ALBURY City can upset the Myrtleford juggernaut and still win this year’s league championship.
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That’s the opinion of experienced midfielder Tristan Ivanku ahead of Sunday’s season-defining match at Savoy Park.
City is one of several clubs still in title contention.
Myrtleford put the league on notice after last week’s goal-scoring spree against Boomers, but the trip to the Alpine Shire holds no fears for Albury City.
“I think we’ll win but it will definitely be tough,” Ivanku said.
“We’ve beaten them before and we can beat them again.
“We should have beaten Wangaratta as well.
“I don’t think there is a team that we can’t beat.
“No body expects us to be where we have been on the ladder.”
With three rounds left, City is fifth on the table, two wins behind top-placed Boomers FC, which was thrashed 5-0 by Myrtleford last week.
Albury United is second, just a point behind the leaders, while the Savoys and Wangaratta are a win behind the Boomers in third and fourth spot, respectively.
Last week’s 1-0 loss to Albury United could prove costly for City, but it will take confidence from its round 11 win over the Savoys.
City triumphed 2-1 after a controversial penalty was awarded at Jelbart Park.
Former captain Ivanku, who is hoping to be promoted from reserves after overcoming a hamstring injury, said the league title would go down to the wire.
“We’d love to finish first, but it’s going to be difficult,” the 25-year-old said.
“If we don’t get first place we are definitely after a win in the cup.
“It’s wide open, especially after Twin City beat Wangaratta and Myrtleford pumped Boomers last week.”
With matches against Myrtleford, Twin City and Wodonga Diamonds, it’s a tough run home for City.
But United also has a tough finish to the season.
The Greens play Wodonga Heart on Sunday – Heart surprised Diamonds with a 2-2 draw last week – before finishing the regular season with games against Diamonds and Boomers.
Albury United Coach Matt Campbell knows the Greens’ destiny is in their own hands.
“Like everyone we’ve got some tough games to finish and have Boomers last round,” Campbell said.
“It’s freakish how close it is. It hasn’t been this close for 20 years but it makes it more interesting.
“There’s usually one or two teams that jump out.
“If there are any neutral fans it would be hard to pick a game to watch.
“Myrtleford looks like it’s hit its straps.
“That was a big result against Boomers.”
