Ingham sees red over red

August 26 2008

Shepparton News

Star Shepparton striker Stuart Vance could miss the rest of the season after receiving a straight red card in the Reds' 3-0 victory against cellar-dweller Cobram in their North Eastern Soccer League men's division one clash on Sunday.

The incident, which happened about 15 minutes into the second half where a Cobram player also received a red card, left a sour taste in the mouth of Shepparton coach Andy Ingham on the eve of the finals.

``The lack of discipline in a match that meant nothing is really disappointing,'' Ingham said.

``Stuart has run in to break up a fight after an off-the-ball incident involving one of our young kids and has got hit from behind and had to defend himself.

``We'll have to go to the tribunal now and see how it goes, but it's just really disappointing that something like this happens at this time of year over something so minor.''

The Reds have the bye next week and can only play a maximum of three finals and a minimum of two, meaning a three-game ban would put Vance, who is the league's leading goal-scorer with 26, out for the rest of the season.

On the pitch, Shepparton was clearly the class side, putting two goals past the Tigers in the first half before adding a third after half-time with Tim Brown, Mitch Anderson and Carl Trigila each scoring one.

The Reds will now finish the season on top of the ladder, jumping above Cobram Victory after it lost to Shepparton United 1-0.

``It's always good to finish on top, I think that's the sign of the best side throughout the season,'' Ingham said.

``Even if we don't have Stuart, we're still capable of beating any other team, we just need all of our guys to stand up, but we'll keep our fingers crossed and see what happens at the tribunal next week.''