Category: News

Wednesday, 2 March 2005 11:42 PM

By Michael Tsoukalis

Top-of-the-table football arrives at Jack Edwards Reserve this Friday night when Vodafone Premier League frontrunners South Melbourne make the trek to Oakleigh’s turf.

Having surprised many with their superb start to the season South Melbourne go into Friday’s fixture knowing that a positive result will help consolidate their position atop the VPL.

Coach John Anastasiadis must be commended for not only putting together a squad capable of positive results, but for also instilling a unity which in such a short space of time has managed to capture the imagination of the South Melbourne faithful.

That said, the Cannons possess one of, if not the most talented and experienced squads in this season’s competition and must be approached with extreme caution. Former South great Steve Panopoulos will anchor the midfield with another ex-South midfielder George Goutzioulis trusted in a playmaking role. In defence ex-South defender Nick Tolios forms part of a solid backline which also includes ex-Melbourne Knights defender Antun Kovacic, ex-South and Carlton player Con Anthopoulos with former South favourite Sam Poutakidis a chance to line-up after missing the beginning of the season through injury.

In goal the Cannons may have lost Adrian Cagalj to the Melbourne Knights but in replacement Stuart Webster possess a former VPL goalkeeper of the year. Up front Oakleigh are extremely dangerous with ex-Knight Ante Pelikan leading the line with the experienced and ex-Gippsland Falcons striker Juan Nilo playing off him.

South are expected to field an almost exact replica of the team which lined up against the Bulleen Zebras with perhaps Peter Koutsoupias a direct swap for the suspended Ryan Dinse. A feature of South Melbourne’s play thus far has been their combined defensive efforts. Experienced goalkeeper Dean Anastasiadis has been superb in marshalling his defence with the grit and sheer determination of the likes of Arthur Tsirtsakis and Arthur Tsonis well complemented by the all-round class of Con Blatsis, the attack-minded Rama Tavsancioglu and the youth of Steven O’Dor, though O’Dor – as he did against Bulleen – will miss through injury. In the centre of the park Evan Karavitis has been superb doing the hard leg work with the front duo of Kosta Salapasidis and Vaughn Coveny one of the deadliest partnerships in the league.

With everything to play for and a full house expected, Friday’s encounter potentially looms as the beginning of a newly-formed and exciting rivalry.

Monday, 28 February 2005 11:49 PM

By Michael Tsoukalis

In front of a packed house at the Veneto Club, South Melbourne have gone atop the Vodafone Premier league with a thoroughly professional 0-1 victory.

With the majority of the crowd travelling South Melbourne faithful, the Veneto club resembled a home away from home for the Albert Park-based club.

Coach Anastasiadis made one change to the line-up bringing in experienced centre-back Con Blatsis for the injured Steven O’Dor. The game represented Blatsis’s first game back since his overseas departure. With Dean Anastasiadis in goal, Arthur Tsonis partnering Blatsis and with Arthur Tsirtsakis and Ramazan Tavsanciouglu patrolling the right and left wingback positions respectively, South’s backline looked particular assured. In the centre of the park Evan Karavitis resumed his defensive midfield duties alongside Scot MacNicol who was playing in a more attacking, central midfield role. The left and right wings were patrolled by Ryan Dinse and Vasilios Natsioulas with Kosta Salapasidis and Vaughn Coveny once again in charge of leading the line for the visitors.

The first 10 or so minutes of the game were purely used for familiarisation; both teams failed to threaten, however, South seemed to have more of the possession. In the 14th minute skipper Coveny showed a glimpse of his tremendous pace, breaking down the right wing and sending in a far post cross, the ball fell to Salapasidis who intuitively tried to cut it back for an oncoming player, unfortunately for South no-one was following through and the Zebras cleared.

With 16 minutes played, South wingback Tavsanciouglu produced a brilliant piece of individual play that nearly put the visitors ahead. After making a solid run down the left wing, Tavasanciouglu sharply cut inside skipping past a player or two and then proceeded to unleash a well placed low drive that Bulleen and ex-South custodian Michael Theoklitos did well to parry.

After 18 minutes South had a defensive scare, Bulleen had won a free kick near the South area and chose smartly to chip the ball in behind the South defence as opposed to having a direct strike on goal. The Bulleen player – though on an angle – had a clear strike on goal and seemed to beat Anastasiadis with a scurrying South player on hand to clear off the line.

Then in 23rd minute South won the ball in defence and unleashed a brilliantly executed counter. Salapasidis found the ball in the centre of the park, with only one defender in his way and MacNicol making a superb run down the left, Salapasidis took his time and delivered an inch perfect through-ball that MacNicol controlled well and calmly slotted past the on-rushing Theoklitos. It was a well deserved lead for South who away from home had taken the contest to the hosts from the opening whistle.

With Salapasidis at the heart of South’s creative forward play, the former Parramatta Power star once again showcased his immense talents. Thirty-four minutes had been played when “Sala” found the ball at his feet 30 yards out from goal. His skilful step-over saw him easily skip past his direct marker to then unleash a darting bottom-right corner strike that Theoklitos – at full stretch – just managed to fingertip away for a corner.

The second half commenced with South having an early chance. In the 47th minute Con Blatsis made a sneaky late run in behind the Bulleen defence and was played in over the top by the South midfield. With time on his side, Blatsis seemed to miss the ball completely as the Zebras defence applied just enough pressure on the South colossus to distract his attempt.

Bulleen were struggling to break down the South backline and were largely relying on their set-piece play for a breakthrough. Forty-nine minutes had been played when South survived a genuine scare. A Zebras corner had been struck into the heart of the South defence with the Bulleen players challenging for the ball, mayhem ensued as both sides struggled to get a foot on the ball. Thankfully for South the ball was eventually cleared to safety.

As the game progressed the referee appeared to lose his hold on the game. Arthur Tsirtsakis appeared to be body-slammed after winning the ball and in the process tangling himself up with a Bulleen player. The referee missed the body-slam and then went on to award a free-kick to Bulleen for Tsirtsakis’s slight retaliation. The resulting 56th minute free-kick nearly found its way in as the Bulleen player unleashed a stinging ball into the heart of the South defence that was met by a Zebras player who couldn’t keep his contact low sending the ball whizzing over Anastasiadis’s crossbar.

Then in the 59th minute Scottish South winger Ryan Dinse was booked for what was a 50-50 ball. Dinse didn’t seem to challenge dangerously, in fact all he genuinely did was win the ball. The referee saw otherwise and showed him the yellow card. Slightly after the Dinse booking the referee was at it again, this time after copping a retaliation-based elbow to the head, Vasilios Natsioulas also found himself in the book, thankfully justice somewhat prevailed with the Bulleen player also receiving a booking.

South seemed rattled after the referee’s succession of disappointing judgements and gave away the ascendency to the home side. Sixty-one minutes in another Bulleen corner put the South defence under severe pressure, players from both sides scrambled for contact but thankfully for South the referee saw an infringement and whistled a foul against the Zebras.

In the 69th minute South were dealt a genuine blow with the dismissal of Ryan Dinse. A Bulleen player had broken through the centre of the park and had made his way – full steam ahead – to the top of the South area. Dinse instinctively stopped him in his tracks by bringing him down just outside the area. It was a clear-cut decision for the referee who had no choice but to send Dinse off.

South then re-adjusted with a more defensive emphasis hoping to keep the home side at bay and register a valuable victory. The Albert Park-based club had a scare in the 81st minute when a brilliant first time back-heel from a Bulleen player split the South defence, thankfully for South the experience of Dean Anastasiadis shone bright with the veteran custodian quickly off his line to gather.

South nearly went two ahead when in the 84th minute the brilliant Salapasidis almost outsmarted Bulleen keeper Theoklitos. Captain Vaughn Coveny had made a brilliant run down the right wing and just as he began to cut inside towards the Zebra’s box, was brought down. From the subsequent free-kick Salapasidis intelligently aimed for the near post when everybody was expecting a centre. Theoklitos was all at sea, but luckily for the Zebra’s keeper the ball crashed against the side netting.

The whistle came soon after with the South faithful in full voice. Coach Anastasiadis’s chargers pulled off a thoroughly professional display and deservedly sit in pole position after four rounds.

Thursday, 24 February 2005 6:50 PM

By Michael Tsoukalis

South Melbourne’s unbeaten start to the season will be put under severe test this coming Monday when the Albert Park-based club take on last season’s Champions the Bulleen Zebras.

The Zebras have had a somewhat indifferent start and will be desperate for a win to kick-start their season. Two one-all draws against Fawkner-Whittlesea and Heidelberg with a surprising 2-1 defeat against the Bentleigh Greens – in round 2 – sees the Zebras rooted in second last position.

The crux of last season’s squad has hung around with the addition of last year’s gold medal winner Ricky Diaco – from the Frankston Pines – an astute pickup. Ex-South keeper Michael Theoklitos remains one of, if not the best custodian in the league and will no doubt be looking to depart the Vodafone Premier League – Theoklitos has signed for the Melbourne Victory – with an inspired performance against his former club. VPL journeyman Peter Kakos as always will provide a threat on goal with the talents of young midfielder Billy Celeski likely to excite those in attendance.

Conversely, South have surprised many and see themselves in equal 1st after the first 3 rounds. Coach John Anastasiadis has done a sterling job moulding a unit on limited resources that has managed to achieve immediate results. South’s positive start cannot be put down to one or two particular factors. The team has played tight across the backline – conceding only 1 goal – whilst up front the experience and class of Kosta Salapasidis and Vaughn Coveny have managed to provide the crucial goals. In the middle of the park diminutive Scottish winger Ryan Dinse has easily handled the step up from State 2 and has been in impressive form. Evan Karavitis and Vasilios Natsioulas have also been solid.

South could be boosted by the long-awaited return of giant centre-back Con Blatsis. Blatsis played in a midweek friendly against Chinese team Tianjin and slotted in incredibly well, looking at ease on the ball and free from any serious knocks.

Wednesday, 23 February 2005 8:00 AM

By Michael Tsoukalis

South midfield dynamo Evan Karavitis is a player going places.

Trusted with the central midfield holding role, at just 18 years of age, Evan has displayed an on-field maturity that defies his tender years.

With a clear objective of selection in the National Under-20 2007 World Cup squad, Evan is well on the way to achieving this ambition.

A bit about your career to date?

“I started playing as a 6 year old. After seeing my older brother commence training with Brunswick City, I just had to have a taste. Seeing him train and get involved whet my appetite so I asked my Dad to sign me up as well”

“At Brunswick City I was consistently playing 2-3 years above my age group. When I was advised to move to the Thomastown Devils to play in a team my age, I took the opportunity, believing that if I managed to stand out, I’d push for State team selection.

This belief proved to be correct with State representation following soon afterwards. I represented and captained Victoria at Under 14, 15 and 16 levels, in the National Talent Identification Championships.”

“At 13 and half, I was offered a VIS scholarship under the tutelage of Ernie Merrick – the youngest player to date to be offered a VIS soccer scholarship.

I decided to accept this offer, as I felt that with the Institute’s pure and simple aim being the development of younger players, my chances of going on to greater things would increase.

Seeing players like Kristian Sarkies and Adrian Leijer – players just above my age group – move onto the NSL and do well, gave me the belief that I too could achieve similar things.

The VIS under Merrick, broke away from the traditional National Youth League and focussed on providing higher calibre opposition. For example, Ernie organised consistent friendlies on a Wednesday night against VPL opposition.”

Tell us a bit about your representation for the Joeys.

“Ange Postecoglou gave me a chance with the Under 16’s at the Oceania Pacific Cup. I was only 14 at the time and the experience proved to be invaluable.

Ange had seen me play in the National Championships and felt I was up to the required standard.

We played in the Oceania South Pacific Tournament against the likes of the Solomon Islands and Fiji – Australia won the tournament.

In February 2002, I represented Australia in the qualifiers of the Under 17s World Championship.

Unfortunately, when selection for the actual World Cup arrived, I was overlooked.

I was in a massive form slump and no matter how hard I tried during training I just couldn’t get myself out of it.

Thankfully that experience has proved a positive one, as I went back to the drawing board, slowly worked on my game and have now put myself into a position to once again seek National team selection.”

How have you found yourself making the adjustment to VPL senior football?

“The jump has been a huge learning experience.

Adjusting to the quicker pace and physical nature of the game has been the biggest challenge, in particular, the physical leap has been enormous.

As a junior, I was lucky to have high levels of physical endurance. I never had a problem with the physical aspect of the game, had the most powerful shot, was quick etc.

This has worked against me though, with my transition into senior football, as I’ve found I had to work very hard to get to the required levels.”

Future Ambitions?

“My immediate aim, is to gain selection into the 2007 Under-20 World Cup squad. When I was 14, Sydney FC youngster Jacob Timpano and I were headhunted by Everton.

We were both offered a full expenses paid 3-week trial and were told that we could bring any members of our family to support us.

With the advice of Ange and Ernie, I decided against going, as I was very young and felt that establishing myself locally was the way to go.

After all, the only “true” success story of a youngster going to England at such a young age is Harry Kewell, who is a once-in-a-lifetime player.

I felt the tried and tested model of proving myself at home was the way to go.”

Why South Melbourne?

“To be honest, at the beginning of last year, I was offered a two year AIS scholarship, but I declined in order to finish my VCE in Melbourne.

Late last year, after consulting with Ange, I decided to sign with South Melbourne, as he told me I needed to play senior football as soon as possible. Ange assured me that I was mature, talented and deserving enough to gain national selection, even if I didn’t go to the AIS. Provided I played senior football and performed consistently well.”

“That said, the club is close to my heart.

Like many of the younger players in the squad, I had offers from Green Gully, Fawkner, Bentleigh and the Melbourne Knights.

It’s not just about playing for a club that pays the most, but its more about playing for a club with history, a club that makes you want to play for the shirt.

I have supported the club since I was 5, my dad has supported the Blue and White’s since he was 10 and my grandpa has been a supporter, since he migrated from Greece.

The buzz may well be about the A-League and I’d be lying if I said I never want to secure an A-League contract, but with South going through administration issues last season, the club folding would’ve resulted in a significant change of landscape for the game in this country, and such a loss would’ve been tragic.”

What can the supporters expect from the team and from Evan Karavitis?

“The supporters must be patient. We have a lot of natural talent at the club, but ultimately talent, that is just starting out.

The experienced warheads like Dean Anastasiadis, Vaughn Coveny, Con Blatsis and Kosta Salapasidis need time to take us youngsters under their wing to pass on their experiences and help us improve.

That said, the fans can also expect exciting football times ahead, you know the odd-talent stepping up and producing a quality through ball, but again I stress and beg the fans for patience.”

“Personally, playing in a “somewhat” restricted position, my aim is to do a job for the team, week in week out.

As time goes on, the supporters will begin to see more flair and magic in my play… you know, more quality through balls, extra pace, more organisation, accurate long balls etc.”

Saturday, 19 February 2005 10:53 PM

By Mark van Aken

South Melbourne continued their solid start to the 2005 Vodafone VPL season with a well deserved 2-1 today at Frankston Pines. It was a good performance all round by the SMFC side, with Kosta Salapasidis playing a devastating role in attack, supported by a solid defence and his skipper Vaughan Coveny on the left.

While South Melbourne had much of the play in the early going, the side failed to capitalise on a smorgasbord of opportunities. After some early half chances a perfectly timed cross from Salapasidis found Scottish winger Ryan Dinse and almost the back of the net. His strike cracked the cross bar and rebounded back into play and was eventually cleared by the Frankston defence. On the quarter hour Dinse had another goal face opportunity but it was again foiled by a Frankston defender.

The home side was surrendering much of the possession to South for large patches of the first half but weren’t without their own opportunities, mainly through lumbering forward Nick Waite. Like their opponents, they were finding it tough to break down the defence in the last quarter and the teams entered half time locked at 0-0.

The second half began much the same as the first. South Melbourne controlled play in the middle of the park and had a fair shout at a penalty when Salapasidis was felled inside the area in the opening minutes. The referee saw it otherwise and incurred the wrath of the boisterous visiting SMFC support.

Rubbing salt into the blue and white wounds was Frankston’s Simon Webster capitalising on a Dean Anastasiadis slip up only minutes later. After surrendering a mountain of ball for close on an hour the home side owned a 1-0 lead. The Frankston side made sure the South fans on the far wing knew all about it.

Stung into action, South consistently went forward and were rewarded within minutes. Skipper Vaughan Coveny was fouled at the top of the box and the resulting Salapasidis free kick rocketed past a hapless Pines keeper to tie it away with around half an hour to play.

South continued their sorties forward, with Dinse regularly running at the Frankston defence and providing width to the attack. Eventually the weight of possession was too much, an own goal seeing the boys form the Peninsula fall behind 2-1.

Not disheartened by the set back, Frankston started to win more of the ball and looked likely in the last quarter hour, but it wasn’t to be. South claiming their second win of the season and cementing their spot near the top of the Vodafone VPL Premiership.

Coach John Anastasiadis was ecstatic with the win and the support the side received on the terraces. “It was good today. Some of our guys were physically challenged out there and guys like Billy Nats really stood up”, explained the rookie coach, “we had good support from the visiting fans and the win keeps us well in the mix in the league”.

South next travel to Bulleen on Monday week, February 28, for a highly anticipated clash between these two former NSL rivals.

Thursday, 17 February 2005 8:26 AM

By Michael Tsoukalis

After a week long break Vodafone Premier League activity resumes this weekend with South Melbourne travelling to Frankston in pursuit of a positive result to maintain their encouraging start to the season.

The Albert Park-based club has so far managed to defy pre-season form and start the season with two positive results at home. The first being a spirited 0-0 draw with fierce rivals Heidelberg whilst the second a narrow yet important 1-0 victory against the St. Albans Saints.

Conversely, Frankston have had a stuttering start to the season. Their opening fixture saw them demoralise the Bentleigh Greens 4-0, though they followed up this great result with a 0-2 defeat away to Heidelberg.

Frankston has had an interesting off-season with the loss several key players, in particular the loss of club custodian Stuart Webster will hurt the Pines as his commanding presence, shot-stopping ability and safe hands have often proved to be a solid back-bone for the Pines. Along with the loss of Webster, current South midfielder George Tzirtis and Ricky Diaco – who has joined last season’s champions Bulleen – signal a further two crucial losses for the Frankston North-based club. Club battering-ram Nick Waite remains a goal-scoring threat with the former Melbourne Knight’s striker on the mark against Bentleigh, the South backline must look to void the presence of Waite with his sheer strength and presence a constant threat.

Provided no last minute injuries occur, South will no doubt once again field a very similar line-up to their opening two fixtures. Giant centre-back Con Blatsis will be nearing a return though may miss again with the club opting to give the former Derby County player another week’s rest. South attacking interests will largely be vested in front duo Kosta Salapisidis and club Captain Vaughn Coveny, both players have been superb in the club’s opening two fixtures and have the experience and class to be a threat to any defence in the league. Worth a mention are the club’s two clean sheets thus far. Experienced keeper Dean Anastasiadis has been immense, using his experience to guide the defensive central pairing of Arthur Tsonis and Steven O’Dor who have kicked off their South careers in solid form.

Both teams need a positive result to help consolidate their starts to the season, South is currently sitting in equal 2nd on 4 points with a win likely to boost them into the top 3, whilst conversely, Frankston is 1 point behind South with a win likely to consolidate their standing in the top 6.

Wednesday, 16 February 2005 3:41 PM

By Mark van Aken

4 points from 2 starts, not bad for a South Melbourne team that was supposed to be battered from pillar to post in this year’s Vodafone VPL. But there is no time to rest on their laurels for John Anastasiadis’ SMFC side that travels to Frankston Pines on Saturday night.

“We’ve had good results so far but I expect that, I expected 4 points from 6”, says a steely resolved Anastasiadis. “I expect to win at home and I definitely think we shouldn’t be losing any games at home through out the season”, says a coach who is pleased with how his largely young team has handled the pressures of representing Australia’s most storied club. “They handled the pressure in front of 12,000 really well and backed it up against St Albans”.

With the VPL season taking an early breather last weekend, South’s squad was back at the coal face against Western Suburbs in a friendly. “It was a chance for some of the guys who hadn’t played much in the first two games to get a run, we won 3-1 and it’s good to know that we have a squad, not just 11 players, who can stand up when needed” explains the South gaffer whose squad is slowly growing in stature each week.

The longest away trip for the SMFC was previously across the ditch in New Zealand or across the Nullarbor in Perth, this year it is down the peninsula to Frankston, and it’s a road trip that Ananstasiadis is weary of. “They are a fit group and won’t stop running for 90 minutes”, warns the former striker, alluding that extra fitness in the legs was a determining factor in South’s opening fortnight’s positive results. “If you don’t have a fit side then you are going no where and I think we are in pretty good shape”.

From a youthful side with little size in the pre-season, South’s team has been boosted with the late signing of Steve Mc Nichol and still has Con Blatsis to return shortly. Others like Salapasidis and Dinse have impressed in the early going, but South have not fully settled their playing list just yet. “We are looking at some more senior types right now but nothing is concrete”, says a coach still keen to unearth the next SMFC young gun, “Victoria hasn’t produced too much talent of late, and we want to change that and bring through some really good new stars – we don’t just want to be recycling players”.

Which youngster will step up this week for the blue and whites? Fans will have to make the trip down to Frankston to find out.

Sunday, 6 February 2005 10:24 PM

By Michael Tsoukalis

South Melbourne have scored their first victory in the 2005 Vodafone Premier League defeating the St. Albans Saints by 1 goal to nil. In front of 3000 or so supporters, a breathtaking first half strike by Kiwi striker Vaughn Coveny was enough to settle the tie.

Coach John Anastasiadis fielded the same first eleven as he did in round 1 playing a flat back four of Tsonis, O’Dor, Tsirtsakis and MacNicol with a four man midfield consisting of Karavitis, Tzirtis, Natsioulas and Dinse. Up front Kosta Salapasidis was again given a free roaming role with Captain Vaughn Coveny playing as the lone striker.

With less hype surrounding the game and the St. Albans line-up relatively unknown, South came out with a far more open approach. This somewhat lax outlook almost immediately cost the home side when only in the 2nd minute a superb over-the-top through-ball by the St. Albans midfield was well controlled by striker Bossio who found himself six yards out and with only Anastasiadis to beat. Fortunately for the home side, Bossio scuffed his volley and didn’t even hit the target.

The Saints where at it again in the 7th minute when Paleka created some nice space for himself at the top of the box and unleashed a venomous strike that Anastasiadis did well to keep out.

Somewhat against the run of play, South opened the scoring. A 25-yard free kick was played square by Salapasidis to Coveny who looked to have taken a touch too many but just when the chance seemed to have been wasted, Coveny managed to unleash a stinging 13th minute angled drive – from outside the box- that Saints’ custodian Stjepan Gal – at full stretch – couldn’t get anywhere near.

Though disappointed with going behind, St. Albans continued to create chances. South pre-season trialist Ivan Razov saw a 16th minute free-kick – from just outside the South area – parried over by the excellent Anastasiadis. The South keeper was the home side’s saviour again when he parried another decent strike in the 21st minute.

The half ended with a bit of bust-up between South’s Scottish winger Ryan Dinse and a St. Albans player. The situation was close to boiling over with many players running to get involved but was thankfully quickly cooled with Dinse receiving a yellow card.

Seeing that South was failing in the centre of the park, coach Anastasiadis replaced Tzirtis with Koutsoupias at the start of the 2nd half, moving Natsioulas to the centre and playing Koutsoupias on the right wing.

South came out in the 2nd half far more determined, as early as the 49th minute Coveny broke down the right wing, shaked off his marker yet was slowed in his tracks by a lack of support, he still managed to pick out Ryan Dinse’s run on the back post but the South winger failed to connect with his attempted snapshot volley.

Dinse was at it again in the 51st minute when his dangerous run down the left produced a quality low centre that evaded the St. Albans keeper and was primed for a tap in only to see a lack of South players streaming into the box to get on the end of it.

St. Albans’ only chance in the second half was a 56th minute Dragicevic free-kick that looked headed for the top corner but thankfully for the home side just skimmed the roof of the net.

Koutsoupias had looked eager to impress and was at the heart of South’s next chance. His superb interplay with Dinse saw Koutsoupias released down the right, his subsequent 66th minute delivery was whipped in low with Saints’ defender Ivan Filipovic fortunate not to divert into his own net, seeing his mis-kicked interception just clear the crossbar with keeper Gal no-where in sight.

South then finished the game with a flurry and were denied two penalties which seemed clear cut. First a mazy 77th minute dribble by Salapasidis saw the South playmaker make his way into the St. Albans box, dazzling his way past the Saints’ defence Salapasidis appeared to have been clearly brought down yet referee Giuseffi waved play on. Then an 88th minute through-ball by Evan Karavitis was latched onto by the speedy Koutsoupias who took a touch away from the keeper, having his legs taken out in the process. Referee Giuseffi whistled immediately though to the amazement of the home supporters, issued Koutsoupias a yellow card for apparent simulation.

In between the two penalty appeals, Koutsoupias had shown his dogged determination in managing to outpace and outmuscle his direct marker and narrow into goal to unleash a 80th minute angled drive that keeper Gal did well to hold.

Final Score: South Melbourne FC 1 – St. Albans Saints 0
Venue – Bob Jane Stadium
Attendance – 2,989
Referee – Lewis Giuseffi

South Melbourne: Anastasiadis, MacNicol, O’Dor, Tsonis, Tsirtsakis, Natsioulas, Karavitis, Tzirtis (Koutsoupias 45), Salapasidis, Dinse (Krncevic 69), Coveny (c)
Subs not used: Curtis, De Nettis, Dimitropulos (GK)

Saint Albans Saints: Gal, Suric, Paleka M, Buljubasic, Filipovic, Paleka A, Razov, Franjic, Bosnic, Boddio, Dragicevic, Vunderl, Pete, Ievardo, Gazic

Cautions: Dinse (SM), Tsirtsis (SM), Koutsoupias (SM), ? (SA)
Red Cards: (None)

Thursday, 3 February 2005 8:00 AM

By Michael Tsoukalis

Coming off an encouraging draw against bitter rivals Heidelberg United, South Melbourne entertains a newly shaped St. Albans Saints in the 2nd round of the Vodafone Premier League.

The Saints have been decimated by departures, five of which have been to sister-club the Melbourne Knights. Dario Matkovic, Neven Antic, Tommy Milardovic, Tomi Razov and Mark Vidakovic have all made the move to Sunshine whilst experienced coach Vlado Vanis has also left the club. Gutsy midfielder Ante Deak is trying to win an A-League contract and will also be missing from the Saints’ plans this season whilst NSL-experienced striker Paul Urlovic has also departed.

The Saints have brought in seasoned veteran Vinko Buljubasic to try and marshal the defence, whilst pre-season South trialist Ivan Razov – a quick winger/midfielder – has also joined the club.

New and untried coach Srecko Baresic has the ominous task of trying to keep the Saints in the premier division this year with last week’s 2-0 loss against the newly promoted – and early favourites for the drop – Sunshine Georgies acting as stern realisation for the task that Baresic is presented with.

Conversely, South Melbourne are coming off a confidence boosting nil-all draw against Heidelberg United, a game in which the home side were tipped to suffer a hiding yet binded together to achieve an unlucky draw.

South coach John Anastasiadis was greatly impressed by the entire performance of his youthful squad last week and will no doubt make none if very few changes to this weeks starting line-up.

Showing his immense class Kosta Salapisidis will again prove to be the linchpin for the home side. His partnership with fellow NSL warhorse and club captain Vaughn Coveny will prove crucial to South’s goal getting ability. In the centre of defence the newly-formed partnership of Arthur Tsonis and emerging young-gun Steven O’Dor will hopefully provide the “bedrock” base the home side needs to keep the Saints forwards at bay, against the Bergers these two were outstanding and managed to repel any Heidelberg threat.

A win for South is a must and will consolidate a strong and encouraging start to the season. Conversely, a defeat for the Saints will only serve as a further indicator of a potentially long season ahead.

Wednesday, 2 February 2005 8:00 AM

By Michael Tsoukalis

Continuing with the theme of interviewing up-and-coming young-guns Vasilios Natsioulas typifies what the current South Melbourne squad is all about.

Bristling with talent and considerable NSL experience for-his-age,

Natsioulas was a fan favourite down at Knight’s Stadium, where his silky skills coupled with his dedication and obvious play for the shirt won the hearts of the Sunshine-based club.

His intentions at South Melbourne are no different, the supporters can expect much of the same.

A bit about your career to date?

“I started playing at the age of 7 at Clayton Juniors. At the age of 10 I moved onto their more advanced junior setup (Box Hill Inter) and spent 5 years there. I had one season at Knox when I was 16 and then moved to the VPL-based Bentleigh Greens where I made a couple of appearances off the bench for the seniors. Later that season I trialled for the Melbourne Knight’s youth team and was fortunately picked up. My senior debut came soon after where I played 25 or so NSL games largely as a winger with stints in attack and centre midfield”.

Having played both in the NSL and VPL what are the major differences in the standard of play?

“Look, both leagues have their advantages and disadvantages. The NSL is far more technical whilst the VPL is a far quicker style of play. In the NSL support play from team-mates was far greater, i.e. when you’re in a sticky position there was inevitably always an option. However, if the NSL was played at VPL-like speed the likelihood of players being skinned would also increase as the general technical ability of the old NSL was considerably better”.

Who are some of the hardest opponents you’ve come up against?

“Matty Horsely was a real livewire, super-fit and hard to keep up with. Tommy Pondeljak was high quality, box-to-box all game. However, Troy Halpin of Sydney Olympic takes the top award. Halpin is the sort of player who may not work much but makes up for his lack of engine by reading the game immaculately. He just knows where to position himself in order to get the ball. I distinctly remember playing against Olympic and having the most possession of any Knight’s player that day as I had decided to follow him around the pitch”.

Future Ambitions?

“I definitely want to stay in Australia and prove myself here. The overseas dream isn’t as much of a lure for me as it is with other players. The new Football Administration in place at the top of the game sees conditions for players in Australia continually on the rise. Being able to earn a comfortable living from the game at home, is now a real possibility and something which I find quite appealing. I won’t lie and say the A-League isn’t a league I want to be competing in, whether that be with a club like South or somebody else.

I’ve been at a similar level before, and want to reach that summit again.

Why did you choose South Melbourne?

“I chose South Melbourne for the shirt.

I had offers from the Knights, Oakleigh, Bentleigh and Green Gully, but ultimately I just wanted to play for South.

Having been one of the leading clubs in Australia for such a long time, the level of professionalism and prestige at the club is something a young player can really appreciate.

From something as simple as the quality of the facility that is Bob Jane Stadium, choosing South was ultimately an easy decision.”

What can the supporters expect from the team and from Vasilios Natsioulas?

“We’ve got a young side at South, but one which I firmly believe has the playing stocks to be challenging for a top-six position.

On a personal level, the fans can expect a player who loves to attack and has an emphasis on creativity.

The style of play I produced at the Melbourne Knights is a good indicator as to the level/style of play that I’m trying to bring to South Melbourne”.