Sunday 31 March 2013

Victory League tosses up more surprises.

Firstly, my apologies for not posting scores or updates sooner, Just no time.
Everyone is no doubt already up to date, but just in case you have been under a rock here are the scores.
Glenorchy Knights 0 lost to Northern Rangers 5 (S Brassington 30, 87 pen, D Schipper 33, P Lanau-Atkinson 78, A Luate 79)
Olympia Warriors 2 (E Tsakiris 6, Seung Yong Jin 41) beat Devonport City 1 (B Mann 50)
Launceston City 0 lost to Kingborough Lions United 4 (C Collins 30, M Marchioli 56, D Cowen 74, 90)
Tilford Zebras 1 (A Leszczynski 17 pen) lost to South Hobart 2 (S Hickey 23, N Morton 67)

Wednesday 27 March 2013

Northern Premier League Discussion.

There has been some request for matters pertaining to the Northern Premier League, and with just over a week before the first game there is much to discuss.
Should Prospect be allowed to field an U20 team in the U18s because of lacking numbers or should they abide by the same rules and guidelines for the rest of the competition?
Who will win the NPL title in your opinion, Somerset have a strong list, Ulverstone look the goods too while Riverside have been extremely impressive in the Hudson Cup.
Have a comment on what you please, but if it’s a crack at a club, put REAL name on it.

Saturday 23 March 2013

Devonport and Rangers off to a winning start.

Brayden Mann for Devonport passes Ricky Self.
Devonport must have learnt two things from their first game in the Victory League, no matter how poorly you start, there is plenty of time in a game to fix it, and be clinical in front of goal and you should win the game.
Devonport were average in the opening half, and lucky not to be 3 down at the interval.  The Strikers were simply struggling to string 3 passes together, and no doubt nerves contributed to that early in the game, while Zebras pinged the football around like it was on a string, hitting their targets with well weighted passing and precision.
It was an early goal to Lesczynski that opened the scoring early in the game, and it looked like Zebras were going to run away with it.  But apart from knock the ball around well, Zebras only other consistency was being wasteful in front of goal.
Lesczynski, Clamp and McKeown missed relatively easy opportunities in the first half, while Devonport were largely kept outside of the 18 yard box.
In the second half Devonport were in a far better frame of mind, and equalised through Brayden Mann, who set off to celebrate with the loan corner flag in the bottom corner of the ground waiting for his team mates to join him!
Zebras replied almost straight away, again through Lesczynski and one felt that that might just be the sucker punch needed to put Strikers back in their box, but nothing could be further from the truth.
Ben Foote controls the ball for Devonport
Bobbie Eaves made the most of some space on the edge of the box, and poked a low drive away into the bottom corner to restore the level score line, before Mann grabbed the lead for Devonport and they never looked back.
A goal to Daniel McGinn and a late charge up field from the centre back Mulraney (who won’t stop scoring if McKenna puts him in goals) resulted in a FIFA like goal with a diving header that McKenna himself would have been proud to have scored.
Devonport didn’t fluke the win as some southerners might suggest, they simply showed more grit and determination.  With no disrespected intended to Devonport, the score line flattered them somewhat, as on another day against another opponent, it could have been very different, but a fine start to the campaign none the less, and a massive well done to the Strikers.
Rangers had the chance to rekindle the rivalry with City from day dot, and it could have started the same way the game did in round 17 of the NPL 2012 season, first few touches for Rangers ended up gifting possession to Bin Sumadia from City, who squared to the advancing midfielder but the shot was wide and Rangers breathed a sigh of relief.
Luke Tuma cleans up bin Sumadai from Launceston City.
It was a bad day for City on the park, made worse by injury, already without Irish mid fielder Leonard, City lost D’Zefery Bart in the opening minutes to a serious knee injury, his replacement Will Egan was later a victim to the same fate and taken to hospital.
Rangers didn’t look too impressive in the opening 20 minutes, again nerves may have had something to do with it, but the ball speed was slow, and against a stronger opponent might have been in trouble early.
Rangers did open the scoring though when Nick Lanau-Atkinson’s corner sailed directly in.
Rangers thought they were 2-0 up shortly after when Tams in his 200th game volleyed from a corner, however he was adjudged to be off side.
Rangers did get to 2-0 however, after Patty Lanau-Atkinson sent in a fine free kick which was headed home by Shane Brassington.
Shortly before half time Agele Luate made some space for himself with some nimble foot work and finished a neat shot to put Rangers 3-0 up at half time.
City had barely caused Pooley to raise his heart beat in the first half outside of their good early pressure from kick off.
"A rare sight" Rangers coach Peter Savill talks to the press
The second half and the game dropped off considerably, though late in the game Patty Lanau Atkinson got into a one on one position and finished well.
Todd Hingston set Shane Brassington up for the fifth goal, the pacey striker running onto Hingston’s ball and netting for a brace in his first season proper appearance for the club.
5-0 the end result, Rangers will need to play better against all other opposition though, and City will need to find some form...quickly.
Olympia had a effortless 5-1 win over Kingborough on the weekend also, in front of another good crowd, while the big news came from Darcy street.
South Hobart dropping their first points in round 1 against a far less (if at all fancied) Glenorchy Knights.
Glenorchy defended resolutely and were patient and well disciplined, while South were wasteful in front of goal and far less disciplined to that what we have come to expect.
South took the lead through Chris Hunt who tapped in at the far post and lead at half time by that margin.
Wing back David for Knights equalised early in the second half before Marney from Knights surprised all and put them in front.
South responded to level the scores through Cam Williams before Knights again hit the front late on with another tap in, this time from Marshall to restore the lead.
Then Cam Williams was sent off and South had all the work to do with 10 men, but somehow managed a late equaliser through some individual skill from Kanakaris.

ROUND ONE LADDER


Team
Pld
Won
Draw
Lost
+
-
Pts
Northern Rangers
1
1
0
0
5
0
3
Olympia Warriors
1
1
0
0
5
1
3
Devonport Strikers
1
1
0
0
5
2
3
Glenorchy Knights
1
0
1
0
3
3
1
South Hobart
1
0
1
0
3
3
1
Tilford Zebras
1
0
0
1
2
5
0
Kingbrough Lions
1
0
0
1
1
5
0
Launceston City
1
0
0
1
0
5
0



Round 1 Victory League Results

Devonport Strikers 5 (B.Mann 2, K.Mulraney, D.McGinn, B.Eaves) Def Tilford Zebras (A. Leszczynski 2)
Northern Rangers 5 (S.Brassington 2, A.Luate, N.Lanau-Atkinson, P.Lanau-Atkinson) def Launceston City 0
Olympia Warriors 5 (N Meredith 23, L Nichols 30, E Tsakiris 51, 55, W Wadawu) def Kingborough Lions 1 (C.Collins)
Pictures Thanks to Gary Hn
Gabriel Tams For Rangers played his 200th game for the club.

Wednesday 20 March 2013

Victory League Is Here!


Its the catch phrase from the FFT Advert, and its true as well.  A long wait is over, there has been much hype, much discussion and predictions, but we will get to see the first instalment this weekend.
You would have to be hiding under a rock to not know what is happening.
Devonport Strikers V Tilford Zebras, 1pm @ Mitsubishi Park.
Zebras and Devonport will do battle for the second week in
a row in the opening game.
Devonport will be at full strength when they meet Tilford Zebras.  Zebras are a club cash rich, and player rich, and those two riches become even more so this week, as Zebras secured Aaron Cairns into their Victory League list.
The midfielder is class, all class, and will make a big difference, no doubt coach Pitchford will throw him into the mix in round one, and the question is where? Ill tip he will start on the bench, and come on to make an impact.
It’s a good time for Devonport to face Zebras, as the Zebras are still getting settled, Devonport are set, sound preseason, first to lock away their squad, and plenty of preparation, which has included a 3 all draw and a 3-1 win over the Zebras, not to mention the Mies plate and the Hudson Cup already locked away.
Physiological advantage is with Devonport, and Zebras have the added pressure of red hot favourites tag, right or wrong, people expect them to do well.
Devonport are strong through midfield and up front, and their weakness at the back is looking less so with Casey Eaves performing well in goals, and Kiren Mulraney looks every bit a centre back, for me, streaks ahead of Chilcott and has a good temperament for the role.  McKenna either fluked it with Chilcott injured, or had it planned, either way Mulraney has firmed them up nicely at the back.
A close open game to start with, should be plenty of goals and people about to check out round one.

Northern Rangers Vs Launceston City, 3:30pm @ Mitsubishi Park
Derek Schipper is back for Rangers and returns against City.
Launceston City then entertains Rangers.  Plenty of hype, and these two have developed a fierce rivalry.
A Life member of City is now coach of Rangers, both clubs had targeted the same players and Rangers picked up the key ones, but City, despite their struggles over the last 5 years or so, have upset Rangers time and time again, and Rangers have only beaten City by multiple goals 3 times in their history, need I point you back to the 4-3 upset in round 17 of last year when City put the Rangers Premiership celebration on ice, getting out to a 4-0 lead after just 25 minutes of football.
City are strong in defense, Farrell is s quality young keeper, Eagen a solid centre back and captain next to Nathan Bartlett who is an ex Ranger himself and physically strong centre back.
Bin Sumaida is shaping up well as an out and out striker and has scored regularly during preseason and Leonard is an un known quantity in midfield.

Pooley and Tams celebrate game milestones
this weekend in round one of the Victory League
City Coach Dane Hudson said "We play a very experienced team this week in Northern Rangers, not so much in age but in success. They have won the last 3 out of 4 NPL titles and that experience is priceless. They have picked up some local quality and have the English striker so I think they have set themselves up well for season one of the Victory League. We have picked our best team this week and wont over estimate our opponents ability and under estimate our own. I am very confident in our ability but I know our group needs games under its belt. There has been a long held tradition at Launceston City of hard work and that tradition will continue. The best team on the day will win."

But midfield will be where the battle is won and lost.  Rangers have built one of the strongest mid fields in the comp, Hingston and Schipper will cause everyone some trouble, but their experience over City will need to come to the fore.
Up front Brassington is proving a worthy pick up, and it will be interesting if he can open his account in round one.
You can’t go past Pooley  as the best keeper in the league before a ball has been kicked, and will be key to Rangers in this and many other games.
Pooley will also enjoy his 150th game for the club and right back Gabriel Tams will notch up his 200th.  Its a fine way to enjoy such milestones, and will be interesting if it has any affect on their games.
On paper Rangers should be too strong, but on form it will be close, even City as the favourites.
Olympia Travel to Lightwood park on Saturday to play Kingborough and South Hobart host Glenorchy on Sunday.
Don’t forget to put your tips in!!!

Monday 18 March 2013

VICTORY LEAGUE TIPPING COMP!

TIPPING IS HERE


Want to Win a Trip to Melbourne to Watch Melbourne Victory Play?

Do you think you can read the form of the Victory League teams across the State? Are you in the know with the ins and the outs every weekend?

If you want to test your nous against others around Tasmania join the 2013 Victory League Tipping Competition for your chance to win:

• Two tickets to a Melbourne Victory Football Club home match
• Tickets to the Chairman's function before the game
including meal and drinks
• Return airfares from the nearest capital city
• 1 nights accommodation (Queen or twin room)

It takes just minutes to join and you’ll get reminders via email before the weekend to submit your tips.

Just join up with www.mysportstips.net, enter the competition number 10343 and then enter the competition password:VICTORYLEAGUEISGO

Sunday 17 March 2013

Launceston City Media Release

Launceston City have passed on another update to the NPL BLOG.
Thank you again City.

Club Update -

We are only weeks away from the regular season starting. We have had some great performances over the past few weeks in the Steve Hudson Cup & Statewide Cup with promising signs for all teams. The start of the inaugural V-League is only a week away from today and there are some important dates to remember -


Thursday 21st March - (We ask that all players attend this dinner after training)
Player’s dinner - $5
7.30 for an 8.00pm Start
·      Announcement of Victory League Team
·      Presentation of Strips

Saturday 23rd March
Round 1 – Victory League
Mitsubishi Park, Prospect Vale

Devonport vs. Tilford Zebras – 1.00pm Kick-off
Launceston City FC vs. Northern Rangers – 3.30pm Kick-off

Good luck to all teams as they prepare for their first games in the coming weeks!
Go City!!!!

Best wishes,
Launceston City FC Committee


URGENT - Volunteers Required for the Canteen

The committee requires assistance with the running of the canteen during match days – even an hour can help a lot. If you are able to assist please contact - 


Jenny Duffy -
jenduf@live.com.au
Jessie McKay
jmckay@bishops.com.au

Player Subs & Registration –
 

The Committee has determined the following subscription fees for the 2013 season -

Senior (men NPL & NPL 1 and ladies NPL) $290
Division Two $270
Under 18 $250

The subscription fees have been set to cover the cost of registering each individual player and nomination fees for each team (excluding Victory League) with FFT. The remaining balance will assist in funding approximately 40% of ground hire and rent.

All players will only be registered with FFT when they have paid at least 50% of their subscription fee in advance.

If a player is unable to make the 50% payment, the Committee may enter into an alternative arrangement for the payment of the subscription.

·      50% will have to be paid upfront by the start of the season.
·      Full payment will have to be received by the 1st of June.
·      If full payment has not been received by the 1st of June the player will be ineligible to play until full            payment is received.
·      All coaches and managers have been made aware of the new rules.

The expectation this season is that all past City players will self register online, via the following website: https://live.myfootballclub.com.au/SelfReg/Login.aspx?chkcookie=1

Payments can be made by cash, cheque or card on Thursday nights during and after training in the clubrooms.

Any questions please contact Rob Luciani - rob.luciani@audit.tas.gov.au

Dress Code for Players –

As discussed with all coaches and team managers, this season the dress code will be enforced for all who represent the club. The following attire is a minimum standard on game day –

Dress pants or trousers
Dress shoes
Club polo top
Club jacket

If you don’t have club polo or jacket as of yet please contact your team coach or manager. We all have a responsibility to act and dress in an appropriate manner when representing the club.

Social Functions –
 
Its that time of year again! Put your thinking cap on and start organising for your teams social function –

First up are the girls which will be sometime in April

We’ve had some cracking functions over the years including –

  • Launceston City Cup
  • Olympics
  • Schoolies
  • 80’s
  • Irish night
  • Trivia night
  • Karaoke
Please contact David Backhouse to reserve your theme and start planning now! dbackhouse@corporatevehiclemanagement.com.au

FFT Victory League Add.

This is the add that FFT have produced in conjunction with Southern Cross, I think its outstanding, what are your thought?

Devonport Win 2013 Steve Hudson Cup.

Tilford Zebras midfielder Ricky Self powers away in midfield.
Devonport Strikers have secured the 2013 Steve Hudson Cup with a 3-1 win over Tilford Zebras.
Devonport were 2-0 up at half time before Zebras started to come into the game.  Zebras should have been 2-1 down late in the first half after Jacob Clamp headed home a corner, however a Zebras attacker needlessly taped home the goal bound shot from an offside position and effectively disallowed the goal.
Zebras did make it to 2-1 later in the game, but Devonport closed the game out to be 3-1 winners.
South Hobart took their SPL side for the 3rd place playoff with Launceston City, and City disposed of them with relative ease, without the services of captain Shane Eagen and defender Alex Sculli who were at the Victory League Launch held in Hobart.
Riverside took early NPL Bragging rights, finishing undefeated against NPL sides having beaten Launceston, Northern Rangers and now Prospect Knights 2-0 in the Northern Premier League top match.
Rangers won their first game of the tournament thanks to the assistance of some Victory League players, with Todd Hingston, Derek Schipper, Shane Brassington and Adam McIntire.
Brassinton scored a hat trick for Rangers to help them to a 8-1 win over Launceston United in the final consolation game.
Congratulations to United again for hosting a great tournament, it’s a credit to their club.

Friday 15 March 2013

Summer cup final results

Somerset 3 (Kyrone Johnson, Jeremy DeBomford pen, Astyn Johnson) beat Burnie 1 Brodie Best

Ulverstone 2-0 Devonport (Half time)

Thursday 14 March 2013

Who Will Win The Summer Cup

This weekend will see the final of the summer cup series.

WHO WILL BE HOLDING THE CUP?
Host’s Devonport will play Ulverstone for 1 & 2 at 2:30 at Valley road.
After Ulverstone's win over Clarence on Monday its has been costly for the Reds. Loosing play maker Adam Conkie due to a strait red card and veteran Snow Compaign to a broken cheek bone and broken eye socket. This will weaken the Reds line up and may even cost them the summer cup.

Will Ulverstone's defense be able to stop Chris McKenna
But im sure Stuart Mack will already have these guys covered and still will field a very strong side.
Devonport again have to pick two sides for the weekend with the club making both the summer cup final and the Steve Hudson cup final on Sunday. With Devonport being able to name some fringe victory league members in their summer cup team, and a home ground advantage they should get across the line and put their name on the cup again.

Will Devonport go back to back?

Devonports squad is, Griffiths, Gleeson, Balek, Twamley, Lizotte, Andrews, McCaffery, Mansour, Dance, Dayha, Ashdown, Wilson x2, Denehey, McKenna and Murrey.
Coach Chris McKenna is confident in the squad that he has put together for final and had this to say"
Our squad for tomorrow’s game will be a mix of our young players that have performed so well throughout the summer cup & Hudson Cup last weekend and some more experienced players. It’ll be fairly similar to the squad which defeated Burnie a couple of weeks ago, so around 8 to 10 players aged between 15 & 18.

Ulverstone will be a difficult team to beat & they’ll be confident after their Statewide Cup win on Monday. They were excellent, especially in the second half of that game & our boys will have to be on top of their game to get a victory.

We think that there’s enough talent in the young players for them to more than hold their own at NPL level & their performances so far have been encouraging. As the weeks go by they are becoming more accustomed to playing against the bigger bodies & they’ve gained a lot of benefit from this.

I know they’re keen for Saturday’s game! "


In the 3rd and 4th play off kicking off at 1230 at Valley Road is Somerset v Burnie.
In a rematch after last week, Burnie have the bragging rights after beating the Sharks 4-2.

James Nettleton will start in the absense of Sam Phillips-Crole

This week will allow Somerset to play a nearly full strength side for the first time since the start of the summer cup. Somerset will be looking to turn the result around from last week and retain bragging rights until the they meet again in the real deal.

This is the last hit out for 3 of the 4 NPL  sides until Round 1 of the season starting. Im sure all clubs will be using this as their last fine tune of their squads.