters as they have little to play for and this game is a good opportunity to test their temperament at this level.

“Clarence are a good young side who will be a difficult opponent,” said University coach, Matthew Shaw. “We believe that we are capable of beating them but cannot afford to have lapses to the extent that we did in the first 15 minutes of the second half against Taroona last week.

“We will get 11 fit players on the park, although the reserves may struggle to do the same.

“There have been some encouraging individual performances over the past few weeks, but as a team we are prone to making costly errors.

“The players need to learn from these mistakes and, if they do, will be better for it.”

Olympic will be without the suspended Robert Lebski against the Lions, but Youssef Mohamad, who has appealed his suspension, and Kosta Grillas, who has recovered from illness, should play.

Kingborough have lost their past two games and will be hard pressed to turn around their fortunes in this match.