Contest for spot in finals

 

August 29 2008

Shepparton News

All eyes in the North Eastern Soccer League world will be fixed on the men's division one clash between Tatura and Shepparton United on Sunday afternoon.

It's a do-or-die affair for both teams who are scrambling to secure the final spot in the top four.

Both sides are sitting on 35 points but Shepparton United is in the box seat with a better goal difference, needing only a draw or better to go through, while the Ibises need to collect all three points if they are going to see September action.

Tatura holds a slight edge in the two previous meetings between the clubs this season, with a 2-all draw in round seven while the Ibises got home 3-1 back in round 14, but Tatura coach Rocky Papalia won't be going in over-confident.

``Last time was last time, we know what we have to do on Sunday,'' Papalia said.

``You can't go into a game being too cocky, but at the same time you can't go in like you've already been beaten.

``Nothing but the three points will do, our finals start this week.''

The Blues will be hoping star forward Chris Ogboke can overcome his injury concerns after missing last week's 1-0 win against Cobram Victory.

Papalia will be sweating on the fitness of striker Stephen Bovalino, while captain Carmine Conte is likely to be promoted to the starting 11.

``We'll just go out and play our natural game and hopefully we can get the job done,'' Papalia said.

``We won't change our structure too much, we'll still go with the two strikers, but if it's getting late and we're down we might have to.

``There's going to be a huge crowd and it should be a great game, we're looking forward to it.''

In the other match, Cobram Victory will be desperate to rediscover its early-season form when it hosts Shepparton South.

The Victory is winless from its past three matches, while the Southerners are coming off a 1-1 draw with Shepparton.