Tuesday, 9 September 2003 12:00 AM
By Michael Tsoukalis
South Melbourne had its first serious hit-out against NSL opposition this past Sunday (07/09/03) coming up against traditional rivals the Melbourne Knights.
Lining up for the Knights was former South Melbourne striker Peter Buljan who was keen to prove a point to his previous employers.
The Sunshine-based club ended up taking the honours with the eventual score line resting at 2-1. To the Knights credit they thoroughly deserved their father’s day victory taking the lead in the first half through none other than Buljan.
South had plenty of the ball with Massimo Murdocca continuing his stellar pre-season campaign, however lacked any sort of penetration in the last third. Antun Kovacic gave the Lakesiders a lifeline bungling home past his own keeper to tie the ledger at 1 a-piece.
Speedy Knights striker Henry Farado made sure that Ian Dobson’s men would have the first laugh over their fierce rivals after a nice bit of interplay with Buljan resulted in Farodo neatly tucking away the winner.
South will now embark on a mid-week trip to Sydney where it will come up against NSL side the Olympic Sharks, it is possible that games against Marconi and the Northern Spirit may also be organised. Finally, South will wrap-up its pre-season commitments this coming Sunday (14/09/03) at Bob Jane Stadium (kick off: 3pm) when it will once again line up against the Knights.