Out for final nail in coffin

August 22 2008

Shepparton News

A win by Shepparton United over rival Cobram Victory this weekend would all but close the door on Tatura's finals hopes as the North Eastern Soccer League heads into the penultimate round this Sunday.

United and Tatura sit in fourth and fifth position on the senior men's table on equal points, with Shepparton 14 goals ahead on goal difference.

The two teams meet in the final round, but Tatura has a bye this week, meaning if United can secure the three points against Victory, it would almost be an impossible task for Tatura to make up the goal difference, even if it did beat United in the final round.

United president Shane Harford said he was quietly confident his boys could get up for the win and begin preparing for the finals.

``I think we might have a full team on the park this week, I don't think we have any injuries,'' Harford said.

``Obviously we hope to get up, and I think if we click and play to our ability we have the talent to beat them.''

He said the side was taking a lot of confidence out of the performance of Tatura, which secured a 1-1 draw over Victory last Sunday at Scott Oval in Cobram.

``If they can do it, there is no reason why we can't go further. Last time we played Victory we played really well in the first half and had the opportunity to put a few in the back of the net,'' he said.

Harford said the team was primed for the win, and while it has another chance of shoring up a finals berth in the last round against Tatura, it would prefer to do it this week.

``It would be nice to get the break and not have to rely on beating Tatura,'' he said.

``But I am quietly confident that we can win.''