U12s Won 3:1
Goals: Dusan Pavlovic x3
U13s Won 3:1
Goals: Alan Fogel x2, Trifon 1
U14s Won 1:0
Goals: Keegan Garrow
U15s Lost 0:2
U16s Won 5:2
Goals: Tom Baker x2, Gabriel Riven x1, Timothy Liokos x1, Nicholas Deris x1
U18s Won 3:1
Goals: Edwin Strangherlin x3
U20s Won 4:1
Goals: Josh Markovski
Principal Partner McClures Office Supplies would like to provide South Melbourne supporters with a special introductory gift when purchasing stationery and office supplies.
McClures Office Supplies is an Australian-owned company of stationery and office supply products based in Fairfield. As one of Australia’s largest business-to-business office suppliers, McClures Office Supplies with its friendly staff and personalised service, cater for a broad range of customers including small to medium enterprises, educational institutions and personal customers. McClures Office Supplies stocks an extensive range of stationery, technology and furniture, in addition to complete office solutions such as canteen, janitorial and printing services.
McClures Office Supplies offers free delivery to customers on sales above $50, and will try to match or beat any price quoted by another supplier.
As a special introductory offer, the first order placed by any South Melbourne supporter and corporate partner will receive a bonus bottle of wine, or a box of chocolates if their purchase is greater than $100. To receive this gift, all you have to do is quote the below promotional codes:
Red wine – PROMORED
White wine – PROMOWHITE
Chocolates – PROMOCHOC
For further enquiries to take advantage of these great introductory gifts exclusive to South Melbourne fans and corporate partners, please contact Peter McClure on (03) 9486 1994 or sales@mcclures.com.au.
To view the entire range of products and services, please visit the website www.mcclures.com.au.
Please ensure you mention you are a supporter of the Club and provide the promotion code to receive your gift when you spend more than $100 with McClures Office Supplies.
By John Kyrou (Photo by Cindy Nitsos)
South Melbourne FC continued its record-breaking start to 2014 with a hard-fought 0-1 victory against Werribee City at Galvin Park on Sunday afternoon. Milos Lujic’s injury-time goal in the first half was the difference as Chris Taylor’s side made it ten straight wins from ten National Premier League matches this season.
Taylor made one change from the side that defeated Pascoe Vale 1-0 last Sunday, as Leigh Minopoulos started in place of Nick Epifano. It was Minopoulos’ first start in the League this season and ironically it was against his former club in Werribee, who he helped to gain promotion last season. Andrew Mullett kept his starting spot in the South side following his solid performance against Pascoe Vale, with Captain Michael Eagar joining Epifano on the substitutes’ bench. Brad Norton was for the second week in a row the acting Captain in Eagar’s absence on the field.
The match was a tough and scrappy affair as both sides struggled to create many chances on goal. Werribee almost opened the scoring but the South defence cleared the ball off the line and away from danger. At the other end of the field, South’s forwards were finding chances difficult to come by as the Werribee defence stubbornly kept them at bay. Ryan Filipovic appeared to be the last defender when he brought Lujic down but the centre-back escaped with only a yellow card issued by the referee for his foul. The breakthrough goal arrived just before the halftime break, when Iqi Jawadi’s through-ball for Lujic saw the centre-forward beat the offside trap before slotting the ball under Bees goalkeeper Tom Dunn and into the back of the net.
South defended their lead relatively comfortably in the second half but could not score a second goal to seal the three points. The closest it got was when Lujic beat the defence for pace but had his one-on-one shot blocked well by Dunn. Later in the half, the Bees goalkeeper was nearly embarrassed when he scuffed his clearance while he was off his goal line, however Tyson Holmes’ shot from distance drifted wide of the goal. The match was a real grind but South held its nerve through the five minutes of injury time to seal another important win. South now lead second-placed Oakleigh by nine points on the NPL ladder, with the two sides due to meet each other in the League on Friday 6 June.
Post-match, Taylor reflected on how it was so important for his side to continue to grind out wins, especially with such a busy schedule over the coming weeks. When asked what he wanted over the next couple of weeks in both League and Cup, the answer was simply and bluntly “just to keep winning”.
South’s new NPL 20s coach Sasa Kolman enjoyed a win during his first game in charge, with his side defeating Werribee City 1-4. Josh Markovski scored all four goals for South in what was an excellent individual and team performance.
South Melbourne FC and Dandenong Thunder meet each other twice this coming week in separate competitions. The first meeting between the two sides is in the Sixth Round of the Dockerty Cup on Wednesday night (28 May) at George Andrews Reserve, followed by a League meeting at Lakeside Stadium on Sunday evening (1 June).
FINAL SCORE: WERRIBEE CITY 0-1 SOUTH MELBOURNE (HT: 0-1)
Goal Scorer:
0-1: Milos Lujic (45+1′)
Key Stats (Provided by Steven Orchard):
Shots: WCFC (4) – SMFC (9)
Free kicks: WCFC (15) – SMFC (18)
Turnovers: WCFC (73) – SMFC (68)
Balls into final third: WCFC (14) – SMFC (26)
Werribee City:
1. Tommy DUNN (GK), 4. Ryan FILIPOVIC, 6. Anthony RAGUSA, 7. Simon ZAPPIA, 13. Milan SAVIC, 14. Bobby VIDANOSKI, 19. Rob NAUMOSKI (11. Domenico MARAFIATI 76′), 20. Daniel PETROV, 26. Ray MARKLEY (8. Daniel SWEENEY 57′), 33. Josh GROENEWALD (17. Matthew CUNDARI 20′), 43. Steve CUDRIG.
South Melbourne FC:
1. Jason SALDARIS (GK), 2. Tim MALA, 3. Andrew MULLETT, 8. Mathew THEODORE (6. Dimi TSIARAS 89′), 9. Milos LUJIC, 10. Tyson HOLMES, 11. Brad NORTON (C), 12. Iqi JAWADI (20. Slaven VRANESEVIC 90+3′), 14. James MUSA, 17. Jamie REED, 27. Leigh MINOPOULOS (7. Nick EPIFANO 80′).
SMFC Man of the Match: Iqi Jawadi
Venue: Galvin Park
Date: Sunday 25 May 2014
By John Kyrou
South Melbourne FC will be aiming for its tenth straight National Premier League win should it defeat Werribee City at Galvin Park on Sunday afternoon. Three points for Chris Taylor’s men will see it maintain at the very least a six point lead over the second-placed Oakleigh Cannons, a strong position heading into crucial League and Dockerty Cup fixtures over the coming weeks.
South goes into the game having worked hard to defeat Pascoe Vale 1-0 at Lakeside Stadium last Sunday. Mathew Theodore scored the winning goal after 25 minutes but for large periods the home side struggled to break down a resolute and stubborn Pascoe Vale. Nino Ragusa’s Werribee also head into Sunday’s game in winning form, having scored three late goals to record a memorable 0-3 victory against Dandenong Thunder at George Andrews Reserve last Sunday evening. Joshua Groenewald, Bobby Vidanoski and Steven Cudrig were the goal scorers for the Bees, who moved up to seventh place on the NPL ladder thanks to that win. Sunday will be the first time that Werribee and South will meet in league competition, following the Bees’ promotion from State League 1 last season.
Captain Michael Eagar missed the Pascoe Vale victory last week after pulling up sore from the Bentleigh game on Sunday 11 May and he may be given another weekend off to be fully fit for the Dockerty Cup match against Dandenong on Wednesday 28 May. He was replaced by Andrew Mullett, who started for the first time in the League this season and did an excellent job at centre-back in Eagar’s absense. Nick Epifano was substituted at halftime against Pascoe Vale after being concussed in the first half but should be available for the trip to Werribee. Leigh Minopoulos returns to Galvin Park after two successful seasons at Werribee and as always will be pushing for a place in the South starting eleven. South signed 19 year old midfielder Dion Kirk from Adelaide United Youth during the week, however it is expected that the youngster will play for the NPL 20s for a few weeks before being considered for senior selection.
Sunday’s match against Werribee City kicks off at 3PM at Galvin Park. Those unable to make the game can follow it with live updates on the South Melbourne FC Facebook page and on the Club’s official Twitter @smfc with the hashtags #NPLVIC and #WCvSM.
South Melbourne FC would like to confirm the appointment of Sasa Kolman as Under 20 Manager for the remainder of the 2014 National Premier League Victoria season, replacing Matthew Maslak immediately in preparation for this week’s match against Werribee.
Kolman joined the club earlier this year following a highly successful playing and coaching record throughout Europe, with the former hard central defender playing professional football throughout Slovenia and Spain for the large part of his career.
His coaching career also spans throughout Slovenia, where although playing football, he also coached junior players wherever he played as a professional, including home club NK Tolmin.
2013 was a breakout year for the young coach, where he was senior coach of FC Suduroy in the Faroe Islands. It was with this role and his involvement in the Celtic Academy in Scotland that Sasa was regarded as the best young manager of those divisions.
In 2014 he joined the South Melbourne Youth Program and is currently coaching the Under 15 side in the National Premier League. Due to impressing Senior Coach Chris Taylor, he has also been involved with training and coaching the senior side over the past few months.
SMFC Football Director Andrew Mesorouni speaking to smfc.com.au, said “we are delighted to have Sasa working with the U20 side and believe that his past experience as both a footballer and coach will assist with the development and mentoring of the young squad”.
Sasa is best known for his ability to communicate with young men and footballers and with his Bachelor of Sport background, he intends to provide not only a coach but a mentor for the Under 20 side.
The club would also like to thank Matthew Maslak for his contribution to the club and wish him all the best moving forward.
Friday 30th May is the national ‘Fatality Free Friday’ road safety campaign. Our Principal Partner, Bob Jane T-Marts, is a significant supporter of this campaign, and we at South Melbourne FC are proud to get behind and promote this great initiative.
Since its inception in 2007, the Fatality Free Friday campaign has continued to expand its operation and is now recognised as Australia’s only national community based road safety program. It has successfully fostered community ownership, complex road safety issues and encourages those who can make a significant difference in reducing road trauma. The campaign is more than just a single day. Whilst the target is to have a fatality free Friday ultimately the aim is for a longer term community change.
To celebrate this great initiative, the South Melbourne FC playing squad pledged their support for the Fatality Free Friday road safety campaign by signing both a large pledge board as well as a large inflatable car provided to us by Bob Jane T-Marts.
Speaking to smfc.com.au, SMFC General Manager Peter Kokotis said “we are excited to be assisting our Principal Partner Bob Jane T-Marts who is a significant supporter of this fantastic cause. The Fatality Free Friday road safety campaign raises awareness on the importance of staying safe on the roads. Our club is not just about the football on the park, but also playing an active and leading role in the community and raising awareness of such initiatives. We thank our players for their involvement and ask all our supporters and corporate partners to be mindful of other road users and stay safe on the roads”.
South Melbourne FC is very pleased to announce the signing of Adelaide United Youth midfielder Dion Kirk for the remainder of the 2014 National Premier League Victoria season.
The 19 year old Kirk arrives at Lakeside Stadium following a highly successful season with Adelaide United in the National Youth League. He was made Vice Captain of the side by current Adelaide Youth coach Michael Valkanis, who himself played for South Melbourne FC in the old National Soccer League between 1992 and 1996.
Kirk plays in midfield, where his work rate and ability to create when going forward was a key reason why Adelaide United finished in the top four during the past National Youth League season. His individual performances during the season were recognised when he was awarded with the Most Valuable Player for the 2014 National Youth League season.
Speaking to smfc.com.au, SMFC Football Director Nicholas Maikousis said “we are quite excited to welcome Dion to the club. His addition will provide Chris Taylor with more options in the middle of the park, and will strengthen what is already a very talented squad”.
South Melbourne FC welcomes Dion Kirk to the Club and wishes him the best for the remainder of the 2014 season.
U12s won 7:2, goals: Adam Brigo 3, Sam Moraitis 2, Ari Gutrie 1, and own goal
U13s won 1:0, goal: William Wilson
U14s draw 1:1, goal: Keegan Garrow
U15s draw 1:1, goal: Nick Edwards
U16s lost 2:4
U18s won 4:0
By John Kyrou (Photo by Cindy Nitsos)
South Melbourne FC continued its 100% winning record in 2014 with a 1-0 victory against Pascoe Vale at Lakeside Stadium on Sunday evening. Mathew Theodore’s long-range strike after 25 minutes proved to be the difference as South won its ninth National Premier League match in a row.
Coach Chris Taylor made only one change to the South team that defeated Bentleigh Greens 2-1 last Sunday. Andrew Mullett started in place of captain Michael Eagar, who was rested following an ankle injury sustained in the Bentleigh match. As a result, Brad Norton wore the captain’s armband against Pascoe Vale. Vitale Ferrante’s side went into the game having won only one of their opening eight NPL matches and were desperate at least for a point against South Melbourne.
The home side scored the winning goal when Pascoe Vale only half-cleared the ball to Theodore at the edge of the box and the South midfielder drilled the ball past Pascoe Vale goalkeeper Stefaan Sardelic and into the back of the net. South could have been further ahead at the break but for two excellent saves by Sardelic to deny Iqi Jawadi and Theodore, both from long range. The second half was a struggle as South battled to break down the Pascoe Vale defence. At the other end of the field, the South defence survived a few nervous scares, firstly when James Musa’s defensive header nearly resulted in an own goal and secondly when a vicious Michael Ferrante free kick almost snuck in at Jason Saldaris’ near post in the final action of the match. In the end, South had done enough for the win and Saldaris enjoyed his sixth clean sheet across all competitions this season.
Post-match, Norton noted that “it was a tough one today but getting the three points is the most important thing…we want to win every home match and make it as hard as possible for sides to beat us here (at Lakeside)…so far, so good.” Taylor agreed and gave full credit to a resilient Pascoe Vale before adding that “the big thing for us is not to get complacent, it’s not like we’ve blitzed every game and won by big scores…we’ve just got to keep going the way we’re going at the moment and keep collecting the points.”
South’s victory and Oakleigh’s 1-1 draw with Northcote City means that Taylor’s side is now six points ahead of the second-placed Cannons at the top of the NPL ladder, with the two sides due to meet each other soon (at Jack Edwards Reserve on Friday 6 June).
The news was not as good in the NPL 20s, with South Melbourne losing 1-3 against Pascoe Vale. Josh Markovski scored a consolation goal for South late in the match having been 0-3 down.
Next weekend South travels to Galvin Park to face the promoted Werribee City. Kick-off is next Sunday 25 May at 3PM.
Goal Scorer:
1-0: Mathew Theodore (25’)
Key Stats (Provided by Steven Orchard):
Shots: SMFC (11) – PVFC (10)
Turnovers: SMFC (83) – PVFC (87)
Balls into Final Third: SMFC (34) – PVFC (28)
Clearances: SMFC (12) – PVFC (15)
South Melbourne FC:
1. Jason SALDARIS (GK), 2. Tim MALA, 3. Andrew MULLETT, 7. Nick EPIFANO (27. Leigh MINOPOULOS 46’), 8. Mathew THEODORE, 9. Milos LUJIC, 10. Tyson HOLMES, 11. Brad NORTON, 12. Iqi JAWADI, 14. James MUSA, 17. Jamie REED (6. Dimi TSIARAS 88’).
Pascoe Vale:
1. Stefaan SARDELIC (GK), 2. Adrian TALARICO, 3. Nathen MEGIC, 10. Davey VAN’T SCHIP, 11. Jonathon VOULGARIS (7. Luca SANTILLI 67’), 13. Mathew LAZARIDES (8. Joseph YOUSSEF 62’), 14. Alvaro CARRILLO, 15. Mark PISTININZI, 16. Marco SANTILLI (6. Roberto DI VITO 70’), 21. Michael FERRANTE, 22. Carl RECCHIA.
SMFC Man of the Match: Mathew Theodore
Venue: Lakeside Stadium
Date: Sunday 18 May 2014
By John Kyrou
South Melbourne FC welcomes Pascoe Vale to Lakeside Stadium on Sunday evening as Chris Taylor’s side looks to continue its record-breaking start to the season.
South goes into the game having won their opening ten matches in 2014 in both National Premier League and Dockerty Cup competitions, with its most recent being the 2-1 win against the Bentleigh Greens at Lakeside Stadium last Sunday 11 May. Milos Lujic and substitute Leigh Minopoulos scored second half goals as South won the three points to maintain its four point lead over the Oakleigh Cannons at the top of the NPL ladder. With essentially a full squad to choose from, Taylor will expect his side to continue its winning form in front of their home supporters on Sunday.
Pascoe Vale have had a very slow start to 2014, being eliminated in the Fourth Round of the Dockerty Cup (0-1 against State League 1 side South Springvale on Saturday 22 March) and winning only one of their opening eight NPL matches. Vitale Ferrante’s side currently sit in second-last spot on the NPL ladder, with their only win in all competitions being the 2-1 victory against Heidelberg United at Hosken Reserve on Thursday 17 April. Despite their lowly status, Pascoe Vale have players that are experienced in playing at the top level of Victorian football in Stefaan Sardelic, Tomi Milardovic, Michael Ferrante, Carl Recchia, Joseph Youssef and Jonathan Voulgaris. Sardelic, Recchia and Youssef are all former South players and will be looking to perform well against their former side.
The two sides have only met twice previously, both times in the 2013 Victorian Premier League competition. In the first meeting on Saturday 1 June 2013, Pascoe Vale had a man sent off after only ten minutes but managed to hold South to a 0-0 draw at Hosken Reserve. In the second meeting at Lakeside Stadium on Sunday 25 August 2013, Nick Soolsma opened the scoring for the home side before Pascoe Vale took a shock lead thanks to goals from Ferrante and Luca Santilli. Luke Hopper levelled for South before the halftime break before Trent Rixon got on the end of a Soolsma cross to head the winning goal in the second half as South won the match 3-2.
Sunday’s match kicks off at 5PM at Lakeside Stadium. Those unable to make the game can follow it with live updates on the South Melbourne FC Facebook page and on the Club’s official Twitter @smfc with the hashtags #NPLVIC and #SMvPV.