Category: News

Thursday, 22 June 2006 11:11 PM

By Michael Tsoukalis

After a two week hiatus Vodafone Cup action resumes this weekend with eternal rivals the Preston Lions and South Melbourne clashing in a members-only fixture at BT Connor Reserve.

Earlier in the season South Melbourne pulled off an improbable triumph after a wonder-strike in stoppages by youngster Gianni DeNittis gave the Lakeside-based club maximum points.

Both teams will be eager for a result as a win for Preston will see them begin to apply pressure on the top 6 whilst a loss could see them back amongst the relegation fight.

In the South camp a win would go some way into consolidating their top-two position as well as improving South’s away record which has seen John Anastasiadis men only pick up 5 points so far on their travels.

Since their Round 4 clash the Lions have sacked ex-coach Vlado Vanis and brought in favourite son and ex-South Melbourne winger Goran Lozanovski in what was seen as somewhat of a leap of faith by the Preston board.

However, Lozanovski has brought stability to the club; dragging the Lions out of the relegation zone and embarking on a run which has seen them drop only one of their past 7 fixtures.

Lozanovski has also been astute in the transfer market bringing in experienced Premier League forward Nick Lazarevski from the Bulleen Lions with Lazarevski repaying Lozanovski’s faith by already managing 4 goals in only 6 starts for the Lions.

Coupled with the attacking menace of last season’s Vodafone Cup player-of-year Anthony Magnacca, who has managed 8 goals so far this season, the Lions possess an attacking frontline that will no doubt cause South quite a few headaches.

Conversely, South are currently the hottest team in the Vodafone Cup after dispatching long-time rivals the Melbourne Knights 7-0 at Bob Jane Stadium 2 weeks ago, building on an impressive home record which has seen the Lakeside-based club steer home 17 goals in their last 4 home games.

John Anastasiadis’s men find themselves clearly in 2nd place and will be looking towards applying some pressure on the Oakleigh Cannons who have a 4 point advantage with a game in hand a-top the Vodafone Cup standings.

South will be without inspirational Brazilian Fernando Moraes who is in Greece to finalize his move to first division side Aigaleo. Moraes’s absence will be very hard to fill as the Brazilian brought a level of technical ability and flair which was unique to the competition.

However, the recent form of midfield dynamo George Tzirtis and gradual emergence of youngster Vasilios Natsioulas will go some way into cushioning Moraes’ absence.

Midfielder Antonio Naglieri is making progress with his knee injury but is still likely to be out for 2-3 weeks whilst stalwart defender Con Blatsis still remains a long term absentee.

Diminutive forward Andreas Oliveira is a chance for inclusion with his presence leaving coach Anastasiadis with a selection headache after the recent goal-scoring return of Trinidad and Tobago native Kevin Nelson.

Monday, 12 June 2006 1:23 AM

By George Kouroumalis

South Melbourne has produced one of the most astonishing performances in Victorian Football History to belt the Melbourne Knights by a whopping 7 goals to nil at Bob Jane Stadium.

The home side lost Andreas Oliviera to an ankle injury during the week but regained inspirational
captain Vaughan Coveny who returned from national team duty in Europe.
He partnered Trinadad and Tobago striker Kevin Nelson up front, who no doubt was on a high after
Trinadad’ result at the World Cup.
The other main change to the South structure was the inclusion of George Tzirtis in the midfield after
suspension.
The Knights line up consisted of one major change from last week’s game with Richmond, with playmaker Marco Maisano being replaced by Boris Ramadan.

The blue and white army were celebrating in the 5th minute when energetic midfielder Fernando De Moraes played Nelson
into space on the left hand side.
The in form striker then played a beautiful ball across into the path of George Tzirtis who hit a low drive first time past the outrsetched arms of goalkeeper Cagalj.

A few minutes later Nelson then had a chance of his own to score where he hit a low shot at the goal, only to be saved
by Cagalj.

In the 23rd minute, Cagalj cleared a dangerous ball up the field only to pull up sore after straining a muscle in his leg.
Automatically he signalled to the bench and was replaced by subsitute keeper Davor Filipovic.

Before Filipovic could get a touch of the ball, a horrible defensive error by Knights defender Tomislav Milardovic let in South captain Vaughan Coveny, who calmly slotted the ball into the net giving his side a two goal advantage after only 30 minutes of play.

South continued to dominate and it seemed certain that they would score another before the break, but
to the disbelief of the home crowd, De Moraes and Nelson missed the target just short of half time, with Nelson slamming the ball into the left hand upright from only one metre out.

With everyone heading back to the social club to get something warm to eat or drink, a horrific fumble by Knights subsitute keeper Filipovic left the ball at Nelson’s feet, who this time slotted the ball into the net from only 2 yards out sending
the home fans into a frenzy.

As the 2nd half commenced South coach John Anastasiadis opted to make a switch in the midfield, with Scott MacNicol being replaced by youngster Andrew Bourakis.

It wasn’t until the 59th minute that any real clear cut chance occurred, with quiet Knights forward Nathan Caldwell pushing a well hit shot wide from just inside the box.
As the Knights continued to look for a path back into the game, coach Biskic took off Ramadan replacing him with the dangerous Luke Slater.

However it was South that then attacked and nearly grabbed a fourth goal almost immediately, with De Moraes missing the target from 20 yards out.
As South continued to push forward a lovely flowing move found Nelson just outside the box who was fouled by Knights defender Josip Kovic.
From the resulting free kick, De Moraes stepped up and hit a superb freekick past the outrsetched keeper to make the scoreline 4-0.

South were not finished with yet and only 2 minutes later scored their 5th goal through De Moraes once again who found himself in open space behind the Knights defence, passing the keeper Filipovic before belting the ball into the back of the net.

In the 70th minute, South grabbed a sixth goal when Kevin Nelson was provided with a gift from the Knights defence that allowed him to be one on one with keeper Filipovic inside the area.
The hungry striker made no mistake and sent South fans into raptures at a scoreline that had not been seen at Bob Jane Stadium ever before against one of their greatest rivals.

The 80th minute provided the seventh goal of this remarkable contest, with youngster Billy Natsioulas ripping the Knights defence to shreds, finishing it with a powerful strike past the helpless keeper to make the scoreline 7-0.

An amazing few minutes followed with keeper Filipovic making the save of the game from a Coveny chance only metres from goal.
Filipovic then made a regulation save from a Coveny chip that also was destined for the back of the net.

In the 89th minute, the Knights had their best chance of the game, with Caldwell producing a looping header that forced a save from South keeper Dean Anastasiadis.
From the resulting corner the ball fell into the path of Craig Elvin, who hit a low shot at goal only to be turned away by Anastasiadis.

The 93rd minute should have seen South score their 8th goal, where Nelson burst past the Knights defenders and around the clueless keeper Filipovic, only for the ball to be touched by De Moraes, who was deemed to be in an offside position.
Had the touch not come, Nelson was through on an open goal and a certain hattrick.

Perry Mur then put an end to the contest with South running out winners by an astonishing 7-0 scoreline.

Both sides now have a two week break for the Fifa World Cup with South heading into the interval in outright 2nd position after jumping over the top of Kingston and Altona, while the Knights sit only 2 points out of the top 6 in 7th position.

—————————————————————-

South Melbourne FC 7 (Tzirtis, Coveny, Nelson x 2, Moraes x 2, Natsioulas)
Melbourne Knights 0

Crowd : Approx 1500 at Bob Jane Stadium

Sunday, 4 June 2006 10:23 PM

By Michael Tsoukalis

South Melbourne has trounced Kingston City 4-1 producing a superb performance to humiliate the big spending “Reds”.

An own goal, a towering header by Dino Djulbic and a Kevin Nelson double sent the South faithful home extremely satisfied having fully avenged their round three, 3-0 trouncing at the hands of George Katsakis’s men. Joey Di Iorio grabbed Kingston’s solitary strike.

With captain Vaughn Coveny continuing his international commitments with New Zealand and midfielder George Tzirtis serving a suspension for an automatic red card against Fawkner, South coach John Anastasiadis brought in exciting youngster Vasilios Natsioulas as well as keeping faith with Trinidad and Tobago native Kevin Nelson.

Anastasiadis lined up his men as follows. Veteran custodian Dean Anastasiadis started in goal with a back four consisting of a central defensive pairing of Steven O’Dor and Dino Djulbic with the returning Rama Tavsancioglu and Sammy DeVito playing in the right and left back roles respectively.

In the centre of the park Tansel Baser played the defensive midfield anchor with Scot MacNicol the more attacking of the duo. On the right wing Vasilios Natsioulas took his place with Brazilian Fernando Moraes on the left. Up front Andreas Oliveira partnered Kevin Nelson.

South started with a bang scoring after only two minutes when a superb individual piece of skill down the right by Natsioulas saw the youngster weave his way past two markers with a sublime turn. Natsioulas then produced a quality low centre that found an unmarked Nelson. Nelson scuffed his shot but was fortunate that it deflected off a Kingston defender and past City goalkeeper Daniel Zilic.

Only 10 minutes had been played when South suffered a setback after young defender Steven O’Dor was forced to leave the ground after appearing to pick up a leg muscle injury. Fellow youngster James Stefanou stepped into his role.

Ex-South Melbourne midfield/striker Peter Koustoupias fluffed a glorious chance after 12 minutes after good work down the right flank by Kingston saw a brilliant cross played into the path of Koutsoupias. Fortunately for South Koutsoupias completely miss-hit his volleyed attempt, failing to test Anastasiadis.

After 16 minutes Moraes found some space and released Oliveira. The diminutive striker looked to have beaten Kingston defender Steve Iosifidis but the ex-South defender recovered in time and smothered for a corner.

Kingston threatened in the 21st minute after their initial corner from the right wasn’t convincingly cleared by the South defence with the visitors sending in a quality low cross at the second attempt that caused a scramble near the South goal line. Fortunately for South the ball was eventually cleared.

South should’ve doubled their advantage after 29 minutes when Nelson spotted Natsioulas’s well timed run down the left hand side of the Kingston box. Unfortunately for South Natsioulas’s first touch let him down with his eventual left foot strike saved by Zilic and out for a corner.

However, from the subsequent corner giant defender Dino Djulbic rose and powered an angled header past a stationary Zilic. A Kingston player on the line managed to prevent the ball from hitting the back of the net but the Assistant Referee was well positioned and re-acted accordingly, lifting his flag and running to the centre of the park indicating the ball had indeed crossed the line.

Three minutes later and South tripled their lead. Superb close ball control in the centre of the park followed by a perfectly timed and weighted pass by Moraes saw MacNicol freed down the right in acres of space. MacNicol made his way into the Kingston box and squared for Nelson who from 6 yards out couldn’t miss, hammering the ball into the bottom left corner and sending the South faithful into delirium.

South ended the half with a narrow escape after a Kingston cross from the right to the back post saw a rising Kingston player make good contact with his header having beaten Anastasiadis only to see his effort cleared off the line by the well positioned Djulbic.

The second half commenced with South forced into another substitution. This time Oliveira succumbed to injury with Gianni DeNittis replacing him. Kingston also made a substitution taking off the ineffective Koustoupias and replacing him with silky striker Joey Di Iorio.

Kingston re-shaped their formation, taking considerable risk by sending more players forward in the hope of being able to peg back South’s advantage.

The visitors almost began the half with the perfect start after a 46th minute flick-on header across goal fell to a Kingston player, who with his back to goal attempted a snap-shot from 8 or so yards that had Anastasiadis at full stretch, with the South keeper relieved to see the ball bounce off his right upright and cleared by the defence.

A couple minutes later South should’ve capitalized and iced the game as Kingston’s desperate search for a goal saw South unleash a 4-on-2 counter attack. Moraes seemed to hesitate slightly but still played in Nelson. The Trinidad and Tobago native tried to lay it off with the ball eventually being played back to him, but by now the Kingston defence had recovered and the chance was lost.

Kingston managed to peg one back in the 52nd minute after a skied long ball saw Tavsancioglu completely misjudge his headed clearance, missing it altogether with little pressure and hence releasing Kingston down the left wing. Kingston squared the ball intelligently to Di Iorio who from 6 yards out tapped home unmarked.

The visitors continued to push up and pressure with the South defence, inspired by keeper Anastasiadis, repelling any threat. South’s desperation for the result was characterized late on when the ball fell to Kingston for a seemingly open strike on goal from just outside the box. Tansel Baser threw himself at the ball showing no restraint for his body and produced a superb block.

With Kingston running out of steam South scored a piercing sealer in the 86th minute. MacNicol surged forward and played a superb ball in behind the Kingston defence that found Nelson in some space. Nelson however still had much to do and to Kingston custodian Zilic’s surprise, Nelson unleashed a low left-foot rocket from just outside the box, which gave Zilic no chance and nestled into the bottom-right corner.

Friday, 2 June 2006 8:39 PM

By Michael Tsoukalis

After a disappointing 0-2 loss away to Fawkner-Whittlesea, South Melbourne return to Bob Jane Stadium looking to maintain their perfect home record as well as make ground on the top 3.

Their opponents Kingston City find themselves in 2nd position but have recently encountered a mini form slump with a 0-1 loss last week against Altona at home and a 0-0 draw against the Sunshine Georgies a week earlier allowing Oakleigh to consolidate their Vodafone Cup leadership.

Both teams met earlier in the season in round 3 with George Katsakis’s men punishing the defensive errors of South and running away with a comfortable 3-0 win.

That evening ex-Lierse striker Joe Spiteri scored a double and together with his strike partner, ex-South Melbourne player Michael Curcija, has formed the most prolific partnership in the Vodafone Cup. Between them they have netted 17 of Kingston’s 25 goals with Spiteri slotting away 7 and Curcija 10.

South Melbourne will have to find a way to contain these two if they harbor hopes of a positive result. However, the South defence has received a timely boost with the potential return of left wing-back Rama Tavsancioglu who has now served his 6 week suspension for an automatic send-off against Richmond.

Kingston of course have a myriad of quality players throughout their line-up with the likes of ex-South Melbourne players Con Anthopoulos, Steve Iosifidis, Marcus Stergiopoulos and Alex Kiratzoglou all vastly experienced National League players.

Sunday’s match also sees the return to Bob Jane Stadium of midfield/striker Peter Koutsoupias who started the season in the Blue and White but moved recently through mutual consent.

In the South camp, John Anastasiadis’s men have been dealt a blow with George Tzirtis’s red card last week against Fawkner meaning the busy midfielder who has been in superb form of late will miss.

Also missing from the South line-up will be skipper Vaughn Coveny who continues his commitments with the New Zealand national team meaning that Trinidad and Tobago native Kevin Nelson is favored to win a starting birth.

Youngster Vasilious Natsioulas will no doubt come into contention for a position in the first 11 with the injury crisis at the club meaning the defensive stocks continue to run quite thin and hence the reliance on the likes of young defenders Sammy DeVito and James Stefanou is likely to continue.

Tuesday, 30 May 2006 12:05 AM

By George Kouroumalis

A lackluster second half display has seen highly fancied South Melbourne upset by Fawkner-Whittlesea by 2 goals to nil at a cold Epping Stadium on Monday night.
With the blues beating Altona last week, the South faithful made the trek out to Epping sensing a real contest after an easy win last week against Heidelberg.
Two main changes were made to the starting lineup, with import Kevin Nelson replacing Vaughan Coveny up front.
Vaughan, was on international duty in Germany, representing New Zealand against Georgia and world champions Brazil.
The second change came in the heart of defence, with Steve O’dor returning back to the AIS in Canberra.
Replacing him was the impressive youngster in James Stefanou, who was looking to continue his great form over the past month.
The first half belonged to South Melbourne who dominated possession for the most part of it.
In the 17th minute, lively midfielder George Tzirtis thought he could repeat his goal of the year effort of last week with another drive from 30 yards.
Unfortunately for the traveling South faithful his shot hit the cross bar and rebounded to Kevin Nelson, who hit the shot directly at keeper Tilovski.
Nelson was then gifted with a golden chance only 15 minutes later where Baser found him alone in the box with only the keeper to beat.
Once again his shot failed to have any real direction or power behind it and subsequently was hit directly at the waiting Tilovski.
Tilovski was proving to be impossible to pass as he pulled off point blank saves from Fernando De Moares and pocket rocket Andreas Oliviera just before the half time break.
The second half however proved to be a totally different game with the Fawkner-Whittlesea side coming out and really taking the game to the visitors.
The opening two minutes of the half was the indicator that the Blues had arrived to play, with veteran Dean Anastasiadis making routine saves from the shots of Mark Tsiorlas and Tony Sterjovski.
In the 50th minute, a long ball was played from the right hand side which caught the South defence napping allowing the Blues behind the defence.
In trying to repel the attack of the Blues, South midfielder George Tzirtis attempted to run down the runaway forward, making ground on him before called for a questionable foul in the process.
As he was the last defender the referee reached for his pocket exposing a red card for the devastated player.
With South down to ten men, the Blues managed to take advantage only a few minutes later with Sterjovksi launching a cracking drive from just outside the box.
To the jubilation of the small pocket of Blues fans, the strike found its way into the back of the net.
For the next twenty minutes South once again controlled possession without really creating any clear cut chances that troubled Fawker-Whittlesea keeper Tilovski.
This changed in the 71st minute with Tilovski pulling off an exceptional save from a De Moares left footed bullet from 15 yards that was headed into the corner.
With South starting to assert itself on the game once again, a delightful counter attack by the Blues sealed a hard fought win for the home side.
A classic ball by former South Melbourne player Carl Recchia caught the South defence square, leaving Ricky Chillico one on one with keeper Anastasiadis.
Chillico kept his cool and calmly slotted the ball past an outstretched Anastasiadis icing the game for the home side.
In the final ten minutes South had numerous half chances through Nelson, Oliviera & De Moares, but a lack of poise and a man of the match display by keeper Tilovski ensured that the boys from lakeside would leave Epping Stadium without a goal.
South Melbourne return home next week in a massive derby game against Kingston City on Sunday, while the Blues will attempt to continue their giant killing run away to Oakleigh on Friday.
In exciting news for the South faithful and football fans in general, the curtain raiser provided fans with a glimpse of former Hawthorn AFL footballer Angelo Lekkas in one of his first appearances for South Melbourne.
Lekkas played 25 minutes as a forward and looked as if he has the ability to become a real asset to the senior squad in the future.
Unfortunately for the side however, the Blues proved too strong taking out the contest by 4 goals to nil.

Sunday, 28 May 2006 2:16 AM

By Michael Tsoukalis

Monday night South Melbourne travel to Epping Stadium hoping to continue their recent run of superb form and to eat away at a top three birth.

South have come off two convincing home performances in which they disposed of last year’s grand finalists Green Gully and Heidelberg, 3-0 and 3-1, in consecutive weeks.

Conversely, the John Markovski-coached Fawkner-Whittlesea have had a patchy run of form, unable to string together consecutive wins and as a result find themselves four points outside the top six in desperate need of maximum points against South if they are to keep up with the pace.

The Stallions however do possess a talented outfit. In Mark Tsiorlas they have a proven goal scorer at Premier League level with the ex-Dutch based striker netting 8 times so far this season.

Tsiorlas has been well supported by ex-A-League midfielder Carl Recchia who has slotted in very well since his return. Recchia has found the net 6 times making him an extremely dangerous threat pushing forward from the centre of the park.

Defender Sasa Ognenovski who has recently signed an A-League contract with the Queensland Roar is another player at the core of Fawkner’s hopes. The colossal defender has also managed to have an effect on the opposite side of the field, popping up for 4 goals with his threat at set pieces in the air, an area which South will have to keep a close eye on.

In the South camp, Captain Vaughn Coveny has been called up to the New Zealand national team and will miss the encounter. Consequently, Trinidad and Tobago import Kevin Nelson will no doubt be given the nod to start in Coveny’s place, presenting the quick forward with a genuine chance to stake his claim for more regular playing time.

Special mention must be made towards the breathtaking form of Brazilian Fernando Moraes as well as recent recruit and diminutive striker Andreas Oliveira.

Both players have shown an almost telepathic understanding for each other’s game in a short period of time and have the ability to tear to shreds any defence in the Vodafone Cup.

Moraes has also been in superb goal-scoring form as of late, managing to score 6 so far this term of which at least 4 have been of the highest order.

Finally, South’s makeshift defence spearheaded by youth continues to impress. Dino Djulbic at 21 is the oldest out of a quartet of players which also includes the likes of Steven O’Dor, James Stefanou and Sammy DeVito. All four players have stepped up tremendously in filling the voids left by the suspension, departure and injuries suffered to players such as Arthur Tsonis, Rama Tavsanscioglu, Con Blatsis and Jonas Salley and therefore must be commended for their efforts.

Monday, 22 May 2006 2:09 AM

By Michael Tsoukalis

South Melbourne has turned on the style smashing eternal rivals Heidelberg United 3-1 and consolidating their position in the Vodafone Cup top six.

A George Tzirtis belter, a brilliant curling finish by Fernando Moraes and a text-book one-on-one strike by Captain Vaughn Coveny capped off a scintillating display of precise attacking football that saw South relentless in knocking the ball around, producing brilliant link-up play and creating a multitude of goal-scoring opportunities.

With defender Dino Djulbic and Captain Vaughn Coveny returning from suspension South received a much needed boost to its playing stocks with both players going straight back into the starting eleven.

South lined up as follows. Veteran custodian Dean Anastasiadis started in goals with a central defensive trio consisting of youngsters Dino Djulbic, Steven O’Dor and Sammy DeVito. In the defensive midfield positions Tansel Baser and George Tzirtis took up the reigns with Scot MacNicol playing the more advanced and attacking midfield role. Youngster Nick Curtis started for his third consecutive game playing in a right wing-back role with Fernando Moraes on the left. Up front, skipper Vaughn Coveny was paired with Andreas Oliveira.

South started the game somewhat shakily with the visitors dominating play and keeping the hosts suspended in their own half. The Bergers however failed to capitalize on their opening period of dominance and were warned of things to come when Brazilian Moraes found some space and just when destined to shoot, cut the ball back to Oliveira who from 8 or so yards out and with only Acevski to beat couldn’t keep his shot down, blazing over when he should’ve scored.

The home side began to dominate but suffered a minor setback in the 23rd minute after Moraes had seemingly broken free down the left wing after Coveny had been fouled in the process of playing the ball which released Moraes.

Referee Jim Ouliaris failed to play the advantage which would’ve resulted in a clear goal-scoring opportunity for the home side, instead choosing to hold up play and book the offending Heidelberg player. It was a decision which infuriated the South Melbourne faithful who failed to see why Ouliaris didn’t let play continue and then book the player at the next available opportunity.

However, South went ahead via a George Tzirtis stunner. Nice interplay at the edge of the Heidelberg box saw Oliveira spread the ball wide to Tzirtis. The hard-working South midfielder didn’t hesitate and unleashed a dipping 25 yard effort that had Acevski stranded with the ball looping over his head and nestling into the top left hand corner.

After failing to add the all important second goal, South nearly conceded late on in the half when a Heidelberg corner was met by defender Daniel Jones who saw his angled header sail narrowly past Anastasiadis’s left upright with the South custodian beaten.

The second half saw South continue their dominance. Fernando Moraes who had been having a brilliant game was rewarded after a MacNicol through ball released Coveny down the right flank. The skipper could’ve squared to Oliveira but chose instead to go to the back-post where Moraes was lurking. The Brazilian’s first touch was ordinary with the chance appearing lost; however, Moraes recovered, made some space and sent a thunderbolt curling right foot effort past the hapless Acevski – who didn’t have enough time to react – into the right hand corner.

Playing delightful football South searched for a third. Coveny had been menacing all night and should’ve scored mid-way through the second half after he found himself with a man to beat, comfortably shimmied past him and with only Acevski in his path couldn’t direct his shot past the Berger’s keeper with Nick Curtis’s failing to make decent contact with the subsequent follow-up header.

South continued knocking on the door of a third goal and it nearly arrived after superb vision by Oliveira saw the diminutive South forward produce a splendid cross from the right to Coveny who at full stretch sent his diving header towards goal only to once again be denied by Acevski.

The continued pressure of the home side finally paid off after DeVito won the ball in defence and released Djulbic who had a nice one-two interchange with Moraes and eventually played a perfectly weighted through ball that was latched onto by Coveny. The South skipper had done superbly well to bust the off-side trap and find himself in acres of space again with only Acevski to beat.

This time the Kiwi international made no mistake, rounding Acevski and slotting home for his 4th goal of the current campaign, but more importantly, giving South a much deserved 3-0 lead.

With the game comfortably won, South relaxed and paid a price for taking their foot off the peddle. Ex-Carlton striker Joe Tricario tucked home a consolation goal late on after the Bergers broke down the right flank and produced a decent cross that Anastasiadis failed to deal with. The ball broke to Tricarico on the back post who made no mistake, hammering his effort into the back of the net.

Friday, 19 May 2006 1:32 PM

By Michael Tsoukalis

This Sunday’s encounter between two giants of Australian football and eternal rivals South Melbourne and Heidelberg promises to be a pulsating encounter.

Both sides need a win to consolidate their standings in the top six with the largest crowd of the Vodafone Cup 2006 season expected in attendance.

The Bergers are experiencing a poor run of form having not tasted victory in their past five matches and hence will be desperate for the three points at all costs.

Missing for the Phil Stubbins coached outfit will be forward Nick Marinos and inspirational leader Eric Vassiliadis who are serving suspensions after receiving straight red cards against the Sunshine Georgies in round 12.

The loss of Marinos is particularly damaging for the Bergers who have only scored 3 goals in their past four matches with the ex-Oakleigh striker the top goal-scorer at the club having netted four times so far this term.

Adelaide import Saranti Parissos will be asked to step up after only managing one goal this campaign. Parissos is a powerful striker with some pace and with the recent addition of ex-South Melbourne player Andy Vlahos coupled with the trickery of Yusuf Yusuf Heidelberg still present a genuine threat going forward.

Furthermore, in Nick Sabljak the Bergers possess a midfielder of immense technical ability with his passing range and ability to score goals a major threat against any opposition at this level.

In between the uprights the Bergers possess one of the Vodafone Cup’s finest. Lupce Acevski is a proven shot stopper at both State and National League level and forms an intimidating final barrier to goal. However, with the Bergers conceding 18 times so far this campaign, the most of any team in the top 6, Acevski will have to be at his best if the Bergers are to stop the recent goal scoring surge of South.

With South’s last two home games producing 7 goals, the return of skipper Vaughn Coveny from suspension is perfectly timed as the Kiwi international will only increase the attacking options available for Coach John Anastasiadis.

In fact Anastasiadis has been spoilt recently with the excellent performances of Brazilian Fernando Moraes and diminutive striker Andreas Oliveira who are ever increasingly linking up superbly in general play and most importantly for South, scoring goals.

Colossal defender Con Blatsis is also a chance to return with his presence needed as South continue to run thin in their defensive stocks. So thin that last week against Green Gully South player and AIS member Steven O’Dor was flown in from Canberra, a luxury of course that cannot be afforded on a weekly basis.

Monday, 15 May 2006 1:26 AM

By Michael Tsoukalis

In a devastating performance of relentless attacking football, South Melbourne has smashed 2005 Vodafone Cup Champions Green Gully 3-0.

Brazilian maestro Fernando Moraes scored a double, with Trinidad and Tobago native Kevin Nelson rounding off the scoreline.

With Captain Vaughn Coveny, Rama Tavsancioglu and Dino Djulbic all serving suspensions and Jonas Salley unavailable after signing on to play in the A-League, South flew in Steven O’Dor from his AIS commitments and threw him straight into the centre of the defence.

Kevin Nelson also lined up for his first start in more than a month whilst young winger Vasilios Natsioulas returned from injury to take his place on the bench.

The South starting-eleven read as follows. Dean Anastasiadis lined up in goal with Sammy DeVito, Steven O’Dor and James Stefanou used as a central defensive trio.

In wingback positions youngster Nick Curtis lined up on the right with Scot MacNicol on the left. Antonio Naglieri and Tansel Baser both played in deep midfield holding positions with Fernando Moraes playing as the attacking loose man in behind the strikers.

Up front Kevin Nelson partnered the diminutive Andreas Oliveira.

South almost scored in the 2nd minute after a superb chipped through ball by Moraes spotted Nelson’s intelligent run behind the Gully defence. Unfortunately for South Nelson’s control was poor with the Gully defence recovering, closing in and eventually clearing.

South continued to attack with a nice one-two – in the 12th minute – between Nelson and Moraes resulting in a decent 25 yard rising effort from the Brazilian that sailed well over the crossbar.

Seventeen minutes in and Nelson created some space down the right edge of Green Gully’s box. The Trinidad and Tobago native then managed to squeeze the ball back to Oliveira who unleashed a pile driving effort that seemed destined for the back of the net only for the shot to come crashing off an ill-placed South player’s forehead.

Gully immediately unleashed a counter-attack with a break down the left side of the South box seeing a strike aimed at Anastasiadis’s near post sail just wide.

South had been dominating possession and had limited Green Gully’s attacking play. The home side almost went ahead after 36 minutes when Naglieri played in Oliveira who from 25 or so yards out and on a slight angle, unleashed a superb low strike that just skimmed past the left upright with Gully custodian Pasi Schwalger well beaten.

South then went ahead courtesy of some Moraes magic. The ball fell bumbling towards the Brazilian just outside the Gully box slightly on the left. The Brazilian then proceeded to unleash a rocket-like effort that cannoned in off the left upright leaving Schwalger no chance and handing a South a 39th minute lead.

The home side looked to wrap up proceedings with a 2nd goal and Brazilian Moraes once again provided the inspiration. This time “Liliko” as he is known to the South faithful slotted home a 20-yard free kick, comfortably beating Schwalger after managing to dip his shot over the wall and doubling South’s advantage after 56 minutes.

Moraes should’ve had his hat-trick after superb interplay between Nelson and Curtis saw the latter produce a brilliant diagonal 63rd minute searching ball that found an unmarked Moraes. Curtis’s ball was so inch-perfect that it even evaded a diving Schwalger with Moraes presented with an empty net, though on a slight angle. Unfortunately for South Moraes tried to emphatically side-foot home his effort, seeing his shot cannon off the left upright when perhaps a simple tap-in would’ve sufficed.

South was now in party mode with Nelson continuing to have an influence. This time a quality flick by Nelson found Oliveira outside the box. The diminutive South genius made some space for himself with some quick footwork and then unleashed a stunning 20-yard effort, that had Schwalger scurrying and beaten, only to see his 75th minute effort cannon off the right upright.

Oliveira should’ve opened his account when an 82nd minute clearance by Anastasiadis evaded the Gully defence and sent Oliveira on his way one-on-one with Schwalger. Oliveira took his time, jinked inside to evade a rushing Gully defender but unfortunately failed to beat Schwalger who saved well down low and out for a corner.

South then wrapped up proceedings when Nelson received the ball 25 or so yards out. Showing a level of confidence that has been lacking for a great part of the season to date, Nelson went on a run, using his pace to skin the Gully defence and calmly slot past a hapless Schwalger to give South a much-deserved third in the 84th minute.

The game finished with a flurry with Nelson once again being a menace for the Gully defence, finding some space down the left and squaring for substitute George Tzirtis who produced a decent low 86th minute strike that needed a good save from Schwalger.

Nelson then frustrated the South faithful after twice using his pace to get in behind the Gully defence down the right wing and twice avoiding an easy cut-back to an unmarked Oliveira who from 6 or so yards out would’ve had little trouble in inflating the scoreline.

To Gully’s credit they almost scored late on when a 90th minute corner was dangerously nodded across the South goalmouth, eventually being cleared off the goal-line by the South defence and out for another corner.

Friday, 12 May 2006 2:28 PM

By Michael Tsoukalis

South Melbourne returns to Bob Jane Stadium this Sunday looking to consolidate their position in the top 6 of the Vodafone Cup.

Their opponents, the Andrew Marth-coached Green Gully find themselves in unfamiliar territory, just outside the relegation zone having not won a game since their round six 2-1 triumph over the Fawnker-Whittlesea Stallions.

South Melbourne will be eager to avenge their cruel 2005 Vodafone Cup exit at the hands of Gully after two opportunities – during the penalty shoot-out – to advance to the Grand Final were squandered by John Anastasiadis’s men, who had dominated proceedings during regular time. Gully eventually progressed and also went on to win the championship.

Gully have recently been active in the transfer market, looking to ease the loss of veteran forwards Nick Tsaltas and Nick Lazarevski who have moved to Altona Phoenix and Bulleen Zebras respectively. Gully have brought in young forwards Richard Cardozo (NSWPL), the younger brother of prolific NSL scorer Pablo Cardozo and Serkan Oksuz (Preston Lions) who has had NSL experience with the Melbourne Knights.

Cardozo scored his first goal for Gully during the last round, a well-taken delicate chip against the Altona Magic and will no doubt have to be closely contained by the South defence.

The core of the Green Gully side also remains extremely strong. Experienced players like Andy and Roddy Vargas, Lubo Lapsansky, Zoran Markovski, Dean Fak, Pasi Scwalger and Brendon Vassallo give the side a level of experience that few teams in the Vodafone Cup can claim.

Conversely, South have been decimated by injury in recent times and with the send-off of club Captain Vaughn Coveny last week against Frankston and the departure of Ivory Coast native Jonas Salley to the A-League, coach John Anastasiadis finds himself once again with a threadbare squad.

Trinidad and Tobago import Kevin Nelson will no doubt be drafted straight back into the starting-eleven to replace the suspended Coveny, giving Nelson a genuine chance to impress in front of the South faithful.

Defender Dino Djulbic is available after serving his suspension against Frankston with South also hoping that young winger Vasilios Natsioulas has recovered from a leg injury picked up two weeks ago against Oakleigh.

Young defenders James Stefanou and Sammy DeVito should be singled out for praise as both players have lifted admirably with the suspension and injury sustained to regular defenders Con Blatsis, Arthur Tsonis and Rama Tavsancioglu. Along with Tansel Baser, the South backline must continue to improve and remain tight if South are to position themselves well for a much-need home win against Gully.