Hobart Zebras have upset 2nd placed Olympia FC Warriors 4-2 in the NPL TAS at Warrior Park.
Sam Whatman gifted the first goal on a plate for the Warriors early on. Whatman received a backpass and went to trap the ball. Olympia’s Joffery Nkoso pounced and slotted home into an open net in the early minutes.
Zebras quickly responded shortly after. Nicky Edwards finished calmly past Warrior’s keeper Kyle McDonald.
Matthew Pace was the next to score for the away side. Warrior’s defender Paul Stevens made an error. Pace dribbled around McDonald and slotted home to give the Zebras the 2-1 advantage.
Matthew Sanders made it three for Zebras when he was given a tap in opportunity that he converted. Luke Huigsloot’s header was initially saved by McDonald but Sanders picked up the pieces to give the Zebras a 3-1 lead going into the break.
Warrior’s Lucas Hill gave the home side a lifeline in the 65th minute through a lovely finish.
Pace was able to put the game to bed shortly after when he finished with ease past McDonald.
Pace’s goal proved to be the final meaningful action of the game.
Zebra’s Coach Dave Smith spoke to TTGB after the match
“That was a bloody good performance,” Smith said.
“I’m very pleased.”
Olympia Manager Rob Clarke also gave his thoughts to TTGB.
” I’m disappointed with our defending.” Clarke said.
“It’s frustrating that we lost the lead so early.”
Zebra’s win effectively seals the NPL TAS title for Devonport Strikers as Warriors needed to win today to keep their hopes alive.
