Red letter day in push for finals

Teo Pellizzeri

July 22 2008

Shepparton News

Shepparton has landed the first significant blow to try and break the holding pattern of teams battling for second place in women's North Eastern Soccer League by defeating Tatura 1-0 at the weekend.

Shepparton's win against its seemingly top four bound rival has opened a five-point gap between it and fourth-placed Tatura, while third-placed Cobram is on 29 points.

The Reds edged a tight contest on Sunday with the game's only goal scored in the second half by Samantha McIntosh.

Both McIntosh and Shepparton goalkeeper Rebecca Bowles will have to tread carefully in future games, having picked up their second yellow cards of the season against Tatura.

A one-match ban is incurred by any player booked three times in three separate games, but as yet no player has reached the limit this season in the women's league.

Shepparton United's Dana Karolidis, Cobram's Letizia Nicosia and Numurkah's Alicia Thorp are the other players in the league with two cautions to their name.

United continued its run towards the minor premiership as it defeated Shepparton South 4-1 at McEwen Reserve.

United is 15 points clear at the top of the ladder and can seal the minor premiership next week if it wins and Shepparton fails to beat Kyabram.

Failing that the Blues need just four points at any stage between now and the end of the home and away season.

Jess Theobald scored three goals against Shepparton South to take her season tally to 30, with sister Sarah Theobald scorin one goal as United led 3-0 at half-time.

Angela Foley made her first South appearance of the season to score a consolation goal.

Foley has been a representative of women's state league team Bendigo Vipers this season, which allows its players to return to their club if games do not clash.