CVL | Gallery | Tatura women fall in thrilling cup final, men’s title race heats up

By Daniel Webb

Aug 8, 2022

Even contest: Alisina Alizada and his Shepparton United teammates battled out a 0-0 draw on Sunday. Photos: Rechelle Zammit Photo by Rechelle Zammit

It was a weekend of mixed results for the region’s Central Victorian League soccer sides as the season draws to a close.

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In the headline game of the weekend, Tatura’s women’s team lost the League Two Cup final in heartbreaking fashion.

The Ibises faced the tricky task of Kyneton District at the Strathfieldsaye Recreation Reserve on Sunday and despite both teams having opportunities, the sides could not be separated.

With scores locked at 0-0 after normal time and extra time, the game went to a penalty shootout, with Kyneton winning 3-2.

Game face: Shepparton United’s Lee Blackburn concentrates. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Tatura coach Damien Rosella said the tough game gave the Ibises a taste of what finals were all about.

“I thought we stood up well to them,” Rosella said.

“But to lose a game on penalties is probably the worst way to lose a game but that’s just the way sport is.

“At the end of the day we’ve just got to move on, we’ve got two games to go in the league and we’ll be concentrating on this week.

“If we win this week we win the flag.”

Rosella said it was a team effort on the day, with Nicola Minicozzi, Amanda Posteraro and goal-keeper Amelia Rando all performing particularly well.

One-on-one: Shepparton United’s Mustafa Abbasi looks to beat his opponent. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Meanwhile, in the League One Men’s competition, the race for top spot remains on, with Shepparton South and Tatura securing wins.

South faced an away day to Strathdale on Saturday afternoon with Rob Harmeston’s men coming away with a 4-0 victory.

This game was South’s to lose from the get-go, with Jamie De Smit opening the scoring just three minutes in.

Eyes on the ball: Shepparton United’s Lewis Coyle throws it in. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

The visiting side doubled its lead half an hour later through Will Keenan, before a second to Craig Carley saw the result sealed.

Head up: Shepparton United’s Daniel Pendovski controls the ball. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

In Tatura, the Ibises etched closer to an equal goal difference with South, downing Spring Gully 8-2.

Supporters in attendance for the Sunday afternoon encounter were treated to plenty of action early, with Tatura’s Christian Corso having his fifth-minute goal cancelled out by a Gully strike just one minute later.

However, from there on in, the game was all red and white.

Focus mode: Shepparton United’s Lee Blackburn prepares for impact. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Fraser Gosstray put the home side back in front in the 13th minute, with two Zachary Ferlauto finishes, a Gerald Corbo goal and a Tristan Zito hat-trick helping the side to another important win.

On the run: Shepparton United’s Mohammad Reza Baqiri turns on the pace. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Meanwhile at McEwen Reserve, Shepparton United shared the points with Eaglehawk.

The 0-0 result leaves United in danger of dropping out of the top four and with just two regular season games to go, what position the side will finish in remains up in the air.