Bendigo Amateur Soccer League finals have arrived with the conclusion of last weekend’s second round of catch-up games.
And a monstrous second half from Shepparton United has ensured the Blues snatched prime position from Tatura.
The Blues claimed second spot on the League 1 table and a week off from right under three-time title holders Tatura in a slick win over Epsom at McEwen Reserve.
The hosts unleashed a relentless assault on the last-placed Scorpions, hammering home a dozen goals - with an astonishing 10 coming in a second-half blitz - to secure a crushing 12-1 victory.
Riki Koyanagi (five goals) and Hassan Alhilfi (three) were the chief destroyers, and the 11-goal victory saw United leapfrog Tatura on goal difference.
It was an impressive tune-up for the Blues, who are hunting their first League 1 title since 2018.
“It was a great performance by the guys,” Blues’ coach Roven Shaholli said.
“(In the) second half, we really had to work to get the goals; it wasn’t as easy as it looked on the scoreboard.
“The guys are showing really good signs for the finals; it was a great day out for the club.”
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Shepparton United's Hassan Alhilfi loads up his trusty left boot. Photo by Megan FisherImage 2 of 6
Shepparton United players take a seat for a unique goal celebration. Photo by Megan FisherImage 3 of 6
Shepparton United's Joseph Alshawaf rises for a header. Photo by Megan FisherImage 4 of 6
The kids play their own game on the touchline. Photo by Megan FisherImage 5 of 6
Marcus Thomas leaps over the goalkeeper. Photo by Megan FisherImage 6 of 6
Marcus Thomas takes a tumble. Photo by Megan FisherThe Blues join Shepparton South as one of the top two finishing sides, set to meet the Elimination Final winners for a spot in the grand final.
At Truscott Reserve, FC Eaglehawk fired a warning shot ahead of this Sunday’s Elimination Final with a 2-1 win against League 1 Champions Shepparton South.
Flavien Trivino struck first for South, but two second-half goals to Brent Hamblin and Caden Meeks ensured the Hawks meet Shepparton SC in the do-or-die clash with some form at their back.
Strathdale sewed up the last spot in finals with a draw against La Trobe University, that crucial point consigning La Trobe to seventh.
That result means three-peat premiers Tatura will face Strathdale first-up in finals as it aims for a coveted fourth consecutive title.
League 1 women’s finals also begin on the weekend, with Shepparton United receiving a stern pre-finals test against the undefeated Spring Gully.
The Blues’ only blemish was a 27th-minute goal to Madeline White, but otherwise went toe-to-toe in the 1-0 loss, firming as the main challenger to the ladder leaders.
Elsewhere, Shepparton South earned a 3-2 win over Eaglehawk as a Sam Comline brace and a 90th-minute strike from Lucy Kinnane helped their team stoke some momentum heading into their final against Tatura.
Strathfieldsaye and the Border Raiders will compete in the other League 1 women’s final this weekend.