Clash of the titans looms

July 26 2014

Shepparton News

The battle for second place and a second chance in Goulburn North East Football Association’s open women’s division could be decided tomorrow when Cobram travels to Kyabram.

Kyabram Phoenix is a point behind the second-placed Tigers despite having played a game more, making three points vital to the Phoenix’s cause.

Phoenix coach George Traianidis believes the result will determine who finishes second and wins a second chance in the final series.

The two played out a 0-0 draw in May, but the Phoenix will need a more decisive result at home tomorrow.

‘‘They’ve got the game in hand, so they’ve got the advantage,’’ Traianidis said.

‘‘Last time we played they had a couple out and so did we.

‘‘Whoever wins this will end up with the second chance I think.’’

Kyabram’s form has been up and down thus far this season, but the introduction of Suzan Tanrikulu has vastly improved the Phoenix’s fortunes.

The forward has scored seven goals in three games for the Phoenix, helping the team to two wins and a draw from its past three games, including a hat-trick in a 3-3 draw with league leader Shepparton South.

Cobram, on the other hand, has not lost since its season opening defeat to Shepparton.

In the seven games since, the Tigers have booted 36 goals — 29 of those coming against Tatura.

Jessica Gannaway leads the Tigers’ goal-scoring with 17 to her name from seven appearances and will have to be at her best to overcome a Phoenix side that has proven only one of two teams that have managed to keep the Tigers scoreless this season.

Tanrikulu takes on a similar importance for the Phoenix, who Traianidis says will be at full strength.

‘‘We’ve got to keep our strikers intact and if we can nullify their attack and Suzan hits her mark I think we can win,’’ Traianidis said.

‘‘I think the competition as a whole is improving and there are some good kids coming up from the 16s, so we can’t take anyone lightly.

‘‘But this is definitely a game we just have to win.’’