South weathers storm to roll Reds - September 2 2014
South weathers storm to roll Reds
Matthew Galea
September 2 2014
Shepparton News
After coming through an early storm unscathed, Shepparton South booked its spot in the Goulburn North East Football Association open women’s grand final.
The Southerners struggled to get a kick of the ball for the first 10 minutes of their second semi-final against Shepparton, but some sterling defensive work ensured Adelle Connor’s goal remained intact.
South coach Ralph Giuliani ran out of superlatives to describe Grace Zito’s performance at the back and she was integral in ensuring the Southerners coped with the seemingly unrelenting pressure coming from the Reds.
With the worst behind them, the Southerners worked their way into the game and eventually gained control with Tearnie Brown and Alanna Scopelliti directing things from the midfield.
Brown turned that control into a lead midway through the first half when she fired a rasping shot home from distance to put the Southerners ahead.
The first goal proved the most important and settled the nerves of the South players, who were comfortable in keeping possession.
The Reds adopted a direct approach to chase the game, but Zito and the rest of the defensive unit she marshalled superbly was equal to whatever Uwe Paffrath’s side could muster.
Giuliani’s side doubled its advantage after 15 minutes of the second half when Samantha Mackay scored a poacher’s effort after an error from Shepparton keeper Rebecca Bowles.
It was an unfortunate blow for Bowles, who was outstanding all day and kept the Reds in the game as her goal came under increasing pressure from South’s midfielders and forwards.
The game finished 2-0 and Giuliani could not help but be delighted with the result.
‘‘Grace was stupendous at the back and it was really hot there for 10 minutes at the start,’’ Giuliani said.
‘‘We could not get a kick, but once we got through that I thought we controlled the game.
‘‘We get a week off now and that will be good for the girls and it will let us be at full strength for the grand final.’’
Comments
Comment Guidelines: The SportsTG Network is made up of players, families and passionate sports followers like you who have a strong opinion about sport. That's great - we want you to have your say and share your thoughts with the world. However, we have a few rules that you must follow to keep it fun for all. Please don't be rude, abusive, swear or vilify others. Apart from some pretty serious sport sanctions, we also can ban you and report you if things get out of hand. So play fair and have fun, and thanks for your contribution.