Impellizzeri says nerves play a major role in Victory loss

September 23 2008

Shepparton News

Cobram Victory coach Gianfranco Impellizzeri said his side's nerves and inexperience was a major factor as his team went down 1-0 to Shepparton in Sunday's North Eastern Soccer League Grand Final.

The first-year coach, who also has a role at Melbourne club Werribee, said he was yet to make a decision if he would be back in the league next year.

``Some of the kids got emotional and felt the pressure and didn't perform like they did in the first final,'' Impellizzeri said.

``I was still proud of the team and there are a lot of young players who are the future of this club who played today.

``We had chances to go in front and equalise, but (Shepparton's) keeper did very well.''

Impellizzeri said he would consider coming back to the Victory next season.

``If a new coach does have to take this team over they must know that there is a lot of potential to be a very strong club,'' he said.

Shepparton South took out the men's division two title on Sunday with a 1-0 win against Shepparton United.

The game's only goal, scored by Joel Patafio, was shrouded in controversy after hundreds of fans saw it go more than a metre outside the byline.

South went on to score while the United defence protested.

But to South's credit it held out the Blues' best attempts to find a way back into the match, the game ended with two United players shown red cards.

South's D'arcy Kilmartin was given the referees' award for best on ground.