Devonport must go into this Saturdays match against Newtown Eagles with the slightest advantage, after rediscovering some of their form following the win over the Southern Runners Up, Tilford Zebras at the weekend.
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| Devonport Strikers Import Robbie McDonald |
A long road trip awaits Newtown, who would be less than conditioned to two successive bus trips, and this could prove to be the difference in what is expected to be a tough game.
Devonport have only lost once at Valley road this season, a marked improvement on previous years where they have struggled with home form, and home ground advantage will certainly play a part in this weekend’s fixture.
It will be the last time Tom Mcginn oversees the Strikers for the mean time, and its understood to be Daniel McGinn and Robbie McDonald’s farewell matches for the 2011 season.
Its un clear if McDonald will return in 2012.
Craig Macey is rumoured to be Tom McGinns replacement in 2012, but this is mere speculation on my part.
Daniel McGinn is a promising player who for some reason has struggled to break into the starting line up, despite being a class player who pops up and scores late for Devonport on regular occasions, perhaps he has been intentionally used as an impact player, but I can’t help but think he could have had a greater impact on the NPL should have he received more senior game time.
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Chris McKenna has only failed
to score once this year. |
Chris Mckenna has had a stellar year and will need to play well to push his side through to a date with either South Hobart or Clarence United at York park next week.
As has been well documented, Devonport’s slow first halves are the only thing the club need overcome to put themselves in the box seat, as their best football seems to follow a good old fashioned berating from the coach at half time.
The biggest obstacle for Devonport will be an inform Adam McKeown up front and arguably one of the best keepers in the state in Nathan Pitchford. Nathan’s father Steve took over at the helm of the club after George Krambousanos made a spectacular exit during the year, Steve Pitchford has done nothing but good things for the Eagles since assuming the position, and will be keen to keep his giant killing record intact.
A greater emphasis on the strikers defense will go a long way to securing them the win on Saturday as they have struggled to keep clean sheets against quality sides in 2011.
From the North, good luck to the Devonport Strikers, and I’m sure if you are a keen follower of our game, you need no incentive to attend this match at Valley Road.
In the other fixture, South Hobart will lock horns with Clarence United at KGV on Saturday evening, a match South are expected to win, but as they often do, Clarence are hitting some form at the best time of year and Andrew Brown would surely like to retire his senior coaching career with a State Title, and he will have a full strength, fully fit side to pit against the undisputed kings of Tasmanian football in South Hobart at present.
