Nothing separating top sides

August 5 2008

Shepparton News

Shepparton coach Andy Ingham scored a late equaliser to give the Reds a 1-1 draw against ladder-leader Cobram Victory in their top-of-the-table men's division one North Eastern Soccer League clash at McEwen Reserve on Sunday.

After a low-key first half, Victory striker Nathan Thomas headed in the first goal of the contest shortly after the main break before Ingham secured a point for the Reds with a volley from the edge of the box into the bottom corner with about eight minutes remaining.

``We both had good chances to win the game at the end, but the draw was probably the fair result,'' Ingham said.

``It probably wasn't a very good game to watch in the first half, it was very tight and not too many chances, but it opened up a little in the second half.

``It's a pretty good result for us, we had a few players missing and a few of the young guys really stood up, Papi Mukasa, Jarrod Moore in goals and Mitch Anderson was also good.

``The bad news is that Troy Kennedy popped his shoulder just before half-time and had to go to hospital, so we'll have to wait and see how bad the damage is.''

Just one point separates the two standout teams, who have had one win each and now a draw in their three clashes this season.

``We've just about sewn up the double chance now, which is a big advantage,'' Ingham said.

``We're still one point behind them, if we finish in top spot, that's great, but if not, we've still got the double chance.''