Thursday, 14 March 2013 10:04 AM
By Paul Mavroudis (Photo by Cindy NItsos)
After routing Malvern City 7-0 last Wednesday, South Melbourne FC has continued its pre-season preparations with two matches against Premier League opposition.
Last Saturday, in very hot and difficult conditions at Paisley Park, South lost 3-0 to VPL newcomer Pascoe Vale. After holding sway in the opening 20 minutes, South was eventually overrun by a determined and well organised opposition.
Last night at SS Anderson Reserve, in weather conditions better suited to football, South defeated 2012 State League One champion and Dockerty Cup finalist Port Melbourne 2-1. Both sides fielded relatively strong line-ups, though giving several players a go as the match wore on.
In the first half, a cross by new recruit Alan Kearney into a crowded goalmouth saw a Port player open the scoring with an own goal. Early in the second half, some showboating by Port Melbourne’s substitute goalkeeper allowed Dimi Hatzimouratis to dispossess him and score an easy goal. A late penalty saw a goal pulled back for the home side.
Our next pre-season match is against Heidelberg United at Lakeside Stadium, on Wednesday 20th March, kickoff at 7:30PM.