Final decided for FFA Cup spot in Tasmania

The finalists have been decided for Tasmania’s lone spot in the FFA Cup Round of 32 after the semi-finals of the Lakoseljac Cup on Saturday.

In the first semi-final it was Devonport Strikers who had too much class for Northern Rangers, prevailing 2-1 at the NTCA.

Miles Barnard opened the scoring for the Strikers inside the first minute, turning home Michael Holden’s cross.

They doubled their lead after the break with FFA Cup specialists Brayden Mann firing home and while the Rangers pulled one back late on through Nick Lanau-Atkinson, the Strikers held on for a deserved win.

“We were good today, but we could have been a lot better and we need to be better at killing offsides,” said Devonport skipper Mann in The Advocate newspaper.

“A lot of our goals are by design and we are noticing the opposition goals are coming from defection or lucky bounces.

“We are obviously stoked and excited to be in a cup final, but we know it is going to be tough and we are ready for it.”

There was an upset of sorts in the other semi-final as South Hobart overcame Launceston City 3-1 at Buckby Land Rover Park.

While Launceston currently lead the Tasmanian NPL, they were no match for South Hobart, who are six points and three places behind them in the league.

Goals to Nicholas Morton and a Renato De Vecchi Marins brace had South 3-0 after 73 minutes before Launceston got a consolation 12 minutes from time through Lindsay Millington.

  • Image courtesy of Solstice Photography