Video Highlights of Somerset Vs Northern Rangers 2011

Match Report Somerset v Rangers

Somerset 1 - 3 Rangers
H.T. 1 - 1
Somerset opened the scoring thanks to a brilliant volley by the in-form Chris Smith. Rangers responded when Gabriel Tams cut through from the goal line and scored from an acute angle.

Chris Hunt scored from a free kick after Somerset keeper Mitch Deal tried to push the ball over the bar, however it fell into the net. Patty Lanau-Atkinson sealed the result in a goal-mouth scramble. The game was played in boggy conditions making it hard for both teams to knock the ball around.

Match Report Devonport v Ulverstone

Devonport 3 - 0 Ulverstone
H-T 1-0

It was a physically contested game without too many highlights other than the hat-trick scored by Chris McKenna. Ulverstone held out well in the first half after numerous corners and free-kicks. Kenny scored his first with an unstoppable drive just inside the far post with about 30 minutes gone. Conor Meaney did a pretty good job on McKenna in the first half despite the goal, as he at least provided a contest to put him off on most occasions. The only other event of note in the first half was when Joel Stone received his first yellow for persistant infringement.

Ulverstone came out with a bit more endeavour after the half and the contest evened up a bit, although they were unable to create any clear cut chances. McKenna's second goal came from a throw in. He outjumped 2 defenders to flick the ball into a dangerous area. The ball then came back across the face of goal where Kenny found himself unmarked to tap home an almost unguarded net. Joel Stone received his 2nd yellow after a tackle on the half way line broke down a fast break. With the Strikers 2-0 up and Ulvie reduced to ten men the game was all but over. McKenna finished of his hat-trick after he again outjumped two defenders  to expertly head home a quality cross from the right.

Before the knockers start giving us the '1 man team' routine, I would say that is far from the truth. Sure, they are certainly a better team with him in it, but you would say Rangers are a better team with Hingston or Knights are better with Sessay. Devonport certainly defended well and only allowed 1 or 2 decent chances for us to score and Keep in goal dealt with these no worries. Although McDonald didn't stand out, he showed glimpses of being a class player and most other players were solid. I don't think Devonport played overly well on the day but they were better than us and got the result which, I think, reflected how the game went.

Results

Devonport 3 - 0 Ulverstone

Somerset 1 - 3 Rangers

Riverside 1 - 3 Prospect Knights

Burnie 2 - 2 Launceston City

Mark Baker to play 300 games this week for Prospect Knights

Prospect Knights midfielder Mark Baker will run out this weekend for the Knights and play his 300th game for the club. I’m sure it will be far from his thoughts as he works to ensure Knights keep their Championship destiny in their own hands with a win over cross town rivals Riverside, but should Knights be in front at the final whistle, the celebrations will be that little bit more special.

It’s an achievement that will probably pass with little fuss as Mark tends to go about his business in a quiet manner, but it’s an achievement that deserves recognition none the less, 300 games at one club is s fine effort, perhaps Anton can share some stats and points of interest regarding Mark Bakers history at PKFC.

Congratulations to Mark, he serves our game outstandingly through his efforts at the Examiner not to mention what he offers to the sport as a player and leader and he deserves a little time in the spot light himself after his tireless efforts in promoting the game.

Lets be honest, where would the NPL be in terms of newspaper coverage without him.

State League? To be or not to be? Your thoughts.

Its an on going question, and at the request of AE, we put this to the football public of the North to discuss.

Northern Rangers Seek 2012 Coaches

Northern Rangers are seeking applicants for a suitably qualified senior coach and senior assistant coach for the 2012 Season.


A modest remuneration package will be negotiated with the successful applicants and applicants should be able to continue the pass and move philosophy and the promotion of youth.


Northern Rangers would also seek applicants for the following positions
* 2012 Under 18’s Coach (And Assistant)
* 2012 Women’s Coach (and assistant)
* 2012 League One Coaches.
* Director of Youth Football
* Junior Coaches.

Applications should be sent to Northern Rangers FC, PO Box 290 Launceston Tasmania 7250 or via info@northernrangers.com
Applications close on the 18th of September 2011.

This Week's Fixtures

Burnie United v Launceston City                               Montello

Both teams are now out of the running for a top 4 spot but there is still plenty to play for. Both are proud clubs and, as it is still possible for both to finish second last, they should be well motivated for this clash. In their last encounter City won 4-2.

Devonport City v Ulverstone                      Valley Rd

Unfortunately for Ulverstone, Devonport will be looking to hit back hard after their State Wide Cup disappointment against Olympia Warriors. Devonport’s league form has been exceptional after starting slow and Ulverstone have not tasted success over the Strikers for quite a while. This points to a Devonport win but, even though Devonport are fighting out a title, Ulverstone will be looking to seal 4^th spot this week with a victory over their rivals.

Riverside v Prospect Knights                       Windsor Park

The Knights have coped well so far with the pressure of pushing for their first title for a long time but mustn’t get complacent against a Riverside team that are still a mathematical chance of finishing 4^th. Up until now most people, including myself, thought that they might crack in their title chase. However, now, it looks as if they will have the chance to take the title in the last round.

Somerset Sharks v Rangers                         Cardigan St

Rangers are in a similar situation to the Knights in that they can’t afford to be complacent. The Sharks must win this game to put the pressure on Ulverstone in 4^th spot, and they are definitely a chance judging by their recent form. Rangers must win this game to stay in the title race. It should be a tense test for both teams.

Results

South Hobart 4 - 0 Taroona

Hobart Olympia 2 - 0 Devonport

Devonport v Hobart Olympia

Tom McGinn with his thoughts on Devonport's Statewide Cup semi final clash with Hobart Olympia.

“We are looking forward to the game and on a normal ground would be going in with huge confidence as over the past few weeks we have strung some good victories together. Not that we will use the ground as any excuse as we are still confident however will be a new surface and it will  take a little time to get used to the bounce.

We have a full squad to pick from with no injury concerns and will make it good for me as only maybe some personnel or positional changes.

Like any team we are aware that they will try very hard to close us down quickly and especially McKenna however as proven this year with Chris scoring in every game that is not always that easy.

In defence we have tightened up really well with us only letting a handful of goals in since early on in the season and all the boys including our goalkeeper have been performing well

Robert McDonald has fitted in very well with his partnership with young chilla and our midfield once again has given us good drive.

Obviously our wide men and forwards will hopefully be the key as hopefully we will make the running as we are an attacking team.

Regardless of any ladder position I always respect any opponent however being coach of Hobart Olympia in the past I know that they will be ready as they take north south games serious.

My hope is we can win this and take it to a north – south final for the good of the game in the state.”

Hobart Olympia has already knocked off 2 NPL teams on the road to the semi finals in Somerset and Ulverstone. In both games the Warriors got off to quick starts. They led Somerset 5-0 after about 25 minutes and led Ulverstone 3-0 after only 20 minutes. It may pay for Devonport to take a cautious approach for the first 30 minutes until they get used to the synthetic pitch. Olympia has had the luck of the draw so far this Cup as they have been drawn at home for all 4 Cup games. Hopefully, this is the week they go down. Devonport may have to compete, not only with a fired up Warrior outfit, but also with a vociferous Warrior crowd. Good luck Strikers!

3 teams – 3 games left – all to play for!

Ladder Positions

Team	Played	Won	Drawn	Lost	For	Against	Points
Devonport Strikers	13	11	0	2	53	19	33
Prospect Knights	13	10	1	2	38	11	31
Northern Rangers	13	10	1	2	36	14	31

The Road Ahead

Devonport

-          Ulverstone (H)

-          Northern Rangers (A)

-          Prospect Knights (A)

Prospect

-          Riverside (A)

-          Launceston City (H)

-          Devonport (H)

Rangers

-          Somerset (A)

-          Devonport (H)

-          Ulverstone (H)

Plenty of questions spring to mind looking through these figures.

Devonport have the hardest run home on paper but the Knights have a derby coming up and the in-form Somerset are in a must win situation against Rangers to be in with a chance for 4^th. Devonport must travel away to take on both contenders. Exciting end to the season! Who will get up?

Match Report Laun City 1 - 2 Ulverstone

Match Report Launceston City v Ulverstone

It was a tale of two halves at Mitsubishi Park. In the first half, City had the better of things and created numerous chances. Ulverstone goalkeeper, Will Cox-Haines, had his best game of the season and denied City a number of times. City struck the framework at least twice in the opening half. City got the goal they deserved through a slick move down the right with a quick one two and then finished just inside the near post (excuse my ignorance again for not knowing names). The City keeper, David Smith, made one outstanding save during the half to deny Conor Meaney from long range. 1-0 at half time.

Ulverstone came out a different side in the second half and started applying plenty of pressure. The Reds lost Tom Maine early in the second half after copping a whack on the nose via some friendly fire. City’s defence would prove hard to crack and it wasn’t until just after the 30 minute mark of the second half when Kyle Baldock side-footed the ball from the edge of the area into the top right corner. The winner came from a free kick that Michael Grey earned on the edge of the area. Baldock got rid of most of the cobwebs in the top right corner with his equaliser, but Ben Foote’s precision free kick made sure there were none left. City had pressure on late to equalise but, after 7 minutes injury time, Ulvie held out for a 2-1 win

We were probably lucky that we weren’t 2 or 3 down in the first half. To the lads credit they turned that effort right round in the second half and probably deserved the win on that effort. Lino Sciulli will probably be cursing his luck after the missed chances in the first half and the 2 unstoppable goals that beat him on the day.

Saturday Results

Seniors:

Launceston City 1, lost to Ulverstone 2

Launceston United 0 lost to Prospect Knights 8

Devonport Strikers 8 defeated Riverside Olympic 0

Burnie United 3 lost to Somerset Sharks 4



Southern Premier League

Newtown Eagles 2 defeated South Hobart 1

Devonport Vs Riverside Olympic – Valley Road.

Mcdonald will be on the look out for
more goals in his first year with Devonport

Devonport should have little trouble getting past Riverside at Valley road, Riverside have certainly dropped off the pace this year after what was building to a promising tilt at the championship.  The loss of Robbie Hughes took the puff out of the Riverside sails, but they are still not out of the finals equation.  A win against Devonport will be a tall order, but if they can pull it off, finals are still on the cards.

For Devonport, well they can do little wrong at the moment, popping in plenty of goals and currently have the best goal difference of the top three, and they look likely to retain that joker in their hunt for the title.  There is far more ridding on this for the home team, and you can expect a hungry Devonport to be out for blood.  Riverside have not troubled Devonport for some time now either so a home win is highly expected.

Launceston City Vs Ulverstone – Mitsubishi Park.

Here starts the battle for the last place in the State Wide Championship Final Series.  A win to Ulverstone will discount one of their rivals, but City will be eager to make a late charge at the valuable fourth spot.  Not sure if you can say for certain who the favourite is going into this match, but both will want the three points.  City still with a few injury concerns but Nick Owen should have a close to full strength side to choose from.  I’m sure there will be a few people about all the same

Launceston United Vs Prospect Knights – Birch Avenue.

Nathan Balym has commanded the best defence in
the league this year, while Mark Baker has been instrumental
in Knights' success this season

I don’t think too many outside the Launceston camp would be expecting anything other than a Prospect win, and by a few goals at that.  Launceston certainly display the self belief at times, and almost got back into the game against Rangers before a late fade out in the last 20 minutes.  They will need a steely resolve, some luck and a big effort to cause an upset this week.

Prospect have the best defence in the league to date, and would be pretty confident of a clean sheet, and slipping into second place on goal difference by 4:30pm on Saturday.  A win by 4 goals and they will be second, and looking pretty solid going into the business end of the season.  I would suggest they might even get more than their required 4 goal boost, unless Mark Eagan can wave a little magic amongst his troops.  

Burnie United Vs Somerset – Montello.

Andrew Gibson in defence for Burnie.

No love lost between these clubs over the years, form generally goes out the window too when they match up.  Sam Cocks would be still smarting after the lesson receive from Devonport at the weekend, while his friend and opposite number this week in John Wheeler will be keen to continue what has been a pretty good run of late.  Somerset are hitting their straps now, and should not be discounted from a possible inclusion in the final series, but it will need to continue this week in the coastal derby.  Chris Smith will be eager to prove a point, and may find himself pretty close to Cocks during the game as its expected the coach will again occupy the sweeper role.  Both sides are pretty young now, though Burnie have the experience in defence.  Couldn’t pick a winner at this point, but it will be close



Penalty?

Highlights NRFC Vs LUSC

Northern Rangers 7 (Nicholson 3, Lanau-Atkinson 3, Summers, Defeated Launceston United 3 (OG, Neimly 2)

Forestry Tasmania Northern Premier League Table

Team	Played	Won	Drawn	Lost	For	Against	Diff	Points
Northern Rangers	13	10	1	2	36	14	22	31
Devonport	12	10	0	2	45	19	26	30
Prospect Knights	12	9	1	2	30	11	19	28
Ulverstone	12	6	1	5	22	26	-4	19
Launceston City	13	4	3	6	23	25	-2	15
Somerset	13	5	0	8	24	33	-11	15
Riverside Olympic	12	4	2	6	20	26	-6	14
Burnie United	12	4	0	7	20	30	-10	12
Launceston United	12	0	0	12	19	65	-46	0