Will The Ladder Change After Round 6

Round 6 has some interesting fixtures in which will start to deterime the top 4 for finals at the end of the year. As we are only at round 6 I know it’s a big call but I cant see the bottom 3 making the top 4 all ready this year.

IF Somerset are to up set Ulverstone they will go to the top of the table with a better goal difference than Devonport who have the bye.

Burnie United V Northern Rangers 2:30 pm Montello

After conceding 15 goals and none for it doesn’t get any easier for Burnie this week who host the Rangers. The Rangers will be at the strongest they have been this year in the NPL because their V League team plays tonight which if they play their cards right the NPL side could have up to 7 V League squad members which will be making quiver in their boots if not already.

The current champs look good on paper and after making light work of Ulverstone last week away from home the Rangers will be full of confidence and expect nothing but a win. Rangers spokes person Brendon Litchendonk had this to say” Really happy with the win last week against Ulverstone, and we now turn our attention to a physical and determined Burnie. Our side won't be decided on until after the Victory League game, as if our subs don't make it on to the ground in that game, they will join the boys on the trip to Burnie.

Ray Parke is an experienced coach and a great motivator, the results have not been their for them of late, but we know the football they are able to play, and can cause trouble for anyone, particularly at Montello.

We have a pretty strong line up regardless of the Victory League proceedings, Sam Nugteren has been a great leader for our young guys from centre back, and Yitay Towns and Harry Thannhauser have been in inspired form in midfield.  Col Nicholson has been working closely on finishing our chances, as that has been letting us down and costing us results this year.

Col will be away for this match due to the passing of his Aunty, so we wish him all the best as he returns home to be closer to his family over the weekend.

Knights V Launceston United Prospect Park 2:30pm

This will be 3 points for Prospect at home. After playing some attractive football against Somerset last week coach Ray Heald will be looking for the same performance this week, Prospect should have Pip Atherton back in their line up this week along with Andrew Robinson. Prospect look like a solid side and have no problems with this game and a win will put them hot on the heels of the top 4.

The ever so young Nathan Balym and Paul Thompson control the back line for the Knights and will have their troops marching in tune this week.Ray Heald was happy the way his side is travelling and said this”

 Knights have their first home game for the first round and are looking forward to it.

Players out this week Nathan Balym, Liam Jarvis, In Andrew Robinson and Pip Atherton.

Next week we get last year’s captain back Mark Barker which will  assist our young squad as most players are under 21 except our veteran  Nathan Balym.

The seniors have been competitive but are struggling to take their opportunities in front goal.

Launceston were very competitive last week and unlucky not to get a win by all reports, Knights will need to improve on our last week’s effort to have a win at home.

Ulverstone V Somerset Sharks Ulverstone Show Grounds 2:30pm

Ulverstone will be looking to get back on the winners list this week with a home win against the Sharks. One would think that both the Conkie boys who didn’t play last week will be playing tomorrow to bolster the Reds attacking formation. Coach Stuart Mack will know this is a big game and another loss will put them intot he bottom 4 if they loose and Prospect win.

Somerset are looking to take top spot this week with a win and after having an ugly but gritty win last week against the Knights now know that even if they play bad they still know how to win. Ross Smith and Ryan Liston have been in formidable form to date and will be looking to carry this into tomorrows game. Somerset will be with out a couple of key players so this will test their depth but with Astyn Johnson coming into the starting 11 the squad still look strong. Kevin Considine had this to say” Unfortunately with a few injuries from the Prospect match & the unavailability of two of our better players, this weekend’s match against Ulverstone will need to see all of our players have to lift their games to come away with maximum points.

Riverside V Launceston City Windsor Park 2:30pm

Riverside are rolling along just nicely and seem to be under the radar sitting in 3^rd spot with only 1 loss so far for the year. Sam Hughs has been the main drive for Olympic and is in dangerous for with his lethal left foot any where from 30 yards and in. Olympic made a tough game for them selved last week after only beating United 2-1 and being 0-0 at half time. Wayne Penfold, Happy to take the 3 points would still be disappointed that Riverside didn’t make to much difference to their goal percentage. Coach Penfold said this about the game” It was good to get back into it last week against United. They put up a good contest and fought hard all game. I expect the same type of game this week against City. Their team will be an unknown though as they have had some players go up and down from their Victory League team. But we really need to focus on how we play. We need to dictate the pace of the game and play to our strengths. We have been creating a lot of chances this season, but our goal tally clearly shows we aren’t scoring enough goals. We have some talented players in our forward half and they need to have the confidence and belief in their ability to score goals and take their opportunities, starting this week against City.

Launceston City come into this game fresh after a week off. Much like the Rangers City should have a very strong NPL side tomorrow as well. With the V League squad starting to get injured and suspended player back. This will only strengthen their NPL side.

Rodger Mies seems to never age and will be again the target man for city and with the drive of Frosty and young gun Domonic Rossi this will make an interesting game.

Ladder After Round 5

1	Devonport	5	5	0	0	19	5	14	15
2	Somerset	4	4	0	0	24	1	23	12
3	Riverside	4	3	0	1	7	3	4	9
4	Nth Rangers	5	3	0	2	8	5	3	9
5	Ulverstone	4	2	0	2	9	8	1	6
6	Prospect	5	1	1	3	10	11	-1	4
7	Burnie	5	1	0	4	4	22	-18	3
8	L'ton City	4	0	1	3	4	14	-10	1
9	L'ton United	4	0	0	4	2	18	-16	0