DEVONPORT STRIKERS V’s SOMERSET SHARKS
Reserves match report
Saturday April 2, 2011

The Devonport Strikers continued on their quest to a third successive premiership last weekend with a crushing 10-0 win over the Somerset Sharks at Valley Road.
There were a few changes to the side that had helped dismantle Launceston United the previous week. Grant Ashdown and Connor Lizotte were rewarded for good performances and were moved up into the seniors’ squad. Also missing were Luke Beardwood due to illness and Ryan Keep due to personal commitments.
This allowed the Strikers to field a younger side welcoming in keeper Matthew Griffiths and allowing Jackson Ansell and Jamie Hughes to start on the field. Josh Gleeson also returned to the backline after missing the opening 2 rounds.
The game was a close encounter for the first 45minutes with the score at the break only 3-0. In the second half Devonport managed to keep up their offensive pressure while Somerset seemed to lack the energy to keep up with the Strikers youthful attackers who were able to pile on a massive 7 goals in the second half.
Key performances for the match were led yet again by central midfielder Jesse Curran who controlled the game from start to finish. Jackson Ansell finally gave an answer to some critics who have been waiting a long time to see the striker score consistently, netting 4 goals and securing man of the match rights. Josh Gleeson was impressive for his first game. Keeper Matthew Griffiths also had a standout game, pulling off some excellent second half saves to keep his clean sheet.
This weekend sees Devonport matched up with Prospect Knights at Valley Road. The game this week will be starting at 4:30pm. This could prove to be a crucial match on the road the premiership title as both teams are up and about early in the season. Points in this match could show come the end of the year.
PLAYER OF THE MATCH: Jackson Ansell