Author: SMFC Media

Sunday, 28 May 2006 2:16 AM

By Michael Tsoukalis

Monday night South Melbourne travel to Epping Stadium hoping to continue their recent run of superb form and to eat away at a top three birth.

South have come off two convincing home performances in which they disposed of last year’s grand finalists Green Gully and Heidelberg, 3-0 and 3-1, in consecutive weeks.

Conversely, the John Markovski-coached Fawkner-Whittlesea have had a patchy run of form, unable to string together consecutive wins and as a result find themselves four points outside the top six in desperate need of maximum points against South if they are to keep up with the pace.

The Stallions however do possess a talented outfit. In Mark Tsiorlas they have a proven goal scorer at Premier League level with the ex-Dutch based striker netting 8 times so far this season.

Tsiorlas has been well supported by ex-A-League midfielder Carl Recchia who has slotted in very well since his return. Recchia has found the net 6 times making him an extremely dangerous threat pushing forward from the centre of the park.

Defender Sasa Ognenovski who has recently signed an A-League contract with the Queensland Roar is another player at the core of Fawkner’s hopes. The colossal defender has also managed to have an effect on the opposite side of the field, popping up for 4 goals with his threat at set pieces in the air, an area which South will have to keep a close eye on.

In the South camp, Captain Vaughn Coveny has been called up to the New Zealand national team and will miss the encounter. Consequently, Trinidad and Tobago import Kevin Nelson will no doubt be given the nod to start in Coveny’s place, presenting the quick forward with a genuine chance to stake his claim for more regular playing time.

Special mention must be made towards the breathtaking form of Brazilian Fernando Moraes as well as recent recruit and diminutive striker Andreas Oliveira.

Both players have shown an almost telepathic understanding for each other’s game in a short period of time and have the ability to tear to shreds any defence in the Vodafone Cup.

Moraes has also been in superb goal-scoring form as of late, managing to score 6 so far this term of which at least 4 have been of the highest order.

Finally, South’s makeshift defence spearheaded by youth continues to impress. Dino Djulbic at 21 is the oldest out of a quartet of players which also includes the likes of Steven O’Dor, James Stefanou and Sammy DeVito. All four players have stepped up tremendously in filling the voids left by the suspension, departure and injuries suffered to players such as Arthur Tsonis, Rama Tavsanscioglu, Con Blatsis and Jonas Salley and therefore must be commended for their efforts.

Monday, 22 May 2006 2:09 AM

By Michael Tsoukalis

South Melbourne has turned on the style smashing eternal rivals Heidelberg United 3-1 and consolidating their position in the Vodafone Cup top six.

A George Tzirtis belter, a brilliant curling finish by Fernando Moraes and a text-book one-on-one strike by Captain Vaughn Coveny capped off a scintillating display of precise attacking football that saw South relentless in knocking the ball around, producing brilliant link-up play and creating a multitude of goal-scoring opportunities.

With defender Dino Djulbic and Captain Vaughn Coveny returning from suspension South received a much needed boost to its playing stocks with both players going straight back into the starting eleven.

South lined up as follows. Veteran custodian Dean Anastasiadis started in goals with a central defensive trio consisting of youngsters Dino Djulbic, Steven O’Dor and Sammy DeVito. In the defensive midfield positions Tansel Baser and George Tzirtis took up the reigns with Scot MacNicol playing the more advanced and attacking midfield role. Youngster Nick Curtis started for his third consecutive game playing in a right wing-back role with Fernando Moraes on the left. Up front, skipper Vaughn Coveny was paired with Andreas Oliveira.

South started the game somewhat shakily with the visitors dominating play and keeping the hosts suspended in their own half. The Bergers however failed to capitalize on their opening period of dominance and were warned of things to come when Brazilian Moraes found some space and just when destined to shoot, cut the ball back to Oliveira who from 8 or so yards out and with only Acevski to beat couldn’t keep his shot down, blazing over when he should’ve scored.

The home side began to dominate but suffered a minor setback in the 23rd minute after Moraes had seemingly broken free down the left wing after Coveny had been fouled in the process of playing the ball which released Moraes.

Referee Jim Ouliaris failed to play the advantage which would’ve resulted in a clear goal-scoring opportunity for the home side, instead choosing to hold up play and book the offending Heidelberg player. It was a decision which infuriated the South Melbourne faithful who failed to see why Ouliaris didn’t let play continue and then book the player at the next available opportunity.

However, South went ahead via a George Tzirtis stunner. Nice interplay at the edge of the Heidelberg box saw Oliveira spread the ball wide to Tzirtis. The hard-working South midfielder didn’t hesitate and unleashed a dipping 25 yard effort that had Acevski stranded with the ball looping over his head and nestling into the top left hand corner.

After failing to add the all important second goal, South nearly conceded late on in the half when a Heidelberg corner was met by defender Daniel Jones who saw his angled header sail narrowly past Anastasiadis’s left upright with the South custodian beaten.

The second half saw South continue their dominance. Fernando Moraes who had been having a brilliant game was rewarded after a MacNicol through ball released Coveny down the right flank. The skipper could’ve squared to Oliveira but chose instead to go to the back-post where Moraes was lurking. The Brazilian’s first touch was ordinary with the chance appearing lost; however, Moraes recovered, made some space and sent a thunderbolt curling right foot effort past the hapless Acevski – who didn’t have enough time to react – into the right hand corner.

Playing delightful football South searched for a third. Coveny had been menacing all night and should’ve scored mid-way through the second half after he found himself with a man to beat, comfortably shimmied past him and with only Acevski in his path couldn’t direct his shot past the Berger’s keeper with Nick Curtis’s failing to make decent contact with the subsequent follow-up header.

South continued knocking on the door of a third goal and it nearly arrived after superb vision by Oliveira saw the diminutive South forward produce a splendid cross from the right to Coveny who at full stretch sent his diving header towards goal only to once again be denied by Acevski.

The continued pressure of the home side finally paid off after DeVito won the ball in defence and released Djulbic who had a nice one-two interchange with Moraes and eventually played a perfectly weighted through ball that was latched onto by Coveny. The South skipper had done superbly well to bust the off-side trap and find himself in acres of space again with only Acevski to beat.

This time the Kiwi international made no mistake, rounding Acevski and slotting home for his 4th goal of the current campaign, but more importantly, giving South a much deserved 3-0 lead.

With the game comfortably won, South relaxed and paid a price for taking their foot off the peddle. Ex-Carlton striker Joe Tricario tucked home a consolation goal late on after the Bergers broke down the right flank and produced a decent cross that Anastasiadis failed to deal with. The ball broke to Tricarico on the back post who made no mistake, hammering his effort into the back of the net.

Friday, 19 May 2006 1:32 PM

By Michael Tsoukalis

This Sunday’s encounter between two giants of Australian football and eternal rivals South Melbourne and Heidelberg promises to be a pulsating encounter.

Both sides need a win to consolidate their standings in the top six with the largest crowd of the Vodafone Cup 2006 season expected in attendance.

The Bergers are experiencing a poor run of form having not tasted victory in their past five matches and hence will be desperate for the three points at all costs.

Missing for the Phil Stubbins coached outfit will be forward Nick Marinos and inspirational leader Eric Vassiliadis who are serving suspensions after receiving straight red cards against the Sunshine Georgies in round 12.

The loss of Marinos is particularly damaging for the Bergers who have only scored 3 goals in their past four matches with the ex-Oakleigh striker the top goal-scorer at the club having netted four times so far this term.

Adelaide import Saranti Parissos will be asked to step up after only managing one goal this campaign. Parissos is a powerful striker with some pace and with the recent addition of ex-South Melbourne player Andy Vlahos coupled with the trickery of Yusuf Yusuf Heidelberg still present a genuine threat going forward.

Furthermore, in Nick Sabljak the Bergers possess a midfielder of immense technical ability with his passing range and ability to score goals a major threat against any opposition at this level.

In between the uprights the Bergers possess one of the Vodafone Cup’s finest. Lupce Acevski is a proven shot stopper at both State and National League level and forms an intimidating final barrier to goal. However, with the Bergers conceding 18 times so far this campaign, the most of any team in the top 6, Acevski will have to be at his best if the Bergers are to stop the recent goal scoring surge of South.

With South’s last two home games producing 7 goals, the return of skipper Vaughn Coveny from suspension is perfectly timed as the Kiwi international will only increase the attacking options available for Coach John Anastasiadis.

In fact Anastasiadis has been spoilt recently with the excellent performances of Brazilian Fernando Moraes and diminutive striker Andreas Oliveira who are ever increasingly linking up superbly in general play and most importantly for South, scoring goals.

Colossal defender Con Blatsis is also a chance to return with his presence needed as South continue to run thin in their defensive stocks. So thin that last week against Green Gully South player and AIS member Steven O’Dor was flown in from Canberra, a luxury of course that cannot be afforded on a weekly basis.

Monday, 15 May 2006 1:26 AM

By Michael Tsoukalis

In a devastating performance of relentless attacking football, South Melbourne has smashed 2005 Vodafone Cup Champions Green Gully 3-0.

Brazilian maestro Fernando Moraes scored a double, with Trinidad and Tobago native Kevin Nelson rounding off the scoreline.

With Captain Vaughn Coveny, Rama Tavsancioglu and Dino Djulbic all serving suspensions and Jonas Salley unavailable after signing on to play in the A-League, South flew in Steven O’Dor from his AIS commitments and threw him straight into the centre of the defence.

Kevin Nelson also lined up for his first start in more than a month whilst young winger Vasilios Natsioulas returned from injury to take his place on the bench.

The South starting-eleven read as follows. Dean Anastasiadis lined up in goal with Sammy DeVito, Steven O’Dor and James Stefanou used as a central defensive trio.

In wingback positions youngster Nick Curtis lined up on the right with Scot MacNicol on the left. Antonio Naglieri and Tansel Baser both played in deep midfield holding positions with Fernando Moraes playing as the attacking loose man in behind the strikers.

Up front Kevin Nelson partnered the diminutive Andreas Oliveira.

South almost scored in the 2nd minute after a superb chipped through ball by Moraes spotted Nelson’s intelligent run behind the Gully defence. Unfortunately for South Nelson’s control was poor with the Gully defence recovering, closing in and eventually clearing.

South continued to attack with a nice one-two – in the 12th minute – between Nelson and Moraes resulting in a decent 25 yard rising effort from the Brazilian that sailed well over the crossbar.

Seventeen minutes in and Nelson created some space down the right edge of Green Gully’s box. The Trinidad and Tobago native then managed to squeeze the ball back to Oliveira who unleashed a pile driving effort that seemed destined for the back of the net only for the shot to come crashing off an ill-placed South player’s forehead.

Gully immediately unleashed a counter-attack with a break down the left side of the South box seeing a strike aimed at Anastasiadis’s near post sail just wide.

South had been dominating possession and had limited Green Gully’s attacking play. The home side almost went ahead after 36 minutes when Naglieri played in Oliveira who from 25 or so yards out and on a slight angle, unleashed a superb low strike that just skimmed past the left upright with Gully custodian Pasi Schwalger well beaten.

South then went ahead courtesy of some Moraes magic. The ball fell bumbling towards the Brazilian just outside the Gully box slightly on the left. The Brazilian then proceeded to unleash a rocket-like effort that cannoned in off the left upright leaving Schwalger no chance and handing a South a 39th minute lead.

The home side looked to wrap up proceedings with a 2nd goal and Brazilian Moraes once again provided the inspiration. This time “Liliko” as he is known to the South faithful slotted home a 20-yard free kick, comfortably beating Schwalger after managing to dip his shot over the wall and doubling South’s advantage after 56 minutes.

Moraes should’ve had his hat-trick after superb interplay between Nelson and Curtis saw the latter produce a brilliant diagonal 63rd minute searching ball that found an unmarked Moraes. Curtis’s ball was so inch-perfect that it even evaded a diving Schwalger with Moraes presented with an empty net, though on a slight angle. Unfortunately for South Moraes tried to emphatically side-foot home his effort, seeing his shot cannon off the left upright when perhaps a simple tap-in would’ve sufficed.

South was now in party mode with Nelson continuing to have an influence. This time a quality flick by Nelson found Oliveira outside the box. The diminutive South genius made some space for himself with some quick footwork and then unleashed a stunning 20-yard effort, that had Schwalger scurrying and beaten, only to see his 75th minute effort cannon off the right upright.

Oliveira should’ve opened his account when an 82nd minute clearance by Anastasiadis evaded the Gully defence and sent Oliveira on his way one-on-one with Schwalger. Oliveira took his time, jinked inside to evade a rushing Gully defender but unfortunately failed to beat Schwalger who saved well down low and out for a corner.

South then wrapped up proceedings when Nelson received the ball 25 or so yards out. Showing a level of confidence that has been lacking for a great part of the season to date, Nelson went on a run, using his pace to skin the Gully defence and calmly slot past a hapless Schwalger to give South a much-deserved third in the 84th minute.

The game finished with a flurry with Nelson once again being a menace for the Gully defence, finding some space down the left and squaring for substitute George Tzirtis who produced a decent low 86th minute strike that needed a good save from Schwalger.

Nelson then frustrated the South faithful after twice using his pace to get in behind the Gully defence down the right wing and twice avoiding an easy cut-back to an unmarked Oliveira who from 6 or so yards out would’ve had little trouble in inflating the scoreline.

To Gully’s credit they almost scored late on when a 90th minute corner was dangerously nodded across the South goalmouth, eventually being cleared off the goal-line by the South defence and out for another corner.

Friday, 12 May 2006 2:28 PM

By Michael Tsoukalis

South Melbourne returns to Bob Jane Stadium this Sunday looking to consolidate their position in the top 6 of the Vodafone Cup.

Their opponents, the Andrew Marth-coached Green Gully find themselves in unfamiliar territory, just outside the relegation zone having not won a game since their round six 2-1 triumph over the Fawnker-Whittlesea Stallions.

South Melbourne will be eager to avenge their cruel 2005 Vodafone Cup exit at the hands of Gully after two opportunities – during the penalty shoot-out – to advance to the Grand Final were squandered by John Anastasiadis’s men, who had dominated proceedings during regular time. Gully eventually progressed and also went on to win the championship.

Gully have recently been active in the transfer market, looking to ease the loss of veteran forwards Nick Tsaltas and Nick Lazarevski who have moved to Altona Phoenix and Bulleen Zebras respectively. Gully have brought in young forwards Richard Cardozo (NSWPL), the younger brother of prolific NSL scorer Pablo Cardozo and Serkan Oksuz (Preston Lions) who has had NSL experience with the Melbourne Knights.

Cardozo scored his first goal for Gully during the last round, a well-taken delicate chip against the Altona Magic and will no doubt have to be closely contained by the South defence.

The core of the Green Gully side also remains extremely strong. Experienced players like Andy and Roddy Vargas, Lubo Lapsansky, Zoran Markovski, Dean Fak, Pasi Scwalger and Brendon Vassallo give the side a level of experience that few teams in the Vodafone Cup can claim.

Conversely, South have been decimated by injury in recent times and with the send-off of club Captain Vaughn Coveny last week against Frankston and the departure of Ivory Coast native Jonas Salley to the A-League, coach John Anastasiadis finds himself once again with a threadbare squad.

Trinidad and Tobago import Kevin Nelson will no doubt be drafted straight back into the starting-eleven to replace the suspended Coveny, giving Nelson a genuine chance to impress in front of the South faithful.

Defender Dino Djulbic is available after serving his suspension against Frankston with South also hoping that young winger Vasilios Natsioulas has recovered from a leg injury picked up two weeks ago against Oakleigh.

Young defenders James Stefanou and Sammy DeVito should be singled out for praise as both players have lifted admirably with the suspension and injury sustained to regular defenders Con Blatsis, Arthur Tsonis and Rama Tavsancioglu. Along with Tansel Baser, the South backline must continue to improve and remain tight if South are to position themselves well for a much-need home win against Gully.

Sunday, 7 May 2006 3:29 AM

By Michael Tsoukalis

South Melbourne have missed an opportunity to close in on the top three after surrendering a 0-1 lead to eventually leave Monterey Reserve with a 1-1 draw.

Captain Vaughn Coveny had given the visitors the lead in the 50th minute only for Frankston to equalize 10 minutes later.

With Dino Djulbic suspended and both Vasilios Natsioulas and Jonas Salley failing to recover from injury, South were down to a threadbare squad.

Coach John Anastasiadis sent out the following line-up. Veteran Custodian Dean Anastasiadis lined up in goal with a 3-man central defensive pairing consisting of youngsters James Stefanou and Sammy DeVito as well as Tansel Baser.

In wingback roles youngster Nick Curtis got his first senior start on the right with George Tzirtis playing on the left.

In the centre of the park, Antonio Naglieri played in the defensive midfield role with Fernando Moraes and Scot MacNicol given more license to push forward. Up front, Captain Vaughn Coveny partnered Andreas Oliveira.

The Pines came out firing no doubt eager to prove a point against South and former players Naglieri and Oliveira who along with Djulbic recently migrated to the Albert Park-based club after only 5 games with the Pines.

In the opening minutes Frankston saw a chipped effort from just outside the South box hit the crossbar with Anastasiadis caught slightly off his line. It was an early warning for South who with an unfamiliar line-up took some time to settle in.

South gradually started to get on top, beginning to dominate possession and knocking the ball around intelligently.

Nineteen minutes in and South had a great chance to take the lead after Moraes had intercepted a ball down the left wing. The Brazilian narrowed in towards goal and made the Frankston keeper work, producing a decent angled drive.

Ten minutes later and burly Frankston forward Nick Waite miscued a half-chance from near the edge of the South box, pulling his shot wide of Anastasiadis’s left upright.

South then ended the half with two well worked chances. The first arrived after a quality cross from the right by MacNicol saw Coveny rise and produce a looping header that was destined for the top right corner. The Frankston keeper managed to scramble and get a palm onto the ball, deflecting it onto the crossbar with the ball eventually being cleared.

Then right on the stroke of half time Naglieri received a square ball from Moraes 25 or so yards out. The former Perth SC man attempted a curling effort with his right foot that unfortunately for South sailed narrowly wide with the Frankston keeper again scrambling for position.

South stepped up the tempo in the 2nd half wanting to get an early goal that would send them on their way to the much sought after 3 points.

Fourty-seven minutes in and neat link-up play between Oliveira and Moraes saw the latter produce a quality low strike from 25 yards that forced the Frankston custodian into a fingertip save around the right upright.

South deservedly took the lead on 50 minutes after a long ball over the top exposed the Frankston defence who failed to clear the ball with South skipper Coveny reading the play and getting his foot to the ball first, sending his effort from 5 or so yards out in off the left hand post.

With South seemingly in the box seat the game was turned on its head after goal-scorer Coveny was sent off for a second cautionable offence after 57 minutes. The South Captain was deemed to have deliberately handled the ball when looking to break away on a counter-attacking play down the right wing. The decision appeared harsh as whilst a handball, there was definitely a question mark as to whether or not the Kiwi international had intentionally handled the ball.

Frankston wasted no time in capitalizing on their numerical advantage after a set piece from the right in the 60th minute saw a clever header into the South box leave the visitors defence exposed. A desperate lunge by Tansel Baser saw the ball deflect and fall perfectly to a Frankston player, who from 6 yards out and faced with an empty net made no mistake.

South then received a lifeline in the 69th minute when Frankston were also reduced to 10 men. The referee’s assistant had flagged for a Frankston offside with the offending player ignoring the whistle and taking a strike on goal. The referee didn’t hesitate to hand the player his 2nd caution and hence eliminate the numerical advantage the Pines had enjoyed for 20 minutes.

South now sensed a genuine opportunity to snatch the three points and pushed hard for a winner. MacNicol almost created a glorious chance when his quality 76th minute cross from the right just eluded a lunging Oliveira at full stretch, who if he had managed to make slight contact would have most probably scored.

The game ended with South wasting two golden opportunities during stoppage-time. The first was squandered by Brazilian Moraes after he was superbly played in down the right flank, the Brazilian with not a defender in sight narrowed in towards goal and appeared to take his chance quite casually, attempting to fool the keeper into believing that he intended and angle drive, yet only managing to find the side netting – at the near post – with the goal at his mercy.

Then with practically the last kick of the game, ex-Frankston striker Oliveira found destiny staring at him directly in the face. A quality low cutback from the right found the diminutive South forward all alone 6 yards out. For some reason Oliveira chose to stop the ball, looking both left and right and hence allowing the Frankston defence to close in and block his eventual drive when a quick and sharp effort towards goal was required.

Saturday, 6 May 2006 2:41 AM

By Michael Tsoukalis

South Melbourne travel to Monterey Reserve looking to build on the momentum established in last week’s triumphant 4-1 win against Bulleen.

With Frankston a game outside the top 6 and South in 6th position, the game serves as an important fixture which for South could lead to consolidating their finals status whilst a win for the Pines would see them apply heavy pressure for a spot in the six.

The game also serves as somewhat of a return for former Frankston players Andreas Oliveira and Antonio Naglieri who along with the suspended Dino Djulbic began the season with the Pines with all three players relocating to Bob Jane Stadium after only 5 games of the current Vodafone Cup campaign.

Naglieri and Oliveira can no doubt expect an icy greeting from the Pines faithful but with both players, especially Oliveira settling in well at South, the Pines will have to be cautious with their approach towards the pair.

Furthermore, with Dino Djulbic suspended after being sent off against Bulleen and Con Blatsis once again succumbing to injury, South find themselves extremely light in defence as courageous left back Rama Tavsancioglu is still serving out a 5 game suspension for his automatic send-off against Richmond.

Thankfully for South, Ivory Coast native Jonas Salley returns from injury and will no doubt take up a defensive role, joining the likes of Tansel Baser and youngsters Sammy DeVito and James Stefanou in forming a somewhat inexperienced defence.

South’s attacking stocks are also bolstered by the return of young winger Vasilios Natsioulas who missed the game against Bulleen after picking up a heavy knock on the leg against Oakleigh.

In the Pines camp, current coach and ex-South player Craig Lewis has departed the club after accepting a transfer to Dubai for work. Lewis will be replaced by Adam Jamieson who will be the Pines third coach of the season once he takes the reigns at the conclusion of Saturday’s match.

Players South must keep a close eye on include ex-South youth player Tas Psonis who is an unpredictable yet highly skilled player who possesses the ability to do something special.

Battering ram forward Nick Waite is also a threat and has proved prolific at Premier League level where his sheer size and aerial ability have seem him score quite consistently. Waite has scored twice this season and will no doubt be looked upon to fire to help ease the departure of Oliveira, who somewhat ironically remains the Pines top scorer this term with 3 goals.

Monday, 1 May 2006 1:10 AM

By Michael Tsoukalis

An Andreas Oliveira hat-trick has inspired a 10-man South Melbourne to a much needed 4-1 triumph against a battling Bulleen outfit.

With Dino Djulbic receiving his marching orders after 50 minutes, South managed to play better football with 10 men as opposed to 11, adding another two goals in this period to kill the game off and send home their loyal faithful happy.

Ivory Coast native Jonas Salley picked up an injury in training during the week and Vasilios Natsioulas succumbed to an injury picked up against Oakleigh meaning that Coach John Anastasiadis was forced to make changes to the starting 11.

Recent midfield acquisition Antonio Naglieri started on the bench with Scot MacNicol being given a starting spot in the centre of the park, in came young defender James Stefanou with the hard-working George Tzirtis also winning back a starting role.

The starting eleven read as follows, Dean Anastasiadis in goal, a flat back three of Con Blatsis, Dino Djulbic and James Stefanou with Sammy Devito and George Tzirtis playing in right and left wingback roles respectively.

The defensive midfield anchor was Tansel Baser with Brazilian Fernando Moraes and Scot MacNicol playing attacking midfield roles. Up front, Captain Vaughn Coveny partnered diminutive new recruit Andreas Oliveira.

South started the game the brighter of the two sides with Moraes testing Bulleen keeper Tomas Kovar early on, making some space for himself and unleashing a 20 yard effort in the 5th minute that Kovar managed to parry.

A minute later, sensing Kovar’s shaky handling due to the wet conditions, Oliveira struck from 20 yards, seeing his shot slip through Kovar’s hands and trickle over the line to give South the early initiative.

Bulleen however struck back soon after when midfielder Steve Martin chested a loose ball invitingly into his path and unleashed a 25 yard daisy-cutter that caught South custodian Anastasiadis by surprise, slamming into the back of the net and squaring the encounter.

Twenty-seven minutes in and South could’ve went ahead after a superb long clearance from Anastasiadis eluded the Bulleen defence with Coveny latching onto the ball but failing to connect with his angled drive, kicking the turf and failing to work Kovar.

Then in the thirty-seventh minute, Bulleen missed a glorious opportunity after ex-Essendon striker Ben Harbison peeled off the South defence superbly, just managing to stay onside and controlling well in the box and with only Anastasiadis to beat from 8 or so yards out and on a slight angle to the right. Fortunately for the home side, Harbinson failed to test the South custodian and blazed over.

South immediately made Bulleen pay for their poor finishing after Coveny broke down the right flank and sent in a measured ball to the back post that saw Oliveira do superbly well to confuse his marker with an intelligent weaving run allowing for the South forward dynamo to loose his man and volley home from 2 yards out in the 38th minute, giving South a vital 2-1 edge before half time.

Sadly for South, colossal defender Con Blatsis broke down again towards the end of the first half with what appeared to be a muscle injury. Blatsis was replaced by Antonio Naglieri who shifted into midfield with Tansel Baser dropping back into defence.

Just before the half time break Harbinson again failed to capitalize on a good opening after a ball from the right was whipped into his feet, 12 or so yards out, Harbinson did well to turn his marker and sent his low 42nd minute drive narrowly past Anastasiadis’s right upright.

During first half injury time Tzirtis did well to work some space down the left for himself, skinning his marker and entering the Bulleen box, Tzirtis’s final left foot effort was decent, but unfortunately for South, slammed in the side netting.

The second half started with a bang with Dino Djulbic receving his marching orders after 50 minutes. A South attack saw the home team cross the ball into the Bulleen box with Djulbic seemingly contesting rightfully for the ball as Kovar came out to claim, however, the referee felt that Dlujbic had followed through and made contact with Kovar, giving the South defender his 2nd yellow of the evening and hence sending him off.

South looked initially nervy with 10 men and nearly conceded in the 55th minute after Anastasiadis missed a ball he came out to glove with the subsequent goal-line scramble eventually being cleared by the South defence.

The home side started to gain confidence with Moraes testing Kovar with a stinging 20 yard drive in the 61st minute that the Bulleen custodian did well to parry to his right and out for a corner.

Up-stepped Oliveira who produced a stunning looping corner with vicious curl, eluding the Bulleen defenders on the goal-line and sailing over Kovar. Initially it appeared the referee had signaled for a foul on the Zebras’ custodian as the Bulleen players were preparing to take a free-kick but the referee then pointed to the centre and started walking towards the kick-off spot, signaling that Oliveira’s goal was indeed valid, capping off his hat-trick and giving the diminutive striker a dream home debut.

Oliveira was soon after substituted and received a well-earnt standing ovation.

South then wrapped up proceedings with a champagne goal. MacNicol had broken well down the right and sent a quality looping ball to the back post. Moraes was waiting to pick up the scraps and when the Bulleen defence didn’t header away convincingly, Moraes controlled the ball and unleashed a stunning 68th minute left-foot volley past Kovar, beating the Bulleen custodian on his near post and sending the Clarendon Corner into party mode.

South then capped off an all-round team display with Anastasiadis pulling off the save of the evening. Bulleen had produced a quality 82nd minute corner from the left that found an unmarked player who from 8 yards out saw his headed effort superbly saved by the quick reflexes – and fingertips – of Anastasiadis who parried over at full stretch.

Thursday, 27 April 2006 7:07 PM

By Michael Tsoukalis

South Melbourne returns to Bob Jane Stadium this Sunday looking to kick-start a stuttering campaign.

John Anastasiadis’s men have been unable to string a run of positive results and hence find themselves just outside the top 6 albeit with a game in hand.

Sunday’s game serves as a “six-pointer” for South as Bulleen are the team directly above them, holding the last spot in the top 6.

Bulleen coach Michael Michalakopoulos is quickly building a solid name for himself amongst the Vodafone Cup coaching circle, having done a good job at Essendon last season, the ex-South Melbourne striker took the coaching reigns from the experienced Peter Ollerton inheriting a side which was nearly relegated last season.

Michalakopoulos has managed to string together a 5-game unbeaten run which has seen the Zebras cling onto an early top-6 birth.

Bulleen’s strength lies in its vastly experienced squad with players like Frank Tramontana, Stelios Drakos and Ross Antoniadis all having played more than 150 games at this level.

Up front, the Zebras possess some decent talent with the newly acquired (from Essendon) Ben Harbison scoring twice so far this term after a productive last season with the Royals. Partnering Harbinson could be ex-A-League player Ricky Diaco who must overcome a slight knock if he is to line-up against South.

Diaco provides and aerial presence and quick feet up-front making him a large void should he not line up. Furthermore, Diaco’s race towards fitness has become more important after leading goal-scorer (3 goals this term) Hamlet Armenian received a red card against Altona and hence will not be able to line up against South.

Youngster and A-League player Billy Celeski may also miss after an injury kept him out of the game against Altona, however, his 17-year old replacement Adam Fedjevic was outstanding in the centre of the park for the Zebras, limiting the absence the Perth Glory midfielder.

Similarly to South the Zebras have conceded more goals than they have scored, with both sides only having found the net on 10 occasions thus far.

South has moved to solve its goal-scoring problems with the diminutive Andreas Oliveira scoring his first goal for the club in last Monday’s 2-1 defeat to Oakleigh.

Oliveira has looked extremely potent and sharp and with the support of veteran striker and club captain Vaughn Coveny, could form an extremely effective partnership for the Lakeside-based club that is bound to cause plenty of problems for the Zebras.

With Con Blatsis returning to first team action against Oakleigh, the challenge for Coach John Anastasiadis is to find the best balance on the park.

Rama Tavsancioglu continues to serve his suspension after receiving a red card against Richmond and with the season-ending injury to Arthur Tsonis, South’s back four takes on a relative inexperienced tone with new recruit Dino Djulbic joining the likes of Tansel Baser, Sammy DeVito and Con Blatsis in a backline that has spent little time together as a defensive unit.

Tuesday, 25 April 2006 11:20 AM

By George Kouroumalis

In front of a healthy crowd at Jack Edwards Reserve, the Oakleigh Cannons managed to do the impossible and snatch a win from cross town rivals South Melbourne.
The boys from Lakeside started in the perfect way with captain Vaughan Coveny playing an inviting ball across the box from the right hand side, which caused mayhem in the Oakleigh area.

Despite the best efforts from the Oakleigh defence and goalkeeper Stuart Webster, the ball fell to Andreas Oliviera who slotted the ball into the back of the open net.
With South in front after only two minutes played in the game, the experienced Oakleigh midfield launched an attack almost immediately to try and bring the sides level.
Much maligned midfielder Con Boutsianis, played a ball to Anthony Pelikan who launched a drive from outside the box, which was well saved by South keeper Dean Anastasiadis.
Only 2 minutes later in the 5th minute a cross by Sam Poutakidis was cleared by the South defence, however only to fall into the path of Bill Damianos.
Damianos, who had spent most of his career as a South Melbourne player, saw Anastasiadis off his line and proceeded to launch a 35 yard volley toward the goal.
To the disbelief of the crowd the ball cleared Anastasiadis and found the back of the net.

The rest of the second half proved a tough and uneventful contest between both clubs with no real clear chance falling to either side.
The second half started where the first left off with both sides playing safe and risk free football for the first 15 minutes.
However in the 61st minute, Oakleigh striker Juan Nilo was played behind the South defence by Poutakidis.
To the relief of the traveling fans the shot was strike directly into the arms of the waiting Anastasiadis.
As Oakleigh continued to press, Boutsianis was then released by Damianos and in true Boutsianis fashion launched a cracking drive from thirty five yards, which dipped and curled just wide of the outstretched Anastasiadis and for that matter the goal itself.
One minute later in the 68th minute the lights failed with an explosion occurring in the nearby area most likely the cause of this.

This delayed the game for some 20 minutes with Oakleigh officials and Police frantically trying to find a power source to supply the lights with the necessary power needed to function to an acceptable level.
Once this was achieved, both teams once again came out tentative with no real chance falling until the 74th minute, where South Melbourne’s Tansel Baser was inches wide from blasting his side into the lead.
In the 77th minute a careless back pass by Coveny gifted former teammate in Damianos with possession in his own half, only for Damianos to be fouled just outside the box by Jonas Salley.
As Pelikan and Boutsianis stood over the ball, the South Melbourne faithful who had watched these two stars of the Victorian Football play week in and week out in the NSL knew that they had to deal with two of the best free kick takers in the league.

True to the above description Pelikan stepped up and sent a perfectly placed free kick into the top corner giving Oakleigh the lead for the first time in the match.
Oakleigh nearly sealed the game in both the 85th and 87th minutes with Anastasiadis making two straight forward saves from former NSL player Esala Masi.
In the 91st minute South Melbourne had a final chance to gain a point from the contest through experienced midfielder Baser, who launched a drive from the left hand side of the box.
The shot unfortunately for Baser and South fans’ was only inches wide of finding the target.
Only moments later referee Perry Mur blew his whistle signaling the end of the contest with the Oakleigh Cannons running out 2-1 victors.

Oakleigh who sit clear on top of the table host Richmond on Friday, while South Melbourne who are placed outside the top six host the Bulleen Zebras at Bob Jane Stadium on Sunday night.