Shepparton South edges past undefeated Tatura to claim Youth Super Cup

If his young charges could tick off all three tasks he knew they could deliver the giant blow against the Ibises.

And knock off the league winners the teenage South team did, with a gutsy and brave 1-0 victory at Epsom Huntly Recreation Reserve.

A piece of wizardry from striker Abdullah Farhood gave South the match-winning lead in the 53rd minute in what was the only time the ball ended up in the back of the net for the entire Super Cup clash.

South found itself down to 10-men in the latter stages of the match and some lionhearted defending helped Grant’s players hang on for a memorable win.

“It was a really good win by the boys. It was a great performance,” Grant said.

“At the start of the match I said to the boys ‘I only want three things from you today and that is desire, work-rate and intensity’ and the rest will take care of itself.

“Right from the first whistle they wanted the ball and you could see they wanted to win. Their work-rate was tremendous and I’m very proud of their efforts.”

Despite not being able to do the business against Tatura during the league season, South’s determination never wavered and Grant had full faith his team could get the job done.

“Although we hadn’t beaten them in the season we did defeat them in the League Cup and we knew we were more than capable of beating them,” Grant said.

“I said to the group ‘that one win will be in the back of their heads and the pressure will be all on them’. Go out and play with freedom.”

Grant’s outfit heeded his words and came out guns blazing.

It was an even first half and neither side was able to penetrate the opposition defence which had the two outfits enter the half 0-0.

South broke through thanks to Farhood’s brilliance in the air.

South played the ball into the box from a free-kick and Farhood rose above the pack and sweetly directed his header into the top corner.

Player of the match honours went to Farhood, while Grant praised the work of centre-back Trey De Palma.

“It was last-gasp defending there when we ended up down to 10. We went five at the back and four in the middle,” he said.

“Trey was solid in defence, absolutely solid. Every single player deserved that win and Abdullah deserved his best-on-ground honours.”