Category: News

Monday, 30 May 2005 1:52 AM

By Michael Tsoukalis

South Melbourne has escaped with a disappointing 2-2 draw at Churchill Reserve after an injury time header by Captain Vaughan Coveny earnt the visitors a point.

With Con Blatsis still on the sidelines nursing a calf injury and Dean Anastasiadis missing the game due to a personal engagement, Coach John Anastasiadis was forced to hand 2nd choice keeper Con Dimitropoulos his first start. Young defensive midfielder Evan Karavitis also made a return to the starting 11 with Ryan Dinse dropping to the bench.

South’s starting line-up read as follows. Dimitropoulos in goal, Arthur Tsonis and Sammy DeVito in the centre of defence. Rama Tavsancioglu at left back with Arthur Tsirtsakis patrolling the right. In the centre of the park Evan Karavitis partnered George Tzirtis with Scot MacNicol playing on the right wing and Peter Koutsoupias on the left. Up front Kosta Salapasidis played his usual supporting role to Vaughan Coveny who was deployed as an out-and-out striker.

South started more strongly dominating general possession and just looking like a far more cohesive outfit. Seven minutes in South’s first chance was created after the drifting Koutsoupias made some space for a 25-yard effort that went well over the bar.

South went ahead after 16 minutes when a delightful move was finished off by Tzirtis. The ball was played deep into the box to Koutsoupias’s feet with the strongly built winger/striker doing well to shield the ball and pick his moment for a perfect lay-off for the incoming Tzirtis. Tzirtis chose his spot and comfortably placed past the helpless St. Alban’s goalkeeper sending the travelling South faithful into mini delirium.

Twenty-Five minutes in pre-season South trialist and St. Albans winger Alibeyi Metin was released down the left. Metin tried to work his way into the box and just as the ball appeared to be nearing out for a goal kick, Arthur Tsonis produced what seemed like an innocent slide tackle but was deemed a foul by referee Dominic Barba who pointed to the spot after weighing up the decision for a good 10 or so seconds. Up stepped Ivan Filipovic who powerfully slotted past Dimitropoulos, who guessed right, but was beaten by the sheer precision and power of the spot kick that nestled in the bottom left corner.

Two other chances of note where created in the first half with a 32nd minute break down the right by MacNicol seeing the ex-Brechin player intelligently play a low cut-back to Coveny who took a touch and released a decent strike from just inside the box that the St. Albans keeper did well to parry away for a corner. Then 6 minutes before half time a seemingly harmless St. Albans free kick into the South box was missed by Dimitropoulos with a lurking St. Albans player on hand at the back post to square across the goal face only for the elegant DeVito to be astutely positioned for the clearance.

Three minutes after the break South were behind after an Ante Deak corner seemed to be held by Dimitropoulos only for the debutant keeper to spill the ball under pressure allowing for the opportunistic Ivan Razov to slam home the loose ball from 3 yards out.

It was a shattering blow to South who had controlled most of the game but had somehow found a way to fall behind by conceding two weak goals.

South started to press and were nearly rewarded when a Koutsoupias flick on the edge of the St. Albans area released MacNicol deep down the left. MacNicol whipped in a venomous low ball that must’ve passed the outstretched toes of at least 2-3 South players who couldn’t get the vital touch necessary to level proceedings.

Then in the 60th minute a deep and searching Karavitis ball from the centre of the park again released MacNicol down the left who did tremendously well to get a dangerous cross in with substitute Ryan Dinse arriving late and directing his header narrowly wide.

With South’s increased pressure seemingly going to waste, the visitors had a decent claim for a penalty in the 80th minute. Kosta Salapasidis had latched onto a pass and as he tried to wiggle his way past his direct marker he appeared to have been brought down. Referee Barba was expertly positioned to see the incident but waved play on.

The travelling South faithful had all but given up on getting a result and had resigned themselves to a disappointing defeat with the game now in injury time.

South hopingly pumped the ball up forward down the left where Karavitis had much to do. The South youngster went on to unleash an absolute stunning cross that was latched onto by Kiwi international Vaughan Coveny, who superbly directed a looping header over the St. Albans keeper to earn South a valuable point.

Friday, 27 May 2005 8:32 PM

By Michael Tsoukalis

This Sunday South Melbourne travel to Churchill Reserve for their third consecutive away game against the St. Albans Saints.

After a shaky yet vital nil-all draw against Heidelberg, John Anastasiadis’s men will be eager for the three points to place pressure on ladder leaders Green Gully, but more importantly notch up the 30 point barrier. With the league extremely even and teams all teams capable of knocking each other off, 36-40 points appears to be the figure required to secure a position in the top 6.

St. Albans have had a stuttering season and currently sit in relegation zone (13th). However, their last 3 games have been highly competitive with the Srecko Baresic-coached outfit managing 2 draws against the Melbourne Knights and the Sunshine Georgies whilst narrowly losing to Heidelberg 1-2 after going ahead.

The Saints have an experienced core with Vinko Buljubasic, Ante Deak and Leon Buhic leading the defensive, midfield and forward lines respectively. All three have had NSL experience and will help prop up a largely youthful St. Albans line-up.

In the South camp Vasilios Natsioulas and Steven O’Dor are still absent with glandular fever. Natsioulas could be back for the Frankston Pines game but will miss 100% on Sunday.

Con Blatsis is the only other injury doubt with the colossal defender missing against Heidelberg because of a niggling calf injury. If Blatsis fails to return youngster Sammy DeVito who has been superb in his 3 games to-date is likely to continue in the centre of defence alongside Arthur Tsonis.

After bagging 4 goals against Fawkner, South has struggled to find the net in their last two games, managing only 1 goal. Against Heidelberg the Albert Park-based club struggled to create chances so the game against St. Albans provides the visitors with an opportunity to regain some of their attacking form.

Captain Vaughn Coveny and Kosta Salapasidis have been superb all season, carrying the frontline with a tireless work ethic and will once again be crucial to South’s chances of getting on the scoresheet against the Saints. However, both front men will require a bigger contribution from fellow attacking players Ryan Dinse, Peter Koutsoupias and Scot MacNicol who were well held against the Bergers.

Monday, 23 May 2005 12:32 AM

By Michael Tsoukalis

South Melbourne has ground out a 0-0 draw against Heidelberg United in a somewhat dour round 14 Vodafone Premier League fixture.

The large crowd was treated to a tactical battle where South let Heidelberg attack looking for a shut-out and perhaps nicking a goal on the break whereas the home side tried in vain to pile on the pressure and score goals.

Coach John Anastasiadis’s hand was forced after colossal defender Con Blatsis was ruled out of the game with a calf injury. Dean Anastasiadis stood between the uprights whilst Arthur Tsirtsakis made his was back into the starting-11 at right back. Youngster Sammy DeVito slotted into the centre of the defence alongside Arthur Tsonis with Rama Tavsancioglu deployed in his customary left back role. In the centre of the park George Tzirtis and Scott MacNicol resumed their partnership with Peter Koutsoupias and Ryan Dinse filling the right and left wing positions respectively. Up front Kosta Salapasidis once again lined up in his roaming supporting role with Captain Vaughn Coveny used as the lone target man.

As early as the 5th minute Heidelberg threatened after silky winger Yussef Yussef made a damaging run down the right and whipped in a dangerous low ball which striker Joe Tricarico was on hand to meet. The ex-Carlton striker rushed and miss-hit his attempt with his shot going well over.

Yussef was it again after 11 minutes slotting a ball in behind the South defence for Tricarico to latch onto. Thankfully for the visitors keeper Dean Anastasiadis was quickly off his line and smothered the diminutive striker’s attempt.

The chances were falling Tricarico’s way with striker capitalising on a breakdown in communication by the South defence, latching onto a 21st minute long ball from the backline. Unfortunately for the home side Tricarico was once again wasteful sending his attempt well over the crossbar.

A minute later and the game erupted after Tricarico produced an awful tackle on Tavsancioglu. With Tavsancioglu well clear Tricarico swiped at his legs. A mini fracas erupted with Arthur Tsonis and Tricario eventually booked with the Heidelberg striker extremely fortunate to remain on the pitch.

South had been patiently waiting for a chance to counter attack with the opportunity finally arriving in the 29th minute after a long ball from defence found skipper Coveny who took a touch and with an outstretched shot saw his effort trickle narrowly wide.

Two minutes later Yussef once again terrorised the South defence breaking down the right and sending a wicked ball into the South box that was hastily cleared and nearly fell to the oncoming and unmarked Damianos. In the next passage of play Yussef this time managed to work his way into the South box producing a low centre that caused heart flutters for the South defence but was eventually cleared.

Just before the break both sides had chances to go ahead with a 46th minute Heidelberg corner finding an unmarked Tony Ouliaris who couldn’t keep his header down whilst a minute later South winger Ryan Dinse skinned his direct marker down the right, worked his way to the bi-line and whipped a deadly low ball across the Heidelberg box that no-one was on hand to finish off.

Chances were far fewer in the second half with Heidelberg dominating possession but failing to break down a spirited South defence lead brilliantly by Tsonis and DeVito.

The Bergers did however muster up a chance as early as the 48th minute after a Bill Damianos corner was met well on the volley with Anastasiadis on hand to glove well down low.

Fifty-eight minutes in ex-South Melbourne stalwart Fausto De Amicis received the ball 30 or so yards out. The right back progressed up the pitch, made some space and unleashed a 20 yard effort that had Anastasiadis scrambling and at full stretch. Thankfully for South De Amicis’s strike went narrowly wide.

Arthur Tsirtsakis had been playing more conservatively than usual looking to sure up his side of defence. However, in the 61st minute the South wing-back showed a glimpse of his attacking instinct breaking down the right and whipping in a delightful ball that was destined to be nodded home by a South attacker only for the giant frame of ex-South defender Robert Liparoti to nod away at full stretch.

The game then died down with Heidelberg still dominating possession but lacking the guile and creativity to make it count. The Bergers did however almost finish with a bang after an 89th minute deep cross from the right was met at the back post by a free Heidelberg player who produced a text-book low header that had Anastasiadis beaten. However, thankfully for South the well positioned DeVito managed to nod over the crossbar on the goa-line. From the resulting corner substitute and ex-South Melbourne favourite Goran Lozanovski rose and produced a firm and low header that the razor-sharp Anastasiadis was quickly down to save.

Thursday, 19 May 2005 9:28 PM

By Michael Tsoukalis

This coming Sunday South Melbourne travel to Heidelberg West to take on eternal rivals and current Vodafone Premier League high-flyers Heidelberg United for a chance to consolidate a top-two position.

After being promoted last season Heidelberg finds itself in a rich vein of form having won their last 5 games and sky-rocketing up the ladder in the same process.

With a few notable player departures and arrivals early on in the season, it appeared that disenchantment was rampant throughout the Berger playing camp. Former South Melbourne star Con Boutsianis was the most notable casualty re-enforcing the Heidelberg board’s 100% backing of Coach Phil Stubbins whilst early season recruit Ange Goutzioulis also departed for a player-coaching role at Bentleigh.

Former South left-back Fausto De Amicis was brought in to bolster United’s defensive stocks and was joined by the arrival of another ex-South Melbourne star in winger Goran Lozanovski. Lozanovski and De Amicis aside, the single most important acquisition of the VPL to-date saw young Striker Nick Marinos leave the Oakleigh Cannons and join the Bergers.

Marinos has been a revelation, scoring 6 goals in the past 4 games to spearhead Heidelberg’s mid-season climb up the table. Compact, quick and good on the ball, Marinos came back from a spell in Greek football at the beginning of the 2003/2004 season. A pre-season trial with South was unsuccessful with the young striker finding an NSL home in Sunshine with the Melbourne Knights. Marinos then spent a little over a season at Oakleigh where he struggled to get a game from the start.

Somewhat ironically when South met Oakleigh earlier this season Marinos had a goal ruled out for handball and will no doubt be out to continue his predatory form against John Anastasiadis’s men.

Marinos aside, the Bergers have influential players all over the park. Ex-Carlton and Melbourne Knight’s striker Joe Trcarico is a proven goal-scorer at VPL level and must be closely tracked with his partnership alongside Marinos having the potential to cause major headaches for the South defence.

Captain Eric Vassialiadis has been a stalwart all season with his workmanlike displays in the Berger’s midfield well complemented by the skills of ex-South youngster and Young Socceroo Billy Damianos who is trusted with the creative midfield role. Damianos’s rich array of passing, set piece wizardry and goal getting ability – he has netted 3 times this season – make him a serious threat.

Ex-Melbourne Knight’s keeper Lou Acevski is a well credentialed custodian who is supported by the intimidating frame of centre-back and ex-South defender Robert Liparoti whilst Isyan Erdogan provides further NSL experience to the Heidelberg defence with the youngster being able to play in midfield as well.

In the South camp Coach John Anastasiadis must be complemented on managing to turn a recent 3-game losing streak with 2 consecutive victories. The return of lion-heart centre-back Arthur Tsonis has coincided with South’s recent form reversal with Tsonis’s central defensive partnership alongside Con Blatsis continuing to prove the best defensive combination in the league.

However, the participation of Blatsis in Sunday’s game remains clouded with the colossal centre-back coming off early in the game against Bentleigh with a calf injury. Blatsis was to be assessed during the week with the initial feeling that he was a likely starter against the Bergers.

Youngster Sammy De Vito appears to have cemented his place at right-back after a solid display against the Greens. De Vito once again stuck to his task with aplomb and began to show glimpses of gaining in confidence with a few bursts forward and a general high assurance on the ball.

On the opposite side of defence Rama Tavsancioglu has been threatening to explode with his attacking raids complementing the excellent work done down the left by winger Ryan Dinse. Tavsancioglu’s defending has also been inspirational with the left-back competing for every ball with an intensity and commitment level that all South supporters have grown to appreciate.

Further positives for South lie in the recent form of the highly influential Kosta Salapasidis and Captain Vaughn Coveny. Both players have been at the hub of many South Melbourne attacks with Coveny providing an invaluable focal point up-front.

With the first round result between the two sides a nil-all stalemate both clubs will be super keen to take the points gaining a psychological advantage in the race for the minor premiership as well as giving their supporters rightful bragging rights.

Sunday, 15 May 2005 10:47 PM

By Michael Tsoukalis

South Melbourne have got their final’s push back on track with a hard fought yet valuable 0-1 away victory against the Bentleigh Greens. A Peter Koutsoupias first half – close range – effort was enough to secure the points for the John Anastasiadis-coached outfit.

Obviously happy with his side’s performance the prior week, South coach Anastasiadis sent out an unchanged line-up. In goal veteran custodian Dean Anastasiadis took up his customary position in between the sticks. Arthur Tsonis and Con Blatsis formed the heart of the South backline with Rama Tavsancioglu at left back and Sammy DeVito holding onto his place on the right side of defence. In the centre of the park George Tzirtis and Scot MacNicol were trusted with the defensive and attacking midfield duties whilst Peter Koutsoupias and Ryan Dinse were deployed on the right and left wings respectively. Up front Kosta Salapasidis was given his usual free role with captain Vaughn Coveny used as a lone striker.

Bentleigh raced out of the blocks and could’ve gone ahead as early as the 1st minute after a corner wasn’t clearly dealt with by the South defence with the ball eventually falling to Bentleigh player-coach Angie Goutzioulis who from 5 yards out failed to keep his shot down and blazed over.

South had struggled to get into the game but in the 6th minute had serious claims for a penalty. Koutsoupias latched onto a searching ball down the right wing and managed to get in-front of his marker. Dribbling into the Bentleigh area Koutsoupias was halted by a desperate tackle from behind by a Bentleigh defender who appeared to catch the feet of the South winger/striker, however, play was waved on.

Nine minutes in Bentleigh failed to convincingly clear a South corner, the ball fell to Koutsoupias who with an angled ball released Blatsis down the right. Blatsis managed to get to the bi-line and squared a low ball across the Bentleigh goal-face that the incoming DeVito failed to connect cleanly with, seeing his final effort lob wide.

Defying their position on the table, Bentleigh were continuing to take the game to South highlighting the tremendous depth of this season’s championship. In the 18th minute a Bentleigh player found some space 20 or so yards out and unleashed a powerful low drive that had South custodian Dean Anastasiadis stranded. Thankfully for the visitors the strike sailed narrowly wide.

With no side clearly dominating South struck the vital first blow. Captain Coveny who had been superb in holding the ball up and bringing his team-mates into play was released down the right flank in the 22nd minute. The South skipper and Kiwi International cut inside the Bentleigh box and squared a perfect ball to the back-post for the late arriving Peter Koustoupias to slam home from 2 yards out.

South managed a half chance in the 38th minute after good work down the left by MacNicol saw the hard-working midfielder deliver a decent cross to the centre of the Bentleigh defensive area. The elusive Koutsoupias managed to out position his marker and rise for a header which he unfortunately mistimed and headed over.

Bentleigh then ended the half with two glorious chances that both fell to player-coach Goutzioulis. The first came in the 42nd minute after a long ball saw Goutzioulis outmuscle his direct marker and be left one-on-one with Anastasiadis. Goutzioulis chose to strike the ball early aiming for the bottom left corner and was unfortunate to see his shot trickle narrowly wide. Then in the 44th minute Goutzioulis was played in behind the South defence and on an advantageous angle, the Bentleigh striker took a touch too many to position himself for a strike with the South defence managing to close him down and clear the ball out for a corner.

The 2nd half saw not as many clear-cut chances created with both sides weary and aware of the importance of a positive result. South lost Con Blatsis 10 or so minutes into the half with a calf injury. The South colossus will be assessed during the week and will hopefully be able to line-up in next week’s derby against Heidelberg.

Fifty-eight minutes in a South long-ball from defence was latched upon by Koutsoupias who managed to wriggle past his marker upon entering the Bentleigh box. On his non-preferred left foot the speedy winger/striker failed to get any decent power on his effort which was easily saved by the Bentleigh keeper.

A minute later a superb reflex save by Dean Anastasiadis kept the score in South’s favour. Bentleigh had produced a quality piece of build-up play that ended with an effort on goal from 5 yards out that Anastasiadis reacted superbly to, managing to throw his gloves the opposite side of his body weight to keep the strike out.

Rama Tavsancioglu had been having a solid game at left back for the visitors and nearly produced a breathtaking goal in the 72nd minute. Tavsancioglu had received the ball deep in defence on the left, he slowly unleashed a devastating run that saw him cut inside the Bentleigh area and as he was about to strike the ball, a desperate Green’s defence managed to close him down and clear the ball out for a corner.

From the subsequent corner the ball managed to clear the Bentleigh defence and fall to the back-post where an unmarked Coveny, no doubt surprised by the chance, rushed his attempt and poked it over with the Bentleigh keeper stranded.

Brazilian import Fernando Moraes had been introduced 20 minutes into the 2nd half and came close – in the 73rd minute – to opening his South goal-scoring account. Moraes had received the ball at the top of the Bentleigh box; his first touch saw him make some space with his subsequent strike producing a sharp save from the Bentleigh custodian.

South were continuing to search for the killer 2nd goal and it nearly came after 79 minutes when a Moraes corner was headed across the goalmouth by Coveny only for lunging substitute Jesse Krncevic to see his goal-bound attempt slightly deflected for a corner.

Bentleigh however were refusing to succumb and saw player-coach Goutzioulis waste yet another chance in the 82nd minute. Bentleigh produced a decent cross from the right flank with Goutzioulis doing well to bring the ball down; however, his subsequent shot on-the-turn went well wide.

With Bentleigh pushing up in hope of snatching a late equaliser they nearly succumbed to a late South “sucker-punch”. Coveny had received the ball just past the half-way line, quickly looked up and produced a tremendous switch of play to an um-marked Moraes. The Brazilian quickly played in Krncevic who had only the keeper to beat. Unfortunately for the visitors the South youngster seemed to rush his attempt and subsequently produced a weak effort that the Bentleigh keeper comfortably gloved.

Saturday, 14 May 2005 9:33 AM

By Michael Tsoukalis

After a stunning display against Fawkner-Whittlesea South travel to the Kingston Heath Soccer Complex looking to back-up their 4-0 trouncing with another solid display against the Angie Goutzioulis-coached Bentleigh Greens.

Bentleigh find themselves deep in relegation trouble currently sitting in last place with their nearest rivals the St. Albans 2 points ahead. With the halfway point of the season approaching anything less than 3 points will place the Greens under enormous pressure to survive the drop.

Well publicised signing Marcelo Pena has failed to ignite the Green’s campaign despite producing some solid performances in the middle of the park. Pena’s silky skills and calmness on the ball will no doubt provide a threat to South who will also have to contain ex-South Youth player and Bentleigh midfielder Tas Psonis.

The Green’s have the unfortunate record of boasting both the worst attack and defence in the league and will have to be at their very best to contain South.

Conversely, John Anastasiadis’s men finally delivered what they have been threatening to do all season, capitalising on a hat-full of chances to score 4 goals against Fawkner in a thoroughly convincing and dominant display.

With Arthur Tsonis resuming his defensive partnership alongside Con Blatsis, the South defence was never threatened against Fawkner. Debutant Sammy DeVito had an encouraging game at right back keeping his position and not putting a foot wrong. It will be interesting to see if Coach Anastasiadis maintains faith in the youngster and hands him his 2nd consecutive start against the Greens.

Ryan Dinse and Scot MacNicol are currently in a rich vein of form for the Albert Park-based club. MacNicol is South’s leading scorer with 4 goals to-date and has been a revelation in the centre of the park with his tireless worth ethic and goal-getting ability. Scotsman Dinse has made the jump from State League 2 level to the VPL without a flinch, regularly dominating down the left wing with his quick feet and turn of pace. The diminutive winger has shown a great ability to get to the bi-line and whip in superb crosses as well as chipping in with a couple of goals as well.

Somewhat unheralded thus far, mobile midfielder George Tzirtis has been slowly improving all season and churned out his best performance against Fawkner. Tzirtis’s fitness levels rank amongst the best at South with his hard work in the middle of the park bringing balance to the South midfield.

Finally, gun recruit Kosta Salapasidis has recently rediscovered his best form. Pulling the attacking strings from set pieces and often general play, Salapasidis’s experience in the NSL and Europe bring him an air of confidence which has allowed him to assert his dominance and influence on games.

Sunday, 8 May 2005 9:34 PM

By Michael Tsoukalis

South Melbourne has put behind it a tumultuous month returning to the winner’s circle in the best manner possible by recording a comfortable 4-0 victory against Fawkner-Whittlesea.

Coach John Anastasiadis made two changes to the line-up. Sammy DeVito made his debut for the club slotting in at right back in place of Arthur Tsirtsakis who was relegated to the bench. Arthur Tsonis recovered from a hamstring tear and took the place of Steven O’Dor who by all reports has come done with glandula fever joining team-mate Bill Natsioulas on the sidelines with the virus. Changes aside Coach Anastasiadis stuck to his favoured 4-4-1-1. Dean Anastasiadis took up his customary position in goals. The centre of defence saw Con Blatsis partner Tsonis with Rama Tavsancioglu and DeVito playing on the left and right of defence respectively. In the centre of the park Scot MacNicol resumed his partnership with George Tzirtis with Ryan Dinse and Peter Koutsoupias patrolling the left and right wings. Up front Kosta Salapasidis played his usual free-roaming role supporting Captain Vaughn Coveny who was employed as an out-and-out striker.

South began to dominate play very early on. As early as the 4th minute Scot MacNicol had a strike cleared off the line after some excellent work down the left wing by Ryan Dinse saw the Scottish winger send in a deep back post cross that MacNicol did well to control and strike past Fawkner keeper Steve Tilovski only to see his goal-bound effort cleared off the line by a well positioned Fawkner defender.

Two minutes later Salapasidis placed a free kick from the right deep into the Fawkner box. Arthur Tsonis found himself with a free header but couldn’t keep his effort down.

South then had a series of half chances, first good work by Salapasidis down the left in the 10th minute produced a quality cross that was a touch too high for an unmarked Coveny who failed to direct his header towards goal. Then in the 14th minute a Salapasidis free kick from the left this time found Tavsancioglu unmarked who seemed to rush his header sending it well wide.

Twenty-five minutes in mobile midfielder George Tzirtis created some space for himself and sent a decent 25 yard effort straight at Tilovski who gloved comfortably.

South’s first arrived in the 26th minute after the once again excellent Ryan Dinse broke down the left, skinned his direct marker and then whipped in a low ball to the heart of the Fawkner area which a lunging Coveny managed to meet and angle past Tilovski.

Dinse was at it again in the 35th minute when another raid down the left saw him weigh a perfect through-ball to MacNicol who had the presence of mind to square the ball to the top of the area, taking out Tilovski, only to see the subsequent low strike from Salapasidis once again cleared off the line by the Fawkner defence.

South came out in the 2nd half looking to kill the game off quickly. Their wishes were granted in the 48th minute after the determination of Salapasidis reaped rich reward. With the Fawkner defence hesitating to clear, Salapasidis applied pressure seeing the eventual Fawkner clearance ricochet off his shins straight into the path of the unmarked MacNicol who now had only Tilovski to beat. MacNicol kept his head, rounded Tilovski and slotted home for South’s 2nd and his 3rd goal of the season.

Fifty-two minutes in, the excellent vision of Tzirtis saw the South midfielder switch the ball wide to Koutsoupias who found himself one-on-one with his direct marker. Koutsoupias took a quick touch and then unleashed a stinging strike – just outside the box – that narrowly went over the crossbar.

Ryan Dinse was nearly rewarded for his outstanding display in the 62nd minute after a deep cross from the left saw the Scottish winger intelligently use his body to turn his marker inside out whilst at the same time managing to flick an effort on goal that required a superb reflex save from Tilovski. The Fawkner custodian managed to get a fingertip onto the ball preventing Dinse from making it 3-0.

Sixty-five minutes in South had their third. Another deep cross from the left by Dinse found substitute Arthur Tsirtsakis unmarked and narrowing in on the back-post. Tsirtsakis took a touch and sent a thunderous angled strike straight at Tilovski who blocked the effort. The rebound fell to Tavsancioglu who whipped in a ball from the left that found an unmarked MacNicol right in the middle of the Fawkner box. MacNicol took a touch and calmly slotted past Tilovski who managed to get a hand to the effort but unfortunately couldn’t keep it out.

MacNicol had been bossing the middle of the park using his superb engine to cover a great deal of ground. He was at it again after 76 minutes when he was released down the right wing in acres of space. MacNicol intelligently waited and picked his moment to deliver a quality ball, spotting a darting late ran by Tavsancioglu who managed to connect well on the half volley and under pressure only to see Tilovski once again on hand to brilliantly save this with his feet.

Fawkner managed to clear a third effort off the line in the 80th minute after a Salapasidis left-hand corner was met by a South player who headed towards goal. Tilovski was well beaten with the Fawkner defender stationed on the near-post managing to prevent the ball from crossing the line. South players immediately appealed for a penalty as the clearance appeared to involve the use of a hand; however, play was waved on.

A minute later South put the icing on the cake. Dinse spotted a run down the right by Tsirtsakis who managed to whip a deep back-post cross that found Tavsancioglu all alone. The South left wingback positioned himself for a snap-shot hitting his effort straight into the ground and over the stranded Tilovski. As the ball was about to cross the line a seemingly offside Coveny appeared to somewhat selfishly toe-poke the ball home on the back-post. Though Coveny was credited with the goal Tavsancioglu claimed it believing the ball had crossed the line before Coveny had made contact.

Thursday, 5 May 2005 7:36 PM

By Michael Tsoukalis

Sunday sees the re-commencement of the Vodafone Premier League with the John Markovski-coached Fawkner-Whittlesea making their way down to Bob Jane Stadium.

The game serves as an extremely important encounter for both sides with South looking to arrest their recent slide in form and get back onto the winner’s podium. After a superb start to the season John Anastasiadis’s men have dropped their past 3 encounters, all games in which South gave a solid performance and didn’t deserve to lose. Crucial then that this game be used as a means to correct the player’s confidence with a strong showing and a positive result.

Conversely, after a shaky start to the season and the departure of several first team players – including the likes of Vince Lia, Carl Recchia, Michael Ferrante, Massimo Murdocca and Joe Spiteri – early on in the campaign, Fawkner went on a 4 game unbeaten streak which heralded 10 points and placed them right back into contention for a final’s birth. However, last round’s 1-3 defeat to Heidelberg has placed Fawkner mid-table with a win potentially catapulting the newly-merged club back into the top 6.

The recent loss of Carl Recchia will hurt Fawkner as the ex-South Melbourne utility was instrumental in helping the Azzurri string together their run of positive results, who replaces Recchia will no doubt provide coach Markovski with an interesting selection dilemma.

Up-front, Zoran Petrevski and Mark Tsiorlas – who has had overseas experience in Holland – have formed a decent understanding, scoring 3 goals apiece to pose perhaps the largest threat to the South defence. Former Melbourne Knight’s defender Sasa Ognenovski has slotted in comfortably after his off-season move from Preston and is charged with leading the defensive line.

In the South camp, Arthur Tsonis stands a chance of returning to the first team setup after spending close to a month on the sidelines with a hamstring injury whilst winger Vasilios Natsioulas is expected to miss again as he is recovering from a bout of Glandula fever.

For 80 minutes against Essendon, South produced a thoroughly professional display capturing a 0-2 lead and missing countless chances. Devastating then was the 10 minute capitulation which the saw Albert Park-based club eventually concede defeat by 3 goals to 2. In the past week coach Anastasiadis has no doubt worked on the mentality and concentration levels of his players who must look to regain the winning mentality which saw them start the season so brightly.

Monday, 25 April 2005 11:35 PM

By Michael Tsoukalis

Football is a funny game and tonight South Melbourne felt the full brunt of its wrath. After dominating for 80 minutes and appearing fully at ease with a 0-2 lead, South inexplicably conceded 3 goals in the last 10 minutes to leave the Veneto Club with a third consecutive loss.

After suffering narrow 1-goal defeats to Green Gully and Preston, South were eager to get their season back on track with a solid performance. Coach John Anastasiadis made two changes to the line-up. Peter Koutsoupias came in on the right wing replacing Vasilios Natsioulas who is anticipated to miss between 5-6 games with glandular fever.

In the centre of the park George Tzirtis regained his spot in the starting 11 replacing Brazilian import Fernando Moraes who was relegated to the bench. Dean Anastasiadis took up his usual position in goals whilst Steven O’Dor continued to fill in for the injured Arthur Tsonis, partnering Con Blatsis in the centre of defence with Rama Tavsancioglu and Arthur Tsirtsakis patroling the left and right wing-back positions respectively. In the centre of the park Scot MacNicol joined Tzirtis, with Ryan Dinse and Peter Koutsoupias playing on the left and right flanks. Up front the roaming Kosta Salapasidis was deployed in his usual free role, supporting club skipper Vaughn Coveny who was the lone man up front.

South started the game much more confidently and had a decent chance as early as the 4th minute. An overlapping run by Arthur Tsirtsakis saw the ex-Trikala player produce a stinging cross that was met by Coveny who headed over after perhaps misjudging the pace of the ball.

Tsirtsakis was at it again after 11 minutes, breaking down the right and then making his way into the box squaring the ball dangerously low only for the Essendon defence to clear.

Half chances then fell to Tavsancioglu in the 15th minute and Tzirtis in the 21st. Tavsancioglu blazed over after a Salapasidis corner fell to the edge of the area, whilst Tzirtis had intelligently made some space for himself through the centre of the park and then unleashed a 25 yard effort that looked to be going wide but still produced a save from the Essendon keeper.

South should’ve been ahead in the 26th minute after a superb run down the left by the excellent Salapasidis saw the ex-Parramatta player spot a darting late run – in the heart of the Essendon defensive area – by Dinse. Salapasidis looked to measure his pass and tried to square the ball along the ground. Fortunately for Essendon their covering defender did just enough to put Dinse off, lunging at the ball which eventually ricocheted of Dinse and went out for a goal-kick.

South continued to apply pressure on the Essendon goal and saw another great chance go begging. This time Kiwi striker Coveny was released by a superb 28th minute over-the-top through ball that released the South Captain on a slight angle. Coveny initially took the ball even wider but as he entered the box, the Kiwi unleashed a powerful near-post strike that the Essendon custodian did well to save with his feet.

South’s dominance was finally rewarded in the 30th minute after a deep cross from MacNicol on the left hand side was nodded down – across the goalmouth – superbly by Coveny into the path of the oncoming Dinse, who in the same stride, toe-poked the ball home from 6 yards out.

After going in front South were eager to show they could produce more than a solitary goal. Tsirtsakis once again made space down the right-flank; his centre was immediately laid back by Dinse into the path of Koutsoupias who sent his susbsequent 32nd minute strike well wide.

Essendon then gave South two minor heart-flutters. First a quality back-post 39th minute cross was met by Curcija who failed to keep his header down and headed over. Then a quick break down the right-flank saw the Royals whip in a stinging ball that Anastasiadis managed to get a glove to, the ball deflected straight through the middle of the South defensive area but fortunately for the visitors their was no Essendon player following through.

Right before the half-time whistle South blew a golden chance. Salapasidis brilliantly broke down the right flank, he waited a slight second then floated in an inch-perfect 42nd minute cross that Coveny seemed not to be expecting. The Kiwi snatched at his effort sending it wide when he was only 4 yards out and on a slight angle.

South began the 2nd half continuing their general dominance. As early as the 46th minute Scot MacNicol blazed a 25 yard crack narrowly wide.

Then 51 minutes in, Salapasidis once again produced a telling cross, picking out the rising Coveny who connected with a looping header that the Royals’ keeper managed to glove easily.

South had worked hard all game, continuously applying pressure in search of the all important second goal. Fifty-three minutes in it finally arrived. Dinse was released down the left wing, the speedy Scottish winger appeared to have taken the ball too wide but at the last moment still managed to produce a looping back-post cross. Dinse’s centre was inch-perfect, allowing for skipper Coveny to rise above all and nod home a text-book back post header, crashing the ball into the ground and leaving the Royals’ keeper with no chance.

Two-nil up South looked to apply the icing on the cake. Sixty-two minutes in a MacNicol centre from the left was intuitively headed on by Coveny into the path of Dinse. The winger chested down well and as he was about to execute his volley a desperate Essendon defender managed to close him down.

Coveny was proving a constant thorn in the Essendon defence and again found himself with an opportunity to add another. This time the Kiwi used his pace to break free of the Royals’ backline, almost latching onto an over-the-top through ball in the 71st minute. Fortunately for Essendon their keeper was aware and quickly came out, smothering the danger but in the same process, almost handling the ball outside the area.

Seventy-nine minutes in Coveny once again met a ball in the box sending a looping header to the back-post. Con Blatsis was narrowing in and was literally a toe away from tapping into an empty net.

With South appearing home and hosed, complacency set in. The defence had been faultless all evening until the 80th minute when Tsirtsakis tried to dribble through trouble. Tsirtsakis was dispossessed and Essendon played a quick ball into the South area. Steven O’Dor appeared to be in control of the situation but failed to realise that Ricky Catalano was right on his shoulder, O’Dor tried to turn on the ball but by then it was too late; Catalano had nipped in and sent a well placed strike in off the right upright.

South immediately countered straight after kick-off with Coveny breaking down the right and sending an angled shot just past the opposite upright.

Eighty-Seven minutes in, Ex-South front-man Michael Curcija failed to capitalise on a flat-footed South defence who in assuming an offside call was about to be made, left the former Olyroo through on goals with only Anastasiadis to beat, fortunately for South, Curcija rushed his shot and blazed well over.

Essendon however continued to push, sensing the South defence was crumbling the Royals once again raided the left wing, a sharpish 89th minute cross came in from the bi-line with Catalano on hand again – at the near post – to nod past a hapless Anastasiadis.

South’s capitulation was then written in stone after the Royals again exposed a massive hole down the left-flank. The ball was squared right across the face of goal for Michael Curcija to tap into an empty net for a priceless injury-time winner, at the same time confirming the most amazing fight-back seen in the Vodafone Premier League to-date.

Friday, 22 April 2005 12:50 PM

Long time stalwart of South Melbourne, from the days of middle park, Aleko Athanasiadis has passed away aged 80 years of age.

The family made many important contributions to the club over the years and embraced what the original Hellas dream was all about.

We would like to send our deepest sympathies and condolences, and we ask the entire SMFC family to channel its thoughts and prayers, at this difficult time, towards Aleko’s wife and his children.