Imports' influence could be pivotal in determining outcome - September 12 2008
Imports' influence could be pivotal in determining outcome
September 12 2008
Shepparton News
Old school rivals Shepparton and Shepparton United are set to go to war in North Eastern Soccer League this weekend with a place in the men's grand final on offer at McEwen Reserve on Sunday.
The minor premier Reds will be trying to avoid a straight sets exit against the Blues in the preliminary final as Cobram Victory awaits the winner in the season decider.
A showdown between in-form United Kingdom imports Sam Smith (Shepparton) and Bruce Hogg (United) will go a long way to deciding the contest after both players took control of their respective matches last week.
Smith outlasted Cobram Victory playmaker Frank Bazzano in the qualifying final, vital in setting up Shepparton's waves of attacking play.
But the former professional will be out to make amends for his penalty miss in the shoot-out that saw Victory win the match.
Hogg turned the momentum in United's match against Shepparton South with a thunderbolt goal in the first half, before saving the day for the Blues with the equalising goal late in the second.
``He's fit and strong, has a great left peg and covers a lot of ground,'' Shepparton coach Andy Ingham said of Hogg.
``But Sam Smith produced as good a performance as I've seen in a long time last week and he is a player of great quality.
``We feel he can do that again and give United plenty to think about in their backline.''
Ingham is unlikely to suit up for the match, still nursing a knee injury that kept him out last week.
Central defender David Davkovski was substituted on for the penalty shoot-out only last week, but might play a bigger role off the bench on Sunday.
Shepparton's teenage forward line of Papi Mukasa and Tim Brown did the scoring for the Reds last week, Ingham backing them to perform again.
``Last week will have given everyone belief, as I felt we were the better team over 120 minutes,'' he said.
``We all know against United that it's about commitment and desire as much as anything.''
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.