Pressure on for a top spot

August 15 2008

Shepparton News

Shepparton South captain Luke Nardella said his side would treat Sunday's match against Shepparton as a mini grand final with his side needing a win to secure a top-four finish in North Eastern Soccer League.

``There are three sides vying for two positions (third and fourth on the ladder), so we need a win because we don't want to rely on other results to get into the finals,'' Nardella said.

Shepparton South currently sits third, one point clear of Tatura and three ahead of Shepparton United with three rounds to play.

The sides have no chance of catching run-away ladder-leaders Cobram Victory and Shepparton, who have both wrapped up double chances and will be fighting for the minor premiership and the right to host the first final in the coming rounds.

Shepparton South has the bye next week and plays Cobram Victory in the last round.

``Both games are going to be like finals for us, we need to get a win over the top two sides to secure a position,'' Nardella said.

He said despite two losses to Shepparton in earlier rounds, he believes his side has what it takes to cause an upset.

``The first time we played them we lost 4-1, last time it was 1-0, so we are getting closer,'' he said.

``We can win as long as we remain focused for the whole 90 minutes. We need to play to our full potential because they are a very good side, they play well as a team.

``The difference may be our youth. We are a young side and they are a lot older, so we might be able to beat them with our youth and speed.''

Nardella said he had nearly a full list to choose from, with vice-captain Anthony Nicolaci the only concern.

``He is under a bit of an injury cloud and is a 50-50 chance of playing, he is an important player and I hope he can get up.''

In the other match, Cobram Victory plays Tatura at Scott Oval with Shepparton United and Cobram having the bye.