Monday, 27 April 2009 9:21 AM
South Melbourne has cemented it’s spot in the top two of the Victorian Premier League, after a resounding 1-2 ANZAC Cup victory away to Hume City at Broadmeadows Valley Reserve on Saturday.
South were coming into the game on the back of a five game unbeaten run and they started the game like a side in form, attacking the Hume defence from the outset via a long range attempt by veteran Vaughan Coveny.
The Blues continued to bombard the Hume goal with a huge wind behind their backs and could have had the lead only moments later after a long ball down the right hand flank released Coveny in space. With strike partner Goran Zoric waiting in the middle Coveny hit a well-weighted cross into the area, only for the ball to be plucked from above the head of the small striker by Hume goalkeeper Lou Acevski.
Vaughan Coveny continued to torment the Hume defence and his man-marker and former NSL team-mate Tansel Baser at every opportunity, hitting another two long range strikes into the prying arms of Acevski, who thwarted the big kiwi in convincing fashion.
With the man known as the “Horse” intent scoring his 100th career goal for South Melbourne FC, the South midfield continued to work hard in an attempt to give the veteran his opportunity to achieve the milestone.
In the 38th minute, some exceptional work down the right hand side by Eddie Cetkin allowed for the ball to be kept in play and to be delivered to his captain Rama Tavsancioglu. He then confidently barraged his way past two Hume defenders before hitting a lovely cross to the near post towards the unmarked Zoric. With Coveny open at the back post, Zoric flicked the ball across goal to find theveteran, who obligingly buried his header into the back of the net to send the travelling South fans into raptures.
The second half was a far less open contest, with Hume intent on not allowing the same amount of space and possession to be given to the dominant South side. This coupled by a heavy and quite rare Melbourne downpour led for some scrappy and unadventurous football to be played
Despite this South found the 2nd goal of the contest in the 65th minute, after a blistering free kick by Vaughan Coveny was parried into the path of Sebastian Petrovic. With the keeper on the ground, the hard-working midfielder slammed the ball into the net to give his side a two-goal advantage.
With time ticking down, Hume would have their first real chance of the contest in the 74th minute when they were awarded a free-kick just outside the area.
With a howling wind at his back, Ross Thompson stepped up and hit a simply stunning drive past the hapless Tommi Tomich and into the top corner of the net to give his side some hope.
Despite some shaky moments however South managed to claim the three points and the much sought after ANZAC Day Cup, a trophy that will now be added to the club’s growing trophy cabinet.
Captain Rama Tavsancioglu was awarded the man-of-the-match award claiming that “it was a great win by the side against a real quality opposition. We were challenged at times and really worked hard to get the result which is very pleasing”
South will now host Oakleigh next Sunday afternoon at 4pm in a cracking derby match, whilst Hume must re-group before taking on Green Gully away from home next Saturday.
Click here to view smfcTV highlights of the game