South secures berth

August 19 2008

Shepparton News

Shepparton South has booked its ticket to the North Eastern Soccer League men's division one finals with a 1-1 draw against reigning premier Shepparton on Sunday.

Both teams got on the scoresheet from the penalty spot, with Shepparton South's Luke Nardella converting his late in the first half, while leading striker Stuart Vance put the Reds back on level terms with about 25 minutes to go in the match.

But the point is a big one for the Southerners, who would have to lose to Cobram Victory by 11 goals or more and require Shepparton United and Tatura to draw in the last round, to miss out on a final berth.

``We were looking for a win, but when we got in and worked it all out, we're really happy with the result,'' Shepparton South coach Serkan Aktas said.

``It had been a progression, we had been competitive against them in previous games and we know we can match it with them.

``I thought we controlled the game and our defence was really good, we didn't give them any room.

``Now we can concentrate on the finals, even though we don't have to get a result against Cobram Victory, we still want them to know we're there.''

The Reds got a big scare in the 50th minute when coach Andy Ingham went down with a knee injury and had to be stretchered off, but the star brushed aside any fears that his season is over yesterday.

``It was just precautionary, I thought I heard a snap and I was pretty worried,'' Ingham said.

``But I iced it all night and it's just a bit stiff today, so I won't play on Sunday and then hopefully I'll get it right for the start of the finals.''

Ingham said the Southerners are a dangerous side.

``They're a good team and have a really strong midfield and we didn't turn up in the right frame of mind,'' he said.

``From all reports we were better in the second half and a draw was probably a fair result.''