Shepparton United's Hassan Alhilfi shows how much it means to him after scoring for his side.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
Shepparton United asserted its dominance over local rival Shepparton with a commanding second-half performance at Vibert Reserve at the weekend.
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Reds star Bryan Nyetam-Mawo shattered the 37-minute stalemate, only for Hassan Alhilfi to level the score for the visitors just before half-time, leaving both teams deadlocked at one-all in the Bendigo Amateur Soccer League match.
After the break, United unleashed a blistering attack, hammering home three goals in 12 minutes. Marcus Thomas netted twice, while Mohammad Baqiri added another, propelling United to a commanding 4-1 lead.
Nyetam-Mawo’s second goal was a late consolation for the Reds, but United nonetheless extended its unbeaten streak to four games, currently third but riding a wave of momentum into finals.
Meanwhile, ladder leader Tatura was forced to scramble to steal a point against Strathdale at Howley Oval.
Cody Sellwood found the back of the net for the Ibises early in the clash, but an own goal in the 52nd minute and a lead-snatching effort from Darius Thomas three minutes later had Strathdale threaten an upset.
Xavier Black levelled proceedings in the 70th minute and scores remained locked 2-2 in what was a thrilling encounter, with a single point all that was needed for Strathdale to lock in the sixth and last spot in finals.
The Ibises’ grip on the top spot is now under serious threat from Shepparton South, which has surged to equal points after a convincing 3-0 victory over Epsom at McEwen Reserve.
Nick Murphy, Craig Mathieson, and Liam Nash hit the scoreboard after an early arm-wrestle against the Scorpions, setting up a battle for top spot in the final round of the season this weekend against the Ibises.
Shepparton celebrate a goal.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
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Shepparton brought the energy in the local derby.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
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Shepparton United's Hussan Alhilfi embraces his teammate.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
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Shepparton United's Willie Sauiluma makes his move.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
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Shepparton's Abdullah Farhood gets around his opponent.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
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Shepparton United's Thomas Raditsas and Shepparton's Bryan Nyetam-Mawo compete to win a header.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
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Shepparton's Abbas Al Gazaly (left) and Shepparton United’s Samip Magar lock horns.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
In the women’s competition, it was a busy week for Shepparton United’s Rosemarene Legalo.
Legalo struck a match-winning brace against Tatura in a rescheduled Thursday evening hit-out before putting the Border Raiders to the sword with five goals in a 9-0 victory.
The result has more or less sewn up second spot for the Blues and a second versus third clash against Strathfieldsaye this weekend will be a good tune up heading into finals.
But still at the top of the food chain is Spring Gully, which despite a solid first-half challenge from Shepparton South went on to clinch a 3-0 win at McEwen Reserve.
The black and white brigade will require victory against Tatura to ensure its place in finals, two points clear inside the top echelon.
The Ibises threatened to dislodge Strathfieldsaye in their clash after Cayla Ruijters equalised in the 68th minute, but the Colts stole a late goal to pip Tatura 2-1.
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