Category: News

Thursday, 25 August 2005 11:16 PM

By Michael Tsoukalis

After a season that defied the odds South Melbourne now finds itself amongst the State’s elite with the coming weekend signalling the start of the 2005 Vodafone Premier League finals series.

A campaign that began with many neutrals not to mention passionate supporters of the club simply hoping to avoid relegation has seen John Anastasiadis’s men linger around the top of the table throughout entirety of the regular season. Two consecutive wins saw the Albert Park-based club end the season in 3rd position, just one point outside a top-two birth.

Blocking South’s progression are the Ken Murphy coached Altona Magic. During his playing days Murphy was a class player at South Melbourne and was on the coaching staff during the club’s last NSL campaign. He is an experienced VPL campaigner having been at the helm of Altona and various other sides in the state’s premier competition for many years.

Whilst managing a grand final appearance last year, Altona’s fortunes for the current campaign came down to the wire with their fate decided on the last day of the season after Preston’s heavy 5-0 loss away to Oakleigh meant that the point Altona gained in their nil-all draw with Green Gully was enough to see them sneak into 6th position.

The Magic are an extremely dangerous unit with brothers Koce and Kole Delev posing a threat at all times. The Delev brothers are complemented by Cameron Pino who is a proven performer at VPL level and has the versatility to play in many positions. Defensively, Levent Osman, Marcus Stergiopoulos and goal keeper Martin John all have NSL experience and form a strong core for the Magic.

In the South camp, injuries have come good at the right time with coach Anastasiadis practically having a full squad to choose from. Plagued by injury for the majority of the season, the likes of Con Blatsis and Vasilios Natsioulas are raring to go for the final’s campaign with George Tzirtis the one looming doubt.

Club captain Vaughn Coveny has been nursing a slight calf injury but has managed to shake it off and will line-up against the Magic.

With practically a full squad to select from, coach Anastasiadis will no doubt have some difficulties in settling on his starting 11. Pretty much every player in the senior squad has contributed towards South successful plight with injuries preventing coach Anastasiadis from fielding a consistent side week-in-week-out.

A big plus for South going into the crunch encounter is the form of NSW Premier League Player of the Year Robbie Cattanach who after a slow start to his career in the blue and white has managed to score 2 goals in his last two outings. Cattanach’s goals could just prove to be tonic that has been absent from South’s game all season, regular and consistent goal-getting.

Sunday, 21 August 2005 11:45 PM

By Michael Tsoukalis

South Melbourne has completed a superb regular season campaign with a gritty 3-1 win against the Bentleigh Greens.

John Anastasiadis’s men finished a credible third, one point adrift of the 2nd placed Heidelberg United who along with Green Gully have qualified for the automatic double chance.

Looking ahead to the finals Coach Anastasiadis fielded a vastly changed line-up. Skipper Vaughn Coveny and defenders Sammy DeVito and Arthur Tsonis were given the day off in order to rest up for the business end of the season whilst regular attacking midfielder Scot MacNicol began proceedings on the bench.

South’s starting eleven read as follows. Dean Anastasiadis took up his customary position in between the uprights. In front of him colossal defender Con Blatsis returned to action being partnered in the centre of defence by youngster Steve O’Dor. Another youngster, James Stefanou was given his senior debut lining up in a right back role with the spirited Ramazan playing on the left. In the centre of the park Arthur Tsirstakis assumed the defensive midfield responsibilities with Kosta Salapasidis in a more attacking central role. Silky Brazilian Fernando started on the left allowing for the return of exciting youngster Vasilios Natsioulas on the right. Up front, another youngster, Gianni De Nittis provided support for New South Welshman Robbie Cattanach.

South began with a bang and took the lead in the 6th minute. In what was the home side’s first real attack of the day, a break down the right by Natsioulas saw the youngster spot an unmarked Fernando run down the right. Natsioulas squared the ball to the Brazilian who with only the keeper to beat produced a quality, bottom-right hand corner finish to give South the early initiative.

Two minutes later and the home side nearly doubled their advantage after a scramble in the box saw the ball fall to Cattanach who managed to produce a well placed side-foot effort that had the Bentleigh keeper beaten but was fortunately cleared off the line by a well positioned Bentleigh defender.

Twenty-one minutes in and a comical error saw the home side double their advantage. What looked like a harmless searching ball from defence saw a breakdown in communication between the Bentleigh keeper and the defender responsible for dealing with the header. As the keeper raced off his line (to deal with the clearance) the defender attempted to head the ball in the direction of the keeper who in the middle of his advancement was caught wrong-footed with the ball eventually trickling into the net.

To Bentleigh’s credit however their response was swift. A ball down the right hand side saw the South defence break down in communication with Nigerian Izvunna Chukwuka latching onto the defensive lapse and finding himself with only Anastasiadis to beat. Chukwuka kept his head and calmly slotted under Anastasiadis who managed to get some of his body onto the ball but far from enough to prevent the strike from reducing the Greens’ deficit.

The goal seemed to lift the Greens who were now appearing more organised and harder to break down with their efforts almost paying off when just before half time, a darting strike from just outside the box and slightly from a right angle, forced a superb left-hand diving save by Anastasiadis.

With the 2nd half underway South almost conceded a disastrous goal. Anastasiadis scuffed a left foot 46th minute clearance that fell to Chukwuka who with the keeper vastly off his line attempted a delicate chip. With the ball appearing destined for the back of the net, Anastasiadis went into over drive, scurrying back and managing to time his dived effort to perfection, punching the ball just over the crossbar and out for a corner whilst at the same time, narrowly managing to avoid hitting his head.

Youngster Nick Curtis had come on at half-time with his enthusiasm almost reaping a goal. Playing in an advanced midfield role Curtis unleashed a 20 yard rocket-like effort in the 50th minute that narrowly sailed over the crossbar.

South were starting to regain momentum with a surging 52nd minute run down the left by “Rambo” Ramazan seeing the inspirational South right-back enter the Bentleigh box in a menacing position. Unfortunately for the home side Ramazan failed to pick out a target with his eventual cross evading everyone.

Four minutes later Natsioulas found himself released down the right hand side of the Bentleigh box with the former Melbourne Knight’s player well positioned for an angled-strike. However, Natsioulas’s final effort lacked accuracy with the ball trickling wide.

Bentleigh refused to throw in the towel and continued to create chances going almost “blow-for-blow” with the home side. A 61st minute curling strike from outside the box initially troubled Anastasiadis who gloved at the 2nd attempt.

Two minutes later Brazilian Fernando had a well placed free-kick cleared off the line after he had adjusted his technique mid run-up. It appeared Fernando was to attempt a curling effort only for the Brazilian to try and emulate his compatriot Roberto Carlos with a full blooded drive that made its way through the wall but not past the Bentleigh defender positioned on the back post.

Bentleigh again responded in the 65th minute when a shot on the turn forced Anastasiadis to parry away for a corner.

South then iced the game when a 67th minute cross from the left found an unmarked Cattanach deep in the Bentleigh box. Cattanach controlled well and then proceeded to slam the ball home with authority, piercing the bottom left hand corner for his 2nd goal in consecutive outings.

Three-one down yet the Greens continued to be unfazed. Seventy-six minutes in a dribble at the top of the South box saw a Bentleigh player skim past a couple of South defenders. As he entered the box a decent angled strike was produced with a scurrying South defence managing to slice the ball off the line.

Anastasiadis was then forced into two sharp consecutive saves. The first one was a tip over from a 78th minute free-kick whilst a minute later the South custodian produced the save of the game managing to get to a strike from outside the box at full stretch.

South then ended the game with four decent chances. The first arrived in the 82nd minute after nice interplay between Cattanach and Ramazan saw Cattanach attempt a top-corner placed curler on the edge of the Bentleigh box that sailed narrowly wide of the intended destination.

A minute later and substitute Scot MacNicol found himself with acres of space in the middle of the park. MacNicol ran to the right flank and produced a decent cross that was met by Cattanach who unfortunately failed to direct his header either side of the keeper who managed to comfortably glove.

Eighty-Seven minutes in and an overlapping Stefanou broke down the right. His subsequent low cross saw legs fly in around the Bentleigh mini-box with South failing to turn the ball home.

Finally, a 93rd minute close range header by Con Blatsis was saved by the Bentleigh keeper after a MacNicol ball from the right found the unmarked colossus all alone and 6 yards out. Blatsis should’ve done better with the giant defender failing to convincingly place his header. Moments later referee Giuseffi whistled for the end of play.

Thursday, 18 August 2005 5:54 PM

By Michael Tsoukalis

Sunday marks the final round of the most successful Vodafone Premier League season to-date with South Melbourne still having much to play for.

Coming off a season-defining triumph away to the high-flying Fawkner-Whittlesea Azzurri, South face the already relegated Bentleigh Greens in a game where a win for the home side could see John Anastasiadis’s men catapulted into 2nd place and consequently secure the much coveted double-chance.

In a very even competition Bentleigh have proved to be the exception, finding themselves 7 points adrift their nearest rivals the Sunshine Georgies and the St. Albans Saints whilst carrying the unflattering record of having conceded the most amount of goals whilst having scored the least.

When the sides met in their Round 13 encounter, a dogged display by Bentleigh saw South struggle with the Albert Park-based club fortunate to escape with a 0-1 win after an opportunistic close-range finish from Peter Koutsoupias.

However, after struggling to find the back of the net and frustrating their loyal supporter base, South produced their performance of the season against Fawkner-Whittlesea on Monday night, galvanizing their faithful with a dominant and passionate display that saw the return to form of much-heralded signing Kosta Salapasidis and the opening goal in Robbie Cattanach’s South Melbourne career.

The positives from the Fawkner-Whittlesea game were many with South producing such a dominant display that the final score only sought to flatter the home side.

Injury wise, George Tzirtis and Con Blatsis are week-to-week propositions with both likely to return for South’s finals campaign. That said, the most encouraging sign for South continues to be the gradual re-introduction of talented winger Vasilios Natsioulas. The ex-Melbourne Knight’s youngster has provided a genuine spark with silky skills to match every time he has come off the bench since returning from his long bout of glandula fever.

Natsioulas will no doubt be approaching a call-up to the starting line-up taking up his place in one of the most talented centre-lines in the VPL, a centre-line which has strengthened since the continual emergence of Brazilian import Fernando Moraes and the re-introduction of Scot MacNicol in the attacking midfielder’s role.

Coach John Anastasiadis will no doubt encourage his charges to show little mercy against the Greens with South hopefully working on their finishing during the week in the hope of capitalising on the consistent stream of clear-cut chances the side has managed to create week-in-week out.

Tuesday, 16 August 2005 10:21 AM

By Mark van Aken

In the bitter cold of Melbourne’s freezing end to winter, South Melbourne cemented their place near the top of the VPL with a 2-1 win away to Fawkner-Whittlesea.

South finally discovered the goal scoring form they will need heading to the approaching finals series, with Ramazan and Robbie Cattanach finding the back of the net on either side of half time.

The home side were on the back foot for long periods of the match, but still managed to equalise in 41st minute when a probing shot from Mark Silic deceived Dean Anastasiadis and glided into the goal.

Skipper Vaughan Coveny played only a small part in the win after appearing to take an early knock. While enjoying the lion’s share of possession, it was shaping like the same old story for the visitors who saw several chances miss wide of the goal or saved by Azzurri keeper Steve Tilovski.

Just after the half hour South’s luck would change when a free kick was met solidly by a Ramazan header to gift them the lead. The advantage would not last long as Mark Silic’s equaliser ensured the teams would go into half time at one goal a piece.

Robbie Cattanach, who has created so many chances since coming to the club from NSW, gifted his side the lead with a cracking goal in the 54th minute. Minutes later the Azzurri faithful were sure they’d again equalised when Zoran Patrevski’s shot bounced agonisingly close to the goal line.

John Markovski, Fawkner-Whittlsea’s player-manager, brought himself into the game in the 66th minute and had a stellar chance denied by South defender Arthur Tzirtskakis. Billy Natsioulis entered the game late and had an impact, supplying Fernando and Robbie Cattanach with plenty of opportunities to put their side further in front.

The many South Melbourne fans that made the trip to Epping would have to settle for a 2-1 victory. The win appeared to give the side the shot in the arm it has been seeking over the last month. They will steel themselves for their final match of the regular season on Sunday at BJS. Kick off is 3pm.

Thursday, 11 August 2005 10:37 PM

By Michael Tsoukalis

Monday night sees South Melbourne travel to Epping Stadium to take on the Fawkner-Whittlesea Blues in an extremely important fixture between two sides battling to secure not only a position in the finals but the double chance as well.

The John Markovski-coached Azzurri are in a rich vein of form having gone unbeaten in their 12 past encounters and at the same time skyrocketing up the table to find themselves in 2nd position.

Ironically, Fawkner’s last defeat came at the hands of South when the Lakeside-based club produced a stunning Round 12 display to smash a disappointing Fawkner outfit by 4 goals to nil.

Since that day both side’s fortunes have somewhat contrasted with Fawkner, inspired by the goals of Zoran Petrevski and Mark Tsiorlas (10 goals apiece), playing a brand of football which has seen them accumulate the best “goals for” tally in the league.

Conversely, South have struggled for goals with their return of 25 the equal third worst in the league.

John Anastasiadis’s men have to show caution as failure to achieve a positive result may place them danger of missing the finals. The Lakesiders in their past 2 encounters have had the opportunity to ensure participation (in the finals) but a 1-1 draw with Essendon followed by a disappointing loss to Oakleigh has put added pressure on a side that has been present in the top 6 all year.

A positive for South was the two-thirds of a game that exciting winger Vasilios Natsioulas managed to play against Oakleigh. Natsioulas was extremely lively with his silky skills and close ball control causing problems for the Cannons out wide.

Hopefully for South Natsioulas can manage to put in a similar shift against Fawkner as his presence on the pitch no doubt gives the Albert Park-based club an added element of creativity and spark.

However, up-front is where the core problem lies. Mid-season recruit Robbie Cattanach has failed to find the net with South managing only 2 goals in their past 6 games.

That said; all is not lost for the visitors who are continually creating golden chances through solid build up play but are just lacking the cutting edge. Finding this extra sharpness may just well prove the key to a positive result.

Sunday, 7 August 2005 11:00 PM

By Michael Tsoukalis

South Melbourne has suffered a disappointing 0-1 defeat against Oakleigh in a game that once again highlighted the home side’s inability to put the ball in the back of the net.

An early counter by the Cannons which saw prolific premier league marksman Peter Kakos nod home a 2nd minute opener proved ultimately enough to give Stuart Munro’s men the points.

Coach John Anastasiadis made a couple of changes to his starting eleven from the previous week. Ramazan, returning from trials in Turkey, was brought straight back into the back four taking up a place in a central defensive partnership with Arthur Tsonis. Ramazan’s inclusion meant the unfortunate and surprise benching of star youngster Steven O’Dor with Evan Karavitis holding onto his right-back role. Fellow youngster Sammy DeVito played in the left-back role with the ever reliable Dean Anastasiadis in goal. In the centre of the park Tsirtsakis and MacNicol continued in the defensive and attacking midfield roles respectively with Kosta Salapasidis coming in on the left flank for Scotsman Ryan Dinse and Brazilian Fernando playing on the right. Up front Captain Vaughan Coveny continued his striking partnership with New South Welshmen Robbie Cattanach.

The game had barely begun when Oakleigh struck. Ex-South midfielder George Goutzioulis found some space on the left hand side and whipped in a quality back-post cross that was met by an unmarked Peter Kakos who comfortably nodded past Anastasiadis to give the Cannons a 2nd minute lead.

A few minutes later South almost responded when a Vaughan Coveny surge from midfield saw the South skipper find the free Fernando on the left hand side of the Oakleigh box. Fernando produced a decent left-foot strike which Cannon’s keeper Stuart Webster managed to save. From the rebound the ball almost fell into Fernando’s path with the ball eventually deflecting off the Brazilian and out for a corner.

The game then stagnated for the rest off the half. The rainy conditions didn’t provide the best platform for free-flowing football with the Cannons content to soak up as much pressure as possible. Fernando did however have a quality strike in the 43rd minute. The Brazilian – from just outside the area – unleashed a rocket-like effort that had Cannon’s custodian Webster scrambling but unfortunately for the home side, Fernando’s strike sailed just over the bar.

The 2nd half saw South try raise their tempo in hope of producing an equaliser. The Cannons however nearly extended their lead after a 51st minute corner saw an Oakleigh player rise above everyone to produce a looping angled header that had South keeper Anastasiadis scrambling. Fortunately for the home side the ball nestled on top of the South net.

Vasilios Natsioulas had replaced Kosta Salapasidis midway through the 1st half after the former Parramatta Power midfield/striker appeared to suffer a knee injury when turning on the ball. Though still underdone fitness wise after a horrific spell with glandula fever, Natsioulas added some much needed spark and guile out wide for South. In the 61st minute Natsioulas created some space down the right and whipped in a deep cross which Kiwi international Coveny did well to meet, but under severe pressure from the Oakleigh defence, the South skipper failed to direct his effort on target.

Continuing to play counter attack-based football the Cannons carved out a decent opening in the 68th minute after a quality cross from the right found an unmarked Cannons player again on the back-post. The subsequent header produced was a decent effort that was fortunately well read by Anatasiadis who had positioned himself superbly to glove easily.

Seventy-three minutes in and South could have been level after Scot MacNicol found himself on the edge of the Oakleigh box, slightly on the left, but without a defender in sight. MacNicol narrowed in on goal but seemed in two minds and ended up producing a wasteful shot/cross that sailed well over the Oakleigh crossbar.

Then after 83 minutes, a ball from the right was contested by South substitute Gianni DeNittis with the ball eventually falling to a totally unmarked Fernando. Fernando took the ball towards goal and positioned himself perfectly to curl the ball around Webster. Unfortunately for South, the silky Brazilian got way under the ball and lifted his effort considerably over the bar with the goal and Webster at his mercy.

South’s last notable chance for an equaliser arrived in the 86th minute after skipper Coveny received the ball near the top of the Oakleigh box. The South striker advanced a little and proceeded to unleash an angled drive aimed for the bottom left corner that had Webster at full stretch but unfortunately for the home side trickled just wide.

Friday, 5 August 2005 1:04 AM

By Michael Tsoukalis

Postponed earlier on the season due to the FFV’s commitment to a tour of China, this eagerly awaited Round 18 clash sees two of the stronger supported sides in the Vodafone Premier League come head-to-head in a game of extreme mathematical importance.

With the Cannons sitting just outside the top 6, a win against South and a slip up by Altona would see Stuart Munro’s men back into the final’s race.

Conversely, full points for South would see the Albert Park-based club apply real pressure on gaining the elusive top-two placing that would see John Anastasiadis’s men gain the double chance in the finals.

Both sides’ strengths lie in contrast. Whilst South have continuously had the best defence in the competition, failure to convert their chances in front of goal sees the Albert Park-based club have one of the worst “goals scored” records in the league. Conversely, the Cannons lead the VPL in “goals scored”, sharing the workload amongst players such as Juan Nilo and George Goutzioulis (7 goals each), Anton Kovacic, Ante Pelikan and Steve Panopoulos (5 goals each).

The two sides met earlier in the season in a Round 5 fixture which was characterised by a grinding South Melbourne performance. That night a late winner by Peter Koutsoupias saw South escape with the points with the Cannons players no doubt eager to avenge the manner in which they experienced defeat.

In the South camp Con Blatsis remains doubtful as a recurring calf injury continues to plague the brilliant defender. Blatsis’s influence has been superbly filled by the excellent form of youngster Steven O’Dor who seems to grow from strength-to-strength with each outing.

South’s defensive strength owes a great deal to the continual inspirational form of goalkeeper Dean Anastasiadis. Anastasiadis’s brilliance between the uprights cannot be underestimated with the veteran custodian significantly aiding South’s points tally this term.

Growing in stature with every game, Brazilian import Fernando is starting to deliver the silky skills and genius that the South faithful had dreamt upon hearing of his arrival. Fernando has been joined by a rejuvenated Scot MacNicol who has managed to rediscover his brilliant early season form after returning to the attacking midfield role.

Finally, skipper Vaughan Coveny has found the net in his past two encounters and is starting to show the type of form in his general link-up play that coupled with his tremendous pace, will no doubt strike fear into the Oakleigh defence.

Monday, 1 August 2005 2:13 PM

By Michael Tsoukalis

A dose of bad luck and a lack of finishing have cost South Melbourne a chance to claim the coveted Vodafone Premier League top spot.

A seemingly non-existent penalty that lead to Essendon’s equaliser and the failure to award the home side a clear cut penalty late in the proceedings left the South Melbourne faithful dumbfounded.

Coach Anastasiadis no doubt pleased with last week’s result fielded an almost exact replica of the starting line-up that took the field against Preston. A re-organisation of the defence was necessary due to the absence of Ramazan who is currently in Turkey for trials. In came giant defender Arthur Tsonis returning from suspension to form the central defensive partnership with the ever improving Steven O’Dor. Evan Karavitis continued in his newly found right-back role and Sammy DeVito took up the left-back position. Of course the ever-reliable Dean Anastasiadis was found in goals.

In the centre of the park, Arthur Tsirtsakis again played in the defensive midfield position with Scot MacNicol the more advanced and attacking centre-man. Out wide Ryan Dinse and silky Brazilian Fernando played on the left and right respectively leaving Robbie Cattanach to partner South skipper Vaughn Coveny up front.

From the onset South started to dominate possession. No clear cut chances were created in the opening exchanges but it was the home side that was pressuring in an unrelenting manner.

Eight minutes in and South had their first dangerous attack. Coveny was released down the left and made his way into the Royal’s box. The South skipper produced a dangerous cross that the Essendon defence struggled to clear. The ball fell to the incoming MacNicol who from outside the box unleashed a deflected strike that sailed narrowly over the crossbar.

A minute later and South nearly capitalised from the ensuing corner with the eventual header lacking power and comfortably nestling in the arms of the Royal’s keeper.

In the 11th minute Cattanach and Coveny showed that they are forming a decent understanding after a long ball from the South defence was brilliantly controlled by Cattanach. With Coveny timing his run to perfection Cattanach played the Kiwi international in behind the Essendon defence with the South skipper unleashing a powerful left-foot drive that was deflected – by a closing defender – narrowly wide.

Nineteen minutes in and South had a decent claim for a penalty after a Ryan Dinse cross from the left was headed back across the Essendon box with a Royal’s defender appearing to make contact with his hand. The referee ignored South’s claims and waved play on.

Brazilian import Fernando had slowly been working himself into the game. The Brazilian has grown in stature in the past month and once again displayed his increasing importance to the South cause. His 24th minute strike nearly caught the Essendon keeper napping with the Brazilian unleashing a rocket-like effort from 25-30 yards that was destined for the top corner with the Royal’s keeper reacting late but still managing to glove on the second attempt.

Then in the 28th minute, South went ahead. A deep cross was delivered to the back post with Coveny managing to loose his marker and head towards goal. The Essendon keeper managed to save Coveny’s initial attempt but the ball fell delightfully into his path for the Kiwi international to smack home the rebound.

South’s lead though a thoroughly deserved one didn’t last long. Two minutes after South went ahead, Essendon were level. A dangerous counter down the right flank saw a low cross played into the South box. Arthus Tsonis dealt with the danger relatively comfortably; however, the referee saw what appeared to be a questionable infringement in the box and hence pointed to the spot. Such was the mysteriousness behind the call, that no-one in the stadium could explain what the penalty was given for. Up stepped ex-South striker and VPL leading marksmen Michael Curcija to comfortably slot past Dean Anastasiadis.

South were no doubt rattled from the apparent poor decision of the referee and suffered an almost costly defensive lapse in the 38th minute after the ball was knocked around 3-4 times without any advancement up the pitch. Upon attempting to clear Tsonis slipped and gave the ball away to the Essendon attack who but for a lunging O’Dor, who also managed to clear, would’ve had a clear cut opportunity.

A minute later, O’Dor produced a superb ball down the right flank that completely played in Coveny who had managed to spring the offside trap. Narrowing in on goal and with only the keeper to beat, the South Skipper unleashed an angled drive that went narrowly wide.

The 2nd half followed a similar pattern to the first with South continuing to dominate possession.

An indirect 49th minute free-kick saw the excellent Fernando again go close from distance. The Brazilian had the ball laid off to him with his subsequent strike going just over the bar.

Essendon best chance from open play arrived in the 51st minute after a corner was expertly nodded across the South goalmouth with a lunging Anastasiadis at full stretch to push the ball onto the right upright with the South defence scrambling to clear.

Fernando was at it again in the 57th minute after a quality run down the right saw the Brazilian weave his way past a couple of helpless Royal’s defenders. Unfortunately for the home side Fernando’s subsequent strike wasn’t hit well with the ball trickling well wide without troubling the Royal’s keeper.

South should’ve taken the lead in the 64th minute after excellent vision from MacNicol spotted an unmarked Coveny down the right flank. The South skipper produced a tantalising cross that completely took out the Royal’s keeper; a lunging Fernando stuck out his leg on the back post but just couldn’t direct the ball home. Perhaps a diving header may have resulted in a better outcome for the home side.

South’s best opening came in the 74th minute after Cattanach instinctively stole the ball from an Essendon defender. Left with only the Essendon keeper to beat, Cattanach tried to place his shot into the bottom left corner but failed with his attempt, pushing his side foot effort narrowly wide when he should’ve scored.

Essendon then tried to hang onto the result by focussing on their defensive play. However, in the 89th minute South were once again denied by an amazing refereeing decision. Fernando received the ball on the right hand side of the Royal’s box. The silky Brazilian did his usual trickery and as he was about to push forward for a cross, his back leg was clearly clipped with the Brazilian falling down. The referee and the linesman were perfectly positioned to make the correct call, but both failed to intervene to the astonishment of everyone in the stadium.

Moments later the final whistle blew with South having lost a genuine opportunity to go top.

Thursday, 28 July 2005 7:03 PM

By Michael Tsoukalis

After a club inspiring win against the Preston Lions, South Melbourne return to Bob Jane Stadium looking to consolidate their position in the top 3.

A win for the home side will see John Anastasiadis’s men apply pressure on table-toppers Green Gully whilst Essendon face a must-win situation if they are to continue to sustain their push for a top-6 birth.

When the sides met in round 11 what appeared to be an easy victory for South turned into a nightmare. South had managed to obtain a comfortable 0-2 lead with 10 minutes to go only for the Royals to snatch three late goals and steal the spoils, leaving the travelling South contingent stunned.

South are boosted by the return of giant centre-back Arthur Tsonis who missed last week’s clash against Preston through suspension. Tsonis’s return is likely to be offset by the missing Rama Tavsancioglu who is off to Turkey for trials.

A cornerstone of South’s continuous stay near the top of the VPL has been its defence. Inspirational goalkeeper Dean Anastasiadis has been superb all season long, his consistency and shot stopping ability a feature of his performances. Anastasiadis however has been backed by a versatile defence which has featured no less than 7 players this season. The versatility of the likes of Steven O’Dor and Sammy DeVito, not mention Evan Karavitis filling in at right-back last week, has allowed Coach Anastasiadis to alter his defence with confidence in times of need.

However, the Albert Park-based club continue to struggle up front with their last 4 games yielding only a solitary goal. New acquisition Robbie Cattanach has shown himself to have a quality touch and is slowly starting to find his feet. Coach Anastasiadis does however have many options in regards to rotating his frontline. The out-of-form Kosta Salapasidis has a large pedigree – particularly in his younger days – of playing up front, whilst the pace and in-box menace of Peter Koutsoupias has produced 4 goals this season.

Conversely, Essendon have severely dented their finals aspirations after only managing to pickup a point in their past three encounters. The recent sacking of Coach Michael Michalakopoulos seems to have coincided with the Royals downturn in form.

Essendon however do remain dangerous. In ex-South front-man Michael Curcija they possess the league’s most potent striker with the ex-Partizan Belgrade player having bagged 12 goals to date. Ex-South player of the season (1999) Steve Iosifidis also makes a return to his former hunting ground, Iosifidis is fondly remembered at BJS for his dogged displays and consistency, characteristics which he has managed to reproduce for Essendon this season.

Monday, 25 July 2005 8:44 AM

By Michael Tsoukalis

South Melbourne have consolidated a place in the top 6 and are right back in the race for a top 2 finish after a battling and professional performance against bitter rivals the Preston Lions saw the Albert Park-based club escape Connor Reserve with a super sweet 0-1 victory.

South were forced to re-shuffle their defence after Arthur Tsonis was automatically suspended after accumulating 5 yellow cards with Con Blatsis missing through injury. Thrust into the centre of defence were the untried combination of Rama Tavsancioglu and Steven O’Dor, superb youngster Sammy DeVito took up the left-back role with Evan Karavitis playing in an unfamiliar right-back capacity. Dean Anastasiadis as always was in-between the uprights.

In the centre of the park Arthur Tsirtsakis was trusted with the defensive midfield role allowing for Scot MacNicol to play as an attacking central midfielder. Out-wide usual suspect Ryan Dinse took up the left flanker’s position with exciting Brazilian Fernando Moraes playing on the right. Up-front the newly-acquire Robbie Cattanach partnered skipper Vaughn Coveny.

The match started with both sides showing a lack of initiative. The historical rivalry and pure need for a positive result to maintain a comfortable spot in the top 6 meant that both sets of players were happy to slowly bed themselves in.

However, six minutes in Preston had a great opportunity to take the lead. Les Anastasiou found himself in acres of space after a corner was unconvincingly cleared by the South defence. Anastasiou with a typical defender’s touch allowed the South defence to recover and apply enough pressure to block his eventual strike.

Twelve minutes in Brazilian Moraes, who was having a solid game on the right, showed his flair, skipping past a Lion’s player with ease down the right flank but failing to produce a good enough strike to test Preston custodian Daniel Zilic. Moraes’s eventual shot went well over the bar.

In the 27th minute leading Preston marksman John Sapazovski was released into some space down the right, the 10 goal to-date striker took too long with his shot closed down by the South defence.

Four minutes later, Preston won a free-kick in an extremely dangerous position, 20 or so yards out and slightly favouring the right side of the box. Zia Younan stepped up and produced a testing – mid-height – strike that the ever-reliable Dean Anastasiadis gloved easily.

Thirty-eight minutes in Moraes was harshly tackled – from behind – right on the edge of the Preston box. Up stepped Fernando but unfortunately for South the Brazilian maestro failed to clear the wall.

The half finished with a floury with 40th and 43rd minute crosses from Dinse and MacNicol respectively, testing the Preston defence. MacNicol’s ball in particular managed to evade keeper Zilic with only a touch needed at the back post to give South the initiative. Unfortunately for the visitors there was no-one present to tuck home.

Preston immediately responded with ex-South winger Radomir Sekulovski slicing a bumbling ball well wide in the 45th minute and then a minute later managing to break down the right, skin his man and produce a deadly ball that the South defence struggled to cope with. The ball eventually fell to former South squad member Yianni Galanos who on-the-volley was closed down.

Coach Anastasiadis sent out an unchanged line-up for the second half. The makeshift South defence had been operating extremely well with Tavsancioglu and O’Dor solid in centre with DeVito and Karavitis holding their own on the defensive flanks. Karavitis in particular looked very impressive, his technique and willingness to go forward yet always retain his position made him look like a right-back natural.

Preston came out in the 2nd half determined to lift the tempo and search for a goal. Ex-Melbourne Knights striker Serkan Oksuz nearly gave the Lion’s the lead they so badly wanted when he was released with a 48th minute delicately chipped through-ball. Anastasiadis slightly misread the play and came out too early, Oksuz was aware enough to take the ball away and with Anastasiadis scurrying back, the Preston forward released a venomous strike that Anastasiadis did superbly well to turn away.

Two minutes later South nearly went ahead after MacNicol received the ball just outside the Preston box. The ex-Brechin player took a touch and unleashed a strike that took a massive deflection, leaving keeper Zilic stranded with the ball eventually going narrowly over.

An action packed 3 minute spell was completed after Yianni Galanos made some space for himself down the left flank and produced a superb cross that was met on the back post by Sapazovski with the Preston striker – slightly on the lunge – blazing over with an empty net begging.

Preston was continuing to apply attacking pressure and again went close in the 55th minute after a long and hopeful cross from the right found a player unmarked in the South box. Thankfully for South the shot sailed wide.

After 57 minutes South got the goal the South Melbourne faithful had been dreaming since the bitter 0-1 home loss earlier in the season. Tsirtsakis received the ball well advanced from the centre of the park, he attempted a through ball to try and play in Cattanach but the Preston defence intercepted unconvincingly. The ball fell to Kiwi international Coveny who without hesitation riffled a right footed-effort – from just outside the box – onto the underside of the Lion’s crossbar and into the back-of-the-net, leaving Zilic with no chance.

To Preston’s credit their response was almost immediate. A mere two minutes later after South’s goal Oksuz was released into an almost one-on-one situation with Anastasiadis. The South custodian was quick off the mark and managed to get to the ball before Oksuz who upon slight contact with Anatastasiadis fell down and pleaded for a penalty. Referee Giuseffi was correct in waving play on.

However, only a minute later Preston had genuine claims for a penalty after a Lion’s corner was unconvincingly cleared by the South defence with the subsequent strike from outside the box appearing to strike Steven O’Dor on the arm. South eventually cleared and with referee Giuseffi so near the play, perhaps the intention of O’Dor was taken into consideration upon waving play-on.

Seventy-one minutes in and South should’ve settled the tie. After soaking up the Preston barrage, Ryan Dinse escaped his marker and was released 1-1 with Zilic after a searching through ball from defence. Zilic had come out and Dinse was primed to lob. The Scottish winger did attempt a lob but unfortunately overcooked his effort with the ball going over the bar.

Two minutes later Preston again continued to attack with menace. Galanos made some space again down the left with his subsequent cross falling to an unmarked player who luckily for the visitors sliced his shot well wide.

Perhaps South most influential player of the season, keeper Dean Anastasiadis once again came to South’s saviour in the 76th minute after a through ball saw Sapazovski released 1-1. Anastasiadis spread his arms and made himself a massive barrier, smothering Sapazovki’s attempt with the confidence of a keeper at the top of his game.

Two minutes later a free-kick from a dangerous 20-25 yard range saw former South striker Anthony Magnacca step up and produce a quality low strike that the sharp Anastasiadis was onto in a flash, gloving safely when the shot was at a dangerous height that is often spilled by goalkeepers. Magnacca had another free kick effort from almost the exact position in the 84th minute, however, this time his attempt went over with Anastasiadis un-troubled.

With 88 minutes gone and the game on a knife’s-edge Sekolovski produced a great run down the right flank. The former South winger looked up and played a square low ball to Stefce Solevski, who from 10 yards out, only needed to pick his spot but somehow managed to strike the ball well over with the goal at his mercy.

The South defence scrapped for an incredible 5 extra time minutes and upon Giuseffi’s whistle came away with a memorable victory that is sure to strike joy, inspiration and belief back into the hearts of its loyal faithful.