The magic of the Australia Cup will continue for all three Goulburn Valley-based soccer outfits following a sizzling weekend of round-ball action at McEwen Reserve in Shepparton.
Tatura was emphatic in its round one victory over Pakenham United and romped home to claim an 11-1 drubbing in the encounter, while Shepparton South got handed passage through to the second round via a forfeit from Old Xaverians.
Those two outfits now join Shepparton United in the second round of the Australia Cup which will take place this weekend.
The Ibises were dominant from start to finish against their State League 5 opponent on Saturday.
Last year’s Central Victorian League champion put three past the Pakenham United keeper inside the opening 10 minutes of play.
Victory was all but assured by the end of the first half when gun talent Fraser Gosstray scored Tatura’s sixth, and his fourth, goal of the match.
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On the move: Tatura's Aaron Niglia. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 2 of 8
Leading by example: Tatura's Thomas Corso. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 3 of 8
Tangled: Tatura's Cooper Gosstray is met by a challenge from Pakenham United's Aiden O'Rorke. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 4 of 8
Rubbing shoulders: Tatura's Justin Milic jostles for possession from Pakenham United's Nihaal Singh. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 5 of 8
Soft touch: Tatura's Mason Smith. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 6 of 8
On the run: Tatura's Mason Hamilton. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 7 of 8
Good challenge: Pakenham United's Aiden O'Rorke wins the ball from Tatura's Mason Smith. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 8 of 8
Send it long: Pakenham United's Brady Hill. Photo by Rechelle ZammitThe pain continued for the away side as the Ibises kept finding the back of the net, with forward Aaron Niglia registering two second-half goals which had him finish with three for the contest.
Youngster Aiden Resul, Thomas Leech and Justin Milic chipped in with one goal each.
Stand-in coach Thomas Corso was over the moon with the performance from his charges.
“We got out of the gates early and we were really positive on the ball which is something I spoke about before the game to the boys,” he said.
“We knew if we worked hard in that first 20 minutes it would help set us up for the full 90 and that’s ultimately what happened.
“They had a few young talented boys and they caused us a few headaches early on, but I think our experience helped get us on top ... and the boys were very clinical with their chances.”
Corso said the performances from his side’s younger crop of players were among the highlights from the game.
“It was really pleasing because we had three of our young boys shine. Aaron, Mason and Aiden are all stepping up from under-18s into seniors and they would have got plenty of confidence at the weekend,”
“It’s really positive for the club to have them step up and play a role.”
All three Goulburn Valley outfits will learn what awaits them in the second round at Tuesday’s Australia Cup draw.