Category: News

Saturday, 14 February 2004 12:00 AM

THE Football Kings confronted the ghost of a recent thrashing by South Melbourne months ago by beating the Australian team 2-0 in Auckland tonight.

Usually propping up the bottom of the National Soccer League, the Kingz upset the favourites who went into the match with the confidence of knowing that last time these two teams met, it was a 6-0 trouncing.

The Kings got off to a sharp start, and in the 19th minute, Harry Ngata beat the defenders to a free kick inside South Melbourne’s penalty area, drawing out the goalkeeper and providing Noah Hickey with a plum ball to tap in for a 1-0 lead, which they held through the interval.

Ngata popped up in the 59th minute to double his side’s advantage, heading in on the near post from a corner.

Kingz notched up their third win of the season in the encounter, during which South Melbourne rarely looked like scoring.

-AAP

Friday, 13 February 2004 12:00 AM

By Michael Tsoukalis

This Saturday’s trip to Auckland looms as very important game for South Melbourne. If Stuart Munro’s men harbour any hopes of a top two finish, a win against the bottom placed Kingz is a must.

Coming off an extremely disappointing result away to Adelaide United – where a victory would’ve propelled the Albert Park based club into 2nd spot – South will be keen to make amends against the league’s cellar dwellers.

The Kingz have lost their past three encounters, with the 47 goals they have conceded to-date ranking as the worst defensive record in the NSL. Their inability to achieve positive results is greatly reflected via their accumulated points tally; with their 9 point haul 7 points behind the second-from-bottom Melbourne Knights.

Attacking midfielder Heremaia Ngata remains a genuine threat from the centre of the park, his 5 goals so far this season sees him atop the Kingz’ goal-scoring charts. Ex-South youth player John Tambouras has also been ultra consistent for the Kingz this season with veteran former All White Chris Jackson providing experience and steel in the centre of the park.

Quite remarkably the Kingz have given a run to 27 individual players at some point throughout the season, an astonishing figure that doesn’t bode well for team cohesion and general player understanding.

Conversely, the Lakesiders with once again a near full complement of players to choose from will be looking for a solid display and eventual victory to not only cement 3rd spot, but to also stay alive for the coveted 2nd position which comes equipped with a double chance. A loss for Munro’s men would see Parramatta skip to a clear 6 point advantage, virtually confirming their position in the top 2.

If fit, last week’s late withdrawal Simon Storey will be expected to come straight back in to re-assume his left-back role. After openly being disappointed with the disjointed performance in Adelaide, a few selection changes to the first eleven may be implemented by Coach Munro. Munro was particularly critical with the effort shown by his players who he felt were “second and third” to most balls, the ex-Glasgow Rangers stalwart will be looking for a much improved all-round performance from his chargers and with so much to play for, an improved performance should be assured.

Saturday, 7 February 2004 12:00 AM

Adelaide United 2 South Melbourne 0
A DEPLETED Adelaide United unleashed an early onslaught to topple third-placed South Melbourne at Hindmarsh Stadium tonight to edge closer to a dream finals spot in their first season.

Striker Nick Budin set the tone with a brilliant turn and volley to sweep home a left wing cross from new cult hero Fred Agius in only the sixth minute.

His first goal of the season perked up the NSL newcomer to keep pressuring the more experienced South Melbourne team before 12,463 fans.

Skilful Agius, 20, a former Australian under 17 international, inspired United in the absence of prolific striker Carl Veart and ex-international Goran Lozanovski and gave South’s usually sure defence plenty of headaches.

His poise and clever passes forced errors and his cross conjured up the opener for strike partner Budin.

New Zealand international Vaughan Coveny worked hard in his 300th NSL match but could not get his side to be a threat to a revved up United.

Budin forced South keeper Michael Theoklitos to parry a fierce shot in the 29th minute but two minutes later midfielder Ross Aloisi rewarded Adelaide’s constant pressure with a tap-in for 2-0.

Defender Michael Valkanis got on the end of some good lead up work by Agius and he kicked the ball invitingly across the South goal for Aloisi to race in and net his second goal this season.

Con Boutsianis flashed a trademark free kick from 20 metres just over the crossbar in the 50th minute but it was as much as South mustered as a threat in attack.

Adelaide United keeper David Scarsella ensured his team’s seventh clean sheet this season with an 80th minute save from Michael Curcija.

Aloisi just missed a second in the 53rd minute as his 25 metre drive rattled the corner of the crossbar and sailed over for a goal kick as United kept South pegged back.

United’s best win so far at home ensured they shored up fifth position with five games left to play but midfielder Aaron Westervelt was one of six players cautioned in the match and will miss Sunday’s match against the Melbourne Knights.

Adelaide United coach John Kosmina praised his players’ commitment and passion to down high-riding South Melbourne, squaring up for the away defeat against the same team earlier in the season. “We needed the result after last week’s poor performance (against Perth),” Kosmina said.

“The boys took it upon themselves to perform and they committed themselves superbly.”

South coach Stuart Munro couldn’t hide behind what he described as “the worst performance of the season” by his team.

“We could tell after the first 10 minutes when they let a few tackles fly that Adelaide were up for it and we weren’t,” he said.

“My players were second and third to nearly every ball in the first half.”

Munro said he didn’t know why but his team had failed miserably on three away trips in hot conditions this season.

“We were shaken in defence after our left fullback Simon Story pulled out today with a late injury and we never seemed to settle at the back with some players in new positions,” he said.

“But you can’t take anything away from Adelaide

“They kept us on the back foot virtually the whole game even after I gave them a roasting at half-time,” said Munro.

Munro said United’s first goal was great but described his defenders as “dead in the head’ as they witnessed the Aloisi goal that sealed it.

“I talked my assistant coach through the second goal – as it happened it was that obvious a player was loose in the penalty area,” he said.

“But we’ll bounce back next match. We’re capable of so much more.”

APP

Friday, 6 February 2004 12:00 AM

Be sure to tune in to Channel 31 tonight between 9 and 10pm for the South Melbourne Show. Tonight’s show features a special interview with South CEO, Mark Patterson who will be informing all supporters about the current position of the club and the application to the new league.

In addition, the cameras go behind the scenes into the dressing rooms, Kristian Sarkies will be stirring up the host and Stuart Munro will be interviewed about last week’s 4-0 win over the Knights and the upcoming battle against Adelaide United tonight.

Plus, see all the highlights from the fantastic win over the Knights including that magical goal from Sarkies.

The South Melbourne Show, Channel 31, 9pm tonight!

Thursday, 5 February 2004 12:00 AM

By Michael Tsoukalis

This Friday night South venture to Adelaide’s Hindmarsh stadium to take on the high-flying Adelaide United in what looms as a near “6-pointer” for both sides. Parramatta’s draw against Marconi has paved the way for the Albert Park based club to regain the all important 2nd position if a win in Adelaide can be achieved. Conversely an Adelaide win would see the John Kosmina coached United go a long way in securing a top 6 birth.

One of the few success stories of the current season, Adelaide have been pulling in bumper crowds throughout their inaugural campaign and will naturally be expecting a close to capacity crowd for the visit of glamour club South Melbourne. With a strong South Melbourne supporter presence expected at the game, Friday’s game epitomises the type of encounter that the NSL needs more of, that is, two sides with much to play for, a bumper crowd, and passionate support from both sets of supporters.

A quick glance at the United goal difference highlights both an obvious strength and weakness of the Kosmina coached side. Having conceded only 18 goals, United’s defence lead by regulars Michael Valkanis, Richie Alagich, Aaron Goulding and Kristian Rees has done a superb job in defending custodian David Scarsella’s goal. However, United’s over-reliance on veteran midfield/striker Carl Veart to get goals could prove to be a stumbling block against South. Veart has managed to tuck away 8 goals so far this term; the only other player over 1 goal is fellow forward Mislav Saric who has 2 goals to his name.

United’s consistent form this season can no doubt be largely attributed to the experience of seasoned professionals such as Aurelio Vidmar, Goran Lozanovksi, Michael Valkanis, Ross Aloisi and of course Veart. This crop of players not only has vast NSL experience, but more importantly, all players have had quality stints in Europe which have no doubt proved invaluable to Adelaide’s plight this season.

Conversely, Friday’s encounter sees South Melbourne celebrate two significant milestones amongst their playing ranks. Captain Vaughn Coveny brings up NSL game number 300, whilst new recruit Scott Tunbridge somewhat ironically plays his 100th career game against many of his former team-mates.

South are coming off an easy 4-0 victory against the Melbourne Knights and will have to be weary of complacency as a much tougher encounter is naturally expected. For the Stuart Munro coached side, Michael Panopoulos has served his suspension and should be in line for a return, however, the form of midfield starlets Kristian Sarkies and Massimo Murdocca will leave Coach Munro with a tough selection decision.

Injury wise the Albert Park based club has been somewhat blessed this season with only Levent Osman having struggled with injury in recent times. Such fortune is a predicament that all coaches throughout the league could only wish for as when one takes into account the depth of South’s squad, Coach Munro finds himself in the difficult situation of having to find the best line-up from a squad where every player has contributed greatly to South’s plight this season.

Thursday, 5 February 2004 12:00 AM

South Melbourne Captain, Vaughan Coveny, and striker, Scott Tunbridge will both play milestone games tomorrow night against Adelaide United at Hindmarsh Stadium.

Coveny will play his 300th NSL game of which 234 have been played in South’s blue and white. Coveny began his career with the Melbourne Knights where he played two seasons before transferring for another two years to the Wollongong Wolves. After top scoring for Wollongong in the 1994/95 season, he moved to the club he has since called home. In nine years at South Melbourne, he has been the top goal scorer for four seasons and was part of the 1997/98 and 1998/99 Championships. This season, his experience and class has rewarded him with the South Melbourne captaincy, a position which he has thrived in. At an International level, Coveny has represented his native country, New Zealand, on more than 50 occasions including the 1999 and 2003 FIFA Confederations Cup finals. He also took part in the 1999 World Club Championships in Brazil with South Melbourne.

Reaching the 100 game milestone against Adelaide United could not have been more fitting for South’s Scott Tunbridge. The former Adelaide City striker led the goal scoring for Adelaide in his first two NSL seasons before transferring to South Melbourne this season. Tunbridge made his International debut with the Australian under 23’s in 2003 and looks set to take the next step into the Socceroos in the near future. Remarkably, after debuting in the NSL as an 18 year old, Tunbridge has reached the 100 game milestone at the young age of 21 years.

South Melbourne has even more inspiration to win tomorrow night with Parramatta Power last night drawing 2-2 with Marconi. A win in Adelaide would now place South Melbourne in second position on the table with four games remaining.

The game kicks-off tomorrow night at 8:00pm AEST at Hindmarsh Stadium in Adelaide.

Monday, 2 February 2004 12:00 AM

Just under 20,000 fans have passed through the gates of Bob Jane Stadium in the last week to watch South Melbourne play two of their biggest blockbuster games this year. The Australia Day game versus Perth Glory set a season record with 11,641 fans attending while Saturday night’s final derby against the Knights drew 8,120.

South Melbourne CEO said “It is very pleasing to see the team getting the support they deserve leading up to finals”. The nil-all draw against Perth Glory was one of this season’s highest quality games while South’s four-nil win over the Knights further cemented their final’s campaign. Patterson went on to say, “the great crowds we have been getting not only help us with our application to the new league, but they also lift the players to a higher playing level.” Along with Perth Glory and Adelaide United, South Melbourne has consistently attracted 8,000+ supporters per home game.

“It is clear that South Melbourne, Perth and Adelaide are streets ahead of the rest of the league in terms of home town support” Patterson commented. “If the new league is to be successful, 10,000 plus crowds should become the norm with blockbuster games attracting 15,000 – 20,000 at least. South Melbourne is well on the way to achieving this level of public interest,” he added.

Commenting on the crowd behaviour reports Patterson said “these reports grossly over exaggerated the crowd behavioural problems we expected. Given the nature of the last ever clash between the two clubs the crowd controllers and police did a wonderful job managing the supporters of both teams”. “The club was bitterly disappointed that there were problems at all and should any of our supporters be found to have been involved in any unacceptable behaviour then we will ban them from future games” he went on to say.

South’s final home game will be against Northern Spirit on Sunday 22nd February at the revised time of 6:30pm. The club has many plans for the day with two unique curtain raiser matches including a women’s match and outside promotions from a major retail outlet. With the second spot on the table still in close contention, South is urging all fans to support their team at Bob Jane Stadium. AS PART OF THE PROMOTION OF THE DAY ALL WOMEN WILL ADMITTED FREE TO THE MATCH.

Saturday, 31 January 2004 12:00 AM

By Michael Tsoukalis

A Kristian Sarkies inspired South Melbourne have comfortably defeated cross-town rivals the Melbourne Knights in the final meeting between the two stalwarts of Victorian football in NSL competition.

Unaware of where their futures lie, the Knights players appeared flat throughout the encounter. That said one can take nothing away from the accomplished performance of the Lakeside club, especially the new centre-midfield combination of young-guns Massimo Murdocca and Kristian Sarkies, who defied their tender years and dominated the middle.

With such a gap in the club’s fortunes it didn’t take long for South to assert their intentions. In only the 2nd minute of play South striker Michael Curcija found himself in some space in the Knight’s box, Curcija’s shot on the turn was decent but unfortunately for the home side, strayed wide.

The game then went through a semi-lull period where the home side seemed to be expecting something to happen as opposed to dictating the play and hence making sure something did happen. A goal was needed to kick-start the South onslaught and Curcija was on hand to provide the inspiration, after being fed the ball on the edge of the South area, Curcija shielded the ball well and made space for a powerful strike, the South faithful were soon up in the air celebrating the game’s opener after Curcija’s strike took a wicked deflection off Knight’s defender Adrian Leijer and ballooned over Knight’s custodian Vilson Knezevic in the 23rd minute.

South then went on rampage creating a guilt-edged chance in the 27th minute after great work from midfield dynamo Murdocca found Vince Lia in acres of space down the right flank; Lia’s subsequent cross was inch perfect for Curcija who failed to make decent contact, miscuing his header and failing to test Knezevic.

A minute later the preciseness of Kristian Sarkies’s passing picked out Curcija on the edge of the Knight’s defensive area, sensing Knezevic was off his line, Curcija attempted an intuitive lob that narrowly sailed over the goalmouth and finally rested on the top of the net.

By now South were comfortably on top, enjoying the lion’s share of possession and looking dangerous at all times. Ever increasing in confidence one could sense a genuine buzz every time young sensation Kristian Sarkies touched the ball. The 40th minute saw the VIS product stamp his arrival on the NSL stage with a wonder-strike. Receiving the ball deep in the Knight’s defensive area, Sarkies put his head down, rounded a defender and at the same time created enough space to unleash a dipping and curling 25 yard effort that sailed over a helpless Knezevic and nestled in the bottom right hand corner. It was a goal of instinctive brilliance and even more astonishing when one considers Sarkies at only 17, has the confidence in his own ability to grab a game by the scruff of the neck.

South came out in the 2nd half keen to add to the score-line and with only 52 minutes gone, Sarkies added an assist to his sterling display after brilliantly feeding Curcija on the edge of the box, the South marksman controlled once and then calmly stroked past Knezevic to make it 3-0.

Searching for a fourth, the mercurial Con Boustianis was unlucky not to add one of his trademark free-kicks to the scoreline after his 67th minute effort was parried by Knezevic onto the left upright.

Deflated after clearly been outplayed, Tom Razov provided the Knights with their best moment of the derby, unleashing a stinging 70th minute drive that narrowly whistled past South keeper Michael Theoklitos’s upright.

After coming on at half time, South striker Scott Tunbridge was bristling with enthusiasm and busting to prove a point to coach Stuart Munro in the hope of securing a starting position, Tunbridge had been unlucky in the 72nd minute after a cross from the right from Ante Kovacevic saw the him rise amazingly well to head just wide. Tunbridge’s persistence and hard working qualities were rewarded right at the death when a Boutsianis strike from outside the box was parried by Knezevic into the path of the ex-Adelaide City forward who was on hand to tap home a much deserved goal and to put the icing on a sterling South display.

Thursday, 29 January 2004 12:00 AM

South Melbourne Soccer Club fans can now get an in-depth understanding of the team and its performances through a new one hour television show that will commence this Friday 30th January from 9.00pm.

The South Melbourne Show will run for an hour each Friday night through a prime time show dedicated to the South Melbourne Soccer Club.

The show will feature match highlights, player and coach interviews, post match media conferences, competitions and junior, women’s and community segments. The program will be produced by the Greek Media Network in a deal that not only includes production, but also includes the provision of air-time on the Channel 31 Network.

This initiative by South again proves the tireless backstage efforts of the club in ensuring that our strategic and marketing plans are representative of what is required for entry into the new league. South Melbourne is the only NSL club to air their own dedicated soccer show.

South Chief Executive Mark Patterson believes the show will not only be informative for South’s thousands of fans it will assist in the exposure and development of soccer in Victoria. “This is a great initiative that we are confident will drive additional support for the team and increase the profile of its star players and soccer in general” he said.

Thursday, 29 January 2004 12:00 AM

By Michael Tsoukalis

The Melbourne derby is always an emotional and passionate affair; this season’s incarnation however has special significance. With the Knights announcing their intentions to continue in the Victorian Premier League, this encounter potentially looms as the final derby between the two powerhouses of Victorian football in top flight domestic competition.

Form wise both sides offer an immense contrast. South are near the league’s pinnacle, whereas the Ian Dobson coached Knights are languishing near the bottom. Severe financial constraints have seen the Knight’s opt for a stringent youth policy which has seen promising future talents such as Bill Natsioulas, Isyan Erdogan, Steve Pantelidis, Adrian Leijer and Serkan Oksuz emerge.

The experience of the Vargas brothers Andy and Rodrigo adds much needed stability to the Knight’s line-up with seasoned veteran Andrew Marth providing some steel in the middle of the park. Ultimately however, the lack of quality experienced players and a proven goal-scorer – Anthony Pelikan has the best return with 5 goals (at the time of print) – has seen the Knights struggle for consistency and results.

Struggles aside the Knights have shown that on their day they can emerge with a solid result, their round 14 away 0-1 victory against Marconi showed that the Sunshine outfit does possess enough talent and competitiveness to grind out decent results, however, whether or not such a combination of luck and cohesion can be achieved in front of a packed and parochial Bob Jane Stadium remains to be seen.

Conversely South’s squad is almost perfectly balanced with experience and promising talent, Coach Munro has an abundance of options to choose from with nearly every player in the squad having made a decent contribution to South’s plight so far this season. Munro has throughout the season continued to experiment with line-up changes with the most competition occurring in the centre of the park where the Lakeside outfit is particularly blessed with a plethora of quality options. Kristian Sarkies, Massimo Murdocca, Vince Lia, Michael Panopoulos, Con Boutsianis and Marcus Stergiopoulos have all distinguished themselves at various moments during the season and are all considered crucial players to Albert Park based club, hence, finding the right mix in the South engine-room will be crucial not only for the Knight’s game but for also the run in to the finals.

Selection headaches aside, the significance of the day cannot be forgotten, a rivalry which has lasted for decades in the spotlight of the local game will perhaps be coming to an end. Emotions will be high for both sets of supporters with the only genuine winner being football as a passionate atmosphere rarely seen in the local game is bound to evolve. Hopefully the enormity of the occasion will rub off on the competing players who with a touch of luck will be able to give us an encounter to match the spectacle and prestige of the occasion.