Desperate rivals face off

TWO traditional rivals will go head-to-head on Saturday as the Glenorchy Knights and Olympia Warriors meet at KGV, both in search of their first win for the NPL season.

The Warriors fell to Clarence Zebras in a shock roundone loss last week and in similar fashion, the Knights went down to Kingborough. Both sides will be in the spotlight as the shortened season applies increased pressure to every fixture, however Warriors coach Andrew Brown said it is business as usual ahead of Saturday’s clash.

“At the end of the day it’s just another game,” Brown said. “We start (the season) with three difficult away games, so we have to try and pick points up in those difficult away games and then rely upon our home form being strong.”

The Warriors will have a gap to fill in their starting lineup today as Callum Brown serves a one-match suspension following his red card in round one.

“He is a good player. He’s not what we built the team around, the team isn’t built around any individual players,” said Brown when asked about the absence. “He’s replaced by another good player so with the 11 we put on the park, they’ll all be NPL quality.”

The Knights were considered favourites ahead of last week’s loss to Kingborough and the players were “hurting” following the defeat, according to senior men’s co-ordinator Dallas Joiner. Speaking on behalf of senior coach James Sherman, Joiner said the squad had responded well in training.

“Our coach is very happy with the way the squad is looking and we’re looking to rebound this week,” Joiner said.

The Knights squad will be bolstered by the inclusion of Joffrey Nkoso who signed for the club last week and faces his former side in his debut today.

In other fixtures, Kingborough Lions will look to stay atop the table when they meet Riverside at Lightwood Park. The Clarence Zebras will face South Hobart in a blockbuster at Wentworth Park and Launceston City hosts Devonport.