Adam Jago 

The Devonport Strikers have one hand on the 2016 PS4 NPL TAS title after they snuck a narrow 1-0 victory over the Hobart JEEP Zebras, increasing their lead on top of the table to five points with just three games left to play in the season. Brody Denehey scored the lone goal to secure the victory for his side that has the North West Coast powerhouse on the precipice of being crowned champions.

The game started slowly with neither side having their usual attacking rhythm and therefore much of the action took place in the middle-third of the pitch.  The first chances of the game came in the 16th and 17th minutes for the Zebras, both for Adam McKeown.  Hugh Undy’s cross from the right was able to beat the Devonport defenders and found McKeown for a first time shot, however the shot was not strong enough to challenge Giantsopoulos.  He then had another chance a minute later, when he found himself in a one-on-one situation with Adam Gorrie on the left wing however, he took one turn too many allowing Joe Zupo to come across and clear the ball.

The game heated up in the 19th minute when James Sherman made a poor studs-up sliding challenge on Joel Stone and yet didn’t receive a card for his action.  The Portress found its voice and in return the game increased a level.  Eight minutes later and Sherman was at it again, this time it was a trip on Daniel Syson, for which he received a yellow card.

In the 32nd minute it was Devonport’s turn to get into the referee’s book when Beau Blizzard was too aggressive while attempting to take the ball from Luke Warrener.  It appeared that this hard challenge from Blizzard was an attempt to get one back at the Zebras who were playing very physical.  In the 37th minute the Strikers received their second yellow card, this time it was Kieran Mulraney, thanks to a clumsy challenge once again on Warrener.

The Zebras nearly took the lead in the 39th minute when a header from Huigsloot cannoned against the crossbar.  The free kick from Hey was directed towards the penalty area where Huigsloot was able to out-jump Mulraney and Zupo to get his head on the ball.

Showing just how cruel the sport of football can be, only two minutes after coming so close to the opener, the Zebras conceded the only goal of the game when Brody Denehey tapped the ball in after the deflection came his way.  The lovely build-up play from the Strikers lead to Barnard being able to get a shot off from the penalty spot however, Graham Wright was able to stick his right fist out to make a great save.  Unfortunately for the Zebras Wright’s efforts resulted in the ball bouncing perfectly to Denehey allowing him to tap the ball in from close range.

The physical nature of the game continued after the break, with Joel Stone receiving a yellow card within seconds of the whistle being blown.

Denehey appeared to have the Strikers second goal in the 54th minute with a repeat of his first goal when he tapped Blizzard’s cross in from close range.  The cheers from the Devonport crowd were quickly stifled when the linesman ruled Denehey offside.  Just two minutes later the Strikers looked to once again have their second but this time they were denied by a diving save from Wright.  Although Mann’s first touch was good, his second was too heavy and Wright saw the opportunity to come out and shut down Mann which he did successfully.

The Zebras then came close to finding an equaliser when McKeown swung the ball in from the left wing towards the back post.  Toghill, with a diving effort, somehow managed square the ball to find Huigsloot.  His powerful header appeared destined for the net but Giantsopoulos made a stunning reflex save on the line to somehow keep the ball out and preserve the 1-0 lead.

Controversy then swept over Valley Road in the 64th minute when Devonport received a penalty. After controlling the ball Mann unleashed a powerful volley directly into Steven’s face however, the referee saw differently pointing to the spot.  In even stranger events, the usually reliable Brayden Mann sprayed the ball well over the crossbar and out onto the road. This would have served as justice to many Zebra’s fans.

Giantsopoulos once again came to the Strikers rescue in the 83rd minute as he denied Huigsloot for a third time.  A clever chip pass into the penalty area was met by the head of Huigsloot who managed to skilfully flick the ball on towards goal.  The ball looked destined for the net until the leaping Giantsopoulos somehow managed to get a fingertip on it and turn it over the bar.  Without a doubt Giantsopoulos was the key to the Strikers result today, once again standing tall in a big game.

Overall, Devonport would walk away from today’s fiery clash feeling extremely lucky, yet excited at the same time, as they now have one hand on their first ever PS4 NPL Tas trophy.  Although the Zebras were gracious in defeat, they must feel a sense of disappointment as they had four or five quality chances to see themselves take the victory today.  With a tough run home, it appears the Zebras now need a minor miracle to deny Devonport the title.