PICTURE: Solstice Digital

Written by Jacob Batt

Hobart JEEP Zebras have recorded a 2-1 win over sister club Launceston City at KGV Football Park on Good Friday.

Zebras left the door open for a City equaliser with the hosts failing to seal the match with a third goal despite many opportunities in the front third.

Travelling City were valiant in defeat and very nearly stole a point at the death, hitting the goal frame in second half stoppage time.  But the hosts held on and remain unbeaten at the top of the PS4 NPL Tasmania table.

Zebras captain Kurt Engels opened the scoring after 30 minutes with a superb solo effort on the right flank. The forward had multiple step overs before cutting inside and driving a shot that beat City goalkeeper David Smith at the near post.

The score remained 1-0 at half time and Zebras increased their possession dominance in the second stanza. However the home side could not put the match beyond doubt despite bossing the majority of the play.

In the 66th minute Zebras should have made it 2-0. Striker Adam McKeown had a penalty shout turned away when he was brought down inside the penalty area after nutmegging his marker.

City goalkeeper David Smith made a handful of top-quality saves throughout the match, but his good work was undone when he kicked out at Zebras midfielder James Sherman in the penalty box. The referee showed Smith a straight red card and Michael Maiorano converted the spot kick to make it 2-0 to Zebras with fifteen minutes left to play.

Ten men City clawed a goal back through substitute Nathan Bartlett and ensured a nervous final eight minutes for Zebra supporters.

Launceston City almost pinched a point in second half stoppage time but were denied by the upright. A Carlo Coppari free kick was met on the volley by Alex Sciulli but his fizzing shot cannoned into the post, with Zebras holding on for a 2-1 victory.

Zebras coach Chris Hey was happy to get the three points, but knows his team can play better.

“I wasn’t happy with the first half again, that’s two weeks in a row where I think we’ve started a little bit slow," he said.

“Once again we talked about playing a more possession type of game, and I think we did that in the second half.”

Despite the hard fought loss, City coach Lino Sciulli was pleased with the football and fighting effort his team displayed.

“We worked really really hard, we worked tirelessly. They were very good on the ball and to our credit I though our defence did exceptionally well today.

“I was very happy with, obviously not the result, but the endeavour of the guys and its showing what we are working on is working. The guys are getting a bit of spirit and it’s fantastic to watch.”

Hobart JEEP Zebras now face South Hobart this Easter Monday at Darcy St from 2.00pm in the quarter-finals of the Lakoseljac Cup.

Zebras coach Chris Hey is hoping Henry Moody, Cal Griffen and James Sherman are all fit for the crucial Easter Monday clash against their arch rivals, with Moody and Griffen both missing today's action.

Hobart JEEP Zebras 2 (Kurt Engels 30′, Michael Mairano PEN. 72') Launceston City 1 (Nathan Bartlett 82')
HALF TIME 1-0
RED CARD: David Smith (Launceston City) 72'
VENUE: KGV Football Park, Glenorchy