Hobart Zebras relinquished their lead at the top of the NPL Tasmania table as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Clarence at Wentworth Park. Both goals came in the first 45 as Sam Reibel’s long range chip cancelled out Mathews Sanders volleyed opener before both sides found themselves able to land the knockout blow.

The game began with the Zebras on the attack, looking to redeem themselves after a heavy defeat to South Hobart in the Lakoseljac Cup last week. This drive showed, with an Odaine Demar slide tackle all that stood between the Zebras and a 6th minute opening goal. The Zebras had a clear point to prove, but in the 9th minute Clarence announced their intent, with some great play from Jake Stuart to link up with Andres Sanchez.

Clarence were executing their gameplay well, however a 12th minute attacking free kick for the Reds was turned over, and if not for a late Clarence challenge, Adam McKeown could well have had the opener. The Zebras were holding the majority of possession, yet could not find the back of the net, with both Jayden Hey and Luke Huigsloot hitting shots well over the bar.

The breakthrough came in the 27th minute, when Huigsloot found McKeown at the back post. McKeown then headed across the face of goal to find Matthew Sanders who hit the ball into the back of the net, putting the Zebras 1-0 up.

However, Clarence did not let their heads drop, and after a good period of play Jonathan O’Neil played a long through ball to Sam Reibel. Reibel did well to get on the end of the ball, with his first time chip sailing over Sheku Kamara’s head and into the back of the net, bringing the Reds back to level terms.

Not long after Reibel’s goal the Zebras lead was almost restored, with a comedic display of the ball being headed into the crossbar, bouncing back to the attacker and then going just over the bar. Matthew Dyson then made two terrific saves for the home side, as they went into the sheds locked at one all.

The second half began with Jake Stuart testing Kamara early, before the Zebras clicked into gear. The away side was playing the ball around well, and consistently asking questions of the Clarence defence. However, the Reds knew what they needed to do, getting bodies in the way of shots and working hard to stop a second Zebras goal. In the 76th minute, Matthew Dyson again made two crucial saves for Clarence, before Cody Snell’s pace almost led to a Reds goal.

A frantic final ten minutes was to follow, with a controversial foul gifting the Zebras a late freekick and giving them a golden opportunity to take the game. The shot went well over the bar, and a counter attack from Cody Snell and Jake Stuart  saw Paul Bremner almost get the winner. One last attack from the Zebras saw the ball struck wide, with the final whistle blowing and the game ending in a 1 all draw.

Clarence coach Alan Jablonski believed his side executed their game-plan well, emphasising the fact that as the team plays together more they will improve, in a similar way to their string of successful results at the end of last season.

Zebras coach Gabriel Markaj declined to comment, with Zebras assistant coach John Moutsatsos fronting the media. Moutsatsos identified Clarence’s defence as a strong point, saying they defended well and got their bodies behind the ball, with Matthew Dyson making a number of good saves. He then went on to say that the last 45 was very frustrating for the Zebras and they know they can play better than they did today.

Zebras now face a mouth watering top of the table clash against Launceston City next week in Round 7 of the NPL TAS, whilst Clarence will face Olympia in this seasons first Eastern Shore Derby. Both games are at 2pm, with Olympia vs Clarence on Saturday at Warrior Park and Hobart vs Launceston on Sunday at KGV.