Bounce bumps Blues

September 22 2009

Shepparton News

Shepparton South has won its first women's Goulburn North East Football Association premiership after a hard-fought 1-0 win against Shepparton United at Tatura Park on Sunday.

The Southerners ended Shepparton United's triple premiership defence by the narrowest of margins after taking a first half lead and seeing off the best the Blues had to offer in reply.

South scraped in the game's only goal on 37 minutes when a highbouncing kick from Bonnie Kilmartin looped over the outstretched arms of United goalkeeper Sheridan Fairless.

Fairless, defender Katerina Dimitriadis and South's Lucille Clarke all chased the ball as it bounced towards the line, with Clarke appearing to get the final touch before the ball crossed.

Dimitriadis kicked the ball away but the referee's assistant had already signalled a goal.

Kilmartin was credited by the referee as having scored the goal, the lead an unexpected bonus for South after a first half in which it created the best of limited opportunities.

United was unable to create any fluent attacking play in the second half, with South keeping the ball in its attacking half while repelling the Blues' forward thrusts through stern defence from Katie Baker and Beth Kilmartin.

Holly Dimstas eventually manufactured a shot on goal in the 69th minute, but it was not powerful enough to beat South goalkeeper Brioni Serafini.

Seconds later a speculative attempt from distance by Allyson Newton clattered off the post and away from danger, it was United's last genuine chance to level the game.

Findlay was one of South's hardest workers in midfield and was rewarded with the best on ground trophy.

"We didn't click today and didn't play well, full credit to Shepp South," United coach George Traianidis said.

"Both sides are similar and whoever took their chances was going to win, we were unlucky and hit the post and sometimes it's not your day.

"I told the girls after the game nobody gave us much hope to make the finals, we're disappointed we lost but I think our young players learnt a lot this year."