South shout out song - September 22 2009
South shout out song
September 22 2009
Shepparton News
Shepparton South is celebrating its first men's division one premiership since 2001 after a 2-0 triumph against Shepparton United in the Goulburn North East Football Association grand final at the weekend.
The Southerners outclassed the Blues at Tatura Park on Sunday to win their fourth senior title and end an eight-year wait to put their hands back on the association's most soughtafter silverware.
A close-range finish from grand final specialist Stuart Vance and a wonder strike from Luke Nardella were South's second-half specials as the minor premier overcame a slow first half.
Vance was on hand to tap in a free kick in the 51st minute with a strike that made South's ascendancy in general play count on the scoreboard.
The Southerners had to make tactical changes on 72 minutes after Anthony Calandro received his second yellow of the match and was sent off, but going down to 10 men failed to disrupt South's momentum as Nardella doubled the lead eight minutes later.
The South captain was able to take a run at the United backline before unleashing a left-footed strike that was able to beat a desperate dive from Blues' goalkeeper Joey Perkovic{aac}.
The goal triggered an outpouring of emotion from South's players and fans, the job nearly done and one hand on the cup.
United's best chance to get back in the match came a minute before Calandro's red card, when Jimmy Avram had a header saved at close range by South goalkeeper Robbie Taylor.
The Blues had also sent South warnings in the first half when Matt Georgiou forced Taylor to tip a free kick over the bar, and also forced Taylor to save his header from a corner.
Ahmad Al-Hashimi flashed a shot wide of the post on 39 minutes after a fast break and cross from Justin Kalafatis, but the halfchances were United's slim pickings trying to shock South by taking the lead.
League best and fairest Connor Campbell was able to orchestrate the midfield and close United out of the match after half-time, while teammate Samet Yollu was awarded the best on ground trophy after his display of quick running and dribbling along right wing.
Comments
Comment Guidelines: The SportsTG Network is made up of players, families and passionate sports followers like you who have a strong opinion about sport. That's great - we want you to have your say and share your thoughts with the world. However, we have a few rules that you must follow to keep it fun for all. Please don't be rude, abusive, swear or vilify others. Apart from some pretty serious sport sanctions, we also can ban you and report you if things get out of hand. So play fair and have fun, and thanks for your contribution.