Reds are keen to rise to the occasion against the Ibises

July 18 2008

Shepparton News

Shepparton's big-game experience from last year's finals campaign is something Reds coach Andy Ingham wants his team to draw upon against Tatura tomorrow.

In a Saturday afternoon showpiece game, the Reds and Ibises will face off in a North Eastern Soccer League curtain-raiser to the state league match between Preston and AIS.

Shepparton enters round 15 in second place with 36 points, one point behind Cobram Victory and 11 points ahead of third-placed Shepparton South.

Tatura will start the round in fourth place on 25 points, behind South by five goals difference

``Both teams are strong at set pieces and we need to win in the air,'' Ingham said.

``An occasion like this is a good chance for our boys to show what they're all about, and what we want is another three points.''

Johnny Radevski has overcome a hamstring strain and will play for Shepparton tomorrow.

Tatura coach Rocky Papalia said his team's fans would be out to make sure the crowd support was balanced.

``We have a mountain of supporters and the players will thrive on that,'' Papalia said.

``We've shocked a lot of people with some of our results this season and we've improved against every team.''

Adrian Corbo will return from suspension for Tatura, while Mohammed ``Jiggy'' Saleh will likely retain his position in the starting line-up after promotion from the reserves last week.

In Sunday games, Shepparton United and Shepparton South will square off at McEwen Reserve in a match crucial to both teams' finals hopes.

South won 4-2 on the opening day of the season against United, but the Blues bounced back with a 4-2 win in round eight.

Also on Sunday will be the third and final Cobram derby when Victory takes on the Tigers at Cobram Showgrounds.

Victory is still yet to lose to Cobram in men's division one, having won the previous meetings between the teams this season 11-2 and 11-0.