SAM STRIKES AND BOYS ROAR

21 Apr 2015

Shepparton News - By Gregor Mactaggart

GRASSO SENDS BALL INTO BACK OF NET AND NEW COBRAM ENTITY MAKES DREAM START TO COMPETITION

Sam Grasso produced a special straight from the top draw to deliver a dream start for Cobram Roar.

The newly established club marked its first appearance in the new-look FFV Goulburn North East division one competition with a 1-0 win against Shepparton South at McEwen Reserve on Sunday.

A tight tussle had rested on a knife’s edge until the 67-minute mark when Roar skipper Grasso made his most telling contribution.

South appeared to have thwarted another Cobram attacking foray, that was until the ball spilled to Grasso, who from 20 yards out hit a first-time shot into the bottom corner.

The new boys, born out of the merger between CobramSC and Cobram Victory, looked assured enough to hold that advantage until full-time and complete a memorable day.

Roar coach Adam Gatcum said the result was the perfect way to start its campaign.

‘‘To get the three points and a clean sheet away from home, you couldn’t ask any more of the boys,’’ Gatcum said.

‘‘I thought we had the upper hand for most of the match, if we were more clinical with our chances earlier, we may not have needed Sammy’s great strike.”

Gatcum praised the contribution of striker Spiro Vourgaslis, who led the line in a 4-2-3-1 formation, and midfield general Grasso, but believed a cohesive team performance was the secret to Cobram’s success.

‘‘It was one of those collective efforts,’’ Gatcum said.

‘‘All the boys contributed to the cause and made sure we got off to the start we wanted.’’

Shepparton South was best-served by custodian Nicholas Marino and Damian Russo did some nice things in windy conditions that made play difficult for both teams.

But South did not field major off-season recruit Matt Gray, who was not cleared in time for the opening round clash, but may be given the green light for the grand final rematch against Shepparton United on Sunday.

Cobram Roar will look to make it two wins from as many starts when it hosts Shepparton SC at home on Sunday.