It is shaping up to be an important weekend for a number of the region’s soccer sides, with the regular season drawing to a conclusion.
For Goulburn Valley Suns, Saturday afternoon’s clash will close the curtain on a season that has been far from ideal.
Hammered by injuries across the campaign, the Suns welcome Brunswick City for the last game of the season, with a good performance crucial in preparation for the side’s upcoming relegation play-off.
Suns coach Lee Blackburn said the team would push for the win after another solid performance last week.
“This weekend is another opportunity to get a win before the play-off game,” Blackburn said.
“Everything is about making sure that performance in the play-off game is right.
“Performance is key, following the game plan is key, executing it, it would be a bonus to get the win just to give us that little bit of extra confidence.”
The Suns will be without Matthew Breeze and Adam Gatcum this weekend through suspension, with Blackburn saying a number of young players will be given an opportunity for the game.
“The big thing I would like to see is people coming down and getting around the team and giving them that little bit of a boost to get the win,” he said.
“I know the players would love the support of the local crowd, it does make a big difference when there is people there supporting them, especially after a tough year.”
The Suns’ game against Brunswick City will kick off on Saturday, 3pm at McEwen Reserve, Shepparton.
Meanwhile in the Central Victorian League competition, Shepparton South has a chance to lock in the League One men’s title.
Currently undefeated, an away win over Strathfieldsaye Colts United would seal top spot and coach Rob Harmeston said his side would approach it the same way as every other game.
“One of the things I was talking about with the boys was that it’s all right winning a game, but to be the best team you’ve got to win the league,” Harmeston said.
“And that’s something we’ve been trying to preach all year.”
With one point needed to secure the title, the South mentor said the result would be good for the club.
He said there were a number of players who may miss on Sunday and, with a positive goal difference and three-point buffer over second-placed Tatura, he was confident the side could win the title.
“Football is a funny game and you can never know what could happen, but we’re feeling pretty confident,” he said.
“We have the strength in depth that we can definitely get the result we need this weekend.”
Elsewhere, Tatura will face a Saturday evening away game to take on Strathdale, while Shepparton United will face off with La Trobe University at McEwen Reserve on Sunday.
In the League One women’s competition, Shepparton United will travel to Eaglehawk on Saturday afternoon.
With two games left in its league, United is two points off top spot, with top spot still a real possibility.
Also on Saturday afternoon, Tatura’s League Two women’s side will face off with La Trobe University at Epsom.
The Ibises, who have already wrapped up the league title, will be hoping to continue their recent form against a side in the hunt for a top four spot.