Derby delight and despair for Savoy

THE annual La Fiera home fixture at Savoy Park was a mixed bag in terms of results for Myrtleford’s senior sides. The division one men’s side claimed victory over geographic rivals Wangaratta City 2-0 to claim the Van Der Steeg Shield, while the senior women fell 1-2 in their quest for the Christina Mancuso Cup. Hot favourites heading into the game despite losing their first clash last weekend, the Savoy men were forced to move the magnets around due to illness and injuries. However, the young blood injected a spark into the contest and fought hard for the full 90 minutes. With plenty of chances early, Savoy would score two first half goals while defending exceptionally well. With some more experienced players subbed out to manage injuries, the youth held up well in the back line, keeping the status quo of the match in check. Senior coach Jayden Vescio said it was encouraging to see the up-and-comers play their role when asked. “We had to shuffle the magnets around a bit, a couple of the boys were out late with illness and carrying some injuries - it wasn’t ideal but it created opportunity,” he said. “We started the game well, the boys were itching to get back on the park after last weekend’s disappointment. “Young Jack White got his first senior start, that was pretty exciting, he’s been showing a lot in the reserve grade and got his chance in the ones. “We went in 2-0 and made some changes, Tom La Spina copped a good knock in the first half and came off, so did Josh [Zito] and Connor [Caponecchia], so we were cautions. “We got Bertie Wild onto the field, another young kid who had played a few senior minutes before, and young Bodie McCabe, so it was good exposure for them.” The division one team will look to continue their unbeaten league season this Sunday on the road to St Pats. “They’ve been a bit tricky – I know they’re third last but they’ve scored goals and they don’t concede lots of goals,” Vescio said. “They haven’t historically gotten the points this year but by the looks of it they make you work for your own. “It’ll be interesting – we should get a couple back, we should get Brenton Cook and Matty Richardson back, two pillars at either end.” It was a challenging day for the division one women’s team, who fell to Wangaratta City in their match, failing to take the Christina Mancuso Cup, named in honour of a former player from both clubs who passed away too young. While Savoy dominated possession, connection up top and execution continues to be an issue. Co-coach Tom Scott said it was a difficult day. “It was a tough loss considering the emotions that are connected with the day,” he said. “We were able to score first during the first 30 minutes from a deep cross by Alessia [Colanzi], but unfortunately, just before half-time we conceded from a defensive error. “In the second half again, we were dominant but were caught from a fast break. “Although these types of losses hurt, we have to use it to our advantage to find motivation. “We still are confident in our brand of football and know once our forward issue changes, we can still be a strong squad heading into the second half of the year.”

Derby delight and despair for Savoy

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