Shepparton United’s Maria Villani scored two goals in her side’s big win over Eaglehawk.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
Shepparton United’s League 1 women’s squad walked away from Female Football Week with more than a 6-0 win over Eaglehawk.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
The Blues were clinical against the bottom-placed Eagles at Epsom Huntly Reserve in round six, with Maria Villani scoring at the double to help United notch its third win.
It was one of 40 fixtures held in Bendigo at the weekend for the annual celebration of women and girls contribution to soccer, and a Blues stalwart’s own efforts saw her recognised with one of the day’s top gongs.
Sheridan Fairless was named Coach of the Year in the Volunteer Awards section of proceedings, the long-time Blues’ member and senior women’s and under-16s coach saying it’s a nice recognition.
“I was quite grateful to the club for nominating me for that,” Fairless said.
“You don't necessarily do it for the recognition, but it's nice.
“It’s great that Football Victoria do have those awards during Female Football week so we can take the opportunity to recognise some of the great volunteers that we have at every club across the league.
“We're very lucky - the sport wouldn't run without volunteers.”
Shepparton United mentor Sheridan Fairless was awarded the Coach of the Year accolade at the Female Football Week festivities in Bendigo.
On the pitch, Fairless said she was thrilled to see her side shake a frustrating first half to fire off six second-half goals, led by rising star Lexi Boswell through the midfield alongside Lilli Wilson and Olivia Loverso.
“We were just a bit rushed in the first half to be honest,” Fairless said.
“We probably had 95% of the play but were quite rushed with it.
“Lilli really hustled in the middle and Liv did a great job on the left.
“(Boswell) is a really nice story in terms of coming up through our junior program and now playing into our seniors, who are very young still.
“She’s absolutely killing it and it’s nice to have one of our kids who's come through the program performing quite well at senior level.”
Victory sees United settle into second place behind unbeaten Spring Gully, who defeated Castlemaine-Goldfields 4-2.
Also keeping a clean sheet is Shepparton South, with a Samantha Comline brace helping them to a 2-0 win over La Trobe University.
Grainne Egan once again proved her goal-scoring lethality with a hat-trick in Tatura’s 4-0 win over Kyneton.
Ibises maintain ruthless edge
Tatura’s unbeaten run in the League 1 men’s competition continued with an 11-2 trouncing of Epsom.
Aaron Niglia fired off four goals and Xavier Black two to help the Ibises to a sixth consecutive win and a healthy boost in goal difference.
Coming off last week’s rousing derby win over Shepparton United, Shepparton South doubled down with a convincing 4-0 against La Trobe University, converting a hard-fought 1-0 lead at the half into a comfortable final buffer thanks to a Declan Kinnane brace.
The Blues, meanwhile, put last week’s 1-0 defeat at the back of their minds with a 5-0 defeat of Eaglehawk.
Rumesh Bartaula opened proceedings in the seventh minute but it was another 63 minutes before the Blues could widen the advantage thanks to Samip Magar.
Two quick goals to Hassan Alhilfi put the game to bed closing in on the final whistle.
Golden City rounded out the winners’ list with a 3-1 triumph over Shepparton SC.
13°C