Shape change likely

 

September 8 2012

Shepparton News

There are plenty of questions ahead of tomorrow’s Goulburn North East Football Association division two men’s semi-final between Cobram Victory and Shepparton.

Among the most pressing issues is whether Cobram Victory can bounce back from last week’s demoralising 6-2 defeat to grand finalist Kialla United.

Victory coach Michael Startari admitted he was not sure what to expect from his side, but was confident of improvement.

‘‘If we show up, I’m confident we can’t play any worse,’’ Startari said.

‘‘I am a bit worried about how they respond. Last week we had a meeting and discussed a lot of tactics, (but) this week I think we’ll be a little bit more relaxed and see if that works.’’

Vinnie Santoro will definitely not play as he has a broken leg, while Manny Artavilla has work commitments and Marc Startari could be called up to the seniors.

As well as personnel changes, Cobram Victory could be line for a shape shift.

‘‘We changed our formation a bit last week to attack a bit more, but I think we’ll go back to playing the face first,’’ Startari said.

Shepparton coach Tom Radevski is also looking for answers.

However, unlike those of his counterpart, Radevski’s are multiple choice questions.

Flexibility is the Reds’ greatest asset, as proven by their surprise win against Shepparton United in the elimination final, where a handful of positional changes helped them overturn a 2-0 deficit in the final 10 minutes.

Under-17 striker Dyar Dyar started that match on the bench, but scored two goals and set up another after his introduction.

However, in Ahadi Lulerhe and Mohamad Alsharifi, Radevski boasts several attacking options.

The coach must also decide what to do with Hussein Sumaili, who excelled after he was moved to left back against the Blues.

However, Radevski admitted he has had bigger problems.

‘‘I’ve been in situations where you’re not playing well and you look at the bench and think (oh no), but I’m lucky enough to have a few options at the moment,’’ Radevski said.

‘‘As long as the boys don’t start off like they did against United we’ll be all right, it will be harder to come back against Victory.

‘‘They will be very strong.’’

Shepparton has been Cobram Victory’s bogey team in past seasons and after two draws from as many meetings this year, the biggest question of all is which side will meet Kialla United at Deakin Reserve in one week’s time.