Saturdays Results

Rangers 2 drew with Burnie United 2 (Seymor,C.Parke)

Somerset 3 (Kyrone Johnson 2, J.Nettelton) def Ulverstone 1

Launceston United 0 lost to Knights 2

Riverside 1 lost to Launceston City 2

Round 15

Round 15 may see a new leader at the end of the round due to Devonport having the bye and Somerset having a catch up game to still be played, If the in form Ulverstone roll the Sharks tomorrow it will see them jump Devonport and be equal top with the Sharks. Ground conditions across the North N/W will be not ideal playing surfaces and may cause some headaches.

NOTE: The game between Launceston City and Riverside is now played at Riverside

Launceston United V Prospect Knights 2:30pm Birch Ave

Launceston are at home this week and after hosting a part of the junior cup last week, One does wonder what the pitch conditions are like. Launceston were unlucky in their last game not to take a point against Ulverstone and will be full of confidence taking on the Knights. Both teams will be fresh after missing last week as well.

Prospect will need to win this game to keep pressure on the Ranger s in 4^th spot and will be trying to leap frog them come finals time. Prospect have played some attractive football of late and with Sean(Twang)Harris back at the club they will be a very strong unit coming into these final games. Ray Heald had this to say” Have a few missing this week forwards Andy Compagne, Trent Mitchell, Paul Thomas all injured and Gallager Innis goal keeper interstate for work

Sean Harris and Mark Baker both available this week our young Midfield of Matt Heald, Nathan Butler and Mitchell Dent are improving with each game they play and can be confident that they are now competitive with  the top teams.

Each game we now play is a must win if we are to make the top four, not having a ground to train on for two weeks is also not ideal but assume most clubs are in a similar position, need that turf pitch in the north.

From all reports Launceston were unlucky not get some points against Ulverstone last round so will need to at our best to get the points.

Somerset Sharks V Ulverstone Reds 2:30pm Shark Park

Match of the round for sure. Ulverstone in some red hot form and the Sharks have only dropped on game.

Somerset will be looking to open the gap on the the Reds and Devonport who have the bye. If the Sharks can get over Ulverstone it opens up a 5 point gap over second place. Somersets ground has not been trained on for 2 weeks and will allow both teams to play fast football. With Somerset signing to players over the past week it also bolsters their senior squad with having 2 fresh subs for tomorrows game. Coach Considine said this” The Sharks will need to improve their recent form when they take on “in form” Ulverstone this week. With the likelihood of a boggy pitch, and the unavailability of a few players, this will be another close match but the Sharks are hoping for full pints in their quest for the premiership title.

Ulverstone will be on a hi after last weeks away win to the Rangers, Connor Meanie was in fine form bagging a hat trick. They will be with out their super star Shaun Conkie who has decided to go skiing on the main land but im sure the Red will have some one to replace him. If the Sharks want to win they will have to stop the drive of Meanie and Adam Conkie.

Launceston City V Riverside 2:30pm Winsdor Park (GAME CHANGED DUE TO GROUND CONDITIONS)

This is another game where ground conditions may affect the out come. With the ground being closed all weekend and this week it will be interesting to see if the council close the ground again. Launceston will probably be hoping this as their V League squad is on the road and with injures and suspension have taken more NPL players. Roger Mies  is in out standing form and will be looking to add to his tally of 10 goals already this year.

I really feel sorry for the team that Riverside play when they start playing as well as the team on paper should and it could very well be this weekend. Riverside are long over due for a win and with a depleted city side should take the spoils. Wayne Penfold said this” After 2 weeks off because of a bye and last week’s postponements, we are really champing at the bit to get back on the park. This week’s opponent Launceston City got the jump on us in the previous encounter scoring in the first 15 secs of the game and then a second goal within a couple of minutes. The end result was 4-4 draw and we did well to get back into the contest. Its those fighting attributes that we need to take into this week’s game. City have a young side that is well supported by their veteran Roger Mies and his experience has definitely helped them this year. But we are confident that we can come away with a win by building on our last performance against Rangers.

Rangers V Burnie United 2:30pm NTCA

With the V league side playing after the NPL at the NTCA, Rangers should have a full squad to pick from and will be looking to keep their position in 4^th. Rangers will always be favourite at home as they have turned it into a fortress over the last few years and to even come away with a point you are doing very well. Clubman The Donk said this""A tough game awaits us Vs Burnie United this week.  Disappointing to miss out on the 3 points last week, but we will look to put that behind us and re set our sights against Burnie.
Last time we played them at Montello, we had to fight for the win very hard, we expect nothing different this week, they are physical, we expect that, but physical football doesn't win football games, we know we can prove this again.  There are some injury clouds amongst our line up, so we will have to assess these prior to the game kick off. But as per normal, having the Victory League at home after the premier league, we will be able to use what is left after we account for a growing injury list.
We have proved this year that even without our Victory League players, we are good enough, but we need to be more disciplined, that has cost us the three points last week, we can't let it happen this week.

Thats what the undermanned Burnie side will be hoping to do. With a few regular starters and their number 1 striker still in Melbourne, But im sure who ever takes these boys spots will be able to replace them well. After narrowly loosing to the Sharks and the Reds a week before that, There will be belief with in the team they cam match it with the top sides. Burnie United camp said this” Rangers at ntca will be a big challenge this week for us, Xavier Smith, Tyler Johnstone and Brodie Best  not available, but Josh Dailey Trent Potts  and Dominic Culburt will be back in the squad. We will play a similar game as we did against somerset putting a heap of pressure in the midfield not allowing any space. Dom will play a crucial part in attack trying to take on the ranger defence at pace.

Ladder After Round 14

1	Somerset	11	10	0	1	52	9	43	30
2	Devonport	12	9	1	2	39	15	24	28
3	Ulverstone	12	9	0	3	30	17	13	27
4	Nth Rangers	13	8	0	5	28	24	4	24
5	Prospect	12	6	2	4	31	20	11	20
6	Riverside	11	3	1	7	15	23	-8	10
7	Burnie	12	3	0	9	15	35	-20	9
8	L'ton City	12	2	2	8	19	42	-23	8
9	L'ton United	11	0	0	11	3	47	-44	0

Sundays results

NPL
Rangers 4 lost to Ulverstone 5

DIV 1
Rangers 10 def  Ulverstone 0

V League
Glenorchy 1 lost to Rangers 4

Launceston and Devonport ground closures

The Meander Valley Council have shut Prospect Park,Mitsubishi Park and Winsdor Park for the weekend, Resulting in all NPL and V League game supposed to be played are now catch up games at the end of the year, this also includes the WNPL.
I'm not sure about NTCA yet but will post when found out...
Also the Devonport V Burnie games have now been cacelled as well.
Its pretty pathetic, That in my 25 years of soccer this is the first time it has happened to me. I thought we played a winter sport. Just shows how hard our coucil's really work on the pitches.
Instead of preparing and repairing lets just call games off.

Round 15

Round 15 has some very exciting encounters. There are some many possibilities to come at the end of this round.

Just a note as well, The Devonport V Burnie United game has been changed back to regular times if any one was going to watch that clash.

Prospect V Somerset Sharks 2:30pm Prospect Park

In a vital game for both clubs this should be an absolute cracker. With the Sharks narrowly beating the Knights in round 1, Redemption would be on the cards. The Knights would be full of confidence after a great win over cross town neighbour Launceston City last week demolishing them 5-1. Andy Compaign has found his straps that he is known for and the Sharks will need to keep a close eye on him, But also veteran Shaun Harris has made his return and also was on the scorers sheet last week. Ray Heald said this” We are looking forward to playing top side Somerset this week, our last encounter we were competitive for the first 20 minutes and then fell away which we have worked on as the year has progressed, no injuries from last week leaves us a full squad to pick from apart from Trent Mitchell still missing with a knee injury and Mitch Duffy Out for the season broken Leg.

Last week our first half would be the best football we have played this year  our forwards Andy Compagne and Sean Harris put away most of their opportunities hoping for repeat this week. We haven’t had the opportunity to train on our grounds this  week all closed due to the rain so they could be a little soft under foot come Saturday.

Somerset Sharks are fully aware of the out comes of this weeks game and will be looking to cement the top spot after leap frogging Devonport after loosing last week. The Sharks will be looking to control the midfield battle and supply good balls to their forwards who have found the back of the net on regular occasions this year, Ross Smith has taken a week off to go and see Man United play so this has allowed his spot to be vacant, But Somerset are yet to decide who to play as they can choose from Jimmy Nettleton, Sam Phillips –Crole and also State and NPl Champion Chris Consdine, Who has finally signed and has been included into the squad. Kevin Considine said this”. With several regular senior players missing this week the Sharks travel to Prospect in what will undoubtedly be their hardest match of the season. The Sharks will need to be on top of their game if they are to come away with any points from the highly talented Prospect team that has been ultra-impressive in recent weeks

Riverside V Launceston United 2:30pm Windsor Park

Riverside host the cellar dwellers Launceston United in what should be another fantastic game. Launceston were unlucky not to get a point from the inform Launceston and will be every bit full confidence playing away to Riverside. The only problem for United and Riverside will be licking their lips over that Shannon Rumble has had a major knee injury and may see him out for the rest of the year.

Riverside need to show that their team on paper can be as good on the field, They come off the bye and should be fresh and ready to finish of the year on a high. Riverside on their day are one of the

bench teams in the league and they will be out to prove this tomorrow. Wayne Penfold said this” This week we return after the bye to face Launceston United. In the previous encounter it was a close fought affair and United really took the game up to us and I expect this week to be no different. After a poor run of 6 defeats we are starting to get back to playing some good football and will look to build upon the performance against Rangers a couple of weeks ago.

There will be a few of changes this week due to player unavailability(apparently some team called Man United are here, whoever they are) with Corey Smith and Matt Chapman returning to the side, and the Italian Stallion Maximillian Well makes his starting debut for the Seniors.

Devonport V Burnie United 2:30pm Valley Road

This is definitely the round of great games with another on show here, Burnie the in form team and Devonport looking to rebound hard. Devonport will be keeping their hopes alive for the title this tear but may now rely on other clubs beating Somerset. NPL golden boot leader Pete Gilham will start his first V League game this week with gun Braydem Mann away as well watching Man U. This will be making Burnies mouth water knowing he is away. Devonport have built a fortress at Valley Road over the years and will keep looking to dominate at home against United. Rod Andrews said this.

” The last 2 weeks have been frustrating, as we have played well without getting the results we’d like, and while I wasn’t there last week, word has it we were beaten by a very strong Northern Rangers team. Naturally, we are keen to get some points this weekend. Burnie have had some good results of late, so it should be a tough game – depending on their squad make-up, as rumour has it that somewhere between 2 and 50  members of their NPL Squads are off to watch Man U on the weekend.

Burnie United will be with out a few senior players this week but welcome back solid defender Josh Dailey, I can say my self how much Burnie have improved since round 1 and would know that their style and confidence could them across the line this week. Ray Parke had his boys up and about last week and even though they lost their belief is growing every game. Fred Blogs said this” Another hard game this week at valley road, we played really well last week against Somerset and will be playing a similar style of game against Devonport. Josh Daily is available to play and will be pushing for his spot in the starting line-up. Trent Potts still has an injury cloud over his head and Dom Culbert still has one more week of suspension to serve.

Kick off is at 2.30.

Rangers V Ulverstone 2:30pm SUNDAY

With the Rangers hosting Ulverstone, The Reds find them selves on the road again on a Sunday due to AFL being played at the NTCA Saturday. With both Rangers V League side and NPL side playing Sunday will weaken its NPL side. Rangers had a great win against Devonport last week and will be looking to take the scalp of the in form Ulverstone. Brenden Litchtendonk said this” It is always tough to play when you Victory League side are on the same day at the other end of the state, and with a few injuries mounting up in our Victory League Side, our young players will be called upon to help deliver results.  Chris Collins from our 18s has been playing well, and will most probably be given another opportunity this week.  We are looking to build on a good run of form and continue to push in preparation for the finals.

Ulverstone will be scratching their heads after last week, Even though they took the 3 points the Reds were challenged for the full 90 minutes by United. They will need to be on their game this week to have a chance of taking the points and one would think Shaun Conkie may be back from suspension and Conner Meanie would be available.

This should also be a very high paced and interesting game to watch.

Ladder After Round 13

1	Somerset	11	10	0	1	52	9	43	30
2	Devonport	12	9	1	2	39	15	24	28
3	Ulverstone	11	8	0	3	25	13	12	24
4	Nth Rangers	12	8	0	4	24	19	5	24
5	Prospect	11	5	2	4	26	19	7	17
6	Riverside	11	3	1	7	15	23	-8	10
7	Burnie	12	3	0	9	15	35	-20	9
8	L'ton City	11	2	2	7	18	37	-19	8
9	L'ton United	11	0	0	11	3	47	-44	0

Saturdays results

Devonport 1 lost to Rangers 2 (Collins 2)

Launceston united 0 lost to Ulverstone 1

Burnie 2 (Best, Johnstone) lost to Somerset 3 ( Cocks, Smith, Kyrone Johnson$

Knights 5 def Launceston. City 1

V League

Devonport 1 drew with Tilford 1

Round 13 Lucky For Some

Round 13, Will be lucky for some but not others. There are some critical matches being played tomorrow with some out comes may set the ladder for the rest of the year. There is a jam on the ladder from 3^rd to 5^th with only 1 point separating all teams(according to FFT).

The block buster will be an early game being played at 12 in Devonport followed by some other interesting games kicking off at 2:30.

Devonport V Rangers 12pm Valley Road Devonport

This game is very important for both teams and should be a high paced and free flowing game as both sides play the same structure and have equally the same amount of talent on both sides.

Devonport will be looking to get their title chances back on track after having a hiccup against the Knights last week. With Peter Gilham back in the NPL side this will strengthen the Strikers forward line and will be looking to him to bag a few. The Strikers find them selves only a point  in front of the Sharks and with the Sharks holding a game in hand and Devonport will know a win is the only out come to keep pressure on at the top of the table. Rod Andrews said this”

We have an Under 16 Team returning from the Kanga Cup in Canberra on Saturday which has complicated selections, but we also have our V. League playing at home which helps a bit.

Rangers play good football and can be dangerous on their day, so it's not a game we will take likely.

Rangers on the other hand will also be thinking a win is the only out come as they sit nicely in 4^th spot and a win will see them pressure Ulverstone in 3^rd. Rangers have put some good wins together of late and will be looking to continue this trend. Brendan Lichtendonk had this to say” Devonport away this week is a tricky match for our Premier League side, whilst we have put a nice run of wins on the board now, they have not been that convincing and we are not getting too carried away.  Devonport will be a tough match, but our side will be more settled this week with the Victory League playing on Sunday, giving us the opportunity to play the entire bench from that game in the Premier League.
Its a critical match for both teams, for Devonport if they want to take the NPL title, and for us to try and get ourselves into third place or even higher.

Launceston United V Ulverstone Birch Ave 2:30 pm

Launceston will be fresh coming off the bye and should have a full squad to pick from but they face an up hill battle in hosting Ulverstone. Shannon Rumble will no doubt be superb in between the sticks and will keep United in the game and hold it to a respectable score.

Ulverstone will be missing veteran Shaun Conkie but will have enough fire power to cover him for this week. Brother Adam will be the one to stop if United are a chance to steel the points.

Burnie United V Somerset Sharks Montello 2:30pm

Burnie United are at home this week after having 2 weeks on the road. They host the Sharks in what should be a physical encounter going by previous history. Burnie have been weekend this week with either suspensions or injurys. Dom Culburt is out along with Kye Semour who is coming back through the reserves after injury.

Pete VanEk had this to say”

we got Dom culbert (suspended) josh daily (away) out and trent potts doubtful. We just looking to improve on last round.

Somerset will be looking to continue its form and add to its gaol difference because it may come down to that at the end of the year for the Sharks. Somerset keep its same line up as it did against their 6-1 win over Launceston City. Josh Goodwin keeps his place over the experienced James Nettleton and  Sam Phillips Crole, Kevin Considine said this” The Sharks take on the much improved Burnie at Montello in our local derby this weekend and will need to be at their best for the full 90 minutes to ensure full points in another danger game. The Sharks will be close to full strength, and with assistant coach Sam Cocks sure to have the guys revved up for the match the Sharks should prevail in a close one!

Prospect Knight V Launceston City 2:30 pm Prospect Park

Prospect are at home again this week hosting cross fence neighbours City. In another must win game Prospect they will be up and about with a Chinese import playing his first game for the club. Coach Ray Heald will have his troops up and about after late week near beating ladder leaders Devonport in a game where the club should have won. Ray Heald said this”

Sean Harris in this week  for his first Game thru the reserves new player student  Xuechen Zhang from china signed this week looking forward to see him play.

Launceston city have been very competitive of late although  looking at the score last week against the sharks doesn’t reflect this.

Our last encounter  with city was a draw we had a few players missing from that game, and should have full squad this time around , so looking forward to this one at home.

Last week against Devonport we failed to score when it counted so have worked on this again during the week and hoping we can do better in front of goals in this game

Launceston City will know what they have to do to keep the Knights at bay and with Domonic Rossi back and Will Egan from suspension, City would be confident of matching their opponents. The ever green Roger Mies will be looking to add to his 10 goals for this year so far and Prospect will need to shut him down early to stop this.

Ladder After Round 12

1	Devonport	11	9	1	1	38	13	25	28
2	Somerset	10	9	0	1	49	7	42	27
3	Ulverstone	9	6	0	3	20	11	9	18
4	Nth Rangers	10	6	0	4	19	16	3	18
5	Prospect	11	5	2	4	26	19	7	17
6	Riverside	10	3	1	6	13	20	-7	10
7	Burnie	10	3	0	7	11	28	-17	9
8	L'ton City	11	2	2	7	18	37	-19	8
9	L'ton United	10	0	0	10	3	46	-43