Savoy's cup hopes dashed

MYRTLEFORD’S senior men came up short in Saturday night’s FA Cup final at the LaTrobe ground, defeated for the first time this season in any format 2-1 by Twin City Wanderers. Savoy found the first goal against the run of play, with Wanderers moving the ball with intensity and aggression. Twin City hit back soon after, and after a free kick was paid 30 yards from Myrtleford’s goal, Wanderers converted to take the lead into the half-time break. Despite Myrtleford’s best efforts, the second half was controlled by Twin City, able to stifle any attempts to equalise and denying Savoy the silverware. Coach Jayden Vescio said his side was not the best one on the park that night. “We had a couple of chances late and I thought we could’ve pushed it to extra time, but I think we were just beaten by a better team on the night,” he said. “They were a little hungrier than us, especially in the first half, and prevailed. “I think with the experience they had in their team, once they had the lead, they were able to slow things down a little bit and absorb the pressure. “When you’ve beaten a team 7-2 three weeks ago, we looked at the team we were playing and we knew they’d probably be a little bit different this time around, so we didn’t change too much until half-time. “That probably cost us a little bit, but we weren’t sharp enough on the night, especially in the first 45.” The result ends Myrtleford’s flawless run in the season, but Savoy remain undefeated in the Sunday league competition and sit on top of the ladder. They host eighth-placed Wangaratta City this weekend in the traditional La Fiera fixture at Savoy Park for the first time this year after completing upgrade works on their home facilities. “It’s probably the best game to be a part of after the weekend, to have Wangaratta at La Fiera after losing the FA Cup is probably the best medicine,” Vescio said. “It is a big day for the club, it’s our sponsors’ day, it’s the first game at our new venue. “We’re looking to bounce back, we need to bounce back - that’s all I ask for this week, a good week on the track and then a response on the weekend.” Club president Anthony Zenghellini said the club was looking forward to a massive weekend, and utilising their new facilities for the first time. "This Sunday rivals Myrtleford Savoy Soccer Club and Wangaratta City FC play head-to-head for the La Fiera Cup," he said. "Sunday is the first of a long run of home games for the MSSC making this a exciting period for the club, and we also celebrate our Italo Australian roots, perfectly coinciding with La Feira this weekend. "Our brand-new state-of-the-art facilities will proudly be opened for all to enjoy. "We have the day stacked with different events including chestnut roasting, sponsor day celebration, life member get together, mini roos participation, wood raffle, and much much more. "Our canteen will have Italian food on offer along with new local products from Alpine Cider, Billsons, Bright Brewery, Politini and Gapsted Wines. "It will be a huge celebration of everything from the past, present and into a very bright future." Entry is free with the festivities kicking off from 9am.

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