Victory salutes again

May 13 2008

Shepparton News

Cobram Victory dominated from start to finish to defeat Shepparton United 5-0 in North Eastern Soccer League at Central Park on Sunday.

The Victory maintained top spot with the win, while Shepparton United fell out of the top four due to Tatura picking up three points for a bye.

Victory opened the scoring in the opening minutes through Marc Startari and bar one slip at the back held sway until half-time.

But United nearly equalised straight after Startari's opener after Victory goalkeeper Angelo Bufalino was caught off his line for a corner.

Bufalino was left remonstrating on the sideline with the assistant referee as to why a corner had been paid to United and not a throw-in.

But even with an empty net Victory managed to defend United's quickly taken corner and clear the danger.

Joey Crea then showed dazzling pace down the left flank to round the United defence and square to Frank Bazzano for a cool finish and 2-0.

Things did not improve much for United in the second half as a goal sliding in at the right hand post to Nick Mantovani gave Victory a 3-0 margin.

Crea then scored a goal of his own for 4-0 with a neat finish before Nazz Santoro won and converted a penalty to round out the 5-0 win.

United hit the bar from a Steve Retzos free kick in the second half, while Jimmy Avram also skied a chance over the bar after getting a foot to an inswinging corner.

Victory coach Gianfranco Impellizzeri said his side's fourth win in as many games showed it was a serious contender to the title.

``The boys put in another solid performance and although they missed a few opportunities in the first half I'm pleased with how they played,'' Impellizzeri said.

``We can make a statement now about going for the title.

``I think Seb Fichera was one of our best today because he kept us secure in defence.''