Coach lauds Blues keeper

September 15 2009

Shepparton News

Shepparton United coach Jason Mulkeen has lauded the performance of goalkeeper Joe Perkovic{aac} after the shotstopper's outstanding display helped the Blues defeat Shepparton 1-0 in the preliminary final on Sunday.

United will take on Shepparton South in the men's final of Goulburn North East Football Association after stunning Shepparton and eliminating the back-to-back reigning premier.

Perkovic{aac} was the difference between a heavy loss and United's 1-0 defeat to South in last week's qualifying final and went a step better by commanding the Blues' penalty area and making a vital close-range save from Shepparton striker Duncan Whitlam.

"Joey's quality, no disrespect to Robbie (Taylor) at Shepp South but I put him on a pedestal as the best in this league," Mulkeen said.

"Our players knew what was at stake, to be so close to that grand final they did what they had to do.

"There were some desperate tackles, some great saves by Joey and some gut-wrenching running that got us through in the end."

Mulkeen said he was nervous in the 88th minute when Andy Rushbury caught out Perkovic{aac}, but was unable to shoot the ball.

"They had their chances but in saying that we stayed composed until the last minute," Mulkeen said.

"We're a very fast side, Shepparton had a very experienced side which may have made up for a lack of pace.

"The state of the field was pretty disappointing, for the second biggest game of the year we played in terrible conditions."

Shepparton coach Jean-Claude Giuca was unhappy his team was not given the best opportunity to play.

"We were that close to calling it off, that is a disgrace out there," he said.

"The league needs to address health and safety reasons for players."

Giuca's team was seventh and secondlast after round eight before making its run to the preliminary final.

"But we didn't win and we're still disappointed," he said.