Moore saves the day

September 16 2008

Shepparton News

The save of the season from Jarrod Moore has kept Shepparton in contention for back-to-back North Eastern Soccer League premierships.

A 2-1 win against Shepparton United at the weekend in the preliminary final at McEwen Reserve will pit the Reds against Cobram Victory in the season decider.

Moore blocked a close-range shot from United's Bruce Hogg in the dying moments of the match as United threw everything at the Shepparton defence.

The Reds appeared to have taken the sting out of the match mid-way through the second half after two Stuart Vance goals before the break put the reigning premier in control of the game.

But United subbed attacking players Roven Shaholli and Chris Ogboke into the match and threw defender Craig Smith up the park.

Stephen Retzos made the most of the extra numbers as he connected with a free kick to head in and give United hope.

The Blues had two more last-ditch attempts, with Troy Kennedy putting a clearing boot through a goalmouth scramble and Alex Wilson firing over the bar from the top of the penalty area.

Vance had put Shepparton in front earlier in the match as he knocked in a high ball from close range, then won and converted a penalty after a foul from Jimmy Avram.

After avoiding suspension at the tribunal on Thursday night, the league-leading scorer hit back with an imposing performance that transformed the Shepparton forward line.

While it was Vance doing the scoring, Shepparton's Michael Gasparroni made the first half his own as he took control of the right side of the field with tackling, hard running and threatening crosses.

Reds coach Andy Ingham agreed Moore's save was one of the moments of the season.

``He made himself big and pulled it out of the bag at the right time,'' Ingham said.

``Stuart's presence was what we lacked up forward last week.

``The boys did a great job in his absence, but with his experience he was able to hold the ball up.''