Ibises hold firm under pressure

Teo Pellizzeri

May 13 2008

Shepparton News

Tatura held off a late charge from Numurkah on Sunday to win 3-2 and announce itself as the number one contender to Shepparton United in the women's North Eastern Soccer League.

The Ibises now hold outright second position on the ladder with 12 points, two ahead of Cobram and six behind Shepparton United.

Despite the defeat Numurkah has held fourth spot on goal difference from Cobram Victory.

Tatura made hard work of its win, a 3-0 lead cut back to 3-2 by Numurkah goals from Stacey Tomasino and Kasey Senior.

But Numurkah had no golden opportunity to level the match, Tatura holding out for its fourth straight away win.

Tatura's goals came from a Mikayla Lia free kick, a close range shot from Rosemary Scrimizzi and a run and finish down the right flank by Derya Tanrikulu.

Tatura coach Rocco Bagnato said Suzan Tanrikulu in defence had been an integral part of keeping Numurkah at bay with the game on the line.

``We had chances to make it 4-2, so it wasn't all one-way,'' Bagnato said.

``We've got to turn around and play Shepparton United next, but it's come at a bad time.

``Derya and Sophie Findlay will be with the Bendigo Vipers and we'll also be without Rosemary and Louisa Scrimizzi who are going overseas.''

At Central Park it was six wins from six for Shepparton United as an early Cobram Victory goal stung the Blues into action in a 5-1 win.

Alexandra Nielsen put Victory in front after six minutes, but United swept to the lead with three goals before half-time.

Jess Theobald netted twice for United to take her season's tally to 15, while Holly Dimstas, Allyson Newton and Megan Carr scored the other goals.

Victory had chances to claw back into the game, but hit the post twice in a minute at 4-1 down after a Georgia Oudeman corner created havoc in the United penalty area.

Imogen Head was the standout player for the Blues, but had a luckless time in front of goal, hitting the crossbar late in the match