Shepparton South's Malivai Daninthe soars over Shepparton United's Hassan Alhilfi.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Shepparton derby bragging rights are bound for the black and white end of McEwen Reserve.
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Shepparton South produced what coach Isaac Brooker described as his side’s best performance of the season in the first meeting since last year’s grand final, exacting a modicum of revenge in a typically fiery showdown against co-tenant Shepparton United.
Deadlocked for 51 minutes with chances shared, an injured Brooker made way for Joel Aitken to great effect, the latter netting the game-winner.
The Blues couldn’t reel in a reply as South’s defenders held firm, handing the reigning champions their first defeat of the season.
Brooker said it was a benchmark-setting performance from his charges.
“It was definitely our best performance of the season,” the South gaffer said.
“It really set the standard for us. Our goal for the season is to play like that week in, week out.
“(United) is a really good team and they have a lot of good attacking players.
“We did our homework and analysis, we planned accordingly, and the boys took it on board.
“Our goal was to make it a tough battle and we knew our chances would come in the second half.”
Shepparton South's Isaac Brooker uses his head against Shepparton United's Joseph Sepe.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
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Shepparton United's Joseph Sepe passes.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
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Shepparton South's Lleyton Pain clears the ball.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
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Shepparton South's Nathan Cirillo launches the ball down field.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
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Shepparton United's Hassan Alhilfi escapes Shepparton South's Ali Naveed.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
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Shepparton United's Imran Ali Mohammadi goes long.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
The round five win marks a swift turnaround for Shepparton South, which was beaten 5-0 by Tatura the week prior.
The Ibises weren’t quite as comfortable a winner out at Eaglehawk, but a 2-1 result was enough to keep them perched on the top rung of the League 1 table.
Zach Hasty opened the Eagles’ account, holding a 1-0 lead for 45 minutes before Tristan Zito and Xavier Black’s double strike saw Tatura steal the lead back.
A red card to Brodie Pena left the Ibises to navigate a nervy final stage with 10 men, holding on for a fifth consecutive win.
Elsewhere, Shepparton SC had no answer for Spring Gully in an 11-1 loss, while Strathdale and Golden City rounded out the winners’ list.
A similarly tense McEwen derby took place in the women’s competition, but neither Shepparton United or Shepparton South could find a winner in the nil-all draw.
Tatura had no such issues hitting the back of the net, claiming its first win of the League 1 women’s season in dominant fashion.
Grainne Egan netted a brace while Cayla Ruijters and Gabriella Attwell struck truly to salute 4-0 over Eaglehawk.
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