Shepparton United celebrate after a goal.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
Shepparton Soccer Club put a round one forfeit and concerns about its immediate viability to bed with its first appearance for the FV Greater Bendigo League 1 season.
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However, its first assignment against a rampant Shepparton United took some of the wind out of the sails of the Connor McLaughlin-helmed Reds’ return to the pitch at Vibert Reserve at the weekend.
The Blues fired off 11 goals and allowed none the other way to keep a firm grip on top spot, and Abdullah Farhood coming back to haunt his old side with four goals.
Willie Sauiluma backed up his five first-round goals with two more against the Reds, while Caleb Enders contributed with a brace of his own to make it two from two for the men in Blue.
Taking keep your eyes on the ball to a new level.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
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Shepparton United's Willie Sauiluma sinks the boot in.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
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Players battle for possession.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
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Shepparton SC's Michele Amos attempts to cut off Willie Sauiluma.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
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Shepparton SC's Mohamad Alsharifi passes under pressure.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
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Shepparton SC goalkeeper Mustafa Al-Shejer comes out to stop United's attack on goal.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
Out at Howley Oval, Tatura marked an historic maiden home Saturday fixture with a 7-2 drubbing of Spring Gully.
The Ibises were off the mark immediately through goal-scoring maestro Xavier Black in the first minute of the game but were pierced defensively in the 22nd with Jacob Floyd levelling proceedings.
Ibises’ Justin Milic provided the immediate reply and a double strike closing on half-time from Tristan Zito, alongside a converted penalty from Gerald Corbo, saw Tatura head into the rooms 4-1 to the good.
Black doubled his haul shortly after the half-time whistle to put the game to bed, and Zach Ferlauto and Aaron Niglia proved an effective one-two punch to seal a dominant win.
Meanwhile, a Trent Newbound brace helped 2025 grand finalist Shepparton South keep its record unblemished with the black and white making the trip out to Eaglehawk.
Typically billed as a tough match-up down the highway, the game lived up to that until half-time, with the 1-0 scoreline blowing out to 4-0 after new coach Isaac Brooker and Murtaza Gulzari handed South the sealing goals.
Elsewhere, Epsom beat Golden City 3-2 while Strathdale rebounded from its first-up loss to South with a 3-0 result against La Trobe University.
In the women’s League 1 competition, Shepparton United sealed a memorable win on the road against reigning champions Strathfieldsaye Colts.
A tense encounter at Strathfieldsaye Reserve was broken up by a Rebecca Berry penalty that saw the Colts take a 1-0 lead heading into the main break, and with five minutes to play, it looked as if they would hold on.
Instead, the Colts were stunned as round one Blues debutant Lilli Wilson scored the equaliser before Olivia Loverso’s low corner in the 90th minute found skipper Sarah Loverso in the box, curling the ball into the left corner of the net to snatch a remarkable 2-1 victory.
Shepparton South joined the Blues on the winners’ list courtesy of a 5-0 thumping of Eaglehawk, Alexis Pearson scoring twice in the victory.
Tatura found the going tough in an 8-0 loss to Spring Gully while La Trobe clinched a classic 3-2 win over Castlemaine Goldfields.
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