Spurred into action

July 1 2008

Shepparton News

A dramatic double-strike in the dying moments has seen Cobram Victory retain top spot on the North Eastern Soccer League ladder as it defeated Tatura 3-2 on Sunday.

A red card to defender Sebastian Fichera sparked Cobram Victory into action as its 10-men rallied from 2-0 down with three goals in the last 15 minutes.

The win sees Victory lead the men's division one table with 31 points, Shepparton snapping at its heels on 30.

Tatura led 1-0 at half-time through Carmelo Bazzano, while a David Turkovic header gave it a 2-0 cushion in the second.

But Fichera's dismissal sparked Victory into action, Nick Mantovani chasing down a long ball and converting a one-on-one with Tatura goalkeeper Nathan Beavis to give Victory a lifeline.

A Tatura hand-ball then sent Victory striker Frank Bazzano to the penalty spot, but Beavis saved the spot-kick to keep the Ibises in the lead.

But Victory was not to be denied, Joey Crea sprinting down the middle of the park and finishing from the top of the penalty area to level the scores, before Mantovani scored his second of the day after getting on the end of a Nathan Thomas long ball to loop a shot into the back of the net.

``Tatura have improved a lot, but we were very determined and our boys showed character to win,'' Victory coach Gianfranco Impellizzeri said.

``We had enough of the possession, but it was Tatura who had two goals.

``It was one of those games a lot of people have never seen before and might never see again.

``In the end there was eight minutes of stoppage time after the red card and some injuries.''

Injured Victory player Michael Startari said his teammates were stung into action after some motivation from Tatura's fans.

``They had plenty to say at 2-0 up and when the red card came out the boys had heard enough,'' Startari said.

``After the game it was a mixture of celebration and relief, the comeback came out of nowhere.''