Friday, 17 July 2009 10:58 AM
South Melbourne FC will be aiming at further securing second position on the VPL table as they take on Green Gully at Bob Jane Stadium on Sunday at 4pm.
The Blues, who are undefeated in their last 4 games, will be keen to defeat a Green Gully side that they have not beaten since the elimination final in 2006, where three goals in the final 10 minutes saw South overcome a stubborn and committed Cavaliers.
Since then, Gully has continued their dominance over the Blues, with the Keilor based club winning the last two outings at Bob Jane Stadium, whilst also maintaining a 23 year unbeaten run at home against South.
Going into the game, South will be confident following a resounding 3-1 victory against Richmond last week. With the likelihood of Gianni De Nittis returning to the squad following a niggling leg injury, South will be keen attack the Green Gully side from the outset.
De Nittis’ return will also be coupled by the potential home introduction of Yusuf Yusuf. The former Heidelberg winger injured his Anterior Cruciate Ligament in his knee early in 2008 whilst playing against Oakleigh that saw him miss over a year of senior football. In what was a great relief for him and the club last Friday at Kevin Bartlett Reserve, Yusuf returned to senior action as a substitute to play an integral part in the final 15 minutes to secure South the win.
In the other camp, Gully will enter the contest in somewhat contrasting form following two losses on the trot, including a 5-1 loss away to the top of the ladder Dandenong Thunder a fortnight ago.
Despite the unsavoury results of late, experienced campaigners such as Andy Vargas, Jeffery Fleming and Pablo Cardozo will continue to lead the way up front and in the middle, ensuring that the visitors are more than capable of snatching the three points from South.
Kick-off for the important clash is at 4pm on Sunday, with all South fans urged to get behind the squad as they continue to push for a finals berth in 2009.