Knights are not ready to concede defeat

July 11 2008

Shepparton News

Numurkah is not writing off its women's North Eastern Soccer League season just yet as it approaches a tough test against Shepparton on Sunday.

Knights coach John Vanderzwaan said his team still had enough games left to mount a push for the top four.

Shepparton sits comfortably in the top four, entering the weekend in third on 24 points, 10 clear of fifth-placed Cobram Victory and 11 ahead of sixth-placed Numurkah.

Vanderzwaan said his team would start underdog against Shepparton, but said falling further off the pace this week did not necessarily mean their season was finished.

``I think Shepparton is one of the two strongest teams in the league and are headed for the grand final,'' Vanderzwaan said.

``We've got a full round of games against every other team after this match, so it's still too early to say we can't make it.''

Gabby Gasparroni's knee injury is set to keep her out of action for another three weeks, while Vanderzwaan will have an otherwise full squad to choose from before World Youth Day robs him of players next weekend.

Shepparton United plays Tatura in a match the Blues can all but seal top spot with.

United enters the round on 39 points, 14 ahead of second-placed Tatura on 25.

The Blues will welcome back league top scorer Jess Theobald from holidays as well as Dana Karolidis, Rachael Coulburn and defender Daneille Zeqir.

United coach Megan Carr said her team was coming to terms with playing a 21-game season after last year's 14-game season.

``We've addressed the season extension as a team and mixed things up a bit at training,'' Carr said.

``In a long season like this, keeping the girls motivated is important.''

In other games, Cobram hosts Kyabram, while Shepparton South is at home to Cobram Victory.