Author: SMFC Media

Thursday, 23 June 2005 6:45 PM

By Michael Tsoukalis

After a week’s hiatus due to the commitments of the VPL state team’s trip to China, Vodafone Premier League action resumes this weekend with South Melbourne making the trip down to Paisley Reserve for a crucial game against the Ken Murphy-coached Altona Magic.

With their past 5 encounters yielding 4 draws and a loss, the Magic have dropped out of the top six in recent weeks and must win if they are to their maintain hopes of competing in September finals action.

Conversely, in the same period, Coach John Anastasiadis’s men have picked up 3 wins and 2 draws to find themselves in clear 2nd place and only 1 point behind ladder leaders Green Gully.

With the season panning out as it has, a win on Saturday will move South into the 37 point bracket which will most probably prove enough to guarantee a spot in the finals.

For the Magic the versatile Cameron Pino has netted six times this season and must be closely monitored. Pino can play as an out-and-out striker, drop in the midfield and has even played defence in the earlier part of his career. Pino has been well supported by the goal-scoring form of Koce Delev who has chipped in with 5 goals.

Altona’s spine consists of experienced former National League players such as ex-Melbourne Knight’s keeper Martin John as well former South players Levent Osman and Marcus Stergiopoulos who form the core of the Magic’s defence and midfield respectively.

In the South camp, goalkeeper Dean Anastasiadis continues to be in superb form. His latest inspirational effort came against Bulleen where his alertness and sharp saves gave South the platform to always be in the game and eventually score the winner.

Con Blatsis continues to have question marks surrounding his fitness with the colossal centre back having not played for almost 6 weeks. In his absence however, Arthur Tsonis has lead the heart of the defence with aplomb with the emergence of youngsters Sammy DeVito and Steven O’Dor and the consistency and sheer passion of Rama Tavsancioglu allowing for South to continue to have the best defence in the league.

Scot MacNicol continues to chip in with vital goals from midfield with the front pairing of Peter Koutsoupias and Vaughn Coveny one of the quickest in the league.

Thursday, 16 June 2005 12:15 PM

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Sunday, 12 June 2005 8:22 PM

By Michael Tsoukalis

South Melbourne have capitalised on Heidelberg’s Friday night loss to Oakleigh – moving into at least 2nd place – after a 93rd minute strike from winger Scot MacNicol gave John Anastasiadis’s men a hard fought yet priceless 3 points against the Bulleen Zebras.

Coach Anastasiadis made two changes to the starting eleven. In came winger Ryan Dinse with skipper Vaughan Coveny completing a remarkable turnaround leading the South attack after playing for New Zealand against the Socceroos in London on Friday and arriving back in Australia early this morning. Relegated to the substitutes bench were the unfortunate George Tzirtis and Brazilian import Fernando Moraes.

The South line-up read as follows. Dean Anastasiadis in goal with central defence seeing youngster Steven O’Dor partner Arthur Tsonis. Sammy DeVito and Rama Tavsancioglu played right and left back respectively. In the defensive midfield position Evan Karavitis again managed to start with Kosta Salapasidis deployed in an attacking midfield role. Scott MacNicol and Ryan Dinse patrolled the right and left wings whilst up front Vaughan Coveny was the target man with the speed of Peter Koutsoupias used off Coveny’s shoulder as a further attacking threat.

South started the game extremely shaky and lacking rhythm. Sensing their opportunity to get ahead early the Zebras nearly went ahead after 9 minutes when a deep cross from the left found the unmarked Ryan Ollerton on the back post. Ollerton directed his header on goal but Anastasiadis read the play superbly, pre-empting where Ollerton was trying to position his effort and as a result comfortably saving.

Two minutes later ex-South favourite Con Boutsianis should’ve put the Zebras ahead after sloppy defending from South saw the enigmatic striker pounce on the loose ball to be through 1-1 with Anastasiadis. Aiming for the far left corner Boutsianis was thwarted by a superb diving save by the South custodian, who again did superbly well to read Boutsianis’s intentions further proving his stance as one of if not the most valuable player in this season’s VPL.

Straight after Boustianis’s miss South quickly countered with Vaughn Coveny latching onto a long ball, skipping past his direct marker and unleashing a rocket-like left foot drive – destined for the top corner – that Bulleen keeper Bojo Jedvdjevic did well to tip over.

The game then experienced a lull in activity with the next significant chance falling the way of Bulleen midfielder Damian Guglielmi who from 25 or so yards out unleashed a stunning left-footed drive that had Anastasiadis at full stretch but thankfully for the home side sailed narrowly wide.

Thirty-nine minutes in South had a legitimate claim for a penalty turned down after a deep ball by Ryan Dinse into the Bulleen box found Koutsoupias 6 or so yards out. The striker used his body well to shield the ball and attempted to get around his man. As he was turning Koutsoupias appeared to be pulled down, but referee Robert Josifoski would have none of it and waved play on.

Bulleen should’ve gone ahead after a series of chances in the 41st minute, with South once again being saved by the heroics of Anastasiadis. The first chance came after an early cross from the right wing seemed to catch out Tsonis who slipped at the vital moment from what seemingly appeared an easy clearance allowing for ex-Green Gully striker Nick Lazarevski to produce a nice shot on the turn that Anastasiadis saved very sharply to his left.

Then from the next passage of play, a deep back post cross from the right evaded the whole South defence with a Bulleen player popping up the last moment to head on target, again Anastasiadis got his angles right and prevented the ball from going in. Finally from the rebound a testing Bulleen shot from just outside the box saw the South custodian manage to parry the danger away.

Just before half time MacNicol made some space for himself down the right wing and produced a stinging cross that Jevdjevic did well to punch away. The ball fell to the incoming Ryan Dinse who couldn’t keep his shot down and blazed over.

Coach Anastasiadis made two changes at half time. Arthur Tsonis appeared to be carrying an injury and made way for Arthur Tsirtsakis. Tsirtsakis went to right back with Tavsancioglu dropping into the centre of defence. The other change saw George Tzirtis replace Karavitis with coach Anastasiadis looking for perhaps more mobility in the centre of the park to help aid the search for the all important goal.

Koutsoupias had been working tirelessly all game and in the 47th minute was presented with a genuine chance to give South the lead. A Salapasidis cross from the left evaded the Bulleen defence with Koutsoupias reading the play well, pushing off his marker at the last moment and at full stretch latching onto the ball with some venom but unfortunately failing to keep it down.

Bulleen then went close in the 55th minute after midfielder Steve Martin produced a decent crack from outside the box that with the aid of a deflection managed to trickle just wide of the left upright with keeper Anastasiadis seemingly beaten.

Sixty-one minutes in Tzirtis played Koutsoupias through down the left hand side of the Bulleen box. Koutsoupias did well to make some space but failed to keep his subsequent shot low, blazing once again over the bar.

A minute later and South should’ve taken the lead. A long ball was played to Koutsoupias deep in the Bullen area. Koutsoupias did superbly well to offer a contest with the ball eventually falling to the incoming Dinse who with only Jevdjevic to beat and with the keeper wrong-footed, sent side-footed shot inches wide of the left upright.

Coach Anastasiadis then sent on Brazilian recruit Fernando Moraes, hoping to get some bite and energy from the centre of the park. Moraes responded looking lively and sharp on the ball. His 72nd free-kick was hit low and well but was easily saved by Jevdjevic. Then 78 minutes in Moraes made some space for himself deep into the Bulleen defensive half. Unfortunately his shot wasn’t on target but the Brazilian was at least starting to provide headaches for the Bulleen defence.

With the game seemingly destined for a draw South nearly snatched it. Coveny broke down the right in the 91st minute and whipped in a quality cross that the buzzing Koutsoupias did well to win. The ex-Whittlesea Stallions front-man directed his header – textbook style – low into the ground and with Jevdjevic clearly beaten a lick of paint denied Koutsoupias his hat-trick of scoring in 1-0 South victories this season.

Many fans had begun leaving the ground when South managed to settle the tie. Moraes broke free in the centre of the park and calmly laid the ball off to Coveny at the top of the Bulleen box. Coveny attempted to place his effort into the bottom corner but his shot was blocked. Fortunately for South the ball was deflected into the path of MacNicol who with still much to do and on a tight angle managed to rip a low, bullet like 93rd minute drive past Jevdjevic and into the bottom right hand corner.

Coach John Anastasiadis was overwhelmed with emotion, running onto the pitch and punching the air. But referee Josifoski had other ideas. The official somehow found 6 minutes of extra time and late in the game gave Bulleen a free-kick just outside the South box in Con Boutsianis territory. The South wall did its job with the Albert Park-based club managing to escape with a vital victory.

Friday, 10 June 2005 12:16 PM

By Mark van Aken

SMFC skipper Vaughan Coveny has made a solid return to international football for New Zealand against Australia this morning at London’s Craven Cottage.

The veteran marksman was a focal point of attack for an All Whites side lacking a handful of its best talent. Despite Coveny’s sides best efforts, their stifling play could not deny Australia a gritty 1-0 win.

While the Socceroos had the better chances in the first half, a dogged Kiwi outfit stretched the Aussie defence on several occasions, including a second half blast from the SMFC stalwart. Although it curved wide of the goal, it had Perugia and Socceroos keeper Zelko Kalac on the back foot.

The second half inclusion of Simon Colosimo proved the difference for Frank Farina’s side. The former SMFC mid fielder scored the matches only goal in the 86th minute, a low range strike from the top of the penalty area finding the back of the Kiwi net.

Coveny received some harsh treatment from Australian captain Craig Moore, but came through the match in one piece and could be back in the blue and white as early as this Sunday’s clash against Bulleen Zebras (3.15pm Kick Off Bob Jane Stadium).

Friday, 10 June 2005 1:15 AM

By Michael Tsoukalis

This coming Sunday South Melbourne play their 2nd consecutive home game against the Peter Ollerton coached Bulleen Zebras in a fixture of paramount statistical importance for both sides.

With South a point from top spot and the Zebras only 2 points out of the relegation zone a win for either side could have significant repercussions on both ends of the table.

Bulleen have been ravaged with key player losses throughout their campaign. First goalkeeper Michael Theoklitos joined striker Ricky Diaco in leaving the club after landing A-League contracts, whilst after a few rounds into the season, proven VPL marksman Peter Kakos moved to the Oakleigh Cannons.

In desperate need of turning around their fortunes the Zebras have recently signed ex-South Melbourne journeyman Con Boutsianis. Even though the mercurial midfield/striker has seen better days, his left foot, set-piece ability and football brain will no doubt cause South potential problems.

In the South camp, Vasilios Natsioulas is still sidelined indefinitely. The exciting winger began training last Saturday but at the end of the session his glands continued to swell signalling that his battle with glandula fever is still far from over.

Colossal centre-back Con Blatsis has missed the last 3 games and continues to be battling a niggling calf injury that may very well rule him out again this Sunday.

Furthermore, Captain Vaughn Coveny is unlikely to play as his call-up to the New Zealand national team for the friendly fixture against the Socceroos in London would see the Kiwi stalwart extremely fatigued and hence likely to be rested.

Even though South will be potentially without 3 major players, John Anastasiadis’s footballing nous and sheer judgment has seen the unearthing and emergence of quality youngsters such as Steven O’Dor, Sammy DeVito and Evan Karavitis as well as the flair of Brazilian recruit Fernando Moraes.

Moraes in particular played a full game in last week’s encounter against Frankston scoring a stunning free-kick and showing positive signs after involving himself in many of the home side’s attacking raids.

Having these players at his disposal should allow Anastasiadis to field a strong line-up with the opportunistic finishing ability of pocket-dynamo Peter Koutsoupias likely to get the nod in attack again.

Sunday, 5 June 2005 11:31 PM

By Michael Tsoukalis

South Melbourne has extended its unbeaten run to 5 games but more importantly closed within 1 point of first place after a well-drilled if not particularly polished 3-1 win against the Frankston Pines.

Peter Koutsoupias responded to the challenge of leading the line with a sharp double whilst Brazilian import Fernando Moraes rounded off the scoring with a stunning free kick late in the proceedings.

Coach John Anastasiadis made 3 changes to his line-up from last week with brother and number 1 goalkeeper Dean Anastasiadis back in between the uprights. Steven O’Dor returned to the first 11 after recovering from a serious virus and partnered Arthur Tsonis in the centre of the defence with left back Rama Tavsancioglu starting on the bench. Tavsancioglu has been nursing a sore groin and was substituted last week against St. Albans because of the injury. Finally, with Captain Vaughn Coveny away on international duty, Fernando Moraes was granted his first start since the game against Preston.

The personnel changes meant that Peter Koutsoupias was given a chance to lead the line. Koutsoupias has been playing most of the season out on the flanks a departure from the striking role he has played for the majority of his career. Consistent young defender Sammy DeVito was shifted to left back with Arthur Tsirtsakis deployed in his customary right back role. In the centre of the park youngster Evan Karavitis retained his position partnering George Tzirtis with Scot MacNicol seemingly playing on the right of midfield but given the freedom to drift in when necessary.

Both Moraes and Kosta Salapasidis were given roaming roles supporting Koutsoupias, with Salapasidis in particular often drifting back into midfield to help out defensively.

The game started out rather scrappily with South comfortably dominating possession but not being able to create a decent opening. After it was reported during the week that Frankston coach Stan Webster had left the club, Webster managed to work out terms mid-week to take his place on the Pine’s bench.

Tactically, Webster sent out his men to soak up the South play, trying to make the game as scrappy as possible so the home side would fail to find their rhythm. This approached worked initially but was somewhat ironically undone when South’s first genuine attack resulted in the home side taking the lead.

DeVito had been released down the left flank making a quality overlapping run. The young defender had a quick look up and sent in a perfectly weighted 16th minute centre that picked out a late darting run into the centre of the box by Koutsoupias who with a text book – angled – header from 6 or so yards gave South the lead.

South had two other half decent chances for the rest of the half. The first fell to MacNicol in the 27th minute after the midfielder saw the ball fortunately fall for him after Salapasidis had chased back and smothered a clearance. Just outside the box, MacNicol made some space for himself and sent a floating right foot effort just wide with the Frankston custodian taking no risks and at full stretch.

The last chance of the half fell to Tzirtis after he was released down the left side of the Frankston box and unleashed a decent 35th minute effort that the Frankston keeper managed to parry away.

Two minutes into the 2nd half Coach Anastasiadis replaced Tsirtsakis with Tavsancioglu, allowing for DeVito to switch to right back with Tavsancioglu taking up his usual left back role.

With 49 minutes gone South doubled their advantage. Moraes had sent a corner deep into the heart of the Frankston box. A scramble ensued with “fox-in-the-box” Koutsoupias on hand to slam home the loose ball from 6 or so yards out. It was the ex-Whittlesea striker’s 4th goal of the season, all of which have come from within the 18-yard area.

Frankston’s first meaningful attack came in the 55th minute after a hopeful long ball evaded O’Dor allowing for a Frankston player to whistle his way in behind the South defence only to be let down by his finish which failed to test Anastasiadis, going well over the bar.

Then in the 57th minute, Koutsoupias almost had his hat trick after a miss kick from the right saw a potential cross loop its way towards the keeper. Koutsoupias had turned his back expecting the keeper to glove easily above his head but the ball was spilt and trickled dangerously near the goal line. The powerfully built South striker failed to react quickly enough to pounce with the Pines defence eventually clearing.

Frankston created another half chance in the 62nd minute after a deep ball to the back post saw a Pine’s player fail to keep his header down, once again failing to test Anastasiadis.

Just when Anastasiadis’s men appeared to be coasting to a comfortably victory, the Pines threw a spanner in the works when an 83rd minute free kick from the right-edge of the South penalty area saw keeper Anastasiadis totally misjudge the ball, coming out to punch and succeeding in only punching air. The ball fell to the back post where the opportunistic William Armour was on hand to slide the ball home and give the Pines a lifeline.

Two minutes later Moraes should’ve iced the game after a superb exchange of passes down the right saw the Brazilian played in diagonally with only the keeper the beat. A well placed side-foot finish was all that was required with Moraes somehow managing to miscue, hitting the outside of the left upright with the Pine’s custodian well beaten.

Football is a funny game and Moraes added further truth to this iconic saying putting aside his gapping miss 3 minutes earlier to produce a contender for goal of the season in the 88th minute.

South had a foul roughly 25 yards out and on a slight angle that favoured a right-footer. Moraes took charge of situation and deliberated for a moment deciding what action to take. Frankston had initially tried to put a man on the line but removed him after the South attack pushed forward. Sensing his opportunity Moraes unleashed a stunning free kick which curled into the top right-hand corner. The Pines keeper was powerless to prevent the strike from sailing in as Moraes tapping into his Brazilian roots, curled the ball with such wicked precision that all the Frankston keeper could do was pick the ball out of the back of the net.

Friday, 3 June 2005 12:44 AM

By Michael Tsoukalis

South commence a consecutive streak of three home games this Sunday when the Frankston Pines make the trek to Albert Park to take on John Anastasiadis’s men.

Frankston are in a massive form slump having not scored a win since their 2-3 Round 9 triumph against the Sunshine Georgies.

The Pines were dealt a further body blow in the past fortnight when experienced coach Stan Webster decided to leave the club to take up the coaching post at State League 1 side Richmond. Webster was responsible for guiding the Pines to a surprise Grand final appearance 2 seasons ago and will be hard to replace.

Conversely, even though South Melbourne have gone undefeated in their past 4 encounters, their last two displays against Heidelberg and St. Albans have been quite scrappy with the Lakesiders extremely fortunate to come away from both games with a point.

Dean Anastasiadis is back in goals for South after a personal engagement prevented him from lining up against St. Albans. Anastasiadis has been superb all year playing a massive role in South continuing to have the best defence in the league.

Exciting young winger Vasilios Natsioulas is rated a decent chance of at least making the substitutes bench this week after nursing a bout of glandula fever. Fellow youngster Steven O’Dor who ironically has also been dealing with the same bug returned to U21 action last week putting himself back in the mix for a call-up as well.

Defensively, question marks still remain over the fitness of colossal centre-back Con Blatsis who has missed the past 2 games with a calf injury. The central pairing of Blatsis and Arthur Tsonis is perhaps the most intimidating in the league with South looking a far shakier prospect when these two don’t start together.

That said, young defender Sammy DeVito has been superb in his 4 senior matches to-date, showing a level of maturity beyond his years and experience.

What line-up coach Anastasiadis plays will be of interest as against St. Albans Ryan Dinse started on the bench with youngster Evan Karavitis getting a recall and Scot MacNicol pushed wide on the right. Karavitis had a decent game and it’ll be a matter of whether or not Coach Anastasiadis looks to a more attacking formation by bringing MacNicol back into the centre of the park and playing Dinse out wide.

What is certain is that the three points are vital to both sides, with South on the tails of both Heidelberg and Green Gully whilst Frankston sails somewhat uncomfortably near the relegation zone.

Monday, 30 May 2005 1:52 AM

By Michael Tsoukalis

South Melbourne has escaped with a disappointing 2-2 draw at Churchill Reserve after an injury time header by Captain Vaughan Coveny earnt the visitors a point.

With Con Blatsis still on the sidelines nursing a calf injury and Dean Anastasiadis missing the game due to a personal engagement, Coach John Anastasiadis was forced to hand 2nd choice keeper Con Dimitropoulos his first start. Young defensive midfielder Evan Karavitis also made a return to the starting 11 with Ryan Dinse dropping to the bench.

South’s starting line-up read as follows. Dimitropoulos in goal, Arthur Tsonis and Sammy DeVito in the centre of defence. Rama Tavsancioglu at left back with Arthur Tsirtsakis patrolling the right. In the centre of the park Evan Karavitis partnered George Tzirtis with Scot MacNicol playing on the right wing and Peter Koutsoupias on the left. Up front Kosta Salapasidis played his usual supporting role to Vaughan Coveny who was deployed as an out-and-out striker.

South started more strongly dominating general possession and just looking like a far more cohesive outfit. Seven minutes in South’s first chance was created after the drifting Koutsoupias made some space for a 25-yard effort that went well over the bar.

South went ahead after 16 minutes when a delightful move was finished off by Tzirtis. The ball was played deep into the box to Koutsoupias’s feet with the strongly built winger/striker doing well to shield the ball and pick his moment for a perfect lay-off for the incoming Tzirtis. Tzirtis chose his spot and comfortably placed past the helpless St. Alban’s goalkeeper sending the travelling South faithful into mini delirium.

Twenty-Five minutes in pre-season South trialist and St. Albans winger Alibeyi Metin was released down the left. Metin tried to work his way into the box and just as the ball appeared to be nearing out for a goal kick, Arthur Tsonis produced what seemed like an innocent slide tackle but was deemed a foul by referee Dominic Barba who pointed to the spot after weighing up the decision for a good 10 or so seconds. Up stepped Ivan Filipovic who powerfully slotted past Dimitropoulos, who guessed right, but was beaten by the sheer precision and power of the spot kick that nestled in the bottom left corner.

Two other chances of note where created in the first half with a 32nd minute break down the right by MacNicol seeing the ex-Brechin player intelligently play a low cut-back to Coveny who took a touch and released a decent strike from just inside the box that the St. Albans keeper did well to parry away for a corner. Then 6 minutes before half time a seemingly harmless St. Albans free kick into the South box was missed by Dimitropoulos with a lurking St. Albans player on hand at the back post to square across the goal face only for the elegant DeVito to be astutely positioned for the clearance.

Three minutes after the break South were behind after an Ante Deak corner seemed to be held by Dimitropoulos only for the debutant keeper to spill the ball under pressure allowing for the opportunistic Ivan Razov to slam home the loose ball from 3 yards out.

It was a shattering blow to South who had controlled most of the game but had somehow found a way to fall behind by conceding two weak goals.

South started to press and were nearly rewarded when a Koutsoupias flick on the edge of the St. Albans area released MacNicol deep down the left. MacNicol whipped in a venomous low ball that must’ve passed the outstretched toes of at least 2-3 South players who couldn’t get the vital touch necessary to level proceedings.

Then in the 60th minute a deep and searching Karavitis ball from the centre of the park again released MacNicol down the left who did tremendously well to get a dangerous cross in with substitute Ryan Dinse arriving late and directing his header narrowly wide.

With South’s increased pressure seemingly going to waste, the visitors had a decent claim for a penalty in the 80th minute. Kosta Salapasidis had latched onto a pass and as he tried to wiggle his way past his direct marker he appeared to have been brought down. Referee Barba was expertly positioned to see the incident but waved play on.

The travelling South faithful had all but given up on getting a result and had resigned themselves to a disappointing defeat with the game now in injury time.

South hopingly pumped the ball up forward down the left where Karavitis had much to do. The South youngster went on to unleash an absolute stunning cross that was latched onto by Kiwi international Vaughan Coveny, who superbly directed a looping header over the St. Albans keeper to earn South a valuable point.

Friday, 27 May 2005 8:32 PM

By Michael Tsoukalis

This Sunday South Melbourne travel to Churchill Reserve for their third consecutive away game against the St. Albans Saints.

After a shaky yet vital nil-all draw against Heidelberg, John Anastasiadis’s men will be eager for the three points to place pressure on ladder leaders Green Gully, but more importantly notch up the 30 point barrier. With the league extremely even and teams all teams capable of knocking each other off, 36-40 points appears to be the figure required to secure a position in the top 6.

St. Albans have had a stuttering season and currently sit in relegation zone (13th). However, their last 3 games have been highly competitive with the Srecko Baresic-coached outfit managing 2 draws against the Melbourne Knights and the Sunshine Georgies whilst narrowly losing to Heidelberg 1-2 after going ahead.

The Saints have an experienced core with Vinko Buljubasic, Ante Deak and Leon Buhic leading the defensive, midfield and forward lines respectively. All three have had NSL experience and will help prop up a largely youthful St. Albans line-up.

In the South camp Vasilios Natsioulas and Steven O’Dor are still absent with glandular fever. Natsioulas could be back for the Frankston Pines game but will miss 100% on Sunday.

Con Blatsis is the only other injury doubt with the colossal defender missing against Heidelberg because of a niggling calf injury. If Blatsis fails to return youngster Sammy DeVito who has been superb in his 3 games to-date is likely to continue in the centre of defence alongside Arthur Tsonis.

After bagging 4 goals against Fawkner, South has struggled to find the net in their last two games, managing only 1 goal. Against Heidelberg the Albert Park-based club struggled to create chances so the game against St. Albans provides the visitors with an opportunity to regain some of their attacking form.

Captain Vaughn Coveny and Kosta Salapasidis have been superb all season, carrying the frontline with a tireless work ethic and will once again be crucial to South’s chances of getting on the scoresheet against the Saints. However, both front men will require a bigger contribution from fellow attacking players Ryan Dinse, Peter Koutsoupias and Scot MacNicol who were well held against the Bergers.

Monday, 23 May 2005 12:32 AM

By Michael Tsoukalis

South Melbourne has ground out a 0-0 draw against Heidelberg United in a somewhat dour round 14 Vodafone Premier League fixture.

The large crowd was treated to a tactical battle where South let Heidelberg attack looking for a shut-out and perhaps nicking a goal on the break whereas the home side tried in vain to pile on the pressure and score goals.

Coach John Anastasiadis’s hand was forced after colossal defender Con Blatsis was ruled out of the game with a calf injury. Dean Anastasiadis stood between the uprights whilst Arthur Tsirtsakis made his was back into the starting-11 at right back. Youngster Sammy DeVito slotted into the centre of the defence alongside Arthur Tsonis with Rama Tavsancioglu deployed in his customary left back role. In the centre of the park George Tzirtis and Scott MacNicol resumed their partnership with Peter Koutsoupias and Ryan Dinse filling the right and left wing positions respectively. Up front Kosta Salapasidis once again lined up in his roaming supporting role with Captain Vaughn Coveny used as the lone target man.

As early as the 5th minute Heidelberg threatened after silky winger Yussef Yussef made a damaging run down the right and whipped in a dangerous low ball which striker Joe Tricarico was on hand to meet. The ex-Carlton striker rushed and miss-hit his attempt with his shot going well over.

Yussef was it again after 11 minutes slotting a ball in behind the South defence for Tricarico to latch onto. Thankfully for the visitors keeper Dean Anastasiadis was quickly off his line and smothered the diminutive striker’s attempt.

The chances were falling Tricarico’s way with striker capitalising on a breakdown in communication by the South defence, latching onto a 21st minute long ball from the backline. Unfortunately for the home side Tricarico was once again wasteful sending his attempt well over the crossbar.

A minute later and the game erupted after Tricarico produced an awful tackle on Tavsancioglu. With Tavsancioglu well clear Tricarico swiped at his legs. A mini fracas erupted with Arthur Tsonis and Tricario eventually booked with the Heidelberg striker extremely fortunate to remain on the pitch.

South had been patiently waiting for a chance to counter attack with the opportunity finally arriving in the 29th minute after a long ball from defence found skipper Coveny who took a touch and with an outstretched shot saw his effort trickle narrowly wide.

Two minutes later Yussef once again terrorised the South defence breaking down the right and sending a wicked ball into the South box that was hastily cleared and nearly fell to the oncoming and unmarked Damianos. In the next passage of play Yussef this time managed to work his way into the South box producing a low centre that caused heart flutters for the South defence but was eventually cleared.

Just before the break both sides had chances to go ahead with a 46th minute Heidelberg corner finding an unmarked Tony Ouliaris who couldn’t keep his header down whilst a minute later South winger Ryan Dinse skinned his direct marker down the right, worked his way to the bi-line and whipped a deadly low ball across the Heidelberg box that no-one was on hand to finish off.

Chances were far fewer in the second half with Heidelberg dominating possession but failing to break down a spirited South defence lead brilliantly by Tsonis and DeVito.

The Bergers did however muster up a chance as early as the 48th minute after a Bill Damianos corner was met well on the volley with Anastasiadis on hand to glove well down low.

Fifty-eight minutes in ex-South Melbourne stalwart Fausto De Amicis received the ball 30 or so yards out. The right back progressed up the pitch, made some space and unleashed a 20 yard effort that had Anastasiadis scrambling and at full stretch. Thankfully for South De Amicis’s strike went narrowly wide.

Arthur Tsirtsakis had been playing more conservatively than usual looking to sure up his side of defence. However, in the 61st minute the South wing-back showed a glimpse of his attacking instinct breaking down the right and whipping in a delightful ball that was destined to be nodded home by a South attacker only for the giant frame of ex-South defender Robert Liparoti to nod away at full stretch.

The game then died down with Heidelberg still dominating possession but lacking the guile and creativity to make it count. The Bergers did however almost finish with a bang after an 89th minute deep cross from the right was met at the back post by a free Heidelberg player who produced a text-book low header that had Anastasiadis beaten. However, thankfully for South the well positioned DeVito managed to nod over the crossbar on the goa-line. From the resulting corner substitute and ex-South Melbourne favourite Goran Lozanovski rose and produced a firm and low header that the razor-sharp Anastasiadis was quickly down to save.