Category: News

By John Kyrou (Photo by Cindy Nitsos)

South Melbourne FC returned to winning ways thanks to a comfortable 4-0 win over Werribee City at Lakeside Stadium on Sunday evening. The win was set up in the first half thanks to a penalty from Jamie Reed and a double from Milos Lujic and was completed early in the second half thanks to a cool finish from Nick Epifano.

Chris Taylor sprung a surprise by dropping first-choice goalkeeper Jason Saldaris to the bench and replacing him with Chris Maynard in the starting eleven. Maynard’s only other appearance this season was in the Dockerty Cup tie against Berwick City on Wednesday 7 May. As expected, Iqi Jawadi returned to the starting eleven after serving a one-match suspension against Bentleigh and Reed also returned to the starting line-up. Leigh Minopoulos and Mathew Theodore began on the substitutes’ bench.

The home side began the match strongly and almost opened the scoring from Reed’s free kick that went just wide of Tommy Dunn’s goal. The Werribee goalkeeper then had his defender Ryan Filipovic to thank when he cleared Tyson Holmes’ chipped effort off the line and out for a corner. On the half hour, Epifano was put through on goal and was brought down by Dunn as he took the ball around the goalkeeper. Reed stepped up and buried the spot kick past Dunn for his ninth League goal of the season and his tenth goal across all competitions this year. Lujic then doubled South’s advantage in the 40th minute when he was put through and he coolly struck the ball across Dunn and into the bottom corner of the net. South’s third arrived just shy of half time when Epifano pounced on Milan Savic’s defensive error and cut the ball back for an unmarked Lujic to score at the back post for his second goal of the night, his 18th League goal this season and his 19th goal across all competitions this year.

The scoring was completed after 56 minutes when Epifano got behind the Werribee defence and hit a nice finish that curled across Dunn, off the back post and into the back of the net. Epifano should have scored a second goal later in the half after going through one-on-one with Dunn but the ball hit the post and stayed out, denying South a fifth goal on the night. Post-match, Taylor said that “we stuck to our guns early on in the first half tonight…we spoke about not being like we were against Bentleigh, where we started well but then sort of fell in a bit of a hole.” Despite being pleased to win the three points, Taylor was disappointed that the score line wasn’t greater. “We probably should have had another four or five tonight… had we done that it would have been good for goal difference (Oakleigh currently have a +5 lead on goal difference). For me, that was the disappointing aspect of tonight.”

It was further good news in the NPL 20s as South Melbourne smashed Werribee City 5-0, with the goal scorers being Stefan Valentini (x2), Andy Kecojevic, Stefan Zinni and Angel Taravillo. The NPL 20s have enjoyed a fantastic week, beating Pascoe Vale 3-0 last Sunday, beating Bentleigh 4-0 mid-week and then defeating Werribee 5-0 on Sunday.

South’s next match is against Dandenong Thunder at George Andrews Reserve next Saturday 16 August, with kick-off at 7PM.

FINAL SCORE: SOUTH MELBOURNE 4-0 WERRIBEE CITY (HT: 3-0)

Goal Scorers:
1-0: Jamie Reed (32’p)
2-0: Milos Lujic (40′)
3-0: Milos Lujic (43′)
4-0: Nick Epifano (56′)

South Melbourne FC:
21. Chris MAYNARD (GK), 2. Tim MALA, 4. Michael EAGAR (C), 7. Nick EPIFANO, 9. Milos LUJIC, 10. Tyson HOLMES (27. Leigh MINOPOULOS 65′), 11. Brad NORTON, 12. Iqi JAWADI, 14. James MUSA (25. Shaun TIMMINS 83’), 17. Jamie REED (8. Mathew THEODORE 83′), 77. Stephen HATZIKOSTAS.

Werribee City:
1. Tommy DUNN (GK), 4. Ryan FILIPOVIC, 5. Evan BATSIS (11. Dom MARAFIOTI 77′), 6. Anthony RAGUSA, 7. Simon ZAPPIA, 8. Simon TOLLI, 9. Devon BONNE, 10. Damir MARUSIC (17. Matthew CUNDARI 72′), 13. Milan SAVIC (26. Liam BRIAN 56′), 14. Bobby VIDANOVSKI, 43. Steve CUDRIG.

SMFC Man of the Match: Iqi Jawadi
Venue: Lakeside Stadium
Date: Sunday 10 August 2014

South Melbourne FC hosts Werribee City at Lakeside Stadium this Sunday evening in a match that Chris Taylor’s side simply must win in order to maintain at least a seven point lead over the Oakleigh Cannons at the top of the National Premier League Victoria ladder by the conclusion of the weekend’s matches.

South goes into the match having suffered only its second League loss in 2014, with a mid-week defeat at the hands of the Bentleigh Greens. The 2-1 loss was a real blow as South missed a series of chances in the opening fifteen minutes of the game before conceding two goals and being unable to recover from the deficit. South still enjoys a seven point lead over the Oakleigh Cannons, however the Cannons have a game in hand and could potentially reduce that lead to just four points. Werribee City had been in serious relegation danger, however two massive wins in their last two League matches (2-0 away against Pascoe Vale on 29 July and 2-1 at home against Dandenong Thunder on 3 August) has elevated Nino Ragusa’s side to eleventh spot on the NPL ladder. With five rounds remaining, a couple more wins for the Bees should secure their safety in the division for this season and they will be looking for the three points on Sunday evening.

The suspended Iqi Jawadi was clearly missed during South’s mid-week loss and is expected to return straight into the starting eleven against Werribee. The previously injured Jamie Reed came off the bench against Bentleigh on Wednesday night and will be pushing for inclusion into the starting eleven. Youngster Dion Kirk came off the bench and set up Tyson Holmes for South’s consolation goal on Wednesday night and may feature against Werribee City.

Sunday will be the first time that South Melbourne and Werribee City have played against each other at Lakeside Stadium and only their second ever meeting. In the previous (and first ever) League match played between the two sides earlier this season on Sunday 25 May, Milos Lujic’s goal right on halftime proved to be the difference as South defeated Werribee 0-1 at Galvin Park.

Sunday’s game kicks off at 5:00PM 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 #SMvWC.

By John Kyrou

South Melbourne FC was defeated for only the second time in the 2014 National Premier League Victoria season after suffering a 2-1 loss against the Bentleigh Greens at Kingston Heath Soccer Complex last night. Goals in each half from David Stirton and James Cumming were enough for the Greens to defeat South, who pulled a consolation goal back deep in second half injury time thanks to Tyson Holmes.

Chris Taylor made only one change from the starting eleven that defeated Pascoe Vale 0-3 last Friday as Nick Epifano replaced the suspended Iqi Jawadi in the line-up. Jamie Reed returned to the substitutes’ bench after missing the Pascoe Vale match due to injury. South began the game very strongly and were unlucky not to take the lead in the opening fifteen minutes. Holmes headed the ball onto the post before centre-half James Musa let fly with a stunning lob from distance that just went over Alistair Gray’s crossbar and out for a goal kick, with the goalkeeper scrambling back to try and block the ball. The Greens goalkeeper made a good save to deny Leigh Minopoulos scoring from a free kick, whilst at the other end, Bentleigh almost took the lead with a free kick that hit the crossbar. South goalkeeper Jason Saldaris had been struggling to deal with some high balls coming into his area and Bentleigh took full advantage of this in the 33rd minute, when Saldaris mis-judged a cross into his area to allow an unmarked Stirton to score at the back post.

John Anastasiadis’ Bentleigh side secured the three points early in the second half with a superb team goal. Following a short corner taken, a series of passes were completed around South’s penalty area before the ball was teed up for Cumming to smash past Saldaris with a fierce low drive from the edge of the area. Taylor reacted by replacing Mathew Theodore and Minopoulos with Shaun Timmins and Reed just after the hour mark but the home side had now wrestled control of the match and looked the more likely to score on the counter-attack. Saldaris redeemed himself with a save from a Wayne Wallace header, whilst Gray also made a good save at the other end to deny Milos Lujic from heading Reed’s cross into the back of the net. Taylor rolled the dice for his last substitute, replacing Epifano with Dion Kirk and the youngster made an impact by providing the ball through for Holmes to score past Gray in the third minute of injury time. Unfortunately for South, it was too late and the full time whistle sounded moments later to confirm what was a very disappointing loss.

Post-match, Taylor mentioned how “it’s still in our hands to win the League, we need to bounce back with a win on the weekend and try and stay ahead of Oakleigh.” He added that missing the suspended Jawadi “was a massive loss for tonight’s game” due to the midfielder’s incredible work-rate, something that was clearly missing against Bentleigh. With five matches remaining, South continue to hold a seven point lead against the Oakleigh Cannons, however the Cannons have a game in hand and could potentially reduce that lead to four points. The two sides are scheduled to meet each other in the second-last round of the season at Lakeside Stadium on Sunday 7 September in what could ultimately decide the League Championship.

The news was far more positive in the NPL 20s, as South Melbourne defeated Bentleigh Greens 0-4 thanks to a double from Dion Paola and goals from Stefan Zinni and Josh Markovski.

South Melbourne FC’s next match is against Werribee City at Lakeside Stadium this Sunday 10 August, with kick-off at 5PM.

FINAL SCORE: BENTLEIGH GREENS 2-1 SOUTH MELBOURNE (HT: 1-0)

Goal Scorers:
1-0: David Stirton (33′)
2-0: James Cumming (51′)
2-1: Tyson Holmes (90+3′)

Bentleigh Greens:
21. Alistair GRAY (GK), 2. Tom MATTHEWS, 3. James CUMMING, 5. Jack WEBSTER, 8. Wayne WALLACE, 10. David STIRTON, 12. Luke GALLO (22. Lewis FOSTER 79′), 14. Ryan DE VRIES, 15. Christian CARVALLO, 16. Nicholas TEICHMAN (23. Christopher DROUTSAS 85′), 19. Liam McCORMICK (4. Patrick AVICE 67′).

South Melbourne FC:
1. Jason SALDARIS (GK), 2. Tim MALA, 4. Michael EAGAR (C), 7. Nick EPIFANO (18. Dion KIRK 76′), 8. Mathew THEODORE (25. Shaun TIMMINS 65′), 9. Milos LUJIC, 10. Tyson HOLMES, 11. Brad NORTON, 14. James MUSA, 27. Leigh MINOPOULOS (17. Jamie REED 65′), 77. Stephen HATZIKOSTAS.

SMFC Man of the Match: Tim Mala
Venue: Kingston Heath Soccer Complex
Date: Wednesday 6 August 2014

By Skip Fulton

The last four matches have seen the U20s hit goal scoring form putting twelve goals into the net. The match at Hosken Reserve this weekend counted for three of them thanks to Andy Kecojevic and a pair to Stefan Zinni.

The team carried on where they left off last week having disposed of Northcote City with a score of 1-4. The pitch at Hosken Reserve was heavy in places but held up well considering the volume of rain experienced over the preceding week, especially the torrential conditions the Seniors encountered on Friday night. Home team Pascoe Vale sit one place above South on the ladder with the extra two wins accounting for the six point margin. A look back to May 18th would find the two teams previous encounter at Lakeside Park where Pascoe Vale took the points with a 1-3 win.

Looking to reverse this previous result and notch up a second win in a row, it was Dion Paola who showed strength and pace in the midfield through the early stages on the match. He served as play-marker feeding the ball up front to the likes of Joshua Markovski and Andy Kecojevic. Having returned to scoring form last week, Kecojevic was in superb form causing havoc for the Pascoe Vale defence. His speed and ability to weave through traffic created openings and in the twenty sixth minute he found space down the left hand side. Making his way past the defence his left foot strike from the edge of the six yard box went by the keeper and across the face of goal into the side netting.

A few minutes later as Pascoe Vale were mounting pressure to respond, South went down to ten men albeit temporarily. Tall defender Jordan Moncrieff dropped his head to make a clearing header near the sideline when a Pascoe Vale player raised a boot trying to tap the ball into space.

Moncrieff’s face got up close and personal with the studs on an Addidas boot and the result was a bloody right temple and a break on the sideline. Recognition and praise must be given to the Pascoe Vale Team Manager Peter Bauer who within seconds had a bandage out of the first aid kit and on Moncrieff’s head before most knew what was going on.

The remainder of the first half was relatively balanced. Pascoe Vale Captain Vlad Khamees held up the midfield for the home team and they made several attacking runs were made down both flanks. Good crosses came into the area and found unmarked attackers who were able to head the ball easily but going just wide for the home team. Sam Kagioglou and Tim Kakoliris at left and right back kept the wings under control whilst Jason Giccominato in goal was rarely challenged in a significant way. An on-target strike by Pascoe Vale’s Anthony Taranto on the edge of the area three minutes before the half was the best of the opportunities for the home team however Giccominato was up to the task making the save.

The half-time break was spent pondering what a wood-fired oven pizza would have tasted like however this pleasure remained with those who attended the Seniors 0-3 win on Friday night.

Returning to the field Eric Hauser started to get into the match in a significant way making runs down the left flank feeding Markovski and Kecojevic in the centre. A change in goal keeper for Pascoe Vale at the rest period wasn’t going to prevent the attacking onslaught the home team were faced with.

South Melbourne Coach Sasa Kolman made one change at half time bringing on Juan Igic and his second came a few minutes later with Alex Sporea. It was however the third change when Stefan Zinni entered the fray and provided some fresh legs and pace up front that things started to get exciting again.

On the field for just six minutes, he found himself on the end of a rocket low-level cross which made its way through the defence and past the keeper. Zinni with the tap in doubled the lead for South.

A double change with twelve minutes to play would rest Ryan Barabre and Joshua Markovski and allow Stefan Valentini and Angel Taravillo into the game. It would be a rare occasion for Kolman to use all five substitutes in a match however with three games in seven days the move made perfect sense.

Play started to open up and the injection of Valentini and Taravillo had an immediate impact especially as the play ventured consistently into South’s final third. Kecojevic continued to attract defender in the middle of the pitch as he was closely marked and this created opportunities out wide.

Zinni made a solo move down the left taking on two defenders and having the pace to beat them both. Head down at full pace he may not have been aware he didn’t have any help in the area so a cross would have been wasted. Spurred on by some expert and vocal coaching from the sideline telling him to ‘go yourself’, Zinni did exactly that. Into the area, down to the byline, cutting towards the goal with just the keeper to beat. A ridiculous angle to shoot from wasn’t enough to stop him as he found the smallest of margins between the keeper and the near post to slot it through into the far side netting. Certainly one of, if not the best, solo goals I’ve seen in the U20s this year.

The final few minutes counted down for a richly deserved 0-3 win for the South Melbourne U20s.

After the match South coach Kolman was impressed with the performance. “Another big win, it was beautiful. I said to the boys if you want to make a statement you need to make a statement today with a second win in a row. That is how you are going to attract people to watch you and how you can get the chance to play next season maybe somewhere else, and I’m thinking about our Seniors. They did it, they fought well. Three nil is a big result. I’m really happy, it’s a fantastic team.”

Kolman explained tactically there were a number of positives to take away from the win. “We are always working on the same things. It’s about transition play, attacking and defensive. We are a very disciplined and motivated team. You can see that when we play. This is something I am really happy with and they boys are following my instructions.”

Double goal scorer Stefan Zinni also provided smfc.com.au with some time after the match to reflect on the win saying “It was a good game. At the start we played well as a team, one-two touches, passing and movement creating plenty of chances. We looked dangerous on the break and I thought we kept it tight at the back.”

Looking at the encouraging aspects of the team’s performance, Zinni highlighted a number of key areas. “Our play up front was really good today. We moved well, fluid in movement and crosses in were really good. Some key positives for the future.”

The team are on the road for the third match in a row. Wednesday night is against Bentleigh Greens on the synthetic pitch at Kingston Heath and then returning home on Sunday to meet Werribee City.

FINAL SCORE: PASCOE VALE 0-3 SOUTH MELBOURNE (HT: 0-1)

Match Photos: http://on.fb.me/1pzwC02

Goal Scorers:
0-1 Andy Kecojeviv (26’), 0-2 Stefan Zinni (73’), 0-3 Stefan Zinni (86’)

South Melbourne FC:
Jason Giccominato (GK), Tim Kakoliris (Alex Sporea 48’), Jordan Moncrieff, Ioannis Avramidis, Sam Kagioglou, Dion Paola, Joshua Meaker (Juan Igic 45’), Eric Hauser (Stefan Zinni 67’), Ryan Babare (Angel Taravillo 78’), Andy Kecojevic, Joshua Markovski (Stefan Valentini 78’).

Pascoe Vale:
Jayden Allan (GK) (Gab Matti 45’), Alessandro Verratti, Joel Grech, Eli Luttmer, David Younan, Anthony Taranto (Marko Stojkovski 68’), Ali Eyiglin, Daniel Hutchison, Vlad Khamees (Gab Dinatale 87’), Ben Domas, Stephen Gustus (Alkin Keles 74’).

SMFC Man of the Match: Andy Kecojevic
Venue: Hosken Reserve
Date: Sunday 3 August 2014

By John Kyrou (Photo by Cindy Nitsos)

South Melbourne FC travels to Kingston Heath Soccer Complex tonight to face the Bentleigh Greens in another huge National Premier League Victoria match. With six rounds remaining in the season, South currently leads the Oakleigh Cannons by seven points on the NPL ladder. Assuming that the Cannons win all of their remaining six matches, South needs twelve more points to secure the League Championship and can get six of them this week with a win against the Greens tonight and then against Werribee City on Sunday.

Chris Taylor’s South side goes into tonight’s match having enjoyed a 0-3 victory against Pascoe Vale at Hosken Reserve last Friday night. Leigh Minopoulos returned to the starting eleven and scored a goal in each half, whilst centre-forward Milos Lujic scored South’s other goal from the penalty spot to take his personal tally to 16 League goals for the season. Bentleigh head into tonight’s match having not won in two matches, losing 2-1 against Oakleigh at Jack Edwards Reserve on Sunday 27 July before drawing 2-2 with bottom side Goulburn Valley Suns at Kingston Heath last Saturday 2 August.

Iqi Jawadi will miss his first game of the season tonight when he serves an automatic one match ban for his red card against Pascoe Vale (following two yellow cards during the match). There is still doubt on whether Jamie Reed will feature tonight, as the forward did not play against Pascoe Vale following an injury sustained against Northcote on Saturday 26 July. Nick Epifano sat on the substitutes’ bench for the entire Pascoe Vale match but should slot back into the midfield tonight in place of the suspended Jawadi, whilst the front two of Lujic and Minopoulos should remain unchanged from last Friday.

The two sides met earlier this season at Lakeside Stadium on Sunday 11 May and on that occasion South Melbourne triumphed with a 2-1 win over the Greens thanks to second half goals from Lujic and substitute Minopoulos. In the corresponding match between the two sides at Kingston Heath Soccer Complex on Friday 19 April 2013, South Melbourne defeated Bentleigh 1-2 thanks to a first half headed goal from Brad Norton and a late second half header from Renco Van Eeken.

Tonight’s game kicks off at 8:30PM at Kingston Heath Soccer Complex. 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 #BGvSM.

South Melbourne FC is delighted to announce that it has secured a 40-year lease on its Exclusive Areas at Lakeside Stadium.

South Melbourne FC President Leo Athanasakis believes that “this is one of the biggest days in the history of our Club as we have now secured our future at Lakeside Stadium for the next 40 years.” Mr Athanasakis wishes to thank his Chairman Mr Nick Galatas, as well as the rest of his Board Members in Andrew Mesourouni, Nick Maikousis, Tom Kalas, Tony Margaritis, George Triantos and Peter Parthimos, who have all worked tirelessly throughout difficult times to achieve a fantastic result for the Club.

Mr Athanasakis also wishes to thank in particular Bill Papastergiadis, President of the Greek Community of Victoria and the Club’s lawyer throughout the process of securing the lease. “Bill was invited to lead the negotiations with Government on behalf of South Melbourne FC and advise on the legal position of the Club. His appointment has been instrumental in securing the 40-year term, especially as the Club had seemingly hit a major stumbling block in negotiating with the State Sports Centre Trust (SSCT). What Bill and his team have been able to achieve is nothing short of extraordinary and the Club is blessed to have had him represent us. The deal could not have been done without him.”

Mr Papastergiadis himself is thrilled with the announcement. “We have been working tirelessly in pursuing a transformation of the Club. Leo, Andrew, Nick, Tom and the entire Board of Management are committed to taking the Club to the next level. Negotiating a resolution with the Government on the stadium lease was one of the last remaining pieces in the puzzle. The legal issues involved were very complicated, however the Napthine Government demonstrated a sincere approach to dealing and resolving these issues with us.”

Mr Papastergiadis added, “We understood the importance in securing a lease deal for the Club’s future and accordingly worked through all of the issues carefully and methodically. Minister Ryan Smith’s announcement today marks the constructive approach taken by both sides. The Coalition Government demonstrated a willingness to engage, which the Club applauds. Minister Smith has been constructive and proactive at all times in his approach.”

Mr Papastergiadis also acknowledges other Ministers involved in the process. “Many people worked behind the scenes to make this announcement happen, particularly Minister Matthew Guy, who was instrumental. Minister Guy was quick to support the Club and the Greek Community. His involvement was critical to this process and the end result. We thank Minister Guy and equally government advisers Matthew Berry and Peter Lemonis.”

Finally, Mr Athanasakis wishes to thank the South Melbourne FC members for their patience and support during the past few years whilst negotiations continued over the lease and redevelopment of Lakeside Stadium.

Upon execution of the lease, South Melbourne FC will immediately commence building its long-awaited Social Club and Futsal Centre.

Leo Athanasakis

President

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Photo above includes from Left to Right the following:

Nick Maikousis (Director of Football & Sponsorship), Shannon Eeles (Liberal Candidate for Albert Park), Bill Papastergiadis (President of GOCV and Club Lawyer), Leo Athanasakis (President South Melbourne FC) Minister Ryan Smith (Minister for Environment and Climate Change) Nick Galatas (Chairman South Melbourne FC)

Tom Kalas (Board Director) Andrew Mesourouni (Director of Youth & Football).

By John Kyrou (Photo by Cindy Nitsos)

South Melbourne FC maintained its seven point lead at the top of the National Premier League Victoria ladder when it defeated Pascoe Vale 0-3 at Hosken Reserve last Friday night. Two goals from Leigh Minopoulos and a penalty by Milos Lujic won the three points for South, putting them ten points ahead of Oakleigh temporarily before the Cannons trimmed the margin back to seven points by defeating Northcote City 1-3 on Sunday afternoon.

Shaun Timmins made way for the returning Tim Mala at right back as Brad Norton kept his spot at left back. Jamie Reed and Nick Epifano were missing from the starting eleven, with Reed not even named on the bench after suffering an injury against Northcote last Saturday 26 July. Mathew Theodore and Minopoulos replaced them in the starting eleven against Pascoe Vale.

Pascoe Vale started the match stronger than their South opponents and Vitale Ferrante’s side should have opened the scoring in the first half. Michael Ferrante had a chance that went over Jason Saldaris’ crossbar. Saldaris was then called upon to save his team by making an important block to deny former South forward Joseph Youssef, who managed to get behind the South defence before firing his shot straight at the goalkeeper. With the rain bucketing down at Hosken Reserve, South needed a break and it got what it was after when Iqi Jawadi played a defence-splitting through-ball for Minopoulos to run onto and calmly slip the ball past the advancing Pascoe Vale goalkeeper Stefaan Sardelic.

The match exploded to life ten minutes into the second half when a routine goalkeeping catch for Pascoe Vale resulted in a red card and a penalty to South. Sardelic jumped up to catch a routine cross before unnecessarily kicking out at the incoming Tyson Holmes’ chest on his way down. It was an unnecessary act and very uncharacteristic of the former South goalkeeper, who was instantly dismissed from the field by the referee. Reserve goalkeeper Yaren Sozer was substituted on in place of outfield player Nathen Megic and his first act was to pick the ball out of the back of the net as Lujic blasted the ball straight down the middle of the goal from the resultant spot kick.

The three points were wrapped up just after the hour mark when Lujic got on the end of Mala’s ball down the right before providing a low cross for Minopoulos to score at the near post for his second goal and South’s third for the evening. The only negative of the night for the away side was the dismissal of Jawadi after 68 minutes, when the midfielder picked up his second yellow card of the night and was sent off by the referee for an early shower. Chris Taylor’s South side saw out the remaining time in the game as Jason Saldaris notched up his 11th clean sheet from 20 League matches this season, with the South custodian having also notched up 13 clean sheets from his 23 matches across all competitions this season.

Taylor admitted post-match about being nervous ahead of the trip to Hosken Reserve (as Pascoe Vale defeated Oakleigh there 2-0 earlier this season) and as a result he was very satisfied with winning the three points on Friday night. He played down suggestions that the League Championship could be won over the coming fortnight (with a few more wins and Oakleigh dropping points), adding that “Oakleigh has been very strong all season and will push us right to the end. We can only do what’s in our control and that is to take it one match at a time and try to keep the (winning) momentum going.”

South Melbourne FC has two extremely important matches coming up this week, with the first being against the Bentleigh Greens at Kingston Heath Soccer Complex on Wednesday night (6 August, kick-off at 8:30PM) before a home match against Werribee City at Lakeside Stadium on Sunday evening (10 August, kick-off at 5PM). Four more wins from its remaining six matches will mathematically secure the League Championship (assuming Oakleigh continues to win) so the upcoming week presents the opportunity to secure half of the wins required.

FINAL SCORE: PASCOE VALE 0-3 SOUTH MELBOURNE (HT: 0-1)

Goal Scorers:
0-1: Leigh Minopoulos (33′)
0-2: Milos Lujic (59’p)
0-3: Leigh Minopoulos (64′)

Pascoe Vale:
1. Stefaan SARDELIC (GK) (sent off 56′), 2. Adrian TALARICO, 3. Nathen MEGIC (27. Yaren SOZER (GK) (58’), 5. James STEFANOU (17. Evan KARAVITIS 88’), 8. Joseph YOUSSEF, 9. Jake NAKIC, 11. Jonathan VOULGARIS, 14. Alvaro CARRILO, 16. Marco SANTILLI (13. Mathew LAZARIDES 82’), 21. Michael FERRANTE, 22 Carl RECCHIA.

South Melbourne FC:
1. Jason SALDARIS (GK), 2. Tim MALA, 4. Michael EAGAR (C), 8. Mathew THEODORE (18. Dion KIRK 75′), 9. Milos LUJIC, 10. Tyson HOLMES, 11. Brad NORTON, 12. Iqi JAWADI (sent off 68′), 14. James MUSA, 27. Leigh MINOPOULOS, 77. Stephen HATZIKOSTAS.

SMFC Man of the Match: Leigh Minopoulos
Venue: Hosken Reserve
Date: Friday 1 August 2014

By John Kyrou

South Melbourne FC has the opportunity to extend its lead at the top of the National Premier League Victoria ladder to ten points with a win against Pascoe Vale at Hosken Reserve tonight. Chris Taylor’s side are currently seven points clear of second-placed Oakleigh Cannons with seven League matches remaining in the season. The best case scenario at the conclusion of this round (South defeat Pascoe Vale and Oakleigh lose against Northcote City) is South being ten points clear with six rounds left; the worst case scenario is having its lead cut down to just four points.

South Melbourne goes into tonight’s match having had its five match winning run in the League broken with the 1-1 draw against Northcote City at John Cain Reserve last Saturday. It was a cruel blow as Milos Lujic had put South ahead 0-1 in the 73rd minute, only for the referee to controversially award a penalty to Northcote that Jonathan Munoz converted after 80 minutes. Vitale Ferrante’s Pascoe Vale come into tonight’s game in inconsistent form, with three draws, one win and a loss from their last five League matches. Their most recent result was a mid-week 0-2 home loss against Werribee City on Tuesday night. Despite that loss, Pascoe Vale are currently in seventh spot with 26 points from 19 League matches, nine points clear of the relegation zone and in relative mid-table comfort.

South should have a full squad to choose from, with right-back Tim Mala returning after serving his automatic one match ban against Northcote following his accumulation of five yellow cards this season. With Mala expected to go straight back into his usual right back position, it remains to be seen whether Shaun Timmins or Brad Norton start the match at left-back. Norton occupied the position last weekend as Timmins switched to right-back to cover Mala’s absence. Striker Jamie Reed was substituted last week after suffering a leg injury, however he is expected to be fit for tonight’s match.

Pascoe Vale’s squad feature names familiar to South fans, with former South players Stefaan Sardelic, Carl Recchia and Joseph Youssef usually in their starting eleven. Goalkeeper Sardelic was on the bench in mid-week as Yaren Sozer filled in between the sticks and it remains to be seen if the former South custodian will return tonight. Pascoe Vale have many dangerous players such as Tomi Milardovic, Jonathan Voulgaris, Jake Nakic and Michael Ferrante and with the match being played at their home ground, they will no doubt provide seriously tough competition for South tonight in a match that many see as a danger match for Taylor’s side.

The two sides met earlier this season at Lakeside Stadium on Sunday 18 May, where a first half goal from Mathew Theodore proved to be the difference as South won 1-0. In the corresponding match played between the two sides on Saturday 1 June 2013 at Hosken Reserve, Pascoe Vale held on for a 0-0 draw against South despite playing the match with ten men for the majority of the game following Luca Santilli’s sending off after only ten minutes.

Tonight’s game kicks off at 7:30PM at Hosken Reserve. 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 #PVvSM.

By Skip Fulton

After last weeks one goal loss against traditional rivals Melbourne Knights, the U20s impressed across the field to win away from home. Up front the finishing was polished whilst the defenders provided a solid barrier at the back supported by another stellar performance from Jason Giccominato in goal.

John Cain Memorial Reserve was the setting for the Round 19 match with Northcote City and the first time the two teams had met this season. Northcote City were coming off a win over Werribee City, sitting in third on the ladder just three points behind leaders Green Gully.

The South Melbourne U20s team has a distinctive temperament and the football on display in the first five minutes can usually tell you the vibe of how the match is going to pan out. This vibe can create feelings ranging from ‘I don’t want to watch this match today’ all the way through to ‘something special is about to happen’. It wasn’t far into the match on Saturday afternoon where despite a bouncing pitch, the one-touch passing from Barbare, Hauser and Kecojevic through the midfield made it clear this was to be an exciting performance by the visitors.

In the fourteenth minute Andy Kecojevic received the ball around the halfway line from Ioannis Avramidis and launched his way down the left flank. A well timed pass to Ryan Barbare in the centre of the park who with a first time right boot pass slid the ball through the last line of defence to an open Joshua Markovski. The striker took a few paces and firmly placed the ball past the Northcote keeper into the bottom right of the net to open the scoring.

Five minutes later with the adrenaline on high from constant attacks, Barbare lined up in his normal role of free kick taker. From the right wing the flight of the ball took it just over two attackers and the goal keeper to find Tim Kakoliris unmarked and all alone at the back post. Surprised to find the ball landing softly at his feet, the defender tapped it across the line to double to score.

The remainder of the first half was a balance match-up with Avramidis and Juan Igic the pillars of the back line holding a strong defence. Giccominato in goal was coming off a man-of-the-match performance last week at Albert Park and contined his scintillating form stopping everything that came near him.

Early in the second half Northcote City delivered a reality check for South as Tommy Demelis scored for the home team. It was one of those moments where time slows down and you just watch as the ball makes its way through the area bouncing past the defenders and finding a striker who has just enough space to turn and slot it home.

You know South Melbourne are on song when the response comes quickly and with flare of style. Kecojevic took on the responsibility and made a superb solo run through the defence into the area and sent a rocket past the keeper into the net.

The next ten minutes would put South under the most intense pressure they had seen all match. Northcote threw everything at the back line and whilst the shots kept coming, Giccominato was stopping them all protecting the two goal lead.

Passionate football was on show and something was bound to happen that would amaze you or make you cringe. Unfortunately it was the latter as Barbare was taken down from behind with a dangerous tackle that bought more than a few players together. A second yellow card saw the referee raise the red and Northcote was down to ten men.

The substitutions started to flow and one for South Melbourne reflected a new face to the field. Stefan Valentini had recently arrived from Western Australia and had been in the U18s line-up for the last two weeks. Valentini had scored three goals in his first match, another last week and today stepped up for debut in the U20s.

He made a positive influence on the match when he made a run down the left towards the by line and into the area. His shot on target beat the keeper however it was the deflection off a Northcote defender that helped it into the net. Whilst it went down as an own goal, Valentini certainly set it up and continued his goal scoring arrival at South Melbourne.

As time ticked down Northcote continued to press for more goals but couldn’t find a way through. After just half a minute of stoppage time the whistle sounded and South Melbourne had defeated third placed Northcote City 1-4 away from home.

Coach Sasa Kolman couldn’t hide his smile after the match saying “Fantastic game. I can’t say anything else, well done to the boys. They completely executed the plan and we were the better team. We deserved to win by even more.”

“Our plan was to play a quick transition forward, especially on our left side. Like I said they executed it into the detail. Even the defence today was amazing.”

After the match smfc.com.au also caught up with Ioannis Avramidis who today marked a special moment walking on to the field. He reflected on the match saying “It’s a big rivalry between Northcote and South Melbourne. The boys were pumped up before the match, we went out, fought hard and got the win.”

Motivation remains an active part of Kolman’s coaching style and Avramidis explained the philosophy discussed in the rooms before the match. “It’s about wanting to win. The coach was talking before the game about how professional players just want to win, they don’t care if they play one minute or ninety minutes. We need to get out there beat everyone. Every tackle, every shot, every pass we want to win it.”

On a personal level, Avradmidis said “I played at Northcote for three years. As an ex-club it has a bit of an emotional background. I wanted to go out there and prove a point that I left for the right reasons. This is my first year at South. It has a good atmosphere and a good bunch of boys in the team.”

The team next travels to Hosken Reserve to take on fifth placed Pascoe Vale on Sunday at 3:15pm

FINAL SCORE: NORTHCOTE CITY 1-4 SOUTH MELBOURNE (HT: 0-2)

Match Photos: http://on.fb.me/1pnQ3px

Goal Scorers:
0-1 Joshua Markovski (15’), 0-2 Timothy Kakoliris (19’), 1-2 Tommy Demelis (47’), 1-3 Andy Kecojeviv (49’), 1-4 Nicholas Bavcar (74’ OG)

South Melbourne FC:
Jason Giccominato (GK), Ryan Babare (Alex Sporea ‘78), Andy Kecojevic, Eric Hauser (Angel Taravillo ‘76), Ioannis Avramidis, Joshua Markovski (Stefan Valentini ‘72), Dion Paola, Peter Constantinou, Sam Kagioglou (Jordan Moncrieff ‘45), Juan Igic (Joshua Meaker 52’), Tim Kakoliris.

Northcote City:
Cameron Dyer (GK), Melad Goro, James Dafoski, Allam Bosha, Danny Federico, Kristian Trajceski, Emin Sele, Ebubekir Capar, Burak Durnaoglu, Reis Aygun, Baran Karagoz.

SMFC Man of the Match: Ioannis Avramidis
Venue: John Cain Memorial Reserve
Date: Sunday 27 July 2014

By John Kyrou

South Melbourne FC’s lead at the top of the National Premier League Victoria ladder was cut to seven points following its 1-1 draw against Northcote City at John Cain Reserve on Saturday afternoon. Milos Lujic looked to have won the match for the away side with his goal after 73 minutes but Northcote levelled seven minutes later from former South player Jonathan Munoz’s penalty kick.

Chris Taylor’s South Melbourne side went into the game on a five game winning run in the League and came up against Goran Lozanovski’s Northcote side that had been unbeaten in their last five League matches. Right-back Tim Mala was missing from the South line-up after he accumulated his fifth yellow card of the season against the Melbourne Knights last Sunday and therefore served his mandatory one-match suspension against Northcote. Brad Norton was recalled into the starting eleven and replaced Shaun Timmins at left back as Timmins switched sides and filled in for Mala at right back.

With the John Cain Reserve pitch in such poor condition, both teams would have most likely accepted a draw if it was offered to them pre-match. Indeed, both sides offered so little in the first half that it appeared they were both happy to take a point each and move on to next week.

The second half was a more lively affair as South slowly worked their way on top of Northcote and carved out good opportunities to open the scoring. Tyson Holmes – in his 50th appearance for South across all competitions – had an excellent chance to open the scoring but Northcote goalkeeper Chris Petropoulos saved Holmes’ effort at his near post. Nick Epifano was then played through on goal but the ball bobbled on the uneven surface as he was about to shoot and the subsequent shot went harmlessly wide and out for a goal kick.

The deadlock was finally broken with just seventeen minutes of normal time remaining. Iqi Jawadi won possession of the ball and found Holmes with a pass, who then put Lujic through on goal for the centre-forward to fire a low shot across Petropoulos and into the bottom left corner of the goal. It was Lujic’s 15th League goal of the season (from 19 games) and 16th goal across all competitions (from 23 games) in 2014.

It seemed that South had done enough to get the three points but Northcote levelled only seven minutes later. South goalkeeper Jason Saldaris charged out to clear the danger after a long ball was played forward but he mis-kicked the ball. With no goalkeeper in the way of the goal, Liam Wooding went to shoot but was denied a shot thanks to an excellent ball-winning tackle by Brad Norton. Unfortunately for the away side, the referee blew his whistle for a penalty kick after judging Norton to have fouled Wooding inside the area, despite mass protesting from the South players. Norton was given a yellow card for his troubles as Munoz calmly stepped up and buried his spot kick past Saldaris, who guessed the correct way to his left but couldn’t make the save.

Both sides pressed for the win in the last ten minutes. In the final minute of regular time, Wade Dekker’s cross was deflected off James Musa and hit Saldaris’ near post before going out for a corner. In the first minute of injury time, Holmes found space inside the six yard box and drove a low shot across the goal and out of play. With almost the final play of the game, Lujic was put through one-on-one with Petropoulos but the keeper won out with an excellent block to deny Lujic a second goal and South the three points.

Post-match, Taylor was disappointed that his side didn’t make the most of their opportunities when they presented themselves, adding that “we spoke at the break about not making any errors…unfortunately we gifted them a goal and it (winning the game) just wasn’t to be today.”

There was good news in the NPL 20s as South Melbourne smashed Northcote City 1-4 thanks to goals from Josh Markovski, Tim Kakoliris, Andy Kecojevic and an own goal by Northcote.

South Melbourne FC’s next match is against Pascoe Vale this coming Friday 1 August, with kick-off at 7:30PM. Please note that South’s match against the Bentleigh Greens originally scheduled for Tuesday 29 July has now been moved to Wednesday 6 August at Kingston Heath Soccer Complex at 8:30PM due to Bentleigh’s participation in the FFA Cup this week.

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

Goal Scorers:
0-1: Milos Lujic (73′)
1-1: Jonathan Munoz (80’p)

Northcote City:
22. Chris PETROPOULOS (GK), 2. Adrian CHIAPPETTA (C), 4. Kristian KONSTANTINIDIS, 5. Phil PETRESKI, 6. Aaron WARD (3. Nasr SAID 87′), 7. Jonathan MUNOZ, 10. Marinos GASPARIS (23. Jonathan BOUNAS 59′), 11. Liam WOODING, 14. Michael CATALANO (17. Anthony RIZK 70′), 15. Wade DEKKER, 16. Greg LOMBARDO.

South Melbourne FC:
1. Jason SALDARIS (GK), 4. Michael EAGAR (C), 7. Nick EPIFANO (27. Leigh MINOPOULOS 84′), 9. Milos LUJIC, 10. Tyson HOLMES, 11. Brad NORTON, 12. Iqi JAWADI, 14. James MUSA, 17. Jamie REED (8. Mathew THEODORE 76′), 25. Shaun TIMMINS, 77. Stephen HATZIKOSTAS.

SMFC Man of the Match: Iqi Jawadi
Venue: John Cain Reserve
Date: Saturday 26 July 2014