Sklenar leads Zebras’ charge

A HAT-TRICK to striker Jakub Sklenar helped Hobart to a 5-0 thrashing of Olympia at Warrior Park yesterday, rocketing the Zebras into the mix for this year’s NPL title.

Hobart buried the match in the first half, scoring four unanswered goals to leave the home side looking depleted heading into the break.

Sklenar’s first goal came in just the 12th minute, after a sparkling run from Jayden Hey set up the striker to find the back of the net. Last year’s Golden Boot champion added a second in the 31st, sparking a stellar 10-minute patch for the Zebras, which saw goals to Matthew Sanders (37th) and Iskander Van Doorne (39th).

The Warriors showed some grit after the change of ends, and the second half looked set to remain goalless, before Sklenar scored in the 86th.

Zebras assistant coach Enzo Botte praised his side’s effort, saying the win boosts the club’s title chances.

“We’re very happy with how the team executed the game plan. It’s now a matter of taking this result forward,” he said. “If we continue to play in the manner we did against Olympia, absolutely we’re in contention to win the title. There’s no doubt about it.”

Olympia coach Dale Itchins was disappointed with his side’s performance.

“We haven’t beaten anyone above us, that’s a fact. At the moment, I’m not sure if we’re good enough to beat anyone in front of us,” he said.