South Melbourne FC defeated North Geelong 2-0 at SS Anderson Reserve on Wednesday night to progress in 2016 FFA Cup qualifying. Second half goals to Milos Lujic and Matthew Millar set up the win for South, who will now travel to play the Bentleigh Greens in an all-NPL tie.
Tim Mala made a welcome return to the starting eleven but played at centre-half and not right-back due to the absence of Kristian Konstantinidis and Luke Adams. Goalkeeper Zaim Zeneli made only his second appearance of the season, replacing Nikola Roganovic who was a late withdrawal after injuring himself in the pre-game warm-up.
The first half was an entertaining affair as South created plenty of chances but was unable to convert any into goals. Captain Michael Eagar came close with a goal-bound header but North Geelong goalkeeper Daniel Zilic made an excellent save to deny the centre-half. There was also a clearance off the line and an appeal for a handball turned down by the referee. At the other end, Matt Thorne had a shot whistle just wide of Zeneli’s goal as North Geelong sent a reminder that they were more than capable of hitting South on the break and causing damage.
On the hour mark, Nicholas Jurcic volleyed the ball into the back of the net but the linesman had already flagged him as offside in what looked to be a very close call. Things went from bad to worse for North Geelong when South took the lead just a few minutes later as Lujic met Brad Norton’s cross from the left to volley past Zilic. Lujic then turned provider on 82 minutes by heading the ball across goal for the incoming Millar to easily head home and secure a safe passage into the next round.
South’s win has set up an all-NPL tie against the Bentleigh Greens, with the tie to be played at some stage over the next 2-3 weeks at Kingston Heath Soccer Complex. The winners will qualify for the Westfield FFA Cup Round of 32 proper as well as the Dockerty Cup semi finals.
FINAL SCORE: NORTH GEELONG 0-2 SOUTH MELBOURNE (HT: 0-0)
Goal Scorers:
0-1: Milos Lujic (64′)
0-2: Matthew Millar (82′)
North Geelong FC:
1. Daniel ZILIC (GK), 2. Darren LEWIS, 3. Matt TOWNLEY, 4. Michael SIMMS, 6. Josh PUGH, 8. Vito CHICHELLO, 10. Rudi SAGLAM (21. Ante KOZUL 80′), 11. Kene EZE (19. Michael ANDERSON 71′), 14. Matt THORNE, 17. Nicholas JURCIC, 99. Nathan LONG.
Unused Subs: 5. Anthony BANOVAC, 31. Hamish FLAVELL.
South Melbourne FC:
21. Zaim ZENELI (GK) / 12. Amadu KOROMA, 4. Michael EAGAR (C), 2. Tim MALA, 11. Brad NORTON / 23. Matthew FOSCHINI, 99. Iqi JAWADI / 18. Matthew MILLAR, 17. Marcus SCHROEN (22. Andy KECOJEVIC 89′), 7. Nick EPIFANO (27. Leigh MINOPOULOS 90+1′) / 9. Milos LUJIC (14. Chris IRWIN 90+3′).
Unused Subs: 1. Rory BRIAN (GK), 77. Stephen HATZIKOSTAS.
SMFC Melbourne City Toyota Man of the Match: Matthew Foschini
Venue: SS Anderson Reserve
Date: Wednesday 1 June 2016