Friday, 8 June 2012 9:56 AM
South Melbourne FC resumes its FFV State Knockout Cup campaign on Friday night when it hosts State League One side Port Melbourne at Lakeside Stadium in what will no doubt be an intriguing Fifth Round match-up. Despite the clubs having never met before in League competition, the match could be classified as a derby due to the close proximity of Port Melbourne’s Anderson Reserve to South’s Lakeside Stadium. The Clubs have met in various Cup competitions in the past such as the Dockerty Cup and last year’s Mirabella Cup. In fact it will be exactly one year ago to the day (8th June 2011) since Port embarrassed South 2-1, coming from 0-1 down to level before winning the tie in extra time and knocking South out of the competition.
South had to battle hard to get through the previous round, eventually prevailing 2-1 against a resilient Malvern City (State League Two) on 29th April. On the other hand, Port thrashed Yarraville Glory 6-0 on 27th April to set up the date against South. Port also goes into the game in winning form having dispatched Springvale White Eagles 3-0 in State League One last Friday night, whereas South will limp into the contest having been embarrassed 0-1 at home against Northcote City in the Premier League last Sunday.
Friday night’s match kicks off at 8:00PM at Lakeside Stadium. South supporters are reminded that Club membership is only valid for Victorian Premier League matches and does not apply for entry for the FFV State Knockout Cup matches.