Shepparton United captain Hassan Alhilfi led his team to victory over Brandon Park at McEwen Reserve
Photo by
Megan Fisher
Shepparton United boss Roven Shaholli hailed his triumphant cup giant-killers after their emphatic victory over Brandon Park in the Australia Cup.
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A potential fairytale run in the knockout competition may be in the offing for United following their 3-0 demolition job in round two and Shepparton’s stars would have been forgiven for harbouring some nerves coming into the winner-takes-all clash.
However, such ruminations failed to show as United flew out of the traps to gain an early foothold in proceedings in the 20th minute via Rumesh Bartaula‘s strike.
The John McEwen Reserve faithful were then treated to another goal on the stroke of half-time from Ermal Marku who benefited from a drop down in the opposition box.
Doubling their advantage just before the interval proved to land a fatal blow on the visitors, as Artour Kirichian and Andre Badro’s ailing troops failed to respond to Shepparton’s spirited display in the opening 45 minutes.
Just to compound Brandon Park’s misery, United’s dogged masterclass finally was capped off with a 92nd minute goal from Noor Baqiri to put the seal on the famous victory.
This impressive performance in front of a jubilant home crowd delighted coach Shaholli who lavished praise on his giant-killers following the game.
He singled out captain Hassan Alhifi for praise, giving special mention to his skipper for his efforts in a famous cup scalp.
“He played a blinder,” he said.
The United boss was eager to place emphasis on the collective, however.
“Both teams started strong and I thought they had the better of us in the first 10 to 15,” he said.
Shepparton United stunned Brandon Park with two goals before half-time.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
“Obviously, they were a very well-organised team and they were up for the challenge. Once they started to deal with the pressure they started to give us and settle into the game, I thought the game was pretty toe-to-toe.
“I thought we looked very dangerous on counter attacks, we hit them a few times. Our boys in defence did really well, they were hit with a lot of long balls but stayed composed.”
Shepparton United’s players put in a dogged display to earn passage to the next round of the cup
Photo by
Megan Fisher
Shaholli felt the defining moment in the clash was the first goal of the evening, which set his side on the path to victory.
The coach reflected on this strike providing a springboard from which his players seized the impetus.
“Once we got that first goal from Rumesh [Bartuala], we weren’t comfortable but our boys really got into the game,” he said.
“We got belief. Having the belief was the hardest thing, knowing how high up they are in the leagues from us. I always had belief in our boys and I had a lot of [players] who had already played in big cups for me.”
Having scored on the stroke of half-time, Shaholli made an attempt to protect his side’s lead, courtesy of some tactical tweaks.
“To go to the changing room as two-up is a dangerous lead,” Shaholli said.
“We had to re-structure ourselves up and the boys took on the information well and they came out second half really strong.”
Shepparton United’s Reza Mohammad was a key contributor in the cup giantkilling
Photo by
Megan Fisher
Looking ahead to the next round of the cup, the Shepparton United helmsman is dreaming of further success in the cup.
“The belief is there now, there’s two weeks until the next game, he said.
”We have to reset and the boys are keen for the next one.
“We’re feeling confident. I can’t wait. We’ll be ready for it.
“The club has nothing to lose. To compete with professionals and semi-professionals, I’m super proud of the boys.”
Following on from United’s round two victory, the next round will see them face Uni Hill Eagles FC.
If they clear this hurdle, the winner of a clash between Moonee Valley Knights SC and Barnstoneworth United FC awaits in round four.
Goulburn Valley Suns’ Australia Cup opponent has also been announced, with the Orangemen to meet National Premier League outfit Green Gully.
