South Melbourne FC

The Blue and White Forever

NPL Match Preview : SMFC vs Dandenong

NPL Match Preview : SMFC vs Dandenong

By Ari Charilaou

South Melbourne will be aiming to regain top spot in the NPL when they take on 13th placed Dandenong Thunder at George Andrews Reserve tomorrow night.

South head into tomorrow’s clash in red hot form, after pulling off a magical come from behind victory against arch rivals Melbourne Knights in the FFA Cup last week.

The two sides last met exactly a month ago, where South Melbourne dismantled Dandenong 5-0 in front of their home fans at Lakeside.

Despite South’s recent dominance over the Thunder, manager Chris Taylor will be well aware of the unpredictable conditions playing away from home.

Last time South traveled to Dandenong, they were pushed all the way to the final whistle, just managing to hang on to win 1-0.

Scoring the first goal is crucial for South, as conditions will suit Dandenong, electing to play the long ball on a slow pitch where the ball tends to bobble.

South goalkeeper Nikola Roganovic will be absent for tomorrows clash, after receiving a late red card in a scuffle against Melbourne Knights. Tomorrow’s match is also South’s first game without Andy Brennan, and perhaps an opportunity for Taylor to experiment the squad before their FFA Cup clash against Frankston.

Nick Epifano has been a standout in South’s attack, scoring a match winning brace against the Knight’s last week whilst also receiving man of the match.

South have scored 10 goals in their previous 2 matches and are looking to continue their ruthlessness in the league.

Tomorrow’s night’s game is a must win for South, as they sit in second position behind Heidelberg United, deadlocked on 36 points.

The clash between South Melbourne and Dandenong Thunder kicks off at 7.00pm at George Andrews Reserve. Those unable to make the match can follow proceedings on the club’s Facebook and Twitter accounts, using the handle #SMFC.

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