Match Results

Match Results (A little late but Ben Foote needs a wee every 10 minutes on bus trips home)

Prospect 1 - 1 Ulverstone

Devonport 2 - 1 Burnie

Somerset 0 - 3 Launceston City

Launceston United 2 - 3  Northern Rangers

Feel free to post your own match reports.

Coaches Comments

Tom McGinn - Devonport

With Devonport v Burnie it is real big match this weekend with both teams needing the 3 points to stay in touch.

Devonport should have a full squad to select from with no reported injuries.

The strikers will be under real pressure to find the back of the net as the previous 2 games missed chances have certainly put the pressure on the team.

As always respecting Burnie as they have some real quality players who will no doubt be ready to perform on Saturday.

It has now come down to that no one can afford to drop any more points so this should be a match of full out attack from both sides.

Sam Cocks - Burnie

This week we host Devonport in which is a do or die situation for us. Win and we
keep our chances alive for a premiership. Loose and we can kiss it good bye
and even maybe a top 4 spot for finals.
This week we welcome back Kaimon Johnson after his 3 weeks off after a
dubious decision by an official. He will strengthen our defence in which has
been leaking goals like the sinking Titanic. Also Andrew Gibson will return
too after sitting a few weeks on the side line. With these 2 players back it
does boost our confidence in a game which we have to win. Plus we have Tyler
Johnstone making his full start as well.
We know what style and how they play it after Devonport belted us in the
pre-season cup final. Redemption is on the cards. But we will need to shut
down the drive in the midfield from Kammi and their new import Luke
Butterfingers (I think that’s his name). Also young Daniel McGinn is a very
sharp player and is also another we will have to keep a close eye on.
All in all it should be a great game to watch from a spectator’s point of
view.
Good luck to all this week end.

Adam Whitemore - Rangers

We are preparing ourselves for a good test this week. United to their credit have finally broken through for a meaningful win, and I expect there will be more to follow. I've seen them a few times this season and have been impressed by a number of individuals, and their attitude and approach. Bart and Luate are standouts. All over the field they are fairly athletic and physically competitive. We'll need to match that, and then impose ourselves with the ball.
Last season we struggled in both games but will be pretty close to full strength this time. Our quality and pace up front should really test Launceston's defensive organisation. Stefan Jago is struggling with a groin injury and may be rested, which will give Mark Ambrose a chance to start. Funky has been great off the bench, but is looking for a starting spot.

The only other injury concern is Issa Dumbuya (thigh). Ayden Demeijer is on stand-by.

Dane Hudson – Prospect

This week, I believe, will give us a good idea of what improvement we
have made as a group over last year. We have often found Ulvie to be a
stumbling block throughout the recent seasons and both teams match up
very well. We have an unchanged side from the Devonport game so both
Anton and myself are continuing with what we believe to be our best 11.
There has been no rain, the ground is in excellent condition, so no
excuses, the best team on the day will win.

Nick Owen – Ulverstone

There is only 1 change to our side this week. The injured Harry Crocker makes way for Kyle Baldock, who was suspended for our last game. Our main concern this week is containing the Knights 2 quality scoring threats, Sessay and Croswell. We did it well in the Hudson Cup but Callan Mann marked Sessay that day and he has since moved on to the lofty heights of Penguin Reserves football. It will be a bit of an experiment this week but the person who will get the job is certainly capable of doing it well. Our attacking unit has put in two excellent training sessions this week so I am hoping this translates into goals for us tomorrow. Should be a close game.

Statewide Cup Draw

Taroona v Riverside Olympic

South Hobart v Kingborough Lions United

Olympia Warriors v Ulverstone

Glenorchy Knights v New Town Eagles

Prospect Knights v Northern Rangers

Nelson Eastern Suburbs v Burnie United

Tilford Zebras v Clarence United

Devonport City v Launceston United

Interesting Draw! Bus companies must be on strike down south!

This Week's Games

This week's Games

Launceston United v Northern Rangers           Birch Ave

After an uplifting victory in the Milan Lakoseljac Statewide Cup and a stirring rendition of a club song last heard years ago, Launceston United will be looking to make hay while the sun shines against ladder leaders Rangers. They will have their work cut out for them though as Rangers will be looking to crush the enthusiasm early on, and they certainly have the fire power to do so. You’d be a brave man to tip Launy Utd but stranger things have happened.

Prospect Knights v Ulverstone              Prospect Park

Both teams have had solid starts to the season and a win to either team will have them sitting either top or second with a game in hand on Rangers. Containing Sessay will be a huge challenge for the Reds, however they have an equivalent player in Michael Grey that Prospect will need to monitor closely.

Burnie United v Devonport City            Montello

The outcome of this game will probably draw the most interest as they are two teams who were in most people’s top four predictions and haven’t got off to the start they might have expected. A win for Devonport will put them back up in to top 4 calculations and leave Burnie a long way off the pace with their title aspirations shot and a top 4 finish looking unlikely. A Burnie win will give the squad the confidence it certainly needs to push into top 4 contentions.

Somerset Sharks v Launceston City        Cardigan St  

Both teams were knocked out of the Statewide Cup over Easter and they were two games that both sides would sooner forget. The Sharks put on a toothless display against Hobart Olympia going down 8-1. They will be looking to go from Gummy’s to Great White’s against City, whom were disposed of 2-1 by Launy Utd.

Riverside Bye

Troy Scott’s voice box will receive a welcome rest this week.

Lest We Forget

"War drew them from our homeland in the sunlit springtime of their youth. Those who did not come back alive remain in perpetual springtime -- forever young -- and a part of them is with us always."

Unknown

Sharks Out Of Statewide Cup

Sharks have suffered a demoralising defeat at the hands of a far superior Olympia Warriors outfit, going down 8-1. Bobby Eaves scored the Sharks lone goal in the 86th minute.

Sharks v Olympia

If you'd like updated scores of the game go to Twitter and follow TheBack_Post

They also have a website http://www.thebackpost.net/

This website is run by former Devonport Striker Callan Paske. He, or one of his minions, is at the game and updating the game via Twitter.

Launceston United's Resurrection

Resurrections are normally saved for Easter Sunday, but for Launceston United, their resurrection came three days early after defeating Launceston City 2-1 last night in the qualifying round of the Lakoseljac Cup.

Launceston City went 1-0 up after Anthony Marci put the home side ahead. City dominated the first half but failed to show this supremacy on the score board and went into the half with a one goal lead.

United levelled the score with half an hour to go through a well taken goal by Nathan Bartlett. It was finally time for United to take advantage of being in a winning position, something they have failed to do for quite some time. Cam Leonard was the hero for United when he came off the bench and scored the winner with 10 to go. The goal came with a touch of controversy as the goal was scored whilst a City player was downed and injured.

Launceston City will be looking to wipe this game from the memory bank and focus on the respectable performances they have had so far in the league.

I remember an anonymous post on the now defunct ‘The Local Game’ saying that United’s only chance of a win was against Ulverstone in the first round of the NPL. To that person, you were wrong! I hope you’re not a gambling man!

Statewide Cup Qualifiers

Statewide Cup Qualifying Round

There are no Northern Premier League games this week; however three NPL teams will be in action this weekend.

Launceston City takes on Launceston United at 7pm on Thursday night at Mitsubishi Park in what should be an interesting game. They have played already in the league this year; City won 4-3. That was City’s only win this season, although they have had two encouraging draws against ladder leaders Rangers and Riverside. Continuing on in the Statewide Cup will be important for keeping morale up amongst these squads so it should be a cracker of a game.

Somerset has an unenviable task ahead of them on Saturday, and that is just the bus trip there. Any trip to Hobart for the Sharks must require tents, pillows and sleeping bags and we can only hope, for the players’ sake, that the club is picking up the petrol expenses. They will be experiencing something new when they arrive as the Olympia Warriors have a new, state of the art, synthetic pitch. The Sharks will be facing a team that has had plenty of media exposure down south, particularly after they sacked their coach Chris Hey about a week and a half ago. Hey was replaced by the experienced Franco Previdi, whose new side went down 4-2 to the South Hobart Juggernaut. Hopefully, Somerset represent the north with pride and compound Olympia’s relegation woes further.

Young Guns Interview 1 - Bradley Chilcott

Brad Chilcott giving us the full-frontal spread down in front of Devonport's NW Summer Cup winning side

Name: Bradley Chilcott
Number: 7
Position/s: Center midfield right midfield left back right back center back sweeper

Where did you play junior soccer? Ulverstone

Were you in any representative teams? North West under 10s 12s 14s 16s/ state in 07
Is anyone else from these teams playing senior football in Tas? yes most players are

Who has been the most influential coach for you so far? Andrew howe

Are you aiming to play at a higher level than the NPL? No i enjoy playing football but I have other goals in life

Who has been the most helpful player at your club in terms of fitting in around the place and developing your game? i grew up at my club so fitting in was no problem and john (snow) compagne helped me most with my game

What do you like most about your club? every one gets along really well

Who are the top 5 players in the NPL? Give 1 sentence on each as to why you rate them.
1. Todd Hingston, his ability to not move out of the center circle and get more touches off the ball then anyone on the field.
2. Matty Sessay, his speed, good touch and knows how to put the ball in the back of the net.
3. Kaimon Johnson, he reads the play so well and would have to be one of the strongest players in the NPL.
4.  Sam Hughes, for a young player who nearly made it into the Tas team last year must mean something.
5. Chris (Kenny) McKenna, he is a great leader and his ability to never say never and to do it week in week out.


Thanks to Tom McGinn and Bradley for answering the interview so promptly. Hopefully I receive a few more soon to put up over Easter. If you think you're worthy, or know someone who is, your coaches should have the details. I have had trouble getting hold of a representative from Launy Utd, Launy City and Somerset. I may need up-to-date contacts for these clubs. If anyone can help with some details it would be appreciated.

Ladder

Team	Played	Won	Drawn	Lost	For	Against	Points
Rangers	5	3	1	1	10	4	10
Riverside	5	3	1	1	13	9	10
Ulverstone	4	3	0	1	13	5	9
Prospect	4	3	0	1	8	4	9
Somerset	5	2	0	3	10	9	6
Devonport	4	2	0	2	9	11	6
Launy City	4	1	2	1	6	6	5
Burnie	4	1	0	3	4	11	3
Launy United	5	0	0	5	9	23	0

Adam Whitemore and Tom McGinn on their weekend results

Adam Whitemore on his 3-1 victory over Ulverstone

"Firstly I was really impressed by Ulverstone. They gave us plenty of problems, and we really had to work hard for the win. I thought Joel Stone looks a fantastic prospect. The early goals probably changed the way they went about the game. They weren't long ball by any means, but looked to catch us out with quick distribution from the keeper. Once we took the lead we were able to sit back a little, and I thought Ulvie built up play, and passed it really well.

Our rooms were pretty quiet afterwards. The players have set very high expectations of themselves and knew they didn't reach those levels. We didn't every really get out of second gear, but Ulverstone also made it hard for us to play. We played it out well from the back and showed a lot of composure, even after Ulverstone got back into the game, but didn't move the ball as well through midfield as we have. Defensively we were solid again and limited Ulverstone to just a few chances. Our midfield didn't dominate as they have in previous matches, and we allowed Ulvie to play through us too easily. We were dangerous up front without having the cohesion of last week, and decison making generally was a little off. Having said that we missed 3 or 4 golden opportunities to win by a few more. A bigger margin would have been hard on Ulverstone, as there wasn't that much between the sides on the day, but they were chances we really should have taken.

Still, we have beaten the top side to go top ourselves without getting close to our best."


Tom McGinn on his 4-1 loss to Prospect

 

"For all spectators watching it was probably a good fast game with there being plenty of chances for both clubs.

As a coach it was frustrating to create so many chances against such a good team and come away with little rewards.

The post and the bar was certainly not kind to the strikers with us hitting them at least 4 times.

In saying that prospect were very well balanced and they took the most of their opportunities in front of goal so deserved their victory.

So it is back to the drawing board again and with no game this weekend will give us ample time to rediscover the form that has deserted us in the last couple of weeks."

Ulverstone v Rangers Match Report

Match Report Ulverstone v Rangers

The score line reflected the game quite well I think. Rangers certainly had the better of the first half in terms of possession but we pressured them high up the field which limited the number of good scoring chances they created. Hunt took his goal well from a tightish angle to make it 1-0. We were unlucky to concede the second after Lanu-Atkinson’s shot came back off the crossbar, struck Will Cox-Haines on the back, and then dribbled over the line. 2-0 at the half.

We came out in the second half determined to get back into the game and after a lot of hard work by our boys we pulled a goal back. A ball got cut back from the right to the top of the box and Ben Foote struck it well inside the far post. The confidence levels lifted again for Ulvy but the enormous effort to stop Rangers coming forward took its toll and we started to weary in the last 10 where Rangers sealed the game through a goal by Jago.

Why we lost

Rangers are a quality side and the difference in the game was that they had a touch too much class and experience for us. We needed everything to go right today but that little bit of bad luck with the second goal perhaps put the game beyond us. Rangers wouldn’t lose too many games after being 2 up. Not only do you have to continue to hold them out, you also need to get forward and break through a solid defensive unit to score 2 or 3 to get back in it. To our credit we did it once but the task proved too tall. I was happy with our effort and determination  but it wasn’t good enough to get the chocolates.

Couldn't stay for Dev v Knights. hopefully we get a post from someone at the game and also reports from other 2 games also.

Results

Ulverstone 1 - 3 Rangers

River 3 - 0 Burnie

Somerset 3 - 0 Laun Utd

Devonport 1 - 4 Prospect

Coaches Comments

Dane Hudson on his match against Devonport.

“We were not good enough last week and let each other down in areas we pride ourselves on and paid the price. There is no respite this week, or any week for that matter as we face a Devonport side looking to get their season on track after a result Tom would not be happy with. At time of writing our team remains unchanged and we will be looking to redeem ourselves with a hard fought win.”

Tom McGinn on his game against Knights

“Devonport v Prospect is a huge game for both clubs and after recent history on results Prospect would be considered a strong favourite to take the 3 points.

We must bounce back after the loss to Somerset and we are set to make 4-5 changes from the previous round.

We will welcome back Kammy Douglas and Chris McKenna which certainly adds balance back into the team.

Prospect will obviously have their tails up last week after the defeat against rangers.

Big game for the club with this the first of hopefully a few games played under the new lights at Valley Road.”

Sam Cocks on his game against Riverside.

“This week we face a really hard battle with playing Riverside at Riverside. After two losses in a row I have had to question myself why?.After having dominated possession in both games and creating opportunities but still losing. Ugly football has beaten us both times and we have been working on that problem this week. You can have all the possession in a game and build up but if you leak goals from long bombs or counter attacks you lose.

This week will see us stop that kind of play( i dont think river play like that anyway).We welcome back Ash Smith who pulled out last minute last week with a slight injury and myself back from Queensland.

We will be looking to win the midfield battle and without Rob Hughes I know we will come out on top.

Also due to a few injuries and two suspensions two young guys who have played in the preseason with us will make their league debut. Tyler Johnstone and Mal Walters, both are young and fit and looking forward to the challenge.”

Troy Scott on his match against Burnie

“This week we will go in unchanged Rob Hughes is still out with a knee and Ryan McCarragher with a back. Last year Burnie smashed us so we will be entering this game with that in the back of our mind. We need to win this week as we have the next two weeks off which will hopefully allow a few boys to get over their injuries.”

Adam Whitemore on his match against Ulverstone

“I thought we were pretty decent last week but we will expect to get much stronger as the season goes on.
We are unchanged this week for the first time and have almost all of our senior group available.
Ulverstone have made a great start to the season, which is a credit to Nick and the players, particularly having lost Brayden Mann on the eve of the season.
We put 7 past Ulverstone in the Hudson Cup but are exepecting a much tighter game this time. They will be understandably confident, and we will have plenty of respect for them. 
Our forwards are looking really sharp and I'd expect they'll cause plenty of problems Saturday. The surface at Valley Road suits our style of play, and will allow us to play a fast attacking game.
I'm sure Nick knows what to expect and will adjust accordingly ;)”

Nick Owen on his match against Rangers.

“I’m really looking forward to playing Rangers this week. They are the bench-mark in this league so we’ll need to be at our absolute best. Unfortunately we are without 3 of our experienced players in Ben Hutchinson, Kyle Baldock and Brian Tabrett. We will probably miss centre-back Ben Hutchinson the most as he has been one of the unsung heroes of our victories so far. We had Harry Crocker debut last week and we will debut 1 again this week. Josh Laing will make his debut and the other spot will go to Callum Foote.

One of the best things about coaching, I think, is being able to put these kids in and give them a chance to prove themselves against quality teams and seeing what they’ve got. We sit on top of the ladder at this stage but we are under no illusions as to where we are as a young developing team. The beauty of our team, and I will emphasise the word team, is that we all understand our roles, we stick to them, we work hard, and, so far, we have got the results.

P.S. Sorry to all the Ulverstone supporters for playing ‘Ugly’ football last week at Montello.”

This Week's Fixtures

Some pivotal games and we are only in round 5!

Somerset            vs            Laun Utd              Cardigan Street                 2.30pm

Both teams will go into this game confident of getting a victory and spectators should be in for a goal fest with the two worst defensive records in the league so far. Will Launy Utd get their first win? Will Chris Smith show the Sharks faithful what he’s capable of? Will the young guns get the Sharks over the line?

Ulverstone         vs            Rangers                                Valley Road                        2.30pm

Top of the table clash with one team looking to prove they’re worthy and the other looking to stamp their authority as reigning champions. With three of their more experienced players out this week, Ulverstone will be relying on some younger players to get the job done. After a slow start, Rangers are now hitting their straps after a solid win against the Knights last week. The game is at Valley Road due to the NTCA and Showgrounds being unavailable.

Riverside             vs            Burnie                   Windsor Park                     2.30pm

Riverside have flown under the radar thus far and, although some results have been less than convincing, they are sitting third and are poised to make a move to the top of the ladder. Burnie stand in their way however, and they will be looking to get some confidence back after consecutive losses to Knights and Ulverstone. If they are to contend for the title this year then this is a must win game for United.

Devonport          vs            Prospect              Valley Road                        6.30pm

Strikers and Knights, under lights! It should be a good spectacle especially with the possibility of the Ulverstone and Rangers squads filling the wet area. Devonport has had 2 weeks to think about their unexpected loss to Somerset and I am sure they will be looking to erase that with a good win over Prospect. The strikers will have their hands full however, with a Knights side looking to bounce back after losing to Rangers last week. A loss to either side will put a serious dent in their title aspirations.

Launceston City - Bye

Trials In England Up For Grabs!

Trials are being held at Valley Road on the 23^rd and 24^th of April with 5 free experience trials and 1 ten week trial in England up for grabs. 3 English Football scouts will be in attendance to select these players. It is open to ages 9-22.

For further information go to http://www.profootballtrials.co.uk/tasmania.html

Contact details from the website are

Phone - 0423 542 548

Email – australia@ukscouts.co.uk

Cost is $55

Tom McGinn has asked if we can push this and I’m sure there are plenty of young players out there that are keen for this type of opportunity. So, please promote this at your club and get as many along as possible. I would have paid a lot more than $55 to get an opportunity like this and I know families who have forked out thousands to get their kids to England for trials. It could be the best $55 bucks you’ve ever spent!

Nicknames... Just Sayin'

I get the odd email from Mark Baker and I have found a fitting nickname for him. Not sure if it is in use already and feel free to shoot me down if you think it is ordinary but surely something along the lines of Mark 'Doggy' Baker would be fairly appropriate. The spoonerism of Mark Baker is Bark Maker hence 'doggy'.

Poor old Benny Foote was being sledged about his lack of fingers on Saturday and it got me thinking about a suitable nickname for him. I came up with 'Archer'.

At the Battle of Agincourt the French would cut off the arrow-shooting fingers of any English longbowmen captured. I'm sure Benny 'Archer' Foote would have prefered to lose them in a battle as opposed to getting them cut off in a slicer at Simplot.

Just Sayin'

P.S.
If you have any decent nicknames worth sharing the put up a post!

Ladder

Team	Played	Won	Drawn	Lost	For	Against	Points
Ulverstone	3	3	0	0	12	2	9
Rangers	4	2	1	1	7	3	7
Riverside	4	2	1	1	10	9	7
Devonport	3	2	0	1	8	7	6
Prospect	3	2	0	1	4	3	6
Laun City	4	1	2	1	6	6	5
Somerset	4	1	0	3	7	9	3
Burnie	3	1	0	2	4	8	3
Laun Utd	4	0	0	4	9	20	0