Category: News

Friday, 2 September 2005 12:19 AM

By Michael Tsoukalis

After a convincing 3-0 win in the first round of the finals against Altona, South Melbourne makes the trek to Green Gully Reserve for an encounter which will see the winner earn a place in the 2005 Vodafone Premier League Grand Final.

Spurred on by the vocal and passionate Clarendon Corner, John Anastasiadis’s men arguably produced the performance of season in disposing of the Magic and will look to tap into the same form when coming up against the Minor Premiers.

Gully coach Ian Dobson has once again managed to fashion a side which prides itself on playing tight at the back whilst managing to nip the vital goal when going forward.

Season after season Gully has prided itself on consistency, focussing on keeping the same core group of players together whilst raiding the transfer market for 2-3 additional quality players.

The Vargas brothers, Nick Tsaltas, Dean Fak, Andrew Marth, Dragi Nastevki, Joey Rajher, Lubo Lapsanky and Michael Batinovic have all played in the NSL and provide the Cavaliers with a level of experience that few teams in the VPL can match. Add to the mixture the giant frame of ex-Preston keeper Pasi Schwalger, who has displayed a level of consistency in between the uprights that few keepers in the league can match, and Gully have a well balanced and potent outfit.

Tsaltas and the Vargas brothers in particular will have to be closely monitored with these 3 contributing 21 (7 apiece) of Green Gully’s 31 goals during the regular season.

In the South camp Coach John Anastasiadis has got his side playing confident and attacking football at the right time of the season. South’s new attacking edge has been rewarded with 8 goals in their last three games, perhaps not the most spectacular of returns but by far a massive improvement for a team who only managed, on average, a goal or so per game in the regular season.

Instrumental to South’s improved efforts in front of goal has been the emergence of New South Welshmen Robbie Cattanach. After a much heralded arrival to Bob Jane Stadium, the NSW Premier League Player of the Year initially struggled to settle in. However, Cattanach has come good when the stakes have been at their highest, showing his true value by nipping in with 3 vital goals in the past three encounters.

With Cattanach a threat South’s general attacking play has improved as the angst of not being able to convert a host of chances has suddenly been lifted from the side. This has resulted in improved service and generally, a higher level of confidence and fluency in the team’s offensive raids.

Finally, Coach Anastasiadis has also been blessed with injuries. With practically a full squad to choose from it is re-assuring to know that there are likely to be players on the bench who can make a vital difference if and when called upon.

Saturday, 27 August 2005 11:45 AM

By Michael Tsoukalis

South Melbourne has produced a scintillating performance to smash the Altona Magic 3-0 and hence firm as a genuine championship contender.

From the onset John Anastasiadis’s men played an attacking and free-flowing game consistent with the traditional South Melbourne style of football and ultimately could’ve run away with a much larger triumph.

With practically a full set of players to choose from, Coach John Anastasiadis went for experience leaving the likes of Vasilios Natsioulas, Steven O’Dor and Gianni De Nittis on the bench.

South’s starting 11 read as follows. The ever-consistent Dean Anastasiadis started in between the uprights. Con Blatsis and Arthur Tsonis re-commenced their physically intimidating central defensive pairing with youngster Sammy De Vito and crowd favourite Ramazan in the right and left back positions respectively. In the centre of the park Arthur Tsirtsakis continued in his newly found role as a defensive midfielder partnering Kosta Salapasidis who was trusted with the attacking central-midfield role. Out wide the in-form Fernando ‘Liliko’ took up the left-flank position whilst Scot MacNicol occupied the right leaving Captain Vaughan Coveny to partner Robbie Cattanach up front.

South began the game in a positive manner. As early as the 1st minute a Tsonis corner from the left was met by a rising Blatsis who unfortunately directed his header straight into the arms of Altona keeper Martin John.

Altona then reminded South of their attacking potency almost capitalising on a defensive lapse in the 4th minute which saw an Altona player break free of the South defence momentarily, but when attempting to chip Anastasiadis struck the ball hesitantly with Anastasiadis managing to eventually glove.

South then settled their nerves when a superbly worked piece of interplay saw the home side take the lead. MacNicol had managed to whip a 7th minute cross from the right flank to edge of the Altona box which Coveny managed to flick on with a delicate header to the back post where an astutely positioned Fernando was on hand to volley home off the underside of the crossbar.

The goal immediately raised South’s confidence with the home side now dictating the possession stakes. However, the Magic still managed to test Anastasiadis twice. First a 20th minute strike from outside the box had the South custodian at full stretch whilst a 23rd minute free kick, just outside the box on the right hand side forced Anastasiadis into a sharp save on his near post. In between both efforts South could’ve doubled their advantage when MacNicol found himself all alone in the Altona box after a fortunate bobble fell his way. Unfortunately for the home side, MacNicol failed to make sufficient contact with his angled strike, the ex-Brechin player still managed to wrong foot goalkeeper John but ultimately the Altona keeper saved with his legs.

South then doubled their advantage; a long ball from defence was superbly nodded on by Coveny who with his header managed to tear open the Altona defence allowing for the ever-alert Cattanach to latch onto the ball. When Cattanach looked up he saw goalkeeper John way off his line with the NSW Premier League Player of the Year managing to keep his head and comfortably chip John to put South two goals up after 29 minutes.

A minute later and Cattanach could’ve iced it after he found some space on the right hand side of the Altona box and sent his angled drive narrowly wide of the left upright with John beaten.

Three minutes before half time, arguably South’s most consistently outstanding performer, Dean Anastasiadis, once again showed the hallmarks of a superb goalkeeper, making the brilliant save when called upon. An Altona player found himself 1-1 with Anastasiadis with the South custodian coming out very quickly and making himself as big as possible, managing to block the eventual effort on goal.

South began the 2nd half in similar fashion to the first. Two minutes in MacNicol unleashed a wicked and dipping right-foot effort – from just outside the area – that sailed narrowly wide of the top right-hand corner.

Altona should’ve pulled a goal back in the 54th minute after a deep back post cross from the left evaded the South defence and found an Altona player all alone on the back post. The player cut inside and struck a tame effort towards the target that was cleared off the line by a desperate South defence. Altona appealed for handball but referee Perry Mur waved play on.

Fully aware of the safety in getting a 3rd goal, South went on an attacking frenzy. Fernando was having a field day on the left and was at the end of a 57th minute break down the right that saw a square ball from MacNicol “dummied” by Coveny only for the Brazilian to cut inside and blaze his effort over the crossbar.

A minute later Fernando was at it again, this time the Brazilian sensation produced a firmly struck 25 yard “daisy-cutter” straight at keeper John.

Immediately after Fernando’s effort Cattanach intelligently played in MacNicol who with a decent touch would’ve found himself with only John to beat. As it played out MacNicol’s touch was poor with the Altona defence managing to close him down.

MacNicol however almost made amends when a nice through ball from Tsirtsakis saw the South winger attempt a curling top-corner effort from just outside the area that John – at full stretch – managed to hold onto.

Sixty-four minutes in and South put the nail in the coffin. A free-kick from a central position by the “magic” Fernando picked out a rising Tsonis who from point blank range steered his header past a helpless John who remained stationary throughout the super precise execution of the set-piece.

Altona refused to lie down with a 66th minute free-kick from just outside the South box working its way under the wall but straight into the gloves of a thankful Anastasiadis.

Then in the 69th minute an Altona corner from the right fell to the edge of the South area where a thunderous drive came in. Thankfully for South, Salapasidis had fallen to the ground just before the strike managing to smother the ball albeit somewhat unconvincingly, with his chest.

The 73rd minute saw the most electrifying moment of the encounter. Man-of-the-match Fernando received the ball on the left flank 35 or so yards out. The Brazilian cut inside and somehow fashioned a makeshift pile-driver that whizzed past a stranded John who could only stare in amazement as the ball cannoned off the right upright. It was a moment of sheer brilliance by the “boy from Brazil” with the South faithful gushing in amazement at the closeness and audacity of Fernando’s spectacular effort.

South then finished the game with 3 decent chances. First off a sharp turn by substitute Gianni DeNittis saw Cattanach released down the right flank in acres of space. Cattanach produced a quality low ball that found unmarked substitute Vasilios Natsioulas all alone. Unfortunately for the home side Natsioulas failed to direct his glancing 80th minute effort on goal.

Cattanch was then released down the right side of the Altona defensive area; however, the South marksman rushed his angled 89th minute strike and blazed over.

Finally, the tiresome work of defensive midfield dynamo Arthur Tsirtsakis was nearly rewarded when he unleashed a powerful 90th minute 25 yard drive that sailed narrowly wide of John’s right upright.

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.