United marches onwards, upwards

August 26 2008

Shepparton News

Shepparton United is in the box seat to secure the final spot in the North Eastern Soccer League men's division one top four after its impressive 1-0 victory over Cobram Victory at home on Sunday.

Victory have been the pacesetters all year, but United knew it needed the win to give itself the best chance of playing in the finals and a first-half goal from Andrew Kreskas was enough to ensure the Blues got the three points.

``It was a great result for us,'' Shepparton United coach George Traianidis said.

``The first half was probably the best we've played all year and the goal was the result of a good set-up play with Bruce Hogg and Andrew Kreskas finished it off.

``They put heaps of pressure on us in the second half, but our defenders kept a cool head and did all the right things and we managed to hold on.''

Making the win even more impressive was the fact United did it without Chris Ogboke, who missed the game through injury, but Traianidis hopes the star import will be right to play this weekend.

The result now sets up a tantalising clash with Tatura in the final home and away match of the season on Sunday, with a win or a draw enough to secure the Blues a top four finish.

The Ibises hold the edge this season, with a 2-2 draw in round seven, while Tatura won the round 14 clash 3-1.

``It's a do-or-die game, they need to win to make the finals so they'll be going all-out,'' Traianidis said.

``They've got a couple of good strikers, so if we manage to keep them quiet then we'll have a good chance of getting the result we need.''

The loss relegates Victory to second place behind Shepparton, with those two teams set to meet in the first week of the finals.