Launceston City coach Jez Kenth is ready for his hunters to become the hunted.
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Approaching the midway point of the season, City remain unbeaten on top of NPL Tasmania and targeting a first title since the reintroduction of a statewide competition in 2012.
Kenth stressed his team has merely built a “good launching pad” and believed newly-crowned Lakoseljac Cup champion Devonport is the title favourite.
“We’ve set ourselves up nicely but it’s about keeping a level head, doing the basics rights and not getting carried away,” he said.
“We know where we stand, we know our strengths and weaknesses and we are excited but are not getting caught up in the hype because we know there is a lot of work ahead.
“Devonport have improved significantly. I have not seen a stronger team than them. That is one of the best squads they have put together.
“We are a good spanner in the works but they are the front-runners because of the quality in their team and the longevity they have been together. They have momentum and experience and no real weaknesses. That puts them ahead of everyone.”
City go into Saturday’s derby with Northern Rangers four points clear, but Kenth said the season will only get tougher.
“Teams are taking us seriously now so it is going to be harder over the second half of the season because we are now the hunted and have never been close to that position before. Now we know other sides will throw the kitchen sink at us.”