Pre-season cup to be considered

By Teo Pellizzeri

October 22 2008

Shepparton News

A pre-season cup to lead into the North Eastern Soccer League home and away season is back on the table as an option for clubs across the Goulburn Murray next season.

The potential tournament would lead into the North Eastern league season, replacing the start of what was an elongated home and away campaign this year.

With eight clubs already in the league, a 16-club knock-out competition will open the door for other clubs in country Victoria and NSW to enter.

Hanwood and Yoogali's withdrawal from the league in February left men's division one desperately short of clubs, with only six competing for a top four.

The clubs took late action on season's eve to increase the number of home and away rounds from two to three, meaning 21 straight games for divisions with full numbers (eight) and 15 games for the men.

However talk of Hanwood and Yoogali's senior men's teams returning to the North Eastern league might initiate a move back to each team playing each other twice, meaning potentially seven weeks could be shaved off the home and away season.

It would leave the door open to a preseason competition in April before the start of home and away; round one of this year's North Eastern league was April 6.

Depending on the format of the preseason cup, teams wishing to enter the competition from the Griffith area, Albury Wodonga Football Association and Bendigo Amateur Soccer League might have to play a preliminary round or limit their representation.

North Eastern Soccer League secretary Sam Saracino said feedback on the potential for a pre-season cup would be sought from the existing league clubs.

"It depends on the draw," Saracino said yesterday.

"Whether the clubs play each other twice during the home and away or three times like this year."

The North Eastern league will look to prepare clubs for discussion about a pre-season cup ahead of this year's annual general meeting.