CONFIDENT HE CAN SHEPHERD LADS PAST ROAR

2 May 2015

Shepparton News - By Gregor Mactaggart

He may be a long way from his home of Milton Keynes, but life at Tatura is suiting Ben Shepherd just fine.

Shepherd, 23, is in his first season as playing-coach of the Ibises and enjoyed a dream start to his tenure when Tatura put seven goals past Shepparton United in round one of the FFV Goulburn North East division one season.

A West Ham supporter, Shepherd first arrived in the region last year as an import for Shepparton United, but switched clubs when offered the chance to be in charge of his own team.

‘‘I definitely wanted to do it (coach) one day and the opportunity presented itself at Tatura,’’ Shepherd said.

‘‘I’m really enjoying it so far and they’re a great group of lads.’’

One of those lads is Jared Cunniff, a long-time friend of Shepherd, who has made a big impression in Goulburn Valley football.

Cunniff’s four-goal haul in the opening round 7-1 demolition of Shepparton United took his top-flight record in Australia to 22 goals in 11 matches.

‘‘It is easier that you already know someone when you walk into a new club,’’ he said.

‘‘He’s a great player with a wonderful work ethic and lethal around goal, when he gets an opportunity, he usually takes it.

‘‘Jared and Turko (David Turkovic) have formed a good partnership up front, Turko is the target man and Jared works off him.’’

Tatura will look to extend its fine start when it plays host to fellow unbeaten side Cobram Roar at Howley Oval tomorrow and has been boosted by the return of centre-back Adrian Corbo.

Roar has not conceded a goal in more than 180 minutes of play and finding the key to unlocking that defence will be decisive according to Shepherd.

‘‘Cobram has been good defensively in its first two games, especially that 1-0 away win over South in the first round,’’ he said.

‘‘We’ve prepared well for the game and feel like we can get a result.’’

Kick-off is at 3 pm in that game and the other round three contest, with Shepparton hosting South.

South is fresh from its first win of the year against United, while the Reds will be looking to bounce back following a 5-0 away loss to Cobram Roar last weekend.

Shepparton United has the bye.

In women’s top-f light action, Shepparton hosts Shepparton South at Rumbalara from 11 am and Tatura plays CobramRoar at Howley Oval, with kick-off at 11 am.