Monday, 15 February 2010 4:50 PM
For the third time in four years, South Melbourne has qualified for the final of the pre-season Hellenic Cup tournament after defeating rivals Heidelberg United 2-0 on Saturday.
In blustery conditions at Yarraville’s McIvor Reserve, South overcame a physical opening period to control the game midway into the first half.
It wasn’t until late in the half when a Joseph Keenan free-kick was nodded into the path of Gianni De Nittis by Steven O’Dor. With the striker open in the area, he calmly swiveled on one foot and slammed the ball past Steven Tilovski in the Heidelberg goal.
South sealed the victory and a place in the final early in the second half after a sublime turn by Fernando De Moraes culminated in the Brazilian playing an amazing twenty-five metre ball through the stagnant Heideberg back line and into the path of Keenan.
With the keeper to beat, the Englishman maintained his composure and neatly guided the ball into the back of the net.
South now looks forward to playing Bentleigh Greens in next Saturday’s final, after the VPL newcomers defeated Oakleigh in a highly controversial penalty shootout.
Kick-off at The Grange Reserve is at 6pm.