NPL TAS Round 1 Review - Glenorchy Knights 1-0 Olympia Warriors

NPL Tasmania is back for the first time since October and what a round one we have to dissect. FNR are here down in the apple isle here to take you through all the action.

FEATURE MATCH

Glenorchy Knights 1 (Alex Walter 72′) d Olympia Warriors 0 at KGV

Glenorchy’s Adam Gorrie against his former side, while debutant Matt Bomford tries to read the place. Credit : Tanner Coad

Glenorchy Knights put away Olympia Warriors by a single goal in what was a very lacklustre affair between the two rivals. Last year’s golden boot Alex Walter resumed his form in the second half, breaking the deadlock in the 72nd minute. Despite a respectable attendance, it was an otherwise fairly uneventful 90 minutes.

Olympia started four debutants, with 17 year old centre back Ben Tilley getting the captain’s armband on his NPL debut. Keeper Jake Hayers got the starting gig after impressing in pre-season, while Matt Bomford and Bilal Ait Maamar both rounded out the new blood.

Olympia’s Ben Tilley with his eye on the ball while Knights Connor Schmidt approaches. Credit: Tanner Coad

Glenorchy were full strength with their three new signings – coincidentally all from Olympia – Lucas Hill, Nic Mearns and Adam Gorrie all starting, while Joffery N-Koso led the attack.

Olympia keeper Jake Hayers was kept busy in the first-half. Credit : Tanner Coad

Olympia elected to sit back a lot deeper in the first-half with left back Brayton Allan and Lutfi Baddiley working the wings when required. Glenorchy captain Tyler Harrison briefly came off the pitch after copping a knock to his wrist but soon was able to continue. Knights defender Connor Schmidt was able to repel Olympia’s only chance of the opening interval with a goal line clearance before the break.
Knights’ Nic Mearns effort shaving the outright of the far post was the closest the home side got before the breakthrough. Alex Walter finally got the decisive goal in the 72nd minute, weaving around Olympia’s defence with ease and hitting the top right corner. Olympia looked dangerous at times on the counter and had a last gasp chance from Joseph Mwarabu but his effort sailed over Knights keeper Lachlan Hart. Referee Brenton Kopra blew full-time and the home side walked away with all the points.

Alex Walter (c) celebrates his goal with Nic Naden (l) and Adam Gorrie (r). Credit: Tanner Coad

Knights Coach James Sherman spoke to Mercury reporter Dan Thurley and myself after the match.

First game, first win for Knights who will now turn their focus to Clarence Zebras next Saturday while Olympia will now set on Northern side Riverside Olympic.

NPL TAS Round 1 Results

Kingborough Lions 3 (Keenan Douce and Adam McKeownx2) d Riverside Olympic 1 (TBC) at Lightwood Park

Launceston City 0 d by Devonport Strikers 1 ( Nick Lanau Atkinson) at Buckby Land Rover Park

South Hobart 6 (Sam Tooze, Kasper Hallam, Nick Morton x2, Sam Berezansky and Lachie Semmler) d Clarence Zebras 2 (Riley Dillion and Matt Pace) at D’Arcy St