After a rainy morning, the sun came out at Warrior park for the NPL TAS Round 2 match between the Olympia FC Warriors and the Devonport Strikers. The game began with Devonport having plenty of the ball, showing Olympia why they are regarded as one of the best teams in the state. The Strikers high pressure gave Olympia’s players little time in possession and much of the opening stages were played in Devonport’s attacking half as a result.

Olympia goalkeeper Brett Johnson was forced to make two crucial saves, turning a Michael Holden shot around the post and denying Daniel Jackson from close range. As the half wore on Devonport continued to attack, but were lacking the ability to put the ball in the back of the net. This helped Olympia fight its way back into the contest, with it’s best chance of the first 45 coming when Joel Sammut crossed the ball into the box where it found Warren Wadawu, only for Wadawu to hit it over the crossbar. The teams headed into the rooms at half time with the scores locked at nil all, with all still to play for in the second half.

Daniel Jackson’s pace was eye catching- Solstice Photography

As the second half kicked off, it was clear that whatever Dale Itchins told his Olympia team at half time was working, with Hugh Undy producing a great run and cross that substitute Joffery Nkoso almost finished off, hitting just wide of the mark. Olympia looked to be a different team in the second half, creating plenty of chances and moving the ball well. However, a short period of Devonport possession followed, and a great run from Edward Bidwell ended with the right back picking out Brayden Mann who hit the back of the net in the 56th minute.

Once Devonport scored the game opened up, with chances coming from both sides. Devonport’s Daniel Jackson and Joel Stone were creating chance after chance, before Joel Sammut found his way on the end of an Alex Holmes pass. Sammut beat out Bidwell in a fierce duel on the wing, before playing the ball to Nkoso who finished into the bottom corner, leveling the scores with around 15 minutes remaining.

Sammut and Stone were among their sides best- Solstice Photography

With the scores now level, Olympia were only just holding on, as Devonport continued to add to its chances. However, they came to nothing and the final score was Olympia 1, Devonport 1.

Speaking post match, Olympia manager Dale Itchins was happy with the effort his team put in but still believes his team can play better football, highlighting the fact that Devonport were the better footballing team this game. Devonport manager Chris Gallo was disappointed with his teams play in the final third, labelling his team “sloppy” at times.

Both teams remain undefeated for the season with a win and a draw each. Their attention will now turn to Round 3 of the NPL and the Lakoseljac Cup round of 16 where Olympia will play Glenorchy in a rematch of last seasons decider. Devonport will travel down to take on New Town Eagles at Clare Street.

The Strikers couldn’t capitalize on a large amount of play around the box- Solstice Photography