MYRTLEFORD’S senior men handed Albury United arguably the biggest shock result of the year so far, with last season’s FA Cup and league champions downed 2-0 by Myrtleford.

Savoy came out with intensity, eager to avenge their loss in the cup final, and shined in defence.

The first goal came when Jake Miles won a penalty in the 43rd minute, which was soundly put away by Matt Richardson to give Savoy the lead.

Will Keenan made it 2-0 after half-time, but United threatened after Myrtleford’s Yaw Han Ngai was sent off with a second yellow card, Savoy down to 10 men.

Down back, the experience of Brenton Cook and Matt Vaccaro was on full display, while keeper Nathan Gleeson was impenetrable.

Coach Jayden Vescio said it was a brilliant effort across the park.

“I think the boys really stood up, they obviously lost the Cup final to United last year, so there was a little bit of a point to prove, try and get one back on them early in the season, and we managed to do that,” he said.

“We started the game well, they’ve got three really good high players and we dealt with them well enough early.

“Nathan Gleeson made a couple of good saves early, and defensively we were quite sound.

“I felt like we got a lot of space through the middle of the park, and once our defenders stood up they attacked in waves and we looked quite dangerous on the break.

“It was a really good United team, they played well, they’d probably say we were lucky to come away with a win but the scoreline was 2-0 and we’ll take that every day of the week.”

Attention now turns to a busy few days for Savoy, with their latest Cup fixture against Wangaratta City set for Wednesday, April 10, before a Sunday clash against the undefeated Twin City Wanderers.

Vescio said it would be difficult to pick squads for two important matches.

“We’ll see the sore bodies and assess where we go with Wednesday night’s game, who we decide to play, who gets back on the park,” he said.

“It’s a bit of a double-edged sword: do you play your best available 11 against Wangaratta and try and get them to back up and finish three games in seven days, or do you mix things up a little bit against Wangaratta, try and get the points?

“Twin City have had a good start to the year, so you’ve got to look at that game and think we’re three from three, it’s a good chance to go out in front if we chase a result there - we’re trying to chase two results.”