Defence tested for flag chance

 

September 11 2009

Shepparton News

Shepparton United's defence will be put to the ultimate test this weekend as the Blues prepare to meet a rampant Shepparton in the Goulburn North East Football Association preliminary final.

The Reds take hot form into Sunday's match at the Numurkah Showgrounds after a 5-0 dismissal of Tatura in the elimination final two weeks ago.

After frustrating, but ultimately losing to Shepparton South last weekend, United gets a second chance against its in-form arch rival.

"We certainly think we're good enough to take it up to anyone," United coach Jason Mulkeen said.

"But the only way to prove it is to win when it matters."

Reds coach Jean-Claude Giuca refused to acknowledge the last time his team played Shepparton United was a "win", insisting his Reds had not defeated the Blues this year.

Shepparton scored five goals to United's two in round 14 but had the game reversed to a 3-0 defeat after a series of tribunals and appeals due to Papi Mukasa - who was not on the team sheet - coming off the bench to score the last goal of the game.

"This technically is one of the two teams we haven't beaten this year," Giuca said.

Jimmy Avram was red-carded last time the teams played and will return from his suspension this weekend.

"He's too good a player not to make the starting 11," Mulkeen said.

"Even though we defended well, last week wasn't a good game and we weren't happy with what we put out on the park.

"We're a different side to when we played Shepparton last. The personnel is similar but since then we've been playing reasonably good football."

United's first goal last time the teams met came from Justin Kalafatis being able to ghost-in unmarked at the far post to connect with a cross.

At the time Shepparton had a twoman advantage because of United red cards to Avram and Matt Stables.

Giuca said his defence was strong enough and smart enough to learn from past games and minimise the errors.

"The tribunal is gone and past, done and dusted," he said.

"Everyone is fit and available so it's tough to decide who starts on the field and the bench."