WSL Summer Cup
Kingborough Lions 3 (H. Bonertz-Benn, K. Bonertz-Benn and L. Davis) d Clarence Zebras 0 at Lightwood Park.
KLUFC have completed their group stage Summer Cup in style defeating last year’s Statewide Cup winners C Zebras 3-0 at Lightwood Park. Both Kate and Holly Bonertz-Benn were once again involved in the scoring while key striker Laura Davis sealed all the points for the home side in front of a respectable crowd.
Lions went into the match full strength with Danielle Kannegiesser starting against her former side and retaining Erika Mackintosh between the sticks. Zebras named Mady O’ Brien to wear the armband and Selina Steventon also returned to the XI. It was reported that Steventon was in talks to sign with Riverside Olympic but she elected to stay with the Zebras. Had she left she would be playing Northern Championship so staying in the WSL is the right choice in my opinion.
The opening minutes had the tempo set early on what was to come, both teams pushing forward but missing chances. Lions had their first set-piece on the 20th minute mark. Before the kick was taken Kannegiesser called for a swap with upcoming star Holly Bonertz-Benn with the duties. Holly Bonertz-Benn low drove into the bottom right with sheer power for the breakthrough goal. Holly’s sister Kate was the next to score after picking up the pieces from a great save from Zebras’ keeper Shelley Cook. Cook palmed away the efforts but Kate cooly tapped in for a 2-0 buffer at the break. Really hope Kate and Holly get picked for Young Matildas, they are seriously good.
Davis finished things up in the second half. Zebras turned up the screws with Zoe Nichols pushing forward and trying to get any midfield run going but it just wasn’t their day. Nichols didn’t have the support to help her go forward although she still had some fantastic control on the ball as always. Zebras did have a late penalty cry waved away much to the disappointment of the Eastern Shore faithful. O’ Brien did well as Captain crying out for her defence to lock it down but it just wasn’t their day.
Former captain Zara Dixon is no longer with the club but watched along in the stands with previous coach Chris Hey. They were really missing the key talents in striker Allie Berry who the was also in attendance. It seems like it’s going to be a real campaign of transition for the Zebs but hey as I always say, time will tell.
Lions’ Erika Mackintosh was outstanding in goals 
Zebras’ Shelley Cook also had a good game in the net making this quality save
Lions move to the Summer Cup final this Saturday v Olympia Warriors who have also gone through some changes in staff and players.
Olympia Warriors 3 (B. Davies x2, Leah Gubb) d Taroona FC 0 at Warrior Park
After a strong defensive showing from Taroona, Warriors left it late to get the crucial opener but Bonnie Davies was able to do what she does best, use the pace and score another brace. Leah Gubb finished things after scoring directly from a corner. Warriors are missing a lot of talent at the moment but their development is still strong with players like GK Monique Pinkiewicz and Meggie Goscombe coming through the ranks.
Monique Pinkiewicz 
Meggie Goscombe
Pinkiewicz was originally a defender last season before making the transition to the sticks while Goscombe comes from Zebras and looks like a real pickup.
We are set for what should be a great final between two upcoming developmental teams that will give it all for hopefully a strong crowd in attendance.
South Hobart FC 9 (N. Moutsatsos x3, L. Roberts x3, P. Choi x2, L. Roberts d New Town Eagles 0 at D’Arcy St.
NPL Summer Cup
South Hobart 3 (E. Larby, K. Hallam and N. Gardner) d Glenorchy Knights 2 (J. Nkoso, N. Naden) at D’Arcy St.
SHFC advanced to the SC final in style turning around a Knights 2-1 deficit in stoppage time to notch a 3-2 victory after Kasper Hallam and Noah Gardner gave the home side a triumph win in front of a roaring SH crowd.
SH welcomed back GK Nick O’ Connell while speedster striker Hallam and Frenchman Loic Feral warmed the pine. Knights started midfielder Eli Luttmer while Jack Bowman and Jordan Muller were introduced later. Shows how much talent Knights coach James Sherman has at his disposal.
Joffery N’Koso opened the scoring after some slick play inside the box weaving around the SH defence to give the away side an early opener.
SH shortly converted their first set-piece after Ewan Larby soared into the air to hit a header past keeper Lachlan Hart. It was quite remarkable to watch the delivery sail over all the headers minus Larby. Great football. 1-1 at the break after a very entertaining first-half.
Nic Naden opened the scoring in the second-half early after finishing an a one-on-one opportunity with the keeper. 2-1 with little under 15 minutes to go, SH Coach Ken Morton brought on Hallam to change things up. Knights never looked like they could close the game despite having the advantage. Eduardo Castaneda missed a golden chance to give the Knights a 2 goal lead.
Hallam turned into super-sub equalising a shot into the bottom right much to his surprise and to his teammates as you can see below
Just as it looked like we were set for penalties my SD card was now full and my camera battery died! Thankfully I got some very good advice a while back telling me to bring a spare for both and sure enough I was back in the action!
Gardner completed an incredible late comeback from South finishing home in what was a very entertaining game of NPL football.
South will now play a fellow undefeated unit in KLFC Saturday in the SC final while Glenorchy will now set their sights on going one better in the NPL TAS.
KLUFC 3 (K. Kemp, A. McKeown and S. Vivarelli) d Launceston City 0 at Buckby Land Rover Park.
Olympia Warriors 4 (A. Yost , B. Ait Maamar, S Cummings and J Mwarabu d Clarence Zebras 0
Saturday 13th March
WSL Summer Cup final
Kingborough Lions v Olympia Warriors
Times and venue TBC
NPL Summer Cup final
South Hobart v Kingborough Lions
Times and venue TBC
