Derby stakes sky high

August 21 2009

Shepparton News

Cobram will come to a standstill on Sunday as the most important derby played between Cobram and Cobram Victory will potentially decide the fourth finalist in Goulburn North East Football Association.

While the match itself promises plenty of drama, the countdown to kick-off starts tonight for Cobram when it fronts the tribunal charged with misconduct liable for bringing the game into disrepute.

Victory starts the final home and away round in fourth place with 22 points, ahead of Tatura and Cobram on 20 each.

A win will secure Victory's fourth spot, but if it draws or loses, Tatura can jump in by beating Shepparton South.

If Cobram wins, its low goal difference will only get it into fourth if Tatura loses or draws.

An association investigation into which players were yellow carded last weekend in the Tigers' 2-2 draw with Shepparton South found discrepancies between the referees' report and the match record (team sheet).

Carl Fannon's absent yellow card from the team sheet is at the heart of the matter, should the card stand, he will be suspended for Sunday's match.

Cobram coach Rocky Papalia said his team knew the task at hand and would be focused on training tonight while the tribunal took place.

Papalia said his team's 1-1 draw with Victory earlier in the season had been a mental breakthrough.

Victory had won the previous five derbies and through the six meetings has scored 41 goals to Cobram's eight.

Victory coach Simon Randall said his team was at full strength except for midfielder Andrea Lombardo who would miss with a back injury.

"It will be really testing, I'm not one to rant and rave," Randall said.

"Yes there's going to be emotion, but it's no good if you're going to do something silly."

"It's got the whole town buzzing. Being my first (derby) earlier in the year, the atmosphere was fantastic. I see us being more relaxed this time around, they know what to expect and the job they have to do, " Papalia said.