South prepared to give all

 

By Teo Pellizzeri

June 15 2007

Shepparton News

Shepparton South hosts winless Tatura in this weekend's match of the round in North Eastern Soccer League.

Starting the round five points from a top-four place, the pressure is already on South to keep its season alive.

South coach Serkan Aktas believes a finals spot is on the line.

"The rivalry between South and Tatura is a friendly one," Aktas said.

"But I hear that if they beat us they don't care if they beat any other teams for the year.

"They're winless, but we've only got one win ourselves.

"There's no point holding back, whoever scores the first few goals will get on top and run away, I think."

Aktas singled out Luke Nardella and Korhan Gulec as players who needed big performances in order to bring home South's second win.

Tatura is on a five-match losing streak, but coach Rocky Papalia is confident his side has jelled and will bounce back from the 4-1 loss to Cobram in round seven.

"We believe we can really match South," Papalia said.

"We didn't have a bad performance against Cobram two weeks ago, as we were pushing forward at 2-1 down and they got the quick goals at the end."

Papalia believes his 16-year-old attacking midfielder Adam Rando will be an important link man in finding the net.

"He's stepped up from the juniors and been one of our best this year," Papalia said.

"I can't call him a junior any more because the way he's been playing has been outstanding."

Papalia will also unveil new signing Spiro Vourgaslis, who scored two goals this season for former club Northcote City in the state league second division before moving to Tatura.

In other round eight matches, Shepparton United travels to Yoogali and top team Hanwood will visit seventh-placed Cobram