Ibises close to finals berth, but wins are vital

By Teo Pellizzeri

August 14 2009

Shepparton News

Tatura is agonisingly close to qualifying for the top four of women's Goulburn North East Football Association, but must go through the league's top two teams to get there.

The Ibises, fourth with 24 points, can seal safety in the finals by getting to 27, meaning two draws in its last two matches against Shepparton United and Shepparton South will not necessarily be enough.

Chasing Tatura is fifthplaced Cobram Victory and sixth-placed Cobram on 20 points, with Benalla on 19 points not out of the frame if results fall its way.

Tatura drew 1-1 with Shepparton United in June and coach Mark Johansson was fairly sure this weekend's match would be an equally tense affair.

The Ibises bring good goal-scoring form into the match off the back of a 5-0 win against Kyabram last week.

But Johansson said 11-goal forward Rosemary Scrimizzi had been given a training session off to recover from a knock to the head and concerns of a concussion from the Kyabram match.

"We're definitely going out for the win," Johansson said.

"In saying that it's going to be a tough game because United always fire up after they lose and both teams will want to attack."

Johansson also praised the midfield work of youngster Derya Tanrikulu, the 16-year-old was a prolific scorer when she won the best and fairest in 2007 but has found the net just once this year on the comeback from injury.

"There's no pressure on Derya, she's playing a midfield role," Johansson said.

"Just about every goal that's been scored this year has come through our backline and through the midfield with Derya.

"Her and the rest of the midfield play a big part in setting up the goals, that's the style of football I like to see played."

In other open women's matches this weekend, Shepparton's top-two hopes go on the line against Benalla, Numurkah plays Cobram Victory and Cobram hosts Shepparton South.