Shepparton United's Thomas Raditsas and Craig Mathieson stake their claim for possession.
Photo by
Holly Daniel
The latest Shepparton derby between South and United delivered another enthralling contest in the first home and away meeting between the two clubs since the 2-2 draw in round one.
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But this time, there was no splitting of the points at McEwen Reserve.
South’s Joel Aitken swooped on a Liam Nash free kick in the box on the eve of half-time to send the black and white army into raptures and his side into the main break 1-0 over the old enemy.
Seven cards shown by the referee underscored the contested nature of this Bendigo Amateur Soccer League game and, against one of the best attacking teams in the division, South was made to play to the line.
It was reduced to 10 men after Aitken drew a second yellow with seven minutes of regular time to play, but the back of some assured defensive craft from Lewis Coyle and hard-working input from midfielders Nathan Cirillo and Nash, it nonetheless managed to hang on for an important three points.
“We defended fantastically for a start,” South coach Luke Viney said.
“I can't really remember us being under too much pressure in our backline.
“We know they’re great in attack, United, so we took the sting out of their attack and just managed to keep them at bay for 90 minutes.
“Nathan Cirillo in the midfield … I don't think I've seen anyone run as much on a football field as he did yesterday.
“Lewis Coyle has been out injured and he's making his return, but he was solid at the back and winning headers in his own area.
“Liam Nash was another one that put in a massive shift.”
Two Shepparton South defenders block the passage of the ball.
Photo by
Holly Daniel
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Battling for possession in the local derby.
Photo by
Holly Daniel
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Marcus Thomas chops off a pass.
Photo by
Holly Daniel
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Shepparton South's Trent Newbound lays a tackle on Marcus Thomas.
Photo by
Holly Daniel
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Greg Nash tracks the ball.
Photo by
Holly Daniel
Now only two points shy of league leader Eaglehawk, Viney said it was a pleasing result after some “disappointing” fadeouts, including a battling defeat to the Hawks last start.
But add in the return of skipper Nathan Radevski against United, a third-placed South will launch into the upcoming clash against Strathdale with designs on top spot and a full complement at its back.
“It's been one of those seasons where I think we've played well, but I think we know we can play better and get the results that we need,” he said.
“There's been a few games where we've come away feeling a little bit disappointed with our performances; not being clinical enough and finishing off games and then dropping points in those areas.
“We are where we want to be, but I still think we've got more to go.”
Tatura joined South in the winner’s circle for a fourth consecutive win, but it was made to work for it at Vibert Reserve.
Shepparton pushed the reigning champion all the way to the whistle, but Gerald Corbo’s fourth goal of the season broke the heart of the host in the 88th minute.
La Trobe University rounded out the men’s action with a 6-2 win over Epsom.
In the women’s competition, Tatura fired off six goals against Border Raiders, with Grainne Egan responsible for four of them as the Ibises consolidated their spot in the top five.
Shepparton United shook off South after a competitive first half, Janna Lawson striking two goals in as many minutes to cancel out Keira Muskee’s en route to a 3-1 triumph.
Meanwhile, Spring Gully expanded its stranglehold on the competition to eight games with a 2-0 win over a spirited La Trobe.
