Category: News

Tuesday, 30 July 2013 9:35 AM

South Melbourne FC won its first Victorian Premier League match in two months after defeating Dandenong Thunder 6-2 at Lakeside Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Doubles from Nick Epifano and Trent Rixon, along with goals from Bryan Bran and Captain Brad Norton ensured South enjoyed a comfortable victory against the Thunder.

South came into the match on the back of a shocking run in the Victorian Premier League, having not won a League game since the 2-1 victory against Oakleigh Cannons on Sunday 26 May. Since then, South had only managed three points from seven League matches. Thankfully, two victories in the State Knockout Cup (on 10 June against Northcote City and on 23 July against Preston Lions) managed to break up the losing form. South’s previous League match against Bentleigh Greens last Sunday was a disaster, with goalkeeper Peter Gavalas and midfielder Iqi Jawadi both sent off in what turned out to be a 1-4 loss. Dandenong arrived at Lakeside Stadium having had last weekend off as its match against Richmond was abandoned due to inclement weather. Stuart Munro’s Thunder had a point to prove following the defection of Head Coach Chris Taylor, Jawadi, Bran, Epifano, Tim Mala and Luke Hopper from George Andrews Reserve to Lakeside Stadium during the transfer window.

Those arriving late to the Lakeside Stadium would not have believed the scoreboard that read 3-0 to South after only nine minutes. Epifano opened the scoring in the first minute when he got on the end of Hopper’s low cross to the back post to tap home. Rixon then doubled South’s lead after six minutes when Thunder goalkeeper Zaim Zeneli failed to hold onto Hopper’s initial shot, presenting the centre-forward with an easy tap-in. Centre-half Bran then rose highest to head home from Nick Soolsma’s corner to seemingly put the home side in complete control of the match with only nine minutes played.

Despite being three goals down, the Thunder pressed forward and pulled a goal back after 18 minutes when Eric Frazier headed Feston Azizi’s corner past South’s goalkeeper Chris Maynard, who arrived during the transfer window and replaced the suspended Gavalas and the injured Lajos Hun. The young goalkeeper was then left bewildered when the referee awarded a penalty against him for fouling Nate Foster when it looked like he had clearly claimed possession of the ball before the Dandenong striker went down in the box. Shane Rexhepi coolly sent Maynard the wrong way and all of a sudden the Thunder was only a goal behind with over an hour still to play. The score could very well have been 3-3 had Bran not brilliantly tackled Foster’s run into the area to deny him a one-on-one chance with Maynard. South also had to clear a goal-bound shot off the line as the Thunder finished the half the stronger of the two sides and were clapped off by their supporters.

It was a different story in the second half as South completely dominated; however it took a goalkeeping error from former South goalkeeper Zeneli to secure the three points from the home side. Zeneli’s throw slipped out of his hand and fell straight to Rixon, who saw the goalkeeper off his line and subsequently chipped the ball over him and into the empty net to give South a 4-2 lead. The lead was then stretched to 5-2 when Epifano pounced on a loose square pass in Dandenong’s defence before rounding Zeneli and slotting into the back of the net. The scoring was complete on 79 minutes when Dandenong failed to clear the ball in defence and Rixon cut the ball back for Norton to flick up before volleying into the top right corner of the net. Post match the players were cheered off by the home fans, who could finally enjoy a League win for the first time in two months.

After the match, Taylor felt ‘bitter-sweet’ about the victory, having led the Thunder to a League and Cup double last year, however he acknowledged that “it meant a lot for us (South) to win as well today.” The victory sees South sitting only a game out of the top five, placing huge importance on the next match that is away to second-bottom Richmond Eagles this Friday night.

It was further good news in the Under-21s as a Baggio Yousif double and a goal from Stefan Zinni gave South a 3-0 win against Dandenong.

FINAL SCORE: SOUTH MELBOURNE 6-2 DANDENONG THUNDER (HT: 3-2)

Goal Scorers:
1-0: Nick Epifano (1′)
2-0: Trent Rixon (6′)
3-0: Bryan Bran (9′)
3-1: Eric Frazier (19′)
3-2: Shane Rexhepi (25′ pk)
4-2: Trent Rixon (53′)
5-2: Nick Epifano (66′)
6-2: Brad Norton (79′)

Key Stats (provided by Steven Orchard):
Shots: South Melbourne (13) – Dandenong Thunder (11)
On Target: South Melbourne (8) – Dandenong Thunder (7)
Off Target: South Melbourne (5) – Dandenong Thunder (4)
Offsides: South Melbourne (10) – Dandenong Thunder (3)
Turnovers: South Melbourne (37) – Dandenong Thunder (65)
Balls into Area: South Melbourne (30) – Dandenong Thunder (24)
Shots Blocked: South Melbourne (5) – Dandenong Thunder (0)

South Melbourne FC:
21. Chris MAYNARD (GK), 2. Tim MALA, 4. Bryan BRAN, 5. Nick EPIFANO (14. Andy VLAHOS (86′), 7. Luke HOPPER, 9. Trent RIXON (12. Rhys MEREDITH 83′), 10. Tyson HOLMES, 11. Brad NORTON (C), 16. Alan KEARNEY , 17. Nick SOOLSMA, 19. Shaun KELLY

Dandenong Thunder:
1. Zaim ZENELI (GK), 4. Faisal SAFA (2. Brendan ELMAZOVSKI 74′), 6. Steven TOPALOVIC, 8. Matthew THEODORE, 10. Feston AZIZI (22. Sean MCILROY 59′), 11. Keegan ZIADA (17. Kieran DOVER 85′), 13. Shane REXHEPI, 16. Thomas SHANNON, 18. Craig ELVIN, 19. Nate FOSTER, 20. Eric FRAZIER

SMFC Man of the Match: Bryan Bran
Venue: Lakeside Stadium
Date: Sunday 28 July 2013

Monday, 29 July 2013 2:08 PM

Following the Club’s Press Release on 4 July 2013 advising of the Club’s concerns with the proposed model to implement the National Competition Review (NCR) recommendations, the Club now announces that it has withdrawn from the FFV process to implement its proposed model.

Together with numerous other clubs which had submitted an Expression of Interest (EOI), a joint statement to the FFV has been sent earlier today by which all the signatory clubs informed the FFV and FFA of their formal withdrawal from the process.

The seventeen signatory clubs to the joint statement are supported, in their joint statement, by eight clubs which have previously publicly announced that they would not submit an EOI and criticising the FFV’s model for the NPLV. In addition, three other clubs or entities which had previously submitted an EOI have now informed the FFV directly that they have withdrawn from the application process. More clubs are expected to make a statement over the coming days announcing their withdrawal.

South Melbourne FC is concerned about a number of key failings of the FFV’s proposed model to implement key elements of the NCR, including:

• Its failure to achieve the critical aim of the NCR to rebrand the premier league in each State under the single banner (NPL).
• Its failure to improve the financial and commercial position of State leagues and clubs or intended by the NCR and instead, proposing a model which will critically damage the financial and commercial position of our State league and the clubs, including our Club, rendering the FFV model financially unviable.
• Its failure to achieve the critical NCR aim of consistency across all States with the proposed Victorian model critically weakening many clubs, including ours.

South Melbourne FC has repeatedly detailed its concerns to FFV and is very disappointed with FFV’s approach. Along with other clubs and organisations, including Parks and Leisure Australia (PLS) which is the national peak organisation representing professionals working in the sporting, recreation and park sectors, South Melbourne FC considers FFV’s so called ‘consultation process’ to have been no more than an information giving exercise. FFV has neither addressed nor incorporated the key concerns of clubs, including ours, in its proposed model.

As the introduction of the National Premier Leagues through the NCR process was an FFA initiative, South Melbourne FC now expects FFA will take an active role in ensuring that FFV properly implements its model in Victoria.

Our Club is mindful that the present FFV model does not adequately meet the legal obligations of FFA and FFV to implement the recommendations of the NCR. Whilst South Melbourne FC is mindful that legal action is appropriate only as a last resort, it wishes to assure its members and supporters that it will take the necessary steps to protect the interests of the Club and is now actively exploring its legal avenues to ensure that it is not unfairly and wrongly disadvantaged by the introduction of a flawed NPLV.

South Melbourne FC remains confident that the FFV will make the necessary changes to its model to ensure the proper implementation of the NCR recommendations resulting in a strong rebranded premier league in Victoria as part of the nationwide NPL. South Melbourne FC continues to support the principles of the NCR recommendations.

All enquiries to Tom Kalas on 0419 996 645 or tom@smfc.com.au.

Nick Galatas
Chairman
South Melbourne Football Club

Friday, 26 July 2013 1:56 PM

By George Kouroumalis

South Melbourne FC take on Dandenong Thunder this Sunday in what is expected to be an intriguing affair between both sides sitting just outside of the top five.

Both sides are coming off relatively unconvincing wins in the FFV State Knockout Cup midweek, with a very sluggish South coming from two goals down to defeat Preston 4-2 at Lakeside Stadium, while Dandenong were also tested by lower opposition, winning their fixture on penalties against Werribee.

South will go into the match without suspended pair Peter Gavalas and former Dandenong midfielder Iqi Jawadi, both of whom were sent off in last Sunday’s defeat at home to Bentleigh. However in more positive news South will have new signings Luke Hopper, Jonathan Munoz and Christian Maynard available, with the latter certain to replace the suspended Gavlas in goals.

South is also expected to have Shaun Kelly return from a hamstring injury, joining Brad Norton and former Dandenong duo Bryan Bran and Tim Mala in a formidable back four.

In the only meeting between the club’s this season, South Melbourne were soundly defeated at George Andrews Reserve by 3 goals to nil, with new South signing Luke Hopper finding the back of the net for Dandenong.

Kick-off at Lakeside Stadium on Sunday July 28th is at 3pm.

Last time we met

Friday, 26 July 2013 11:30 AM

By George Kouroumalis

South Melbourne FC has made a remarkable comeback to avoid embarrassment against Preston in the FFV State Knockout Cup on Tuesday Night.

South were without all of its recent signings due to them being cup tied, as well as Alan Kearney, who had to serve a one match suspension after being sent off in the last round of the Cup against Northcote City.

Despite dominating the play, the only meaningful chance of the half came when Preston caught the South napping, with Sanni Dauda scoring a speculative shot from range.

Preston was reduced to ten men three minutes before halftime after Michael Santoro was handed a second yellow card for a quickly taken free kick without the referee having blown his whistle.

Preston doubled it’s advantage early in the second half, when horrendous marking from the corner allowed for Dauda to bury a volley from inside the six yard box.

With South staring down elimination and the home crowd getting quite boisterous, Rhys Meredith latched onto a wonderful cross by Fernando De Moraes to pull a goal back for the home side.

South continued to pile on the pressure and were rewarded in the 81st minute when Meredith and Andy Vlahos combined to cause mayhem in the Preston defence, forcing Igorce Kolevski to turn the ball into his own net.

South were now dominant and moments later a super free kick by Fernando De Moraes found it’s way through everyone, slamming into the back of the net and sending the small but vocal crowd into delirium.

Fernando then topped off a man of the match performance by scoring a second of the night just before full time.

South now face Green Gully in the Semi Final of the State Knockout Cup, with the fixture likely to be on either August 20 or 21.

Tuesday, 23 July 2013 12:18 PM

South Melbourne FC wishes to advise its members that it will be holding a two hour Member Information Session on Tuesday 6th August at Principal Partner Beachcomber Cafe commencing at 7.30pm.

The Member Information Session will cover the following topics:

• A-League
• National Premier League
• Social Club redevelopment
• Junior Pavilion
• Football

Members will have the opportunity to ask questions throughout the session.

Monday, 22 July 2013 2:07 PM

By George Kouroumalis

A late second half surge by Bentleigh Greens against a nine man South Melbourne side has seen them defeat the home side by 4 goals to 1 at Lakeside Stadium.

South went into the match with new signings Bryan Bran and Tim Mala in the heart of the defence, as well as Chris Taylor opting to play striker Trent Rixon up front once again.

It was that decision by Taylor that worked immediately after kick-off, with Rixon darting past the stagnant Bentleigh defence, before hitting a low drive across the area and into the path of Nick Epifano at the back post who smashed the ball into the back of the net.

Moments later the match was turned on it’s head up the other end, when South custodian Peter Gavalas collided with Bentleigh’s Ryan De Vries, after the strikers shot had already sailed well and truly over the bar. In what seemed to be an innocuous incident, referee Brenton Hawyward pointed to the penatly spot before sending Gavalas off with a straight red card being produced.

Immediately Taylor sacrificed goalscorer Epifano and brought on 17 year old Goalkeeper Lajos Hun to make his debut for the club at senior level.

In what was an amazing turn of events, Luke Sherbon stepped up and scored the penalty, only for the referee to call it back, making him take it again. From the resultant re-take, Hun produced a fine save, sending the stunned South crowd into raptures.

This galvanised the South players and they continued to dominate the half with ten men and despite not being able to capitalise, went into the rooms at half time with a well deserved one goal lead.

The second half continued in the same manner, South coming out of the blocks early and piling the pressure on a very timid Bentleigh defence, with Soolsma and Rixon once again looking dangerous.

It was against the run of play where Bentleigh grabbed an equaliser, with Dane Milovanovic hitting a wonderful strike from outside the area to get his team on level terms.

Any chance South had of clinching the three points vanished moments later, when Iqi Jawadi was given his second yellow card in a short period, with the referee deeming that he kicked the ball away after he blew the whistle.

With the sending off, South was left with very little hope and it was proven not long after when Ryan De Vries and Luke Sherbon capitalised on an exhausted South defence to put the match beyond doubt.

Former South defender Tom Matthews added the fourth with the match already sealed and the South side demoralised.

It was a more positive story in the Under-21s as South defeated Bentleigh 4-3. Baggio Yousif scored twice as Francis Solano and Aydin Sipahi scored the other two goals to secure the win.

South must re-group as it takes on Preston this Tuesday night in the State Knockout Cup, whilst hosting Dandenong Thunder on Sunday at 3pm. Both matches are at Lakeside Stadium, with the Cup game against Preston a members only affair.

FINAL SCORE: SOUTH MELBOURNE 1-4 BENTLEIGH GREENS (HT: 1-0)

Goal Scorers:
1-0: Nick Epifano (2′)
1-1: Dane Milovanovic (64′)
1-2: Ryan De Vries (72′)
1-3: Luke Sherbon (79′)
1-4: Tom Matthews (90+2′)

South Melbourne FC:
1. Peter GAVALAS (GK – sent off 12′), 2. Tim MALA, 4. Bryan BRAN, 5. Nick EPIFANO (21. Lajos HUN [GK] 12′), 9. Trent RIXON (15. Dimi HATZIMOURATIS 61′), 10. Tyson HOLMES, 11. Brad NORTON (C), 13. Iqi JAWADI, 16. Alan KEARNEY, 17. Nick SOOLSMA (12. Rhys MEREDITH 76′), 22. James KARVELIS

Bentleigh Greens:
Alistair BRAY (GK), Dominic D’ANGELO, Aron WILFORD, Jack WEBSTER, Thomas MATHEWS, Steve HATZIKOSTAS (Luke O’DEA 45’), Wayne WALLACE (Liam MCCORMICK 77’), Luke SHERBON, David STIRTON (Jamie DEARBY 61’), Ryan DE VRIES, Dane MILOVANOVIC

SMFC Man of the Match: Bryan Bran
Venue: Lakeside Stadium
Date: Sunday 21 July 2013

Monday, 22 July 2013 1:03 PM

South Melbourne FC is pleased to announce the signing of goalkeeper Chris Maynard, who returns to the Club after three seasons away playing in the lower divisions of Victorian football.

Chris was a member of the South Melbourne Under 18s and Under 21s Championship winning teams in 2010. He then moved to State League One side Western Suburbs and made his debut in the senior side at 17 years of age. Midway through the 2011 season, Chris signed with State League Two side Malvern City and spent approximately 18 months with the club. Ironically he was in goal when South defeated Malvern 2-1 in the Fourth Round of the State Knockout Cup at John Cain Memorial Park on 29 April 2012. Chris signed a youth contract with Melbourne Heart FC for the 2012/13 season and then returned to Western Suburbs before deciding to return to South.

South Melbourne FC welcomes Chris Maynard back to the Club and wishes him the best for the rest of the season.

Thursday, 18 July 2013 10:45 PM

South Melbourne FC is pleased to announce the signings of Jonathan Munoz and Luke Hopper.

Jonathan Munoz arrives at Lakeside Stadium from Germany and will provide some much-needed defensive cover. The 31 year old has had plenty of experience in the Victorian Premier League having played with clubs such as Preston, Hume City and Green Gully. He won the Victorian Premier League Championship with Preston in 2007 and was also part of Green Gully’s back-to-back Championship winning sides in 2010 and 2011.

Luke Hopper arrives from Dandenong Thunder and will link up with his former coach Chris Taylor as well as Iqi Jawadi, Tim Mala, Nick Epifano and Bryan Bran. The English centre-forward joined Dandenong at the start of this season from Hungerford Town Football Club in the United Kingdom. He caused South plenty of problems in the League meeting between the two sides on 27 April and scored Dandenong’s second goal of the afternoon as it thumped South 3-0 that day.

South Melbourne FC welcomes Jonathan Munoz and Luke Hopper to the Club and wishes them the best for the rest of the season.

Thursday, 18 July 2013 4:16 PM

South Melbourne FC hosts the Bentleigh Greens on Sunday afternoon in what is a huge game for the home side. Bentleigh is considered by many as the team to beat in 2013 along with Northcote City and South desperately needs a win to try and keep up with the top five. South has not won a Victorian Premier League match since defeating Oakleigh 2-1 at Lakeside Stadium on 26 May.

South goes into the game on the back of a disappointing 2-2 draw against Southern Stars at Lakeside Stadium last Sunday. Alan Kearney opened the scoring for the home side before two quick goals shortly before halftime put the Stars ahead. Substitute Andy Vlahos saved the day for South when he tapped home at the back post from Rhys Meredith’s cross to earn the home side a share of the points. Bentleigh goes into the game having drawn 0-0 against Dandenong Thunder at Kingston Heath Soccer Complex last Friday night. John Anastasiadis’ team had the better of the first half, however Dandenong dominated in the second half and in the end a draw was probably a fair result. Bentleigh’s only loss this season has been against South on 19 April thanks to Renco Van Eeken’s winning goal from a header on 82 minutes.

South’s defensive stocks will be significantly boosted following the signings of Bryan Bran (centre-half) and Tim Mala (right-back) during the week. In further good news, Shaun Kelly is in contention to return to the line-up this weekend following a hamstring injury sustained a few weeks ago. Mala’s arrival also gives Chris Taylor the option of pushing Dimi Hatzimouratis further up the park in a more attacking role that suits him. Youngster James Karvelis has impressed filling in for Dimi Tsiaras and Kelly at centre-half during the past few matches and will also be in contention for a place in the team on Sunday.

In the corresponding fixture played at Lakeside Stadium last season on Sunday 9 September 2012, a heartbreaking 92nd minute goal from Scott Bulloch cancelled out Andy Vlahos’ 78th minute header in a game that South had to win to keep its finals chances alive.

Sunday’s match kicks off at 3PM at Lakeside Stadium.

Last time we met

Thursday, 18 July 2013 10:49 AM

South Melbourne FC, Preston Lions FC, and Football Federation Victoria wish to advise that the State Knockout Cup quarterfinal match between both clubs is to be played on Tuesday 23rd July at Lakeside Stadium. Kick off is set for 7.30pm.

This match will be held according to a pre-purchased ticketing arrangement in that tickets will ONLY be made available for purchase by members of both clubs on pre-arranged days. Please note that no tickets will be sold on match day.

South Melbourne FC members will gain FREE entry to the quarterfinal match. Their free ticket can be collected at Lakeside Stadium on Sunday 21st July when South Melbourne take on the Bentleigh Greens. South Melbourne members will simply show their membership card to receive their free entry ticket at a tent located near the Gate 2 entry. Furthermore, South Melbourne FC members are advised that they will only be able to collect a ticket to the quarterfinal match on Sunday 21st July.

Preston Lions FC members will be able to purchase tickets at BT Connor Reserve on on allocated dates. It is recommended that Preston members contact Preston Lions FC to confirm dates to purchase their tickets.

On match day, both South Melbourne and Preston Lions members must show their entry tickets and membership cards to gain entry.