Sunday, 5 June 2011 11:28 PM
South Melbourne FC produced a gutsy second-half performance in the 0-0 draw against traditional rivals Heidelberg United on Sunday afternoon at John Cain Memorial Park.
The first half was a dour affair, with few chances created. South pressed forward in numbers but the final ball was always lacking. The Bergers looked dangerous when going forward however like South the final ball was lacking.
South made several changes early in the second half, with Kyle Joryeff and Kliment Taseski bought on to add some pace. However a huge decision set South back, with Jesse Krncevic controversially given a straight red card.
As a result, South was on the back foot with one less player, but to the home side’s enormous credit, they stepped up the pressure and finished the match the stronger of the two sides. Daniel Vasilevski had a great opportunity to win the game from a set piece, however, his shot flew half a yard wide of McMaster’s goal.
Heidelberg were always dangerous on the counter attack but it was clear that the Bergers were clearly missing the services of their front man Osagie Ederaro, who was still serving a suspension. Whilst the Bergers came close on a few occasions, Zaim Zeneli hardly looked tested in the South goal. In the end, the full-time whistle confirmed a nil all draw.
The draw keeps both sides in the top five, with South retaining third spot while moving to 28 points, with the Bergers just behind them in fourth place with 26 points. South is two points off top place but have played one game more than first-placed Hume City and two games more than second-placed Oakleigh.
South Melbourne FC’s next match is against Port Melbourne at SS Anderson Reserve on Wednesday night in what is the Fifth Round of the Mirabella Cup, with kick-off at 7:30pm.
FINAL SCORE: SOUTH MELBOURNE 0-0 HEIDELBERG UNITED (HT: 0-0)
South Melbourne FC
2. Tom MATTHEWS, 3. Rhodri PAYNE (16. Trent WATERSON 72’), 4. Steven O’DOR, 5. Daniel VASILEVSKI, 6. STEVEN TOPALOVIC, 11. Jesse KRNCEVIC (sent off), 12. Daniel DRAGICEVIC (25. Kyle JORYEFF 58’), 18. Marinos GASPARIS (10. Kliment TASESKI 55’), 21. Zaim ZENELI, 23. Sebastian PETROVIC, 80. Junior CAMARGO
Heidelberg United
1. G.McMaster, 14. C.Elvin, 13. L.Byles, 3. L.Doumbalis, 2. Y.Hailemelkot, 7. H.Armenian, 11. E.Christodoulou, 23. T.Nishimots, 16. S.Martin, 20. S.Alexovski, 9. S.McIlroy
Subs: 8. A.Nabbout, 21. J.Samangis, 22. D.Alilavic, 32. J.Koutodontis, 4. M.Tancevski
SMFC Man of the Match: Steven Topalovic
Venue: John Cain Memorial Park
Date: Sunday 5 June 2011