Tatura is through to the next round of the Australia Cup after a memorable win at the weekend, while Shepparton United’s run in the knockout competition came to an end.
United fell to State League 3 side Sunbury United 2-1, while Tatura came from behind twice to snatch a thrilling 3-2 win over Point Cook on Saturday.
The Ibises found themselves trailing twice at McEwen Reserve in Shepparton, but two goals in the last 10 minutes – including a superb winner from Cody Sellwood – sent them through to the next round.
“Everyone was obviously rapt with the result,” Tatura coach Tristan Zito said.
“It got a bit fiery towards the end, as those clashes do with country and metro teams. Everyone was invested in it and just wanted to get out of there with a win.
“Everyone was super, super happy that we got on top in the end and got through to the next round.”
A first-half goal from a deflection had the Jets in front at the break, but Zito said his side was confident it would be able to fight back
“We came into the half one down and felt like we were still in it, and then came out in the second half and played really well. I thought we were on top the whole second half,” he said.
Aaron Niglia tapped home a rebound to level the score for Tatura in the second half, but Point Cook was ahead again three minutes later.
With 10 minutes left to play the Ibises still trailed, but they were level again after Thomas Leech converted a penalty, setting the stage for Sellwood’s late winner.
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Goalscorer: Thomas Leech was on the scoresheet for Tatura, converting a crucial late penalty that brought his side level at 2-2. Photo by Aydin PayneImage 2 of 7
Matchwinner: Cody Sellwood’s goal in the 89th minute helped Tatura to a 3-2 win over Point Cook. Photo by Aydin PayneImage 3 of 7
Back of the net: Aaron Niglia, right, scored the first of Tatura's three goals against Point Cook. Photo by Aydin PayneImage 4 of 7
On the lookout: Cody Sellwood searches for a pass. Photo by Aydin PayneImage 5 of 7
Australia Cup: Tatura’s Fraser Gosstray in action. Photo by Aydin PayneImage 6 of 7
Skipper: Ibises coach Tristan Zito takes a shot on goal. Photo by Aydin PayneImage 7 of 7
Contest: Zac Ferlauto, left, battles against his Point Cook opponent. Photo by Aydin Payne“We got a penalty, which Cody won. And then in the last minutes Cody had a one-on-one with a keeper, he went around the keeper and knocked it into a basically open net,” Zito said.
“The last goal was good and then we still had a bit of work to do to close it out, but ultimately we got there in the end.
“I thought it was evenly contested, but I thought we were the better side and probably deserved the win in the end. I'm just really happy with how the boys fought it out and came back twice.
“We were really happy with the way we played. I'm happy with the way we moved the ball and converted as well.”
Shepparton United’s cup run came to an end after it was defeated 2-1 by Sunbury United.
The score was locked at 0-0 at half-time, before Sunbury took the lead shortly into the second half.
Ryan Brooks equalised for the home side Shepparton United, but Sunbury found a second goal soon after that proved to be the difference between the two sides.
Tatura will join Shepparton South in round three with South advancing after its opponent in the previous round, Elwood City, forfeited.
The round three match-ups were confirmed on Wednesday, with teams from State Leagues 1 and 2 joining the fray for the first time.
Shepparton South will take on State League 2 outfit Geelong Rangers, while Tatura will face off against Chisholm United, which has been promoted to State League 3.
South and Tatura were drawn as the away teams in round three.
The games will be played on the weekend of March 4, with exact times and locations still to be confirmed.