Monday, 18 July 2011 11:55 PM
On the twenty second episode of southRadio in 2011, we review the Round 20 clash against Hume City, and preview the upcoming game between South Melbourne FC and Dandenong Thunder.
Should you have any ideas, suggestions or feedback for southRadio please email the club at multimedia@smfc.com.au
Click here to download episode 22 of southRadio (MP3) – Right Click and Save As
Sunday, 17 July 2011 8:07 PM
South Melbourne FC crept closer to securing a finals spot in the 2011 Victorian Premier League following an emphatic 3-1 victory against League leaders Hume City on Sunday afternoon at John Cain Memorial Park.
South went into the match knowing that it simply had to win against high-flying Hume in order to keep ahead of the chasing pack in Bentleigh, Heidelberg, Green Gully, Northcote City and Dandenong. With all teams within only a few points of each other, a slip-up by any team could have meant starting the round in the top five but ending it as low as seventh.
The home side started the match with a real point to prove and deservedly opened the scoring when Daniel Dragicevic snuck in at the back post unmarked to fire Rhodri Payne’s cross across Hume goalkeeper Lupce Acevski and into the goal for his first goal for South.
The game was blown open ten minutes later in a minute of madness that saw a goal and a red card. Daniel Vasilevski expertly hit his corner to the penalty spot where Sebastian Petrovic met the ball and fired a header past Acevski. The goalkeeper then booted the ball away before receiving a straight red card from the referee for apparent verbal dissent. Hume was lucky not to have another man sent off when Steven Pace elbowed Dragicevic in the face and only received a caution.
South made sure of the three points early in the second half when Steven Weir’s free kick deflected off Hume’s wall before landing for Jesse Krncevic to shoot past substitute goalkeeper Kenny Gerochristodoulou. With a three goal advantage and a one man advantage, South created so many more chances to increase their lead but could not add to their tally despite going close numerous times. In the closing stages of the match, Hume pulled back a consolation goal through substitute Richie Cardozo, who got in between Carl Recchia and Trent Waterson and headed past Zaim Zeneli to give the visiting team something to cheer about.
After the game Jesse Krncevic commented that “it was great to be back playing (following his five match suspension against Heidelberg). I linked up well with Steven Weir up front and hopefully we can continue this partnership against Dandenong and Northcote in the last two games.”
In further great news, the Under 21s defeated Hume 1-0 through a goal by Robert Naumovski to overtake Hume in top spot on the Under 21 League table with two games to go. Coach Gus Caminos commented that “we’ve done the hard work to get to top spot but now we need to hold onto it with two games to go.”
Both sides have a break in League action next week for the VPL catch-up round and resume their League seasons the following week. South travels to Dandenong on Saturday 30 July to play Dandenong Thunder and on the same afternoon Hume hosts Oakleigh Cannons at Broadmeadows Valley Park. Both matches kick off at 15:00.
FINAL SCORE: SOUTH MELBOURNE 3-1 HUME CITY (HT: 2-0)
Goal Scorers:
1-0: Daniel Dragicevic (13’)
2-0: Sebastian Petrovic (26’)
3-0: Jesse Krncevic (51’)
3-1: Richie Cardozo (81’)
South Melbourne FC:
3. Rhodri PAYNE, 5. Daniel VASILEVSKI, 6. Steven TOPALOVIC, 8. Carl RECCHIA, 11. Jesse KRNCEVIC, 15. Fernando DE MORAES, 16. Trent WATERSON, 17. Steven WEIR, 20. Daniel DRAGICEVIC (25. Kyle JORYEFF 74′), 21. Zaim ZENELI (GK), 23. Sebastian PETROVIC
Hume City:
1. Lupce ACEVSKI (GK) (sent off), 5. Steven PACE, 6. Serdar PIR, 7. Isiyan ERDOGAN, 9. Pece SIVESKI, 10. Richie CARDOZO, 11. Andy VLAHOS, 15. Zoran PETREVSKI, 20. Michael BOSEVSKI (25. Atilla OFLI 64′), 21. Dusko DELIC (18. Kenny GEROCHRISTODOULOU 26′), 22. Phil RICCOBENE
SMFC Man of the Match: Jesse Krncevic
Venue: John Cain Memorial Park
Date: Sunday 17 July 2011
Friday, 15 July 2011 5:21 PM
South Melbourne is pleased to announce that it has clarified with FFV today that Kliment Taseski was eligible to play against Richmond Eagles last Saturday.
As a result, the 3 Championship points which had been deducted by FFV have now been reinstated.
SMFC would like to thank FFV for its cooperation in rectifying the matter in a timely manner.
SMFC had properly extended the loan agreement with Melbourne Heart enabling Kliment Taseski to play last week.
The club understands that FFV were unaware of the extension and as a result, concluded that the club played an ineligible player triggering an automatic penalty.
Thursday, 14 July 2011 11:59 PM
South Melbourne FC goes into this weekend’s match against Victorian Premier League leaders Hume City knowing that it simply must win to keep alive its quest for a finals appearance in 2011.
In better news for the Club, Jesse Krncevic returns to the squad having served his five match suspension following his send-off against Heidelberg United on Sunday 5th June. Krncevic will almost certainly link up with Steven Weir and Kyle Joryeff up front, with South having badly missed having a big target forward in recent weeks. Zaim Zeneli bore the full brunt of an accidental collision with Steven Topalovic in the Richmond match, however the custodian should be available for Sunday’s match. Captain Steven O’Dor missed the Richmond match due to hospitalisation mid-week last week but should hopefully be back in the line-up on Sunday afternoon.
Hume surprisingly come into the match in losing form despite leading the Victorian Premier League by two games outright. Hume had been undefeated since a 4-1 loss against Bentleigh on Friday 8 April and ironically it was the Greens who broke that winning streak last Saturday with a 2-1 away win at Broadmeadows Valley Park. Despite this minor setback, Hume City will be confident of beating South on Sunday and will almost certainly confirm a top two position should that occur. Richie Cardozo has been in outstanding form for Hume City in 2011 and has scored many wonderful goals including against South.
In the corresponding fixture between the two sides last season on Sunday 25 July, a late goal by Carl Recchia salvaged a valuable draw for South five minutes from time after Cardozo scored a double (43′, 70′) following Joe Keenan opening the scoring after 31 minutes. Earlier this season on Sunday 17 April, Krncevic and Ljubo Milicevic were sent off in the first half as a nine-man South crumbled 5-0 to Hume, with that loss knocking South from the top of the Victorian Premier League ladder in what seems a lifetime ago.
Sunday’s match kicks off at 15:00 at John Cain Memorial Park.
Tuesday, 12 July 2011 12:08 AM
On the twenty first episode of southRadio in 2011, we review the Round 19 clash against Richmond, and preview the upcoming game between South Melbourne FC and Hume City.
Should you have any ideas, suggestions or feedback for southRadio please email the club at multimedia@smfc.com.au
Click here to download episode 21 of southRadio (MP3) – Right Click and Save As
Sunday, 10 July 2011 10:50 PM
South Melbourne FC threw away an excellent opportunity to cement a position in the top three on the Victorian Premier League ladder following a 1-0 away loss against Richmond on Saturday afternoon at Kevin Bartlett Reserve. A Ross Antoniadis goal after only five minutes ultimately proved to be the difference between the two sides, with South blowing several opportunities in the second half following a disappointing first half performance.
The away side arrived at Richmond knowing that winning the three points would go a long way to not only cementing a finals position but also in finishing in the top three. However, there was bad news from before kick-off, with captain Steven O’Dor missing from the squad after being hospitalised during the week. The news went from bad to worse when Antoniadis pounced on the loose ball from a set piece and smashed a firm and hard shot across Zaim Zeneli and into the far corner to give the home side the lead. South was very flat in the first half and was fortunate to go into the break only a goal down as Nick Marinos proved difficult for the defence to handle. The away side had a chance to level just before the break but Steven Topalovic hit a weak left-footed shot at goalkeeper Stjepan Gal instead of cutting back for the waiting Steven Weir.
It was no coincidence that South improved dramatically following the introduction of Fernando De Moraes at the start of the second half. The away side dominated possession but could not convert any of it into goals on the scoreboard. Zeneli was kept quiet for most of the second half. At the other end, South had three glorious opportunities to level through Daniel Vasilevski and Carl Recchia. Vasilevski hit two wonderful free kicks from just outside the area, one deflecting off the wall and hitting the crossbar (with Gal beaten) and the other flying just wide of Gal’s goal. In injury time, Recchia missed a wonderful chance to salvage a point for the away side when he skied Daniel Dragicevic’s cut-back ball over the crossbar.
There was more positive news in the Under 21s, with South defeating Richmond 0-3.
The matches get no easier, with South hosting League leaders Hume City at John Cain Memorial Park on Sunday afternoon. Kick-off is at 3:00pm.
FINAL SCORE: RICHMOND EAGLES 1-0 SOUTH MELBOURNE (HT: 1-0)
Goal Scorer:
1-0: Ross Antoniadis (5′)
Richmond Eagles:
1. Stjepan GAL (GK), 2. Andrew VIOLA, 3. Erhan KARAHAN, 4. Ross ANTONIADIS, 5. Mitchell BISSINGER, 7. Timmy PURCELL, 8. Scott MUIRHEAD (11. Mate ETEROVIC 80′), 9. Michael CATALANO (12. Devon BONNE 85′), 10. Nick MARINOS (6. Dimitri TSIARAS 70′), 13. Antun KOVACIC, 18. Michael FERRANTE
South Melbourne FC:
2. Tom MATTHEWS, 5. Daniel VASILEVSKI, 6. Steven TOPALOVIC, 8. Carl RECCHIA, 10. Kliment TASESKI, 14. Rhodri PAYNE, 16. Trent WATERSON (15. Fernando DE MORAES 46′), 17. Steven WEIR, 18. Marinos GASPARIS (25. Kyle JORYEFF 75′), 21. Zaim ZENELI (GK), 23. Sebastian PETROVIC (20. Daniel DRAGICEVIC 83′)
SMFC Man of the Match: Carl Recchia
Venue: Kevin Bartlett Reserve
Date: Saturday 9 July 2011
Thursday, 7 July 2011 10:53 PM
South Melbourne FC travels to the Kevin Bartlett Reserve this Saturday for the Round 19 fixture against the Richmond Eagles, knowing that a victory against the Eagles will maintain its hold onto third position on the Victorian Premier League ladder. On the other hand, the home side must win the three points on offer to give itself any realistic chance of making the finals.
South goes into this Round 19 fixture in indifferent form. In fact, over the last five matches, South has recorded three wins against the VTC Football, Oakleigh Cannons, and St Albans Saints, while it has recorded two losses to the Bentleigh Greens and cross town rival Melbourne Knights. The coaching staff are hoping for another win this week as the team looks to maintain its top 3 position on the ladder. In positive news, the coaching staff will have most of the playing squad available to choose from. Jesse Krncevic remains suspended, and is expected to return for the fixture against Hume City. Junior Camargo remains sidelined for a further two weeks with an injury sustained in the match against the Oakleigh Cannons.
On a positive note, this fixture represents Fernando De Moraes’ 150th appearance in the South shirt. His career statistics speak volumes for the quality and skill of this great club servant. In his distinguished seventh season at South, he has scored 52 Victorian Premier League goals, 6 goals in the Mirabella Cup, and 1 goal in the RHB Singapore Cup. In 2010, he was awarded the Theo Marmaras Player of the Year Award, along with the FFV Victorian Premier League Gold Medal Player of the Year Award as well. De Moraes was a member of the 2006 Victorian Premier League championship side and was awarded the Jimmy Rooney Player of the Match Award at the Grand Final. In addition, De Moraes has been awarded the SMFC Golden Boot for top goal scorer in the 2006, 2008, and 2010 seasons.
Richmond will no doubt prove difficult opposition on Saturday with the Eagles enjoying two victories in succession thanks to a 2-3 away win over the Bentleigh Greens last Friday night before a 2-0 victory over the Springvale White Eagles the previous week. This has moved Richmond away from the relegation zone and is only two games out of a finals position. Moreover, over the last five matches, Richmond have recorded three wins, one draw and a loss to Green Gully. In the corresponding fixture earlier this year at John Cain Memorial Park, a Carl Recchia goal in the 72nd minute was enough to give South the three points on the day in what was a tight contest.
Saturday’s match at the Kevin Bartlett Reserve kicks off at 3.00pm.
Monday, 4 July 2011 8:36 PM
On the twentienth episode of southRadio in 2011, we review the Round 18 clash against St Albans, and preview the upcoming game between South Melbourne FC and Richmond.
Should you have any ideas, suggestions or feedback for southRadio please email the club at multimedia@smfc.com.au
Click here to download episode 20 of southRadio (MP3) – Right Click and Save As
Sunday, 3 July 2011 10:07 PM
South Melbourne FC maintained its hold of third position on the Victorian Premier League ladder with a scrappy 1-0 victory against St Albans at John Cain Memorial Park on Sunday afternoon. Steven Weir was the hero for the home side as he scored the winning goal in the second half. The win moves South to 34 points, two points behind second-placed Oakleigh and opens up a two point lead against fourth-placed Heidelberg United. The defeat leaves St Albans in 11th position on the ladder with 12 points, with the Saints still 12 points from safety with only four matches left.
Sunday’s fixture was always going to be a difficult one for South, with the team having struggled to beat the Saints 0-2 at Churchill Reserve earlier in the season on Sunday 3 April. On that occassion, Fernando De Moraes and Kyle Joryeff scored to give the away side the victory, however both started on the bench on Sunday. Weir began the match alone up front and could have scored his first goal in the first half but for the intervention of Saints goalkeeper Steven Pavlovic, who got his big frame down to make several important saves and keep the scoreline at 0-0. His best save came from a move that began with a chip ball from Carl Recchia that was nodded into Kliment Taseski’s path by Weir, with Taseski’s shot at the near post forcing him to make an excellent reflex save to keep the ball out. At the other end, Zaim Zeneli was hardly troubled but was lucky not to concede when Louis Fenton got between two South defenders to set up a one-on-one opportunity but let himself down by spraying his final shot well wide.
The game was won in the 57th minute when Kliment Taseski won the ball and played a wonderful through-ball for Weir to run onto. With Pavlovic advancing, the Scotsman beat the Saints custodian to the ball and poked the ball goalwards, where he followed through and tapped the ball into the back of the net after it rolled onto the post and stopped on the goal line. St Albans lifted their intensity and pressed forward searching for an equalising goal, however Zeneli was hardly tested despite having to deal with a couple of free kicks just outside the area. De Moraes and Joryeff were both subbed on during the half and their presense up forward not only helped Weir but also created several opportunities for the home side to finish the game as a contest, which they could not manage. St Albans won a corner in the fifth minute of injury time and Pavlovic charged up the field for the corner, which he very nearly got his head on to score what would have been a sensational equalising goal.
After the match, SMFC Assistant Coach Joe Montemurro remarked that “this was always going to be a difficult match as St Albans had nothing (and everything) to lose. We know we are under pressure and today was all about winning the three points.” On the injury front, he mentioned that “Junior (Camargo) may hopefully be ok in two weeks, apart from him and Jesse Krncevic (who serves one more match as a suspension) we almost have a full squad to choose from, which is great.”
Next Saturday 9 July, South travels to Kevin Bartlett Reserve to face the Richmond Eagles, knowing that a victory there could almost seal a finals place this season. Kick-off is at 3:00pm.
FINAL SCORE: SOUTH MELBOURNE 1-0 ST ALBANS SAINTS
Goal Scorer:
1-0: Steven Weir (57′)
South Melbourne FC:
2. Tom MATTHEWS, 3. Rhodri PAYNE, 4. Steven O’DOR, 5. Daniel VASILEVSKI (25. Kyle JORYEFF 72′), 6. Steven TOPALOVIC, 8. Carl RECCHIA, 10. Kliment TASESKI (18. Marinos GASPARIS 90+4′), 16. Trent WATERSON (15. Fernando DE MORAES 63′), 17. Steven WEIR, 21. Zaim ZENELI, 23. Sebastian PETROVIC
St Albans Saints:
1. Steven PAVLOVIC, 5. Brian CHEESSON, 13. Neven ANTIC, 23. Tomishu MILARDOVIC, 19. Michael GRGIC, 4. Maks CUZE, 18. Daniel PIOVESAN, 17. Reardo LUKA, 10. Daniel VISEVIC, 15. Louis FENTON, 9. Mathew DEMO Subs: 20. Frano SARIC, 8. Themistokies ANTHONY, 11. Oxan Oztemir, 32. Daniel DRAGOVIC, 21. Ivan LIJOVIC
SMFC Man of the Match: Kliment Taseski
Venue: John Cain Memorial Park
Date: Sunday 3 July 2011
Thursday, 30 June 2011 9:11 PM
South Melbourne FC welcomes St Albans Saints to John Cain Memorial Park on Sunday afternoon in a match that is simply must-win for both sides. The home side must win the three points on offer to give itself any realistic chance of challenging for a top two position on the ladder, whilst St Albans must win to maintain hope of avoiding relegation and remaining in the Victorian Premier League next season.
South was disappointing in its 1-0 derby defeat against the Melbourne Knights at Somers Street last Sunday. Captain Steven O’Dor and leaders Daniel Vasilevski and Fernando De Moraes expressed their disappointment and vowed for a much better performance against St Albans on Sunday on SMFC TV. South has gone through an incredibly inconsistent season, with disruptions to the team due to injuries, suspensions and the departure of players throughout 2011. The positive though is that despite all the problems that have arisen during the year, the side currently sits in third position with five matches left and are still well placed to play finals football.
Despite their lowly position on the ladder, St Albans will be a significant threat on Sunday afternoon. The Saints had a horrendous start to the season but in recent weeks have enjoyed several victories, including an excellent 0-2 win at rivals Springvale White Eagles. Whilst St Albans are still in the relegation zone, mathematically they are not relegated yet and will therefore be treating every match like a cup final in order to stay in the Victorian Premier League for at least another season. Experienced former Socceroo Danny Tiatto recently joined the Saints and will no doubt be keen to get one over South like in his playing days for the Melbourne Knights.
The last time South played St Albans in a ‘home’ fixture was on Sunday 6 February 2005, when a Vaughan Coveny power strike after 13 minutes was enough for South to triumph 1-0 in front of 3,000 supporters at Lakeside Stadium. The last time the two sides met was earlier this year on Sunday 3 April, when Fernando De Moraes (18′) and Kyle Joryeff (73′) sent South to the top of the ladder thanks to a 0-2 win at Churchill Reserve. Fernando’s goal was also his 50th League goal for the Club.
Sunday’s match kicks off at 3:00pm at John Cain Memorial Park. South fans are encouraged to attend and support their team in its quest to consolidate a top two spot on the ladder.