SOUTH TOUGH NUT FOR KNIGHTS

GLENORCHY Knights will face another big challenge in their NPL Tasmania title defence against South Hobart at Darcy Street.

After falling five points behind league leader Devonport, a loss on Saturday would drop Glenorchy below South to third on the table.

The Knights haven’t been helped by an influenza outbreak in their squad, with coach James Sherman saying “four or five” of his regular team are in doubt.

“I’ve got no idea really what the makeup of the side will look like tomorrow … there’s some pretty key experienced guys there that are not looking great,” Sherman said.

While South fell to Devonport in Monday’s Lakoseljac Cup final, it will enter Saturday’s game having won its past four NPL games with an average margin of more than five goals.

“They’re a good side, they’re well organised and they’re super fit,’’ Sherman said. “I’m sure they’ll be chomping at the bit to get Monday out of the way and look to get into us.’’

The two sides drew 1-1 in round three, with a second-half strike from

South captain Nick Morton (pictured) earning his side a share of the points.

“I think ‘Morty’ is having a pretty spectacular season again … they could have nicked a couple of goals in the last five minutes and we got away with a point,” Sherman said.

In the day’s other fixtures, Devonport will host Olympia at Valley Road and Clarence Zebras will face Kingborough at Wentworth Park.

In the Women’s Super League, South Hobart will look to close the gap at the top of the table when it faces Taroona on Sunday.

With league leader Launceston

United yet to drop a point, South’s Talia White said her side will need to be near-perfect from here.

“We’re kind of counting on some other teams at this point,’’ she said.

“We just have to hold up our end and we’ve got to keep performing.”

South beat Taroona 5-0 last time they met, but White was cautious.

“I don’t think we can underestimate them ... we’ve got to make sure we’re at our top game,” White said.

Devonport will face Olympia on Saturday and Clarence will take on Kingborough on Sunday. Launceston has a bye.