Category: News

Sunday, 3 April 2005 11:07 PM

By Michael Tsoukalis

South Melbourne may still be a good few wins away from being Championship contenders; however, tonight against the Sunshine Georgies the Lakeside-based club displayed a key characteristic of all championship winning sides. Playing with 10 men from the 20th minute, South battled hard and managed to come away with a scrappy but extremely important 2-0 win against the Chris Taylor-coached side, at the same time maintaining their stay atop the Vodafone Premier League.

South coach John Anastasiadis made three changes to the line-up that started against the Melbourne Knights. Arthur Tsirtsakis was once again available after serving his one match ban. Tsirtsakis was slotted into his customary right-back role with Arthur Tsonis moving back into the centre of defence to partner Con Blatsis with Rama Tavsancioglu playing on the left and Steven O’Dor dropping back to the substitute’s bench. In the centre of the park George Tzirtis replaced Evan Karavitis in the starting 11 with Ryan Dinse getting the nod ahead of Peter Koutsoupias for the left wing role. Vasilios Natsioulas took up his customary position on the right wing whilst Scot MacNicol played the attacking midfield role. Up front South put its trust in usual suspects Vaughn Coveny and Kosta Salapasidis. Dean Anastasiadis was once again between the uprights for the home side.

South started brightly when the energetic MacNicol – in the 1st minute – made a nice run with the ball down the left side of the park. MacNicol worked his way into the Sunshine box but his final effort lacked a clear mind, with his shot or cross going well over the bar.

The Georgies quickly made their intent clear when they went close in the 9th minute. The Sunshine-based outfit had worked the ball to the edge of the South box and then unleashed a low curling strike that sailed just wide of Anastasiadis’s left upright.

With both sides trying to gain the initiative, South Melbourne was dealt a cruel blow in the 20th minute. After being tackled from behind, South captain Vaughn Coveny retaliated, throwing an elbow and then following it up with an attempted kick on his direct marker. After consulting the linesman Coveny was given an automatic red card, reducing the home side to 10 men with 70 minutes still to play.

Coveny’s expulsion seemed to inspire the home side with a deep Salapasidis 21st minute corner to the back-post nearly side-footed home by an unmarked Con Blatsis who had made an intelligent late run. Sunshine cleared on that occasion but a minute later MacNicol made some space for himself down the right wing, his subsequent cross found an unmarked Ryan Dinse who from 8-10 yards out sent a low diagonal header past the outstretched arm of the Georgies’ keeper, seeing his header hit the right upright and then trickle home for the home side’s opener.

The goal was exactly what Anastasiadis’s men needed, as by losing their most experienced player South were in danger of conceding ground not only in the player count, but more importantly from a mental viewpoint.

South focussed the rest of the half on trying to hit the Georgies on the counter. The defence was standing up as usual repelling any attack from the visitors. South should of made it two when in the 43rd minute Tzirtis played a superb through ball down the right wing to MacNicol, the ex-Brechin player checked inside and sent in a quality left-footed cross to the back-post, picking out an unmarked Ryan Dinse, the diminutive Scotsman’s subsequent header was rushed and not executed properly with the ball failing to test the keeper.

South were dealt a further blow right on the stroke of half time when Salapasidis was forced to retire his efforts for the evening after suffering what appeared to be either a dislocation or a break to his finger.

With Sunshine determined to get something out of the game, their 2nd half effort was largely improved. In particular the Sunshine-based club had a glowing 10 minute spell early on the 2nd period that should’ve placed them in the box seat. The Georgies put severe pressure on the South backline in the 52nd minute when box-mayhem ensued in the home side’s defensive area. Both Arthur Tsonis and Con Blatsis were forced into desperate lunging tackles with the ball eventually going wide to safety.

Fifty-seven minutes in the Georgies waisted two successive golden opportunities. First a break down the right-wing saw the Georgies’ winger deliver a stinging low ball into the box, the cross managed to evade two South defenders and made its way to the back-post with a Sunshine player meeting it but sending his strike straight into the upright. Then as South struggled to clear, the ball – just outside the box – fell to a Sunshine player who unleashed a rifled drive that was headed for the right-hand top corner but seemed to skim the crossbar as it sailed just over.

The woodwork was South’s saviour once again when a 61st minute Sunshine free-kick from the right was played deep and low into the box, the ball fell nicely to an unmarked Georgies player who narrowed in on goal only to see the rushing Dean Anastasiadis get to his feet before he was able to unleash a decent strike. However, Anastasiadis’s save fell straight to a Sunshine player inside the 6 yard box who with minimal pressure being applied by a desperately wrong-footed South defence, somehow managed to send his strike onto the underside of the crossbar, seeing his strike cannon straight back into the ground without crossing the goal-line.

Under clear pressure and with an equaliser appearing imminent, Ryan Dinse worked his magic down the left wing in the 67th minute, a quick step-over created space for the Scottish winger who sent in a delightful back-post cross that was met by an unmarked Vasilios Natsioulas who crashed his header downward and into the back of the Sunshine net. It was Natsioulas’s first goal for the Lakeside-based club and he celebrated it wildly, running to the Clarendon corner to celebrate. Unfortunately for the young South starlet, the referee failed to understand his joy, booking him for “over celebrating”.

South then had a goal disallowed. The ball was played into the feet of Ryan Dinse just outside the Sunshine box. Dinse turned and tried to play through a team-mate, however, saw his attempted pass end up looping the keeper after a Sunshine defender had mistimed his interception. With Jesse Krncevic the quickest to react, the son of Socceroo great Eddie Krncevic appeared to have opened his account, tucking home -in the 70th minute – from 2 yards into an unguarded net. Unfortunately for the home side the goal was disallowed as the linesman had judged Krncevic to have strayed offside.

With South seemingly headed to hang on, a rush of blood by the excellent Ryan Dinse nearly cost the home side dearly. Again the cross had been supplied – in the 72nd minute – from the right hand side, however, instead of attempting to header out, Dinse inexplicably used his hand in trying to get the ball away. The referee immediately pointed to the spot. However, fortunately for the home side, the execution of the penalty kick was extremely poor with the Sunshine player not even managing to get his attempt on target, blazing well over the crossbar.

Arthur Tsonis then had a 75th minute 30 yard free-kick headed for the top corner with the Sunshine keeper far from confident when dealing with the ball, failing to glove it and letting it go out for a corner.

Sunshine almost had a deserved consolation goal in the 84th minute, when again a free-kick from the right was met by a Georgies player who used his chest to direct the ball towards goal. South custodian Dean Anastasiadis did superbly well to – at full stretch – get a fingertip onto the ball and deflect it onto his left upright.

With the game won, Sunshine’s luckless night was crowned with the sending off of one of their players after Tavsancioglu had burst through the middle of the park and appeared destined for a one-on-one only to be purposefully brought down by a Georgies’s defender. The final whistle followed seconds later.

Final Score:
South Melbourne 2, Dinse 22, Natsioulas 68
Sunshine Georgies 0

Venue: Bob Jane Stadium, Albert Park
Attendance: about 3,000
Referee: Senko Rastocic

South Melbourne: (4-5-1) Dean Anastasiadis, Tsirtsakis, Blatsis, Tsonis, Tavsancioglu, Natsioulas, MacNicol, Tzirtis (Karavitis 58), Salapasidis (Krncevic 45), Dinse (Koutsoupias 93), Coveny (c).
Subs not used: O’Dor, Dimitropulos (GK).

Sunshine Georgies: (3-5-2) Brian, Muscat, Gauci-Seddon (Galea 46), Pajic (Greechan 79), Waterson, Gilmour, Antoniadis, Delic, Soares, Gasparis, Neceski (c).
Subs not used: Lymn, Salcin (GK).

Cautions: Soares (SG) 28, Gilmour (SG) 44, Tzirtis (SM) 50, Natsioulas (SM) 68, Krncevic (SM) 77, Pajic (SG) 77, Tavsancioglu (SM) 84.

Red Cards: Coveny (SM) 20, Muscat (SG) 92.

Thursday, 31 March 2005 9:45 PM

By Michael Tsoukalis

After a weeks recess due to Easter, Vodafone Premier League action resumes this weekend with South Melbourne hosting the high-flying Sunshine Georgies.

A former NSL club, the Georgies fell on hard times and found themselves outside the Premier League for a number of years. However, last season under the helm of Coach Chris Taylor, the Georgies managed to win the State One league and hence finally return to familiar territory.

This season, much like South, the Sunshine based outfit has managed to defy the critics. The core playing group of the Georgies State One triumph has been kept on with Chris Taylor’s men rewarding his faith by currently sitting in third position. The Georgies appear to be the “entertainers”, having leaked 9 goals – the highest of any team in the top 6 – but at the same time having scored 12, the most of any team to date.

Unlike many VPL clubs this season, the Georgies’ squad lacks any familiar ex-NSL talent. Perhaps their most recognisable player of recent times is young ex-Bulleen striker Marinos Gasparis, a player noted last season for managing to achieve a National call-up from Ange Postecoglou whilst playing in a state-based competition (the VPL).

Conversely, South Melbourne is now the Vodafone Premier League’s sole remaining undefeated side. Having conceded only 2 goals in 7 outings, the strength of the Lakeside-based club clearly revolves around its experienced defence.

Right-back Arthur Tsirtsakis will be available once more after serving a 1 game suspension against the Melbourne Knights. Tsirtsakis is likely to be re-instated to the starting 11 meaning that promising young defender Steven O’Dor is likely to be included in the squad as a substitute. Arthur Tsonis and Con Blatsis should resume their central defensive pairing after Tsonis filled in at left-back against the Knights.

Coach John Anastasiadis is also likely to include exciting new Brazilian signing Fernando Moraes in the squad. Moraes had a mid-week hit-out in a friendly against Yarraville – scoring one goal in the process – and should be pushing for inclusion.

During the pre-season South’s only win happened to come against the Georgies. That day an attacking onslaught by John Anastasiadis’s men saw the Albert Park-based club stroll to a 3-0 triumph. At the time it was thought that Sunshine would offer little resistance come the actual league, however, Taylor’s men have shown, much like South, that pre-season form counts for nothing.

Wednesday, 30 March 2005 12:13 PM

It is with deep regret and sorrow that South Melbourne FC announce the passing of Lois Trimboli, the mother of South legend, Paul Trimboli.

Lois passed away on Thursday, March 24, taken by cancer at a young age, she was 65.

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 Paul and his family.

Tuesday, 29 March 2005 10:57 AM

By Adam Woolcock

Left without a competitive game by a VPL rest week South Melbourne travelled to coach John Anastasiadis’ former club, Yarraville Glory, for a friendly match. Set against the backdrop of a day long Greek cultural festival at the Glory’s McIvor Reserve South fielded a lineup without several first team regulars, but still proved too strong for their State League Two opponents.

The Glory defence were under siege in the opening minutes, with South getting plenty of practice at set pieces. It was no surprise then that the scoring was opened from a corner. Ryan Dinse headed home in the 5th minute after the Yarraville keeper had tipped the ball onto the crossbar and the defence failed to clear. Sebastian Petrovic added a second in the 16th minute, and new Brazilian signing Fernando Moraes opened his account for the club after a quality move in the 36th.

Halftime score – South Melbourne 3, Yarraville Glory 0

The South coaching staff rung the changes at halftime and introduced Jesse Krncevic, Peter Koutsoupias, Gianni DeNittis and Steve Georgakakis. The Glory took advantage of this mass change of personnel and enjoyed their best spell of the match in the opening minutes of the second half. When they capitalised on a calamitous defensive error in the 50th minute and scored it looked as if they had lifted a notch. South saw the warning signs, though, and raised their game to match the opponents. From then on the match consisted of little more than a training run, with Yarraville rarely troubling the South back line – allowing several defenders to get forward and try to put their names on the scoresheet.

An avalanche of corners and free kicks finally paid off again in the 70th minute when the impressive Petrovic scored his second. A bullet Jesse Krncevic free kick hit the back of the net late in the game but when forced to retake it by the match official he couldn’t match his first strike. South finally rounded off the scoring in the 88th minute when a contentious call by the referees assistant let a clearly offside cross fall to Ryan Dinse and Gianni DeNittis who slid in at the same time, with DeNittis getting the vital last touch.

Fulltime score – South Melbourne 5, Yarraville Glory 1

Starting Lineup: Dimotropoulos (GK), DeVito, Dinse, Petrovic, Coveny, Natsioulas, Tsritsakis, Stefanou, O’Dor, Karavitis, Moraes

Monday, 21 March 2005 3:04 PM

I encourage all South fans to boost the lifeline of the club and decide to become a member.

I also want to take this opportunity to wish you all a safe and happy easter.

You may have noticed on the weekend, officials at the Knight’s Stadium made arrangements to keep rival fans apart. The idea is to keep problems from developing into incidents, which would cripple the code, as it strives to win supporters. In Sydney a few weeks ago, the game was put under great scrutiny because of scenes that were not worthy of 2 powerful clubs with great pride.

Sections of the community have criticised some of our fans, for their antics over the past few weeks. At a time when our code is in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons, we need to be more aware of the responsibilities that come with being a fan. When we follow our team, we are ambassadors of the club and football.

Let’s chant and sing together with gusto, and leave the rest to another era and another time. Let’s all go forward in the Vodafone Premier League as proud football fans, and let’s make going to the game satisfying for all.

The powers that be have decided on a zero tolerance policy for unbecoming and unruly behaviour, which includes lighting flares and displaying national flags.

All teams strive to win every week, and I think following your side as it makes it’s way through it’s first Premier League season is one of the most satisfying things you can experience, especially if your side is confounding the critics and you are doing well as we are at the moment.

But things can change, just as players stretch themselves to be better and learn from their opponents every week, so must we, who look on from the sidelines.

Let’s show our critics and the community in general that we are smarter, stronger and proud to be South fans. I’m sure the positive feedback will help us prosper and give Johnny’s boys the extra boost they deserve and need as they strive to do us proud on the pitch.

Enjoy the competition against our rivals, after all it’s what playing football is all about, but let’s do it with respect.

Good luck to Johnny’s boys and don’t wait, buy a membership now! The boys deserve it.

George Donikian

Sunday, 20 March 2005 9:48 PM

By Michael Tsoukalis

South Melbourne have escaped with an extremely fortunate and scrappy 1-1 draw at Knight’s Stadium. But for the heroics of veteran Custodian Dean Anastasiadis – who was inspirational between the South uprights – the Albert Park-based outfit could’ve left Somers St suffering a heavy defeat.

With South forced to reorganise at the back after the suspension of Arthur Tsirtsakis, Steven O’Dor was brought into the centre of defence alongside Con Blatsis, Arthur Tsonis switched to a left back role with Rama Tavsancioglu playing on the right. The rest of the first 11 remained unchanged from the game on Monday against Altona, with Dean Anastasiadis in goal, a midfield consisting of left winger Peter Koutsoupias, Scot MacNicol and Evan Karavitis in the centre with Vasilios Natsioulas on the right. Up front Vaughn Coveny and Kosta Salapasidis were once again handed the reigns of leading the front-line.

The game kicked off with little fanfare, for a game that has been the pinnacle of Melbournian football for decades the atmosphere was somewhat subdued. However, somewhere in between the lack of derby flair, South managed to take the lead. With only 4 minutes played an Arthur Tsonis ball down the left wing found the roving Scot MacNicol who managed to work his way into the Knight’s box with some fancy footwork, from an almost impossible angle, MacNicol somehow managed to nutmeg veteran Knight’s custodian and captain Adrian Cagalj, with Cagalj looking agonisingly on as the ball trickled over the line.

South taking an unlikely early lead was the catalyst for the Knight’s to step up a gear. The chances started to flow with pacy forward Albert Gjuni kicking off the start of the onslaught when he burst past the South defence – down the right hand side – in the 10th minute, worked his way into the South box and unleashed a venomous drive that Anastasiadis did tremendously well to parry and to then gather on the 2nd attempt.

Two minutes later a good cross was whipped in from the left with an unmarked Knight’s player directing his header well but with little power behind the effort, Anastasiadis comfortably gloved.

With 14 minutes played, South hesitated in defence when they should’ve cleared long, the ball fell to a roaming Knight’s player who unleashed a rocket-strike with Anastasiadis managing to save and the South defence eventually clearing.

In between the Knight’s domination South managed to create a decent chance after Evan Karavitis released Vasilios Natsioulas down the right with a quality through ball, Natsioulas produced a stinging 18th minute cross that Cagalj did very well to hold.

The Knight’s quickly resumed their domination after a superb 19th minute piece of individual skill from Tomi Razov nearly lead to the equaliser. Razov received the ball on the right, he worked his way towards the South box, leaving the South defence in his wake with some tricky footwork and with only Anastasiadis to beat, his outside-of-the-foot low placed strike was brilliantly anticipated by the South custodian who was quickly down to glove.

South were further rocked when a 21st minute error by Karavitis saw his mistimed header fall straight to Gjuni who bolted towards the South goal, enter the box, but unfortunately for the home side, Gjuni shot straight at Anastasiadis. Two minutes later Karavitis was booked for a challenge just outside the South defensive area, the resulting free-kick by Ivan Zuvela was hit with good height and power but lacked the necessary accuracy to force Anastasiadis into a save.

Twenty-seven minutes had been played when gritty South midfielder Scot MacNicol’s brilliant reading of the play saw him intercept the ball in the centre of park. MacNicol quickly turned on the pace and looked destined for a 1-on-1 chance with Cagalj only to see his run maliciously stopped by Tommy Milardovic who purposely brought down MacNicol just outside the area. Somehow Milardovic escaped with only a yellow card with the resulting Salapasidis free-kick hit failing to trouble Cagalj.

MacNicol was on the warpath for a double and nearly had his second after a deep 30th minute Salapasidis cross from the right evaded the entire Knight’s defence and fell perfectly to the ex-Brechin player who cracked a thunderous volley – that appeared destined to for the back of the net – straight into the face of an unfortunate Knight’s defender.

Then in the 33rd minute, South colossus Con Blatsis made a quality deep run towards the Knight’s goalmouth, using his close control to evade two defenders, Blatsis unleashed a powerful drive that was deflected just wide of Cagalj’s goal.

The half ended with Knight’s defender Neven Antic going agonisingly close to equalising for the Sunshine-based club. Antic had made a quality 44th minute run down the right, entered the South area and saw his textbook across-the-goalmouth strike go inches wide from the bottom left upright.

After an exciting first half the 2nd stanza didn’t disappoint. The Knight’s were desperate for an equaliser and came close in the 48th minute after a cross from the right was punched away by Anastasiadis only to fall straight to Chris Emsovski who lacked the cool head required to fire home. South countered almost immediately and in the 49th minute Vasilios Natsioulas made a quality right-sided run deep into the Knight’s area. Natsioulas squared the ball past Cagalj but there was a Knight’s player sitting on the line to clear.

Natsioulas was at it again after 56 minutes, his brilliant close control in the centre of the park released Tavsancioglu down the right, the lighting-quick South wingback took a touch, cut inside, and then unleashed a stinging left foot drive that Cagalj tipped over for a corner.

The Knights were unrelenting and in the 60th minute nearly punished South for a poor defensive header. With the headed clearance falling straight to Dario Matkovic, the gutsy Knight’s midfielder from the top of the South box fired straight at Anastasidis.

After distinguishing himself all evening with his brilliant performance in goal, Anastasiadis pulled off another superb save in the 69th minute. This time the South custodian once again denied Razov who had sent an angled, right-sided drive from inside the South area towards the visitor’s goal.

One minute later Anastasiadis was at it again, reacting brilliantly from close range to prevent former South midfielder Alex Kiratzoglou who had positioned himself nicely to meet a quality low centre from the right.

With South hanging on two late chances nearly sealed the tie. In the 87th minute substitute George Tzirtis’s brilliant through-ball released fellow substitute Jesse Krncevic who found himself with only Cagalj to beat. Krncevic tried to place towards the bottom right but Cagalj managed to get the slightest of fingertips onto the ball, deflecting narrowly past the right upright. Then in the direct next play, good work down the right by Salapasidis saw the ball eventually fall to Tzirtis, the South midfielder unleashed a powerful strike straight at Cagalj who had little trouble in fisting away.

Seconds away from the final whistle the Knights were finally rewarded for their general dominance. A Karavitis error in the centre of the park saw the Knight’s midfield quickly seize the ball and release Daniel Rocco down the right. Rocco still had a bit to do but managed to pass his direct man, work his way into the box and send a quality low ball across the South area that Anastasiadis got a hand to, only to see the ball fall to the back post for substitute Andrew Barisic to smash home and electrify the home crowd.

Final Score
Melbourne Knights 1, Barisic 92
South Melbourne 1, MacNicol 4

Venue: Knights Stadium, Sunshine
Attendance about 4000
Referee: Hakan Anaz

Melbourne Knights: (3-5-2) Cagalj (c), Klarica (Gelemanovic 39), Milardovic, Zuvela, Antic, Rocco, Emsovski, Hrvoje Matkovic, Razov (Dario Matkovic 82), Gjuni (Barisic 74), Kiratzoglou. Subs not used: Filipovic (GK), Jurijevic.

South Melbourne: (4-5-1) Dean Anastasiadis, Tavsancioglu (Tzirtis 59), O’Dor, Blatsis, Tsonis, Natsioulas (Krncevic 82), Salapasidis, MacNicol, Karavitis, Koutsoupias (Dinse 74), Coveny (c). Subs not used: Curtis, Dimitropulos (GK).

Cautions: Klarica (MK) 16, Emsovski (MK) 20, Karavitis (SM) 23, Milardovic (MK) 27, Hrvoje Matkovic (MK) 43, Zuvela (MK) 63, Tsonis (SM) 89, Kiratzoglou (MK) 92.

Red Cards: (none)

Friday, 18 March 2005 4:06 PM

South Melbourne FC is pleased to announce the signing of forward Fernando Moraes from Brazil.

Moraes bolsters an SMFC squad that is surprising many in football circles and sits a game clear at the top of the Vodafone Premier League table.

The 25 year old attacking mid fielder, joins South from Brazilian club Palestra Sao Bernado and is set to add some Samba flair to Bob Jane Stadium.

On how and why a player from the world’s most famous football hot bed came to join the blue and white in Australia, Moraes tells an incredible story.

“I saw South Melbourne play in the World Club Championships in Brazil back in 2000 against some of the biggest sides in the world.

From there I always wanted to play for the club”.

SMFC Coach John Anastasiadis was a member of that famous side which played in Rio and inspired his new signing to make the trek across the Pacific.

He is pleased to be adding another string to his mid field bow. “Fernando comes from a place known for its flash and brilliance, and we hope that some of that can be put on show throughout the 2005 season”, says the South boss.

Moraes has been training with the rest of the SMFC squad for a few weeks now and could make his debut as early as this weekend against South’s long time NSL rivals, the Melbourne Knights.

Name: Fernando Moraes
DOB: 21/01/80
Pos: MFD / FWD
Shirt No: 15
Last Club: PSB Palestra Sao Bernado (Brazil)
Nationality: Brazilian
Height: 181cm

Thursday, 17 March 2005 11:37 PM

By Michael Tsoukalis

The “Melbourne derby” as the South Melbourne vs. Melbourne Knights rivalry was known back in the days of the NSL may have dropped a level in National prestige, but in raw emotion, tradition and sheer will to win, the rivalry remains as fierce as ever.

South Melbourne has so far handled the drop to the Vodafone Premier League in a manner beyond anybody’s wildest dreams. With 5 consecutive wins racked up, of which 3 have been away from home and an as yet unbeaten start to the season, Coach John Anastasiadis’s chargers have done the legendary blue-and-white shirt extremely proud.

Conversely, the Knights have had a somewhat indifferent start to the season, managing only two wins, with a draw and three losses seeing them with a tally of only 7 points to-date and hence languishing only 1 game clear of the relegation zone. The Knight’s faithful have become disenchanted as pre-season it was mooted that the side had strong claims for a top 4 birth with these claims somewhat backed-up after a crowning 3-0 pre-season victory against South.

Like South, the Knights have had to assemble a squad from scratch that looks nothing like last year’s playing roster. Veteran custodian Adrian Cagalj is a proven shot-stopper and a rock between the uprights, with further NSL experience sprinkled amongst the likes of ex-South Melbourne midfielder Alex Kiratzoglou, and fellow centre players Tomi Razov and Daniel Rocco.

The Knights experienced a severe setback when immensely talented young defender Daniel Piorkowski was snapped up by A-League club the Melbourne Victory, Piorkowski had shown good signs of a successful recovery after a long-term knee injury and will be sorely missed.

Conversely, South’s squad appears to be brimming with confidence with Monday’s 1-0 win against Altona their most dominant display to-date. Arthur Tsirtsakis will miss through suspension after receiving a red card – in Monday’s fixture – for two bookable offences, his replacement is hard to pick though Scot MacNicol has shown this season to be more than capable at right-back with perhaps George Tzirtis or maybe even Ryan Dinse slipping back into the starting 11 allowing for Vasilios Natsioulas to take on a more central role, that said, promising young defender Steven O’Dor is also a chance to get the nod after losing his spot in the starting line-up to injury.

Special note must go out to South’s defence who have been immense all season. Keeper Dean Anastasiadis has regained near career best form, handling everything with assurance and producing the special save when needed. In front of him, the central defensive pairing of Arthur Tsonis and Con Blatsis are without a doubt the most formidable duo in the league. Tsonis has relished the extra responsibility at South and has improved with every game, whilst Blatsis has looked a class above in every game he’s played since his recovery from injury and return from overseas.

Tuesday, 15 March 2005 11:48 AM

South wants every fan to become a member now. Support Johnny’s boys in their first VPL quest.
From February 10th 2005, each new adult or concession member can receive their choice of a SMFC cap or SMFC t-shirt. Hurry while stocks last.

Click here for more details about our membership packages or call the Club on 9645 9797

Monday, 14 March 2005 11:15 PM

By Michael Tsoukalis

A wonder-strike from South Melbourne centre-back Arthur Tsonis has steered the home side to a 1-0 victory and helped maintain South’s three point lead atop the Vodafone Premier League.

Coach John Anastasiadis fielded an unchanged line-up from last week’s stirring away result to Oakleigh with Peter Koutsoupias retaining his starting place and Ryan Dinse returning from suspension on the bench.

After a month of playing away from home, South started the game frantically eager to show their home supporters a glimpse of their brilliant away form. As early as the 5th minute a Vasilios Natsioulas corner was driven in low to the top of the box, Koustoupias had found space but unfortunately failed to connect cleanly with his volleyed attempt.

In the 7th minute fearless South right back Arthur Tsirtsakis was cautioned, Tsirtsakis felt hard done by as his tackle – though from behind – appeared to have been timed well and gotten the ball. From the resulting free-kick the Magic tried to catch South custodian Dean Anastasiadis unawares by quickly taking their free but the experienced Anastasiadis sensed the danger and moved quickly to his left managing to glove the attempt.

Then in the 9th minute Koustoupias produced a stinging right-foot cross from the left-wing which found Coveny unmarked in the opposition’s box. Coveny’s glancing header trickled narrowly wide, but truth be said, the South skipper could’ve done better.

With South’s football starting to flow, the ever-improving Natsioulas superbly skinned his direct marker down the right flank, running onto his delicate chip over his opponent to cut inside and pass square to Kosta Salapasidis who with a quick glance up played in the oncoming Koutsoupias, unfortunately for South Koutsoupias slightly hesitated, taking a touch when he perhaps should’ve shot first time, allowing Altona custodian Martin John to close in and apply pressure, the chance was gone.

Only a minute later, a Salapasidis corner found Tsirtsakis unmarked in the heart of the Altona box, Tsirtsakis rose and made quality contact but unfortunately couldn’t direct his header low enough, seeing it fly over the crossbar.

Koustoupias was at it again in the 14th minute, the speedy winger had started the game on fire terrorising the Altona defence with the 14th minute giving South supporters a glimpse of his tremendous pace. Receiving the ball just past the half-way line, Koustoupias nudged it ahead of his direct marker, backed himself for pace and comfortably skinned his man, narrowing in on goal and with only John to beat; Koustoupias unleashed a powerful drive that the ex-Melbourne Knight’s keeper did well to parry.

Confirming their undeniable dominance in the first 20 minutes, Scot MacNicol found the ball in the centre of the park with plenty of time and space. MacNicol spotted the darting right-wing 16th minute run of Natsioulas and played through the South young-gun. Approaching in on goal and again with only John to beat, Natsioulas attempted an outside-of-the-foot finish, aiming for the bottom-left corner but miss-hit his attempt failing to test the Altona keeper.

21 minutes in and South had decent claims for a penalty, with a ball played in from the right, Kiwi striker Vaughn Coveny appeared to have received a nudge whilst position himself for the header, referee Lewis Giuseffi failed to see any contact and waved play on.

With Altona weathering South’s initial onslaught, the game went through a period where both sides attempted to gain dominance. It was South however who created the last noteworthy chance of the first half when exceptional interplay down the right-wing produced a superb 36th minute cross from Salapasidis who managed to pick out an unmarked Coveny, somewhat panicking, or perhaps not expecting the ball to fall his way, the South skipper rushed his effort, hitting a raised side-footed attempt well wide.

Managing to hold onto a 0-0 score at half time, the visitors came out in the second half with renewed vigour. With 51 minutes played a searching ball from the Altona midfield found a player unmarked deep on the right wing, working his way into the box the Altona player cleverly squared for one of his oncoming attackers, just as it appeared that South where about to go behind, a lunging Arthur Tsonis read the situation brilliantly, timing his sliding tackle to perfection and protecting Anastasiadis from having to make a save.

A minute later, referee Giuseffi once again dubiously waved play-on when a Scot MacNicol run deep into the Altona area was upended by a tackle from behind. The South faithful where at a loss to explain Giuseffi’s decision, especially since he was only a handful of yards away and perfectly positioned behind the tackle to make the right call.

With South struggling for inspiration up front, lion-heart defender Arthur Tsonis took matters into his own hands. South had won a 62nd minute free kick just outside the Altona area but on a slight angle. With the usual suspects lining up to take the free-kick, few expected Tsonis to step up but the ex-Whittlesea Stallions centre-back did just that, unleashing a brilliantly placed top right-hand corner finish that had the fully stretched Martin John well beaten and the Clarendon Corner in full voice.

The goal was just the tonic South needed to step up a gear, 65 minutes in a cross from the right found Natsioulas unmarked in the Altona area, instead of shooting, Natsioulas tried to unselfishly centre allowing the Altona defence to adjust and eventually clear. Then on 71 minutes, Koutsoupias lost his marker down the right, sped towards goal, and on a slight angle blazed narrowly over.

South had a scare in the 72nd minute when the Magic whipped in a deadly cross from the left that fell advantageously to one of their players in the home side’s box. Fortunately for the home side Arthur Tsonis once again showed his worth, reading the play well and eventually clearing.

South were searching for the 2nd goal which would confirm the result, it nearly arrived after 75 minutes when Coveny was released in acres of space down the left wing, narrowing in on goal, Coveny tried to open up the angle and aim for the opposite corner, but as he adjusted, the Altona defence managed to recover and smother his shot.

In the 80th minute Tsirstakis was given his marching orders after his shirt pull earned him his second bookable offence and an early shower. It was a setback for South who now had to ride 10 minutes of pressure with a man down.

Altona nearly grabbed a late equaliser when an 87th minute free-kick by Cameron Pino was headed for the top right-hand corner but was brilliantly saved one-handed by a scurrying Dean Anastasiadis at full stretch. It was ultimately a save which preserved the result, a result which was nearly doubled when late on substitute Ryan Dinse produced a tight mazy run in the Altona box and created space for a strike, only to see John react quickly and brilliantly save.

Final Score:
South Melbourne 1, Tsonis 63
Altona Magic 0

Venue: Bob Jane Stadium, Albert Park
Attendance: approx. 3,500
Referee: Lewis Giuseffi.

South Melbourne: (4-4-2) Dean Anastasiadis, Tsirtsakis, Blatsis, Tsonis, Tavsancioglu, MacNicol, Karavitis, Salapasidis (Dinse 67), Koutsoupias,
Natsioulas (Tzirtis 78), Coveny (c) (Krncevic 89) Subs not used: D’Or, Dimitropulos (GK)

Altona Magic: (3-5-2) John, Mrkela, Azzopardi (Delev 46), Bozinovski, Cergovski (Lozanovski 46), Stergiopoulos, Mladenovic (c), Opazo, Pino, Becvinovski, Riddle (Kolevski 79) Subs not used: Dimitrievski, Cvetkovski (GK)

Cautions: Tsirtsakis (SM) 8, Bozinovski (AM) 55, Tsirtsakis (SM) 80
Red Cards: Tsirtsakis (SM) 80