A devastating attacking display from the Hobart Zebras stunned the defending champions South Hobart and saw them claim a 5-3 win on the opening night of the NPL TAS season. In a pulsating clash that saw five goals scored in just 8 minutes of game time, either side of the break; braces from Mathew Sanders and starring roles from Iskander Van Doorne and Jakub Sklenar led the Zebras to a huge victory in the league’s first game for points on North Hobart Oval.

It was South who got the jump on their opponents when Kobe Kemp drove one from outside the box that slid underneath the 2017 Goalkeeper of the season in Shek Kamara and into the back of the net.

The Zebras were not deterred though and began creating chances with first Huigsloot, then Sklenar coming close to restoring parity. It was Mathew Sanders who got them back on terms when he swept home close range and wheeled off in his customary celebration.

Sanders wheels away in celebration- Solstice Photography

Sheku Kamara then redeemed himself for the opening goal with a sharp reflex save to deny a Kemp header after Oscar Thomas had nodded it back to the middle of the box.

South had their go ahead goal minutes later though, as Adam Gorrie timed his run to perfection to beat the offside trap and storm into the box. He spied some room at the near post and unleashed a fierce shot into the roof of the net to make it 2-1.

Adam Gorrie levels things up- Solstice Photography

The response from Zebras was nearly instantaneous, the lively Van Doorne threading it through for the reigning golden boot winner Jakub Sklenar, who opened his account for the season to send the game into half tied at 2-2.

The manic pace of the game and frequency of the goals continued after the restart, Zebras claiming the lead through Sanders, whose quick feet in the box set himself up for a clinical finish into the far corner.

It was South’s turn to respond, and respond they did, Nick Morton poking home from close range after a goalmouth scramble. The Zebras players wanted a handball paid against Degetto but had no such luck and suddenly it was 3-3.

Only for 60 seconds though, Jakub Sklenar playing a sublime ball through to Van Doorne who stroked home his first of the night to restore the Zebras lead at 4-3 after a crazy 52 minutes of action.

Van Doorne came close to adding his second midway through the second half but it was Alex Walter who had the best chance, as he headed over the bar from close range with the goals at his mercy in the 86th minute.

With South throwing men forwards they were increasingly vulnerable at the back and Van Doorne grabbed his second assist of the night when he put one on a platter for Adam Mckeown to guide home and secure a famous victory.