South first big test for Lions

DESPITE being undefeated after four rounds, the Kingborough Lions will face their first major test on Sunday as they look to overcome a dangerous South Hobart side.

The Lions sit second after a string of impressive victories but face the potential of having their title challenge derailed by a South Hobart side looking to bounce back from a defeat last week.

Coach Jes Kenth said he was aware of the threat posed by Ken Morton’s men, but was comfortable with the underdog tag coming into the game.

“Everybody knows how South Hobart are on Darcy Street, they’ve got an amazing record there and they play the pitch really well so it’ll be a massive challenge for us,” Kenth said this week.

“I’m pretty sure we will be rated as the underdogs for that game and we don’t mind that tag.

It gives us something to aspire to.”

Kenth pointed to the arrival of NPL veteran Adam McKeown as a turning point for his side who suffered a disappointing Summer Cup campaign earlier this year.

“[McKeown] has brought in a lot of experience for us, which we needed. He’s been good, he’s working as hard as any other player and he comes and shows us [that] with a bit of experience and a bit of smarts within the box he can make the goals happen.”

He has scored three goals in as many appearances for the Lions including a goal of the season contender against his former side in round three.

The Glenorchy Knights will look to continue their impressive form as they meet Riverside up north on Saturday. At Warrior Park, Olympia will be facing Launceston City as it pursues a place in the top four following last week’s dominant 5-1 victory.

At the top of the table, the Devonport Strikers currently hold a perfect record with four wins from four as they search for an NPL three-peat — a harsh contrast when compared with Saturday’s opposition in the Clarence Zebras.

A win for the Strikers will see them go a game clear before Kingborough plays at Darcy Street on Sunday.