Raiders fall in first versus second clash

With a number of players out, the Border Raiders had just 10 players on the pitch to start the game and were soon reduced to nine after an early injury.

Tatura took advantage of their numerical advantage, scoring twice in the opening 20 minutes to lead 2-0.

Moama Echuca hung in there and the team was rewarded for its efforts when Asha Davies netted her eighth goal of the season to make it 2-1.

But a third goal just before half-time had visiting Tatura in a strong position at the break.

Colette Suter scored four goals on the day for the Ibises, and her two second-half goals increased the margin to 5-1.

The result means Tatura has extended its lead on top of the Bendigo Amatuer Soccer League women’s division two table to six points, while Moama Echuca has dropped into third behind Kyneton District.

With six rounds still to play, just five points separates second from fifth, with the top four sides making the finals.

The Border Raiders had beaten Tatura earlier this season, a 3-1 win in round two — Tatura’s only defeat of the season so far.

The senior women’s side will have this weekend off with a bye, before taking on Epsom FC the following week.

Elsewhere, Moama Echuca’s senior men’s side has its first points of the season, albeit not in the way it might have wanted.

The Raiders’ League Cup opponents Shepparton Jaguars forfeited the clash, handing Moama Echuca a 3-0 win — their first of the season.

The Border Raiders will have a chance to play in their first win of the year this weekend when they take on Strathfieldsaye Colts United FC’s reserves side in the League Cup.