History left to settle

September 11 2009

Shepparton News

Tatura and Shepparton South have preliminary final history in women's Goulburn North East Football Association but both coaches want it set aside as the teams prepare to clash at Numurkah Showgrounds on Sunday.

The Ibises go into Sunday's match in a familiar position, playing against Shepparton South for the chance to meet Shepparton United in a grand final just like preliminary finals in 2006 and 2007.

On both occasions Tatura prevailed, but coach Mark Johansson said it was a different reason why he had been hoping for, and was happy to have, one more game against South this year.

After a 0-0 draw mid-season, South almost put Tatura out of the finals in round 18 when its 1-0 win left the Ibises needing favourable results elsewhere to hold on to fourth.

``I believe they were lucky last time, we were caught napping and we're going to be a bit more dedicated this time around,'' Johansson said.

``Having said that I thought South were unlucky to lose last week (to United in the qualifying final).''

Tatura striker Merve Bolat is back from months overseas and is likely to come straight into the Ibises' team.

Johansson said not having scored against South this season was something that needed to be addressed, but not at the expense of the backline.

South lost 1-0 in extra time to Shepparton United last weekend after failing to convert its chances when attacking to the wind-assisted end at McEwen Reserve.

United grabbed its winner against the wind when South failed to clear a mad scramble in its penalty area.

``It was a pressure situation and none of our defenders could get a foot on the ball,'' South coach Ralph Giuliani said.

``I wasn't happy about the free kick that led to the scramble, it was a no danger situation out wide with nowhere to go.

``Tat have the history but but we're not dwelling on it, these girls are trying to write a new chapter.

``We know we're limited up front with just Maddy (McGuffie) but we've scored in almost every game.''