Dour victories bolster finals aspirations

June 3 2008

Shepparton News

Grinding wins for Shepparton and Tatura boosted the top four ambitions of both sides as the pair won 1-0 in women's North Eastern Soccer League on Sunday.

The Ibises climbed to second spot on the ladder with their victory against Shepparton South, while Shepparton's win saw it jump from fifth to third.

Kyabram kept Shepparton honest in a tough struggle at Mercury Dve as a brilliant Samantha McIntosh goal separated the sides.

Having never won or drawn a game in its 18 months in the women's league, Kyabram's Anna Campanelli and Ros Riley tried to hold out the Reds with tough defence.

But McIntosh broke the deadlock with a stunning free kick from inside the centre circle, her eighth goal of the season.

``It was an incredible free kick and very well taken,'' Kyabram coach Shaun Riley said.

``Our team frustrated Shepparton's forward line otherwise, they fought so hard.

``I'd like to think we are getting closer to a result now because this was by far and away our best performance as a team for a match start to finish.''

Shepparton coach Steve Hawkes said his side was happy to take the points and move up the ladder.

``We came away with the three points, but it felt like a loss,'' Hawkes said.

``Kyabram closed us down and we spent most of the game chasing the ball.''

At McEwen Reserve a Mikayla Lia goal was enough to get Tatura past Shepparton South.

The Ibises moved into second place with the win, while Shepparton South's finals chances suffered from the hit as it remained in seventh place.

Cobram sits in fourth place with 14 points, seven ahead of South.