A rare Monday night clash at Lakeside Stadium saw South Melbourne claim a 3-1 victory over Melbourne Knights in the Original Melbourne Derby, with a strong crowd in attendance for the occasion.
South started with intensity and capitalised on their dominance in the 33rd minute when George Mells unleashed a scorching drive into the back of the net. The lifelong South boy made a memorable debut at Lakeside Stadium with his stunning strike.
Just four minutes later, Argentine forward Nahuel Bonada pounced on a loose ball inside the area, turning quickly to fire a shot past Knights’ goalkeeper Chris Oldfield, doubling South’s advantage before the break.
South continued to control proceedings early in the second half, though Melbourne Knights found a way back into the contest. Mark Petheriotis pulled one back with an effort that was adjudged to have crossed the line, despite strong protests from South defenders and goalkeeper Javi Lopez, who insisted he had kept it out.
With the game still in the balance, South sealed the win in front of their passionate supporters when Danish striker Gustav Moller finished off a well-saved effort to restore the two-goal cushion and secure all three points.
A commanding performance from South Melbourne in a crucial derby clash as we made it two from two to start the season
Next week, we take on Melbourne Victory Youth at the Home of the Matildas.