Reds' finals fate in own hands

August 5 2008

Shepparton News

Shepparton is now three points clear of third-placed Cobram after the Reds knocked off Cobram Victory 3-0 in their North Eastern Soccer League women's match at Mercury Dve on Sunday.

The loss makes it difficult for Victory to make the finals, now it is nine points and goal difference behind fourth-placed Tatura.

The Reds have had trouble getting the ball in the back of the net this season, but that wasn't the case on Sunday with Samantha McIntosh getting a brace and Birsen Tanrikulu adding a third goal.

``It was good to finally put a few across the line, we've had a lot of chances throughout the season but haven't converted them,'' Shepparton coach Steve Hawkes said.

``But at the same time we've been pretty tight at the other end, so it all comes around.''

McIntosh scored her first early in the game, with the Reds taking a 1-0 lead in at half-time.

Shepparton then scored two in quick succession, with McIntosh and Tanrikulu increasing the lead midway through the second half as the Reds went on to record a comfortable victory and remain in the box seat to finish second and earn the double chance.

``It's all in our hands now, I'd rather be in front than behind, so it's up to us to lose it now,'' Hawkes said.

``It was a big step up from how we played last week, we always seem to struggle against Kyabram but match-up better against some of the stronger teams.''

In other matches, Angela Hogan cancelled out Brittany Patafio's goal as Cobram came from behind to record a 1-1 draw with Shepparton South.

Tatura defeated Kyabram 3-0, with Merve Bolat scoring twice and Derya Tanrikulu adding a third, while Jess Theobold got a hat-trick as Shepparton United touched up Numurkah 7-1.

Imogen Head (two), Holly Dimstas and Sarah Theobold (one each) scored the other goals for United, while Jacqueline Devlin was the scorer for Numurkah.