Thomas to boost Victory's stocks

September 19 2008

Shepparton News

Key Cobram Victory defender Nathan Thomas will be back in the line-up for the North Eastern Soccer League Grand Final this weekend.

The former state premier league player missed matches at the end of the regular season with Ovens and Murray Football League commitments and illness, but will be back to play at Tatura Park on Sunday.

Victory advanced directly to the grand final after defeating Shepparton on penalties two weeks ago, but questions remained about the fitness of an absent Thomas, and league best and fairest Frank Bazzano who left the field at half-time.

Tough decisions at the selection table are also still to be made on Haidar Al-Saffar and Michael Startari to determine whether the duo will start on the field or the sidelines.

Victory coach Gianfranco Impellizzeri said both Thomas and Bazzano were fit and ready to play, while the final 11 was yet to be determined.

``Nathan Thomas coming back in for us and Stuart Vance for them adds a lot of quality,'' Impellizzeri said.

Victory defeated Shepparton 3-2 early in the season, but has since lost once and drawn twice, with the penalty shoot-out deciding the most recent tied game in its favour.

Impellizzeri said it was important the inexperienced players in his line-up kept their concentration in the pressure of a grand final.

``We must be precise, because every mistake will be punished,'' he said.

``Shepparton created a lot of chances in the first half last time.

``We adjusted things after half-time to close them down a bit, but Shepparton are a consistent team who has proven to be one of the best this season.

``Both sides know each other very well, and it will be a physical contest.''

Victory missed finals in its inaugural North Eastern league season last year, but led the ladder at various stages this season before finishing five points behind Shepparton in the minor premiership.