Melbourne City will make its third trip to Shepparton on Friday night as they face the Western Sydney Wanderers. We look back at our previous trips to the region ahead of the contest.
2011 vs Wellington Phoenix
In the Club’s second season, John van’t Schip’s squad travelled to Deakin Reserve to take on the Wellington Phoenix on Friday 26 August.
The hosts came out of the blocks early with David Williams opening the scoring and looked in control during the contest, adding to their lead after the break through Jason Hoffman.
With the match poised to end 2-0, a late flurry from the Nix saw the visitors snatch a draw as Dani Sanchez and Leo Bertos found the back of the net in the last ten minutes to share the spoils.
2013 vs GNEFA All-Stars
A return to Shepparton came in the 2013/14 pre-season and the Club began its pre-season preparations against the Goulburn North East Football Association All-Stars compromising of some of the region’s best footballers.
In a frantic first period, Golgol Mebrahtu opened the scoring after 30 minutes as a through ball from Stefan Mauk allowed the striker to prop and finish comfortably.
John van’t Schip’s side would have their second through Dylan Macallister as Mebrahtu’s vicious free-kick rocketed off the bar and into the path of the striker to nod home with ease.
The All-stars would find the back of the net from the penalty spot in the first half as Heidelberg United’s 2017 Westfield FFA Cup star Sean Ellis – then, a player from the region – stepped up to beat the outstretched hand of Andrew Redmayne to make it 2-1.
The visitors would re-take control of the contest after that and goals to Ben Garuccio and Mate Dugandzic rounded out the result at McEwen Reserve on Thursday 25 July.
Pretty good turn out for the game between Melbourne Heart and GNEFA All Stars! #gnefavmh
A post shared by Alvin Ng (@alvinng) on Jul 25, 2013 at 6:35am PDT
2017 vs Western Sydney Wanderers
It has been four years since the Club has been to Shepparton in the pre-season and a lot has changed since then both here and in Shepp.
In what should be an important clash for both side’s preparations for the A-League season, Warren Joyce’s side will look to focus solely on the home and away season as it makes its final adjustments before Round 1 against Brisbane at AAMI Park.
City take on the Wanderers this Friday night at McEwen Reserve, kick-off 7.30pm. Tickets will be available at the gate with members being sent an email that will admit them free entry to the match. Click here to pre-book your tickets.
