South Melbourne FC

Author: Peter Papoulias

  • Kingston edge South in Monday night football

    Kingston edge South in Monday night football

    South Melbourne FC was left frustrated by a resolute ten man Kingston City on Monday night, going down 1-0 in a tight encounter at the Grange Reserve.

    Kingston, who conceded late equaliser last week, started on the front foot and capitalized on their first chance of the game in the 7th minute. Damian Iaconis cut in off the left wing a placed a low, curling shot into the bottom right corner.

    South worked into the game as the half wore on and came within inches of scoring 28 minutes, when Marcus Schroen released Billy Konstantinidis, but the imposing striker’s shot was palmed wide.

    After being 1-0 down at the break, South came out with far more urgency in the second half. The major talking point of the game came in the 59th when Alex Caniglia cynically brought down Pep Marafioti to receive his second yellow card.

    The ten men of Kingston defended admirably, but South finally started to penetrate in the latter stages of the half and created a glut of chances in the last fifteen minutes.

    The breakthrough almost came in 79th minute when Billy Konstantinidis was slipped through but crashed his shot against the cross-bar.

    After several other narrow misses, the stage was set for a last gasp equaliser and Marcus Schroen was agonizingly close to being the hero.

    The attacking midfielder had two close-range headers incredibly saved deep into stoppage time as ultimately it wasn’t to be South’s night.

    The 1-0 loss sees South slide to 9th before a must win Friday night clash away to Pascoe Vale, Kingston meanwhile rise to 10th.

     

  • South look to bounce back at Kingston

    South look to bounce back at Kingston

    South Melbourne’s string of away games continues in round five, as they look to get back to winning ways against local rivals Kingston City FC.

    The visit to the Grange Reserve comes off the back of a disappointing week for South, with last week’s loss to Avondale having broken the momentum of back to back wins.

    Despite the loss, South sits in 8th on the table and have shown plenty to suggest that 2019 will be a positive season.

    The attacking unit, in particular, is looking cohesive, with both Marcus Schroen and Gerrie Sylaidis showing promise in the playmaker role while there is a constant threat down the wings through Nick Krousoratis and Pep Marafioti.

    South’s opponents for this week, Kingston City, sit in 13th after four rounds of football. Kingston is yet to pick up a win so far but has made a strong account of themselves in the opening rounds. Nick Tolios’ men were cruelly denied the three points last week, conceding an 89th-minute goal at home to Oakleigh.

    Since Kingston’s promotion in 2016, the meetings have been fairly even. The teams split the points last season, with South winning 2-0 at the Grange Reserve before an Alex Caniglia double helped Kingston gain revenge by beating South 4-1 at Lakeside.

    A huge three points will be up for grabs on Monday night; Kingston will be hungry to get their first win of the season while South is aiming to prove that last week’s result was an anomaly.

    Thanks to Football Victoria’s game-changing new broadcasting deal, ALL senior NPL games will be broadcast and streamed LIVE. If you are unable to support the team in person, more information about how to watch can be found here.

  • Match Preview – SMFC Women vs NTC

    Match Preview – SMFC Women vs NTC

    South Melbourne FC will be searching for back to back wins this Sunday as they travel to Knox to face Senior NTC. The NPL Women’s league has seen some wildly lopsided results so far and the two teams will go into battle on the back of  vastly differing form.

    South currently sit third on the table after beating fellow contenders Bulleen 1-0 last week and also recorded an incredible 11-0 victory over Southern United in the opening round. The only loss for South came in a difficult round two fixture away to league leaders Calder.

    Coach Mick Gallo will be proud of the even goal spread from his team with Chelsea Blissett, Cindy Lay, Emily Rayment and Erin Hudson all having chipped in with two goals each to start the season.

    Senior NTC, on the other hand, is coming off a brutal 12-0 loss to Calder United and are yet to get off the mark in 2019. The team sits in ninth and will be keen to bounce back from the heavy defeat.

    The game will have huge implications at both ends of the table, with South looking to keep up with the league leaders, please come along to support the women in what should be an exciting game.

    Thanks to Football Victoria’s game-changing new broadcasting deal, ALL senior NPL games will be broadcast and streamed LIVE. If you are unable to support the team in person, more information about how to watch can be found here.

    Match details
    Senior NTC vs South Melbourne FC
    Sunday 17 March @ Knox Regional Football Center (Pitch 1)
    Kick-off 1.15pm

    Last time we met

  • South aim for three in a row away to Avondale

    South aim for three in a row away to Avondale

    South Melbourne FC hit the road for the third time in four weeks this Saturday, with a mouth-watering Saturday afternoon fixture against Avondale FC

    Avondale narrowly lost last year’s final to Heidelberg and look like genuine title contenders again in 2019. The ‘Avengers’ have come out of the blocks, emphatically winning their first three games to sit equal top of the table.

    Similarly, South have started the season strongly by redeeming their opening day loss with back to back victories over Dandenong City and Port Melbourne. The triumph away to Port was particularly inspirational, with South claiming the derby day points in the dying stages of the game.

    Both teams will go into the game high on confidence but Con Tangalakis will be wary of the recent contests between the sides. Avondale has won the last five meetings between the teams and prevailed 6-2 in the reverse fixture last season.

    Although recent fixtures don’t read well, history will count for nothing on Saturday. South’s new look squad looks to have already formed a tight bond and performances will give fans optimism about the season ahead.

    The game will have huge implications at the top of the table, South Melbourne FC urges fans to get out in force and support the squad!

    Thanks to Football Victoria’s game-changing new broadcasting deal, ALL senior NPL games will be broadcast and streamed LIVE. If you are unable to support the team in person, more information about how to watch can be found here.

    FORM GUIDE

    SMFC

    Port Melbourne    1-2    South Melbourne
    South Melbourne 1-0    Dandenong City
    Bentleigh                3-1     South Melbourne

    AVONDALE

    Avondale FC        2-1    Kingston City
    Avondale FC        1-0    Port Melbourne
    Dandenong City  1-4    Avondale FC

    Match details
    Avondale FC vs South Melbourne FC
    Saturday 9 March @ Avenger Park (476 Brunswick Rd, Parkville)
    Kick-off 3.15pm

  • South prevail in local derby

    South prevail in local derby

    [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]There was late drama at SS Anderson Reserve, as South Melbourne FC dug deep to claim local bragging rights by recording an inspirational 2-1 victory over Port Melbourne.

    The game was full of wild momentum swings, with the players given extra drinks breaks to cope with the stifling heat, which was hovering around 35 oC at the 6PM kick-off time.

    The Sharks have dominated recent fixtures between the teams by winning 3 of the last 4 encounters, but it was South who seized control early, dictating possession and probing for openings.

    The breakthrough came in the 22nd minute with the first clear-cut chance of the game. South captain Brad Norton surged forward on the left, before sliding the ball into the path of the overlapping Nick Krousoratis. The dynamic number 12 rolled a cross onto the edge of the six-yard box for Giusseppe Marafioti to lash home.

    The goal sparked South Melbourne into life. The advantage was almost doubled only minutes later, when George Howard headed narrowly wide from a corner kick.

    The momentum shifted towards the end of the first half. Port worked into the game and forced South Melbourne to defend deeper and deeper as the half wore on.

    The Sharks got their reward in the 43rd minute when after a pabuild-upild up, striker Sam Ford turned his defender before striking powerfully into the top right corner.

    The momentum was well and truly with Port and this carried into the second half. Perry Lambropoulos put in a titanic shift as right back to stem the constant pressure, while keeper Nikola Roganovic stood up strong to deny Port on several occasions.

    As the players edged towards the second drink break, the introduction of Marcus Schroen injected life into South Melbourne’s tiring midfield.

    South almost took the lead in the 69th minute with what would have been an early contender for goal of the season. Krousoratis cut in off the left wing and unleashed a 25-yard screamer which rattled the cross-bar.

    The moment of magic came in the 85th minute through unlikely hero Luke Adams. After Port failed to clear a corner, Brad Norton hung up a cross to the penalty spot for South’s centre back to chest down and half volley into the top corner.

    It was a moment that any world class striker would have been proud of and was followed with wild celebrations on the South bench.

    The win leaves South in seventh on the table, but only three points separate them from the league leaders.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”17939″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • Match Preview – South travel to Port for local derby

    Match Preview – South travel to Port for local derby

    South Melbourne FC travel to Port Melbourne this Saturday, chasing back to back wins in what will be a scorching early evening clash. The game will test the conditioning of both teams, as the mercury is expected to be sitting at a sweltering 35°C for the 6PM kick off.

    The two teams go into battle being separated by only two places on the ladder and both will be hungry to keep within touching distance of the league leaders.

    South Melbourne catapulted up to 6th last weekend, overcoming Dandenong City 1-0 in a tight contest. Con Tangalakis will be encouraged by the early season form of his squad, particularly as the team has seen significant changes over the offseason. Eight players have debuted over the first two rounds and another positive performance will do wonders for team cohesion.

    On the other hand, despite sitting in 8th place, Port Melbourne has struggled to fire in 2019. Port commenced the season with a first round 0-0 draw at home to Kingston, which was followed by a 1-0 defeat to Avondale FC.

    The Sharks have picked up a solitary point and are yet to score in their opening fixtures, a worrying stat which they will be desperate to break.

    Recently, South have had their own alarming trend which the coaching and playing staff will be eager to address. In the last four clashes between the teams, South Melbourne have only won once and have received three red cards.

    South will be hoping their early season momentum will help buck the trend against Port Melbourne and to bag another three points.

    Thanks to Football Victoria’s game-changing new broadcasting deal, ALL senior NPL games will be broadcast and streamed LIVE. If you are unable to support the team in person, more information about how to watch can be found here.

    Match details
    Port Melbourne Sharks vs South Melbourne FC
    Saturday 2 March @ JL Murphy Reserve
    Kick off 6.00pm

  • South get first three points of season with win over Dandenong City

    South get first three points of season with win over Dandenong City

    South Melbourne FC earnt their first three points of season 2019, grinding out a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Dandenong City at Lakeside Stadium.

    Both teams were hungry to bounce back from round 1 defeats and it was the home side who controlled the early possession. South should have broken the deadlock in the 4th minute when Krousoratis whipped in a low cross from the right flank to find Howard, but his close-range effort was comfortably saved.

    South struggled to find attacking rhythm but held a solid defensive shape led by Luke Adams and Jake Marshall, who made several strong interceptions to prevent Dandenong from working into dangerous areas.

    South had a penalty shout waved away in the 26th minute for a potential handball before the game turned on its head in the 35th. An incident behind play led to a straight red card for Dandenong defender James Kelly.

    Dandenong were almost made to pay on the stroke of half time when Gerrie Sylaidos slipped a lovely reverse ball into the channel for Krousoratis, who’s low drive across goal cracked the inside of the post.

    The theme continued in the second half, South Melbourne probing for openings against a well drilled Dandenong unit. Con Tangalakis looked to the bench for inspiration and by the 68th minute, all three substitutes were used. Marcus Schroen joined the fray along with debutants Zac Bates and Billy Konstantinidis.

    The breakthrough finally came in 79th minute through dynamic youngster Gerrie Sylaidos after Dandenong scrambled away a corner. Sylaidos, who found the ball on the right edge of the 18-yard box, danced around a defender and powered a shot through bodies into the bottom left corner.

    New number 9 Billy Konstantinidis almost doubled the lead just minutes later but was denied by the keeper as South looked to of finally found their groove.

    Ten-man Dandenong City almost spoilt the party in the 88th minute as a long ball was flicked onto the dangerous Piemonte who found himself through on goal but was denied by Roganovic.

    A massive three points for South Melbourne who now move into mid-table. The club will travel to Port Melbourne next Saturday full of confidence in search of back to back wins.

    FINAL SCORE: SOUTH MELBOURNE 1-0 DANDENONG CITY (HT: 0-0)

    Goal Scorer:
    1-0: Gerrie Sylaidos (79′)

    South Melbourne:
    1. Nikola Roganovic (GK) / 2. Perry Lambropoulos, 4. Luke Adams, 5. Jake Marshall, 11. Brad Norton (c) / 8. Dean Bereveskos, 17. Ethan Gage (10. Marcus Schroen 62′) / 12. Nick Krousoratis, 45. Gerrie Sylaidos, 7. Giuseppe Marafioti (20. Zac Bates 62′) / 14. George Howard (9. Billy Konstantinidis 68′).
    Unused Subs: 3. Kristian Konstantinidis, 23. Amir Jashari (GK).
    Yellow Cards: Norton 40′, Gage 56′.
    Coach: Con Tangalakis.

    Dandenong City:
    16. Kile Kennedy (GK), 3. Iqi Jawadi (20. Anthony Poljak 86′), 7. Shayan Alinejad, 8. Zac Thompson, 12. Shaun Filipovic (c) (9. Brayden Mann 59′), 17. Liam McCormick (10. Anthony Theo 56′), 19. James Kelly (sent off 36′), 23. Dean Piemonte, 26. Mark Ochieng, 36. Steven Topalovic, 55. Petar Franjic.
    Unused Subs: 1. Alex Connell (GK), 13. Greg Lombardo.
    Yellow Cards: Thompson 29′, Alinejad 32′, Mann 65′, Jawadi 75′, Topalovic 89′.
    Coach: Zeljko Kuzman.

  • Match Preview – South returns to Lakeside this Friday

    Match Preview – South returns to Lakeside this Friday

    NPL returns to Lakeside Stadium this Friday as South Melbourne FC go head to head with newly promoted Dandenong City this Friday night.

    The two teams famously clashed during the 2017 FFA Cup in one of the most exciting games of recent history. After falling behind 4-1 deep into the second half South staged a miraculous comeback to win 5-4, with a 97th minute penalty causing pandemonium in the stands of Lakeside Stadium.

    Dandenong City has reached the top tier of state football for the first time in their proud history, but the party of was short lived as they lost to a rampant Avondale FC 4-1 in the first round.

    South Melbourne is similarly coming off a loss, falling 3-1 away to Bentleigh Greens in a match that could have swung either way. South will continue to improve as the new look squad gels together, with five new signings having already debuted last week in the blue and white.

    South fans will be extremely encouraged by the performances of the new contingent. Nick Krousoratis and Gerrie Sylaidos, in particular, stood out as livewires and will look to expose the Dandenong City defence.

    The club hopes for an electric atmosphere at Lakeside Friday night so please come down and support the team get off the mark for season 2019.

    Memberships and merchandise can be purchased and collected from the Futsal Entrance at Lakeside Stadium. We urge all fans to arrive early to avoid the long waiting lines.

    Match details
    South Melbourne FC vs Dandenong City SC
    Friday 22 Feb @ Lakeside Stadium
    Kick off 8.30pm (Under 20s and 6.15pm)

  • South unlucky as Bentleigh take the points

    South unlucky as Bentleigh take the points

    A new look South Melbourne FC kicked off 2019 with a strong performance despite ultimately falling 3-1 to Bentleigh Greens in a back and forth contest at Kingston Heath.

    Perfect late Summer conditions greeted the teams for the round 1 blockbuster and after a cagey start, Bentleigh drew first blood with their opening attempt of the game. A fortunate break in the midfield saw the ball played out wide to Yuel, whose low cross found Barresi to slot home in the 9th minute.

    Chances were few and far between for both sides but South rallied with debutant Gerrie Sylaidos firing narrowly wide. The 2018 NPL Rising Star continued to impress, stripping the Bentleigh midfield and releasing Nick Krousoratis on the right wing who surged forward before equalizing with a powerful low finish in the 23rd minute. South continued to look threatening on the break, particularly down the right flank through Pepe Marafioti before Kostas Stratomitros was forced from the field with injury shortly before the half time whistle.

    South began the second half on the front foot with the midfield looking composed in possession and goal scorer Krousoratis terrorizing the Bentleigh defence with some explosive attacking runs. Despite the positive signs, Bentleigh once again took the lead against the run of play with Yuel tapping home from close range in the 70th minute after another low cross. The goal didn’t change the momentum of the game, South continued to press forward and came agonizingly close to finding an equalizer on several occasions, most notably with Sylaidos and substitute Marcus Schroen both being denied by acrobatic saves.

    Ultimately legs began to fade and as the game stretched Bentleigh speedster Yuel doubled his tally with a smart finish on the counter-attack, sealing the game for the Greens deep in injury time.

    The 3-1 scoreline flattered the home side in the end as South Melbourne left frustrated not to have picked up at least a point. The overall performance had plenty of positives though and Con Tangalakis will feel optimistic about the team’s chances for next Friday night’s game against Dandenong City.

    FINAL SCORE: BENTLEIGH GREENS 3-1 SOUTH MELBOURNE (HT: 1-1)

    Goal Scorers:
    1-0: Joshua Barresi (9′)
    1-1: Nick Krousoratis (23′)
    2-1: Valentino Yuel (70′)
    3-1: Valentino Yuel (90+4′)

    Bentleigh Greens:
    1. Ryan Scott (GK), 2. Matthew Crooks (4. Charles Fry 88′), 3. Jacob Alexander, 5. Jack Webster (c), 7. Joshua Barresi (11. James Xydias 83′), 8. George Lambadaridis, 10. Tyson Holmes, 14. Marco Jankovic, 15. Valentino Yuel, 18. Matthew Thurtell, 23. Velibor Mitrovic (17. Arnold Suew 62′).
    Unused Subs:  6. Brody Taylor,  20. Nathan Coe (GK).
    Yellow Cards: Holmes 57′.
    Coach: John Anastasiadis.

    South Melbourne FC:
    1. Nikola Roganovic (GK) / 2. Perry Lambropoulos, 5. Jake Marshall, 4. Luke Adams, 11. Brad Norton (c) / 18. Kosta Stratomitros (8. Dean Bereveskos 35′), 17. Ethan Gage / 12. Nick Krousoratis, 45. Gerrie Sylaidos, 7. Pepe Marafioti (10. Marcus Schroen 72′) / 14. George Howard (13. Giordano Marafioti 62′).
    Unused Subs: 3. Kristian Konstantinidis, 23. Amir Jashari (GK).
    Yellow Cards: Roganovic 61′, G Marafioti 68′, Lambropoulos 80′.
    Coach: Con Tangalakis

  • Match Preview: Friday night lights as Bentleigh host South

    Match Preview: Friday night lights as Bentleigh host South

    South Melbourne FC kicks off an exciting 2019 NPL campaign with a blockbuster away clash against Bentleigh Greens this Friday.

    The visit to Kingston Heath follows an action-packed pre-season for South after the permanent appointment of coach Con Tangalakis at the end of 2018. Tangalakis guided the club to safety during a challenging season and has made extensive changes to rejuvenate both the coaching and playing groups.

    Despite some emotional farewells, the mood at Lakeside Stadium is full of positivity. The strong results in preseason were capped off with the deadline-day acquisition of dynamic striker, Billy Konstantinidis. The new number 9 has had an extensive career abroad, predominately in Greece. He joins a raft of other signings brought in to bolster an already talented squad which won its last friendly 2-0 away to West Adelaide.

    South Melbourne faces a tough test away to the Bentleigh Greens who will be brimming with confidence after tasting silverware last Thursday. The Greens seized the Community Shield with a commanding 2-0 victory over rivals Heidelberg and will be hungry to hit the ground running in 2019. Like South Melbourne, Bentleigh has recruited heavily during the offseason and fans of the club will be hopeful they can go one better than last season, when they narrowly missed out on an NPL grand final berth.

    A huge three points are up for grabs this Friday and the club urges all South fans to get down as we kickstart the 2019 NPL campaign.

    Match details
    Bentleigh Greens vs South Melbourne FC
    Friday 15 Feb @ Kingston Heath
    Kick off 8.15pm

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