Saturday, 14 May 2005 9:33 AM
By Michael Tsoukalis
After a stunning display against Fawkner-Whittlesea South travel to the Kingston Heath Soccer Complex looking to back-up their 4-0 trouncing with another solid display against the Angie Goutzioulis-coached Bentleigh Greens.
Bentleigh find themselves deep in relegation trouble currently sitting in last place with their nearest rivals the St. Albans 2 points ahead. With the halfway point of the season approaching anything less than 3 points will place the Greens under enormous pressure to survive the drop.
Well publicised signing Marcelo Pena has failed to ignite the Green’s campaign despite producing some solid performances in the middle of the park. Pena’s silky skills and calmness on the ball will no doubt provide a threat to South who will also have to contain ex-South Youth player and Bentleigh midfielder Tas Psonis.
The Green’s have the unfortunate record of boasting both the worst attack and defence in the league and will have to be at their very best to contain South.
Conversely, John Anastasiadis’s men finally delivered what they have been threatening to do all season, capitalising on a hat-full of chances to score 4 goals against Fawkner in a thoroughly convincing and dominant display.
With Arthur Tsonis resuming his defensive partnership alongside Con Blatsis, the South defence was never threatened against Fawkner. Debutant Sammy DeVito had an encouraging game at right back keeping his position and not putting a foot wrong. It will be interesting to see if Coach Anastasiadis maintains faith in the youngster and hands him his 2nd consecutive start against the Greens.
Ryan Dinse and Scot MacNicol are currently in a rich vein of form for the Albert Park-based club. MacNicol is South’s leading scorer with 4 goals to-date and has been a revelation in the centre of the park with his tireless worth ethic and goal-getting ability. Scotsman Dinse has made the jump from State League 2 level to the VPL without a flinch, regularly dominating down the left wing with his quick feet and turn of pace. The diminutive winger has shown a great ability to get to the bi-line and whip in superb crosses as well as chipping in with a couple of goals as well.
Somewhat unheralded thus far, mobile midfielder George Tzirtis has been slowly improving all season and churned out his best performance against Fawkner. Tzirtis’s fitness levels rank amongst the best at South with his hard work in the middle of the park bringing balance to the South midfield.
Finally, gun recruit Kosta Salapasidis has recently rediscovered his best form. Pulling the attacking strings from set pieces and often general play, Salapasidis’s experience in the NSL and Europe bring him an air of confidence which has allowed him to assert his dominance and influence on games.