Ibises working on jelling

 

April 28 2012

Shepparton News

Tatura’s women’s side heads to McEwen Reserve for round three of the 2012 Goulburn North East Football Association season intent on improvement.

The Ibises were humbled 18-0 in round one against Cobram Victory, but last week’s bye gave them the opportunity to regroup.

Coach Mimmo Lia said with so many new faces, including several who had never played before, the team needed time to jell together.

‘‘It was good to have a rest last week, some of the girls were pretty sore after the first game,’’ Lia said.

‘‘Until we get a system in place we’re not expecting too much to start with, but we have a team on the park and that’s the main thing.’’

Since the opening match of the season, the club has been boosted by the addition of several new players.

This ensures Lia does not have to resort to promoting players from the club’s under-14 team to fill a side.

Former Numurkah player Kristel van der Zwaan has joined after returning to the area from Queensland.

She will provide some much-needed playing experience alongside on-field leaders Mikayla Lia and Jamie Corbo.

Tomorrow’s opponent Shepparton South followed up a convincing first-up win with a 2-2 draw against Kyabram Phoenix last time out, but coach Dom Marino said he would not be taking Tatura for granted.

‘‘Any game is a learning process and any team can win on their day,’’ Marino said.

Grace Zito had made a great start to the season, with her composed defending and ability to create attacking opportunities from a defensive position.

Midfielder Jacklyn Lombardozzi had been using the ball well and Tearnie Brown’s work on her forward play was paying off with three goals in two games.

In the weekend’s other matches, ladder-leader Shepparton United hosts Shepparton at Central Park and Cobram Victory takes on Cobram in the Cobram derby. Numurkah and Kyabram Phoenix have the bye.

? Shepparton’s favourite soccer son Vince Lia has re-signed with A-League club Wellington Phoenix for another two years.

Lia’s father and Tatura Soccer Club president Mimmo Lia said the contract extension was a great result.

The 27-year-old made 20 appearances for the Phoenix last season.