Title favourite Eaglehawk hits the road with a four-point advantage on Shepparton South ahead of Saturday afternoon’s clash at McEwen Reserve.

Shepparton South has already knocked off contenders Epsom, Shepparton United and Strathdale this season and a victory over Eaglehawk would bring it within one point of the lead at the halfway mark of the season. 

To have any chance of winning the game, South has to find a way to stop Eaglehawk’s potent midfield and strike force.

The Hawks have scored three goals or more in every game this season. Coach Greg Thomas has scored himself in every game.

The best game in Sunday’s division one action is also in Shepparton.

Seventh-placed Epsom has the opportunity to jump a couple of places on the ladder when it plays sixth-placed Shepparton.

The Scorpions have lost two of their past three games, but there were signs in the loss to Eaglehawk and last week’s 8-1 thumping of Colts that they are starting to hit peak form.

Shepparton’s best form has been good enough to be competitive with Strathdale and Shepparton South, but it is yet to keep a clean sheet this season.

Third-placed Shepparton United faces a danger game against Spring Gully at Stanley Avenue.

After being the team to beat for much of the first half of the season, Shepparton United has dropped off in recent weeks, collecting just one point from its past two matches.

Spring Gully has had an up and down season, but its best form is good enough to give United a scare.

A resurgent Golden City should score its third win of the season when it hosts bottom side Moama-Echuca at Shadforth Park on Sunday.

The Rams defeated Spring Gully two weeks ago and then pinched a draw against Spring Gully last weekend.

That form is more than good enough to take all three points against the Raiders.

In the final game of the round, Tatura should defeat Colts United and stay in touch with the top two teams.

In the women’s division, Shepparton United should sweep to the top of the table on goal difference when it plays Spring Gully.

With ladder leader Epsom having the bye, Shepparton United should take all three points against the Reds and join the Scorpions on 24 points. The teams are already locked on a goal difference of 38, so any margin of victory for United will be enough to grab top spot.

Fourth-placed Strathdale has the opportunity to move into third place when it travels to Swan Hill.

The Blues need to win by at least two goals to jump ahead of Colts United, which has the bye.

The winner of Saturday’s Shepparton South versus Eaglehawk game will lock themselves in the top five at the halfway mark of the season. Moama-Echuca Border Raiders will be looking to stay in touch with the top five when they play bottom side Golden City.