Gallery | Goulburn Valley Suns take on Melbourne Victory in an epic night for football in Shepparton

Goulburn Valley Suns may not have won the game against Melbourne Victory in the A-League juggernaut’s pre-season friendly, but the local boys certainly won the hearts of the 1500-plus fans.

The 3-0 scoreline was a fair reflection of the game but the Orangemen did not fall on their sword without slicing through the Victory on a number of occasions.

Socceroos striker Bruno Fornaroli converted Victory’s first 10 minutes into the game after a slick passing move inside the Suns’ box, guiding the ball home with effortless ease on his 37th birthday.

Suns’ striker Russell Currie almost had the crowd erupting with a couple of first half chances as the home side grew in confidence, helped in part by a string of superb saves from goalkeeper Jonathan Pithoulas.

However, Fornaroli’s birthday celebrations weren’t done.

The Uruguay-born sharp shooter finished off a cutback with 10 minutes to play in the opening period, leading Victory into the sheds 2-0 ahead.

After both sides emerged from the sheds, a large personnel change at each end favoured the four-time A-League champions more as substitute Jing Reec bowled through and added Victory’s third late in the piece.

Despite the result, it was a storybook night for football in Shepparton, one which will undoubtedly be fondly remembered for many years to come.

Shepparton News photographer Megan Fisher roamed the sidelines to capture the match in all of its glory.