Launceston City maintained their six point advantage atop the NPL Tasmania table as the season ticked beyond halfway, registering a commanding 4-1 win over Olympia. City chalked up a 3-0 lead within the opening half an hour and never looked like surrendering that lead, running out convincing victors with Tyler Fischer again playing a starring role.

Launceston City were tasked with a nervy match against Olympia after finding out prior to kick off that Devonport had beaten South Hobart at Valley Road to close the gap at the top of the table to just 3 points. The ladder leaders were able to deal with the pressure by ensuring they got the 3 points at Buckby Land Rover Park. It was a fiery affair, with no less than 30 fouls. But after an incredibly impressive first 45 minutes, City were able to maintain their unbeaten streak in the league.

The crowd were treated to their fair share of action in the first half, with all of the goals coming in the first 45 minutes. The first of which involved an identical combination to that of the first goal in City’s previous game, with Fischer crossing to Linger. The move started when Mies brought down the ball in a Zidane-esque fashion to intercept Johnson’s pass. He then played a smart through ball to Fischer who made a brilliant diagonal run. Fischer played the ball across the ground to Linger who calmly finished at the back post after getting away from his marker.

Fischer followed up his assist with two goals. Firstly, he danced through the Olympia defence with some beautiful close-control, only to be faced with Johnson who had rushed to apply pressure. Fischer dribbled past his fellow American to finish into an open net. This would not be the only time Fischer would score into an open net. Just three minutes after his first goal, Fischer found himself with the ball on the left being approached by Johnson who had left his 18-yard box to try and clear the ball. The American striker displayed his class by smoothly finishing into the empty goal from a tight angle.

Further goals from Gurson and Mies rounded out the scoring for the first half, leaving City 4-1 up heading into the sheds. At halftime, the Olympia boss Itchins made the tactical decision to move Lucas Hill into the centre of defence. Postgame Itchins shared how he thought this change could have had something to do with Olympia managing to keep the most potent attack in the league at bay in the second half. For City, Tyler Fischer, Alex Turner and Jazza Linger were identified as standout performers in what Launceston City captain Daniel Syson suggested was a collective performance.

The City skipper said that he feels as though the Launceston side owes South Hobart one after a draw in the league and a defeat in the Lakoseljac Cup. This game against South Hobart marks the start of a tough run of fixtures for City, as they face the remaining top four teams in the next three weeks. Olympia will be looking to close the gap between themselves and Hobart Zebras next Sunday at Warrior Park.