Launceston City has lived up to the expectations that coach Ben Brookfield has put weight on collecting Cup silverware over a state title.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Amid what proved to be a remarkable transformation against South Hobart, City have cast aside a 7-1 defeat in last Sunday’s NPL fixture to claim a spot in the final four of the Lakoseljac Cup.
The famous 2-1 win at Buckby Land Rover Park had City defending staunchly for final 20 minutes that has turned the club’s fortunes from its lowest ebb towards a stunning high this year.
Nathan Bartlett calmly put away the winner in the into the bottom left-hand corner in a thrilling Cup quarter-final.
City’s Dylan Williams had taken just seven minutes to lift his teammates from the recent South debacle.
The American powered a header into the corner to give the hosts the early lead.
South managed 13 shots to four, but could only score once in the 33rd minute off a cross from Koby Kemp.
The upsets continued when Southern Championship side Glenorchy Knights advanced to the Cup semis courtesy of a 4-3 shootout over Devonport City.
Devonport were up 2-1 during injury time until Ben Phillips heads home an equaliser off a Knights free kick to send the cutthroat clash into extra time.
The Strikers went into half-time two goals in front after reigning golden-boot winner Brayden Mann had collected an early double.
But the magic of the statewide Cup vanished for rank outsider Nelson in a 12-0 loss to a merciless Olympic Warriors. Hobart Zebras also went through in a 6-0 win over Clarence United.