There were two games in the Tasmanian Women’s Super League on the weekend – we saw the Champions regain their stride, regular challengers return to their perch and debut goals!
Match of the Round: Clarence Zebras v South Hobart
Clarence Zebras 3 (Taylor Rand, Sophie Fone, Jess Downham) South Hobart 1 (Jasmine Roland) at Wentworth Park
Clarence Zebras finished match-day four top of the table with a huge 3-1 win over last week’s giant killers South Hobart at home.
Taylor Rand scored the opener early from a corner delivery which sailed over the head of South keeper Georgia McMullen, who despite that has been impressive in recent weeks.
After the break, Sophie Fone scored her second in consecutive weeks following a scramble in the box, and Jessica Downham netted the game-deciding goal.
Former South East United player Jasmine Roland was named in the South Hobart squad after her move earlier this week. Roland has racked up 105 appearances for SEU, with her final games for them being an U20 Men’s Statewide Cup Round of 16 clash v Zebras, and captaining their socials outfit against DOSA, after which she received a guard of honour from her team-mates.
With her parents watching, Roland latched onto a pass, faked and darted to the penalty box before shooting into the bottom left past keeper Shelley Cook – truly a fantastic moment.
B90 spoke to Roland’s father Glen after the match.
“So proud to see Jasmine step up, it has been a long time coming,” Roland said.
“It was great to have so many South East players and supporters there to be part of this wonderful experience. It just shows if you work hard enough anything is possible, no matter how big or small your club is.”
Zebras will now host Kingborough Lions on ANZAC Day while South will have the bye.
Launceston United 0 Olympia Warriors 2 (Leah Gubb, Bonnie Davies)
Defeated by arch rivals one week, surprise packets away from home the next. In a rescheduled Round 16 clash, Olympia returned to the winners circle by comfortably defeating Launceston United 2-0 at UTAS Stadium.
Olympia made yet another keeper swap with Meggie Goscombe going between the sticks, and the move made by coach Matt Kilsby proved to be a stroke of genius as she kept a clean-sheet.
On the half hour mark, Leah Gubb netted a ripping free-kick into the bottom left past United keeper Imogen McCormick. Shortly afterwards striker Bonnie Davies calmly finished to give the Warriors a confidence boosting win.
Olympia hit the road to the Valley of Devonport next Saturday while Launceston will also travel, to Kelvedon Park for a clash v Taroona.
WSL Round Five
Saturday 24th April
Devonport Strikers v Olympia Warriors, 12pm, Valley Rd
Taroona FC v Launceston United, 2:15pm, Kelvedon Park
Sunday 25th April
Clarence Zebras v Kingborough Lions, 2:15pm, Wentworth Park
