Reds must fix defence

Matthew Galea

September 6 2014

Shepparton News

Shepparton learned the price of costly mistakes at the back last week.

This week, in the Goulburn North East Football Association open women’s preliminary final, the Reds can’t allow that to happen again.

Shepparton lost its semi-final against Shepparton South 2-0 last week, despite having the Southerners on the back foot for most of the opening 20 minutes.

The Reds failed to capitalise, but had the second chance to fall back on.

They must beat Cobram if they are to make the grand final next week.

The Reds have had the upper hand — just — against the Tigers this season.

Shepparton beat Cobram 3-2, courtesy of goals from Alicia Rowan (two) and Laa Chol, in round one before drawing 0-0 in round eight.

It has been almost two months since they last played, but the Reds have found the better form since.

The Reds had won their past four before losing last week’s semi, while the Tigers only won two of their final four home-and-away games.

Shepparton coach Uwe Paffrath said the girls had suffered a bit of a knock last week, but were enjoying their first finals campaign in many years.

‘‘The women have been out of the running for a number of years now, so to make a grand final would be massive for the club,’’ Paffrath said.

‘‘It’s been good how even the season has been this year, so we’re hoping we can go all the way.

‘‘We were slightly off key last week after some early chances and slight errors in both halves have cost us, but the feeling is still good.’’

Paffrath said he wanted his team to replicate last week’s strong start.

He said taking chances early could be the key.

‘‘We like to attack from the very start and apply that pressure,’’ Paffrath said.

‘‘We feel like if we can get that early goal we can settle into a rhythm and get a hold of midfield.’’

The potency of the Tigers’ forward line — particularly Jess Gannaway — has provided Paffrath with some cause for concern, but he insisted his side would be more focused on its own strengths.