By Jacob Batt

Kingborough Lions fought off a gallant Launceston City to prevail 2-1 at Lightwood Park in their Round 10 PS4 Victory League match yesterday.

With an eye on the Lakoseljac Cup final on Queens Birthday Monday, Kingborough coach Colin Robbins rested some of his stars. Keiron Dale, Andrew Duncan and Adam Hedge made way for Will Davis, David Leamey and Michael Palmer. Centre-forward Billy Gasparinatos was unavailable due to work commitments and was replaced by Joel Schuth.

The match was played with end-to-end flowing football, with neither side able to get on top early in general play.

Launceston City struck first through Dom Rossi in the 11^th minute. An inch perfect through ball by Andrew Trethowan found Rossi, who rounded goalkeeper David Leamey, and from a tight angle on the right made it one-nil to the visitors.

After taking the lead City began to create the better chances. Goal provider Trethowan nearly became goal scorer with a well-taken free kick, but Leamey saved well diving low to his left. Midfielder Hayoto Osugu and Rossi both hit the woodwork as their side continued to get closer to going two goals ahead.

Kingborough winger Lewis Verdouw equalised with a moment of individual brilliance in the 36^th minute. Having received the ball just inside his opponent’s half, he saw an opening and his pace and skill got him through the City defence before he calmly slotted home past City goalkeeper David Smith.

Having got back on level footing, the Lions began to lift their work rate and get a firm grip on the contest. Minutes before half time, Verdouw let fly a cracking shot that Smith saved well with his right hand at full length. However Smith’s parry was pounced on first by Lions’ Danny Cowen, who scored and gave the hosts a 2-1 lead at halftime.

The second half was a tight and physical tussle, with six players receiving yellow cards. City lifted, and both teams had opportunities to score but neither could take their chances. The match ended 2-1 to the Kingborough Lions.

Launceston City coach Lino Sciulli was pleased with his side’s efforts, especially in the second half.

“I think we really did well in the second half. The first half we struggled in areas, we lost our shape a little bit, but we still managed to hit the woodwork a couple of times and create a few opportunities,” said Sciulli.

Sciulli was definitely impressed with this week’s effort off the back of last week’s dismal showing against Rangers.

“We came out in the second half last week and I would’ve thought there were about twenty white (Rangers) shirts out there, but this week there was a real improvement.”

However, Sciulli was disappointed in how City conceded both goals.

“A guy came from right out on the wing and he ran past three or four guys. You just can’t allow that in this league, you’ll just get punished for it.”

Despite the loss, Sciulli praised his side and their top performers.

“Today I thought Dom (Rossi) did really well up front. The defensive four toiled all day. But Dom (Rossi) was the main standout player.”

Kingborough Lions coach Colin Robbins was pleased his side got the win and the three points.

“I think that’s pretty important we maintain our position now. Depending on results today, should see us sitting about fourth,” said Robbins.

Yet Robbins knows his side has to improve on their goal scoring.

“We need to get a little more creative in that final third. It’s telling when you have 25 entries into your attacking third compared to their 14 I think it was at half time. We need to work towards improving those situations,” said Robbins.

Robbins is now focused on preparing for Monday’s Lakoseljac Cup final against South Hobart.

“I don’t think we’ve picked up any injuries from today so that’s a good thing,” said Robbins.

“Bill (Gasparinatos) will start the game and the three that were rested (Keiron Dale, Andrew Duncan, Adam Hedge) will start the game,” said Robbins.

Robbins is confident the Lions have the fitness and stamina if the Lakoseljac Cup final goes into extra time.

“That could be a possibility, the extra time and penalties. Like the zebras game we know we can go 120 minutes. I’d prefer us to cool the game off then rather than the penalty situation. I don’t think that’s a fair way of finishing a football game.”

PS4 VICTORY LEAGUE ROUND 10 RESULTS

Kingborough Lions 2 (Lewis Verdouw 36', Danny Cowen 43') Launceston City 1 (Dom Rossi 11’) HALF TIME 2-1 - 2:00PM/Saturday 6 June 2015 (Lightwood Park, Kingston)

 

 

 

Devonport City Strikers 11 (Michael Holden 2’, 9’, 77’, Brody Denehey 19’, 23’, 49’, 53’, 56’, Bobby Eaves 26', Daniel Syson 59', Beau Blizzard 87') Glenorchy Knights 0 HALF TIME 5-0– 2:00PM/Saturday 6 June 2015 (Valley Road, Devonport)

 

 

 

Olympia FC Warriors 1 (Gavin Hoy 20') South Hobart 1 (Brayden Mann 52’) HALF TIME 1-0 – 3:00PM/Saturday 6 June 2015 (Warrior Park, Warrane)

 

 

Hobart JEEP Zebras 1 (Ethan Engels 90’+2) Northern Rangers 1 (Nick Lanau Atkinson 89’) HALF TIME 0-0 – 4:30PM/Saturday 6 June 2015 (KGV Football Park, Glenorchy)