Category: News

Sunday, 22 February 2004 12:00 AM

By Michael Tsoukalis

The Northern Spirit completed a rare double over South Melbourne by defeating the free-falling Albert Park based club by 2 goals to 1.

South stumbled to their fourth consecutive loss on the back of an uninspired performance in front of its home faithful.

Spirit youngsters Adam Kwasnik and Jonathon Richter were the destroyers, nipping in for two very well taken goals in 52nd and 68th minutes.

South coach Stuart Munro put out a vastly unfamiliar line-up partly due to injury as well as lack of form. Regular striker Michael Curcija was omitted altogether with the patient Scott Tunbridge finally getting an opportunity to lead the line. Other notable changes included the benching of gun signing Michael Panopoulos as well as a return to the starting 11 for South Legend Paul Trimboli. Trimboli has spent a vast amount of the season on the bench; he returned to the starting 11 mid-week against Marconi and obviously did enough to retain his spot.

Defensively, injuries have hurt South, coach Munro’s hand has been somewhat forced and today’s back four consisted of defensive regulars Ante Kovacevic and Sammy Poutakidis, as well as the relatively inexperienced Nick Tolios and Carl Recchia.

Inexperience aside, South started the game brightly, as early as the 7th minute a Boustianis free kick eluded the defensive wall and found its way to an unmarked Vaughn Coveny, controlling un-cleanly Conveny did enough to get off a shot that bobbled just wide of Spirit custodian Paul Henderson’s right upright.

A 15th minute Vuko Tomasevic 30 yard rocket that whistled narrowly wide, reminded South that the Spirit had arrived to play positively and try their best to get something out of the game.

South quickly regained the balance of play when an intuitive Kristian Sarkies 17th minute lob from outside the Spirit box nearly caught keeper Henderson napping. Sarkies was desperately unlucky as his shot bounced just wide with Henderson struggling to make ground. Sarkies was at it again in the 19th minute when he assumed free kick responsibilities and sent a dipping 20 yard drive over the Spirit wall, luckily for the Lawrie McKinna coached side, Henderson read the shot well and positioned himself smartly to grasp the ball firmly on his chest.

South nearly conceded in the 20th minute when a defensive mix-up saw Kiwi youngster Brent Fisher nearly capitalise. Fisher found himself one-on-one with the re-instated Galekovic, however, the South custodian was quickly off his line and saved well.

Gaining in confidence, the Spirit had another decent attempt foiled by Galekovic. In the 32nd minute, ex-Parramatta Power midfield workhorse Wayne O’Sullivan unleashed a rocket-strike from just outside the South defensive area that Galekovic did well to save. The ball appeared to be destined for the top right-hand corner, only for a diving Galekovic to parry away for a corner.

After showing some attacking menace in the first half, South came out in the second appearing flat. Struggling to create any meaningful attacking play, the Spirit capitalised on South’s lack of attacking initiative by hitting the home side on the counter. Spirit defender Tomasevic sent an angled ball from deep in defence to young forward Kwasnik, who controlled well and calmly slotted past Galekovic in the 51st minute to send the Spirit ahead.

With South seemingly disinterested in mounting a fight-back, Kiwi youth international Fisher found himself in acres of space just inside the South area, his angled 67th minute shot was well placed but Galekovic was once again on hand to save around the post.

Then in the 68th minute the Spirit struck the killer blow, Jonathon Richter was played right through the centre of the South defence, he did well to keep his composure and as he narrowed in on goal, Richter kept his cool to slot past Galekovic. The Spirit bench leapt in joy with coach McKinna and Australian soccer legend Alex Tobin embracing in delight.

By now the South faithful had become restless; with their beloved side staring at a 4th consecutive loss, slight “boos” began to be heard. Then in the 71st minute Captain Coveny gave the home side a lifeline after a superb back-heel by Kristian Sarkies set up Coveny to unleash a pile-driving strike from just outside the Spirit defensive area past a helpless Henderson, who even at full stretch could do nothing about the shot

With South sensing an opening, the last ten minutes saw the home side pile on the pressure with Coveny missing a glorious chance to pull the teams level. The ball had been squared across low and when a first time strike was needed, Coveny hesitated, took a touch and by then, had the entire Spirit defence pressuring him. The goal-mouth scramble that ensued ended in a Spirit clearance.

South’s final attempt was a desperate long distance strike by Nick Tolios, Tolios’s strike was hit well, however it flew past the right-hand top corner, and with that miss, South’s chances for a result also faded.

Friday, 20 February 2004 12:00 AM

By Michael Tsoukalis

This Sunday South return to Bob Jane Stadium for their last regular season home game. Back at their familiar hunting ground South will be eager for a victory to help push them up as far up the ladder as possible.

Stuart Munro’s men have hit a lean patch with recent away losses to Adelaide United, the bottom placed Football Kingz and the resurgent Marconi destroying the club’s chances of a top two placing.

Languishing near the bottom of the NSL, the Mick Hickman coached Spirit will be playing for nothing other than respect. The club has been dogged by off-field problems right through the season yet has still managed some great results, with most notably, a 3-1 home victory against South earlier on in the campaign. That day Stuart Petrie scored two wonder-goals from outside the area, and once again the Scottish marksmen will be a player the South backline will have to be extremely weary of. Petrie has tucked away 7 goals this season to be by far the Spirit’s number one goal-scorer.

The Spirit have been dealt a blow with young emerging forward Dylan Macallister overseas trialling, that said, in Adam Kwasnik, Vuko Tomasevic, John Hutchinson, Brent Fisher and Alex Wilkinson, the Spirit possess a richly talented array of youngsters who have developed into regular contributors for the NSW based club.

Conversely, South are desperate for not only a positive result, but more importantly a good showing to help build momentum and form for the upcoming finals series. Ever since the 4-0 whitewash of local rivals the Melbourne Knights, Munro’s men have struggled for form and cohesion resulting in three disappointing away losses to Adelaide United, the Football Kingz and Marconi. Consequently, the Spirit clash has gained in importance as a South win may see Munro’s men leap to as high as third if other results go the home side’s way.

Squad wise, injury clouds remain over defenders Simon Storey and Mehmet Durakovic, Storey reportedly has a bout of osteitis pubis, whilst Durakovic is nursing a badly torn calf muscle. Those injuries aside, Coach Munro has a near full complement of players to choose from and with the business end of the season fast approaching, competition amongst the squad should be at an all time high with players looking to find their best form to impress the coaching staff.

Thursday, 19 February 2004 12:00 AM

South Melbourne will go into the final two rounds of the season in the knowledge that they will play in the finals series.

Perth’s 2 nil victory over Sydney United last night saw the team from Bob Jane Stadium into the finals with focus now on achieving victories against Northern Spirit at Bob Jane on Sunday at 6.30pm, and against Sydney Olympic in the final round.

There were very strong indications in Tuesday’s match against Marconi in Sydney that the form slump was over, “We showed all the signs I was looking for from the team in Sydney, we played a much improved brand of soccer and a number of players showed glimpses of the form that took us to the top of the table during the season” said coach Stuart Munro after the game.

The team is now focused on finishing in third position and two wins from the remaining games can see this happen.

“I am hoping that our form slump came at the right time and that we will peak again now to give the fans something to really cheer about over the next few weeks” said Munro.

Sunday’s game will be proceeded by two special curtain raiser games:

1.00pm -The Premiers team Vs The Police Department

3.00pm – The South Melbourne Women’s team Vs VSF Women’s

6.30pm – South Melbourne Vs Northern Spirit

“We will also admit all women to the matches free of charge as part of the promotions for the day” said Chief Executive Officer Mark Patterson.

“I urge all South fans to come out and support Stuart and the team at Bob Jane on Sunday as we enter the business end of the season.” Said Patterson.

Tuesday, 17 February 2004 12:00 AM

AN exhausted Marconi has come away with a 1-0 win over South Melbourne in the National Soccer League match at Marconi Stadium tonight.

The deferred round 20 fixture was the Stallions’ second game in four days and the exhaustion began to show near the end.

The victory secured Marconi a place in the finals with only two matches left in the season – tough away assignments against Adelaide and Perth.

The win came at a price for the home side, however, with striker Jeromy Harris being carried off with ankle ligament damage in the 26th minute.

Brad Maloney found the back of the net in the 38th minute to secure victory.

Nine minutes into the match, Maloney found the net but referee Mark Shield ruled offside.

South Melbourne had a chance midway through the second half when both Kristian Sarkies and Con Boutsianis took shots but both were impressively saved by Marconi goalkeeper Michael Turnbull.

Marconi moved to 27 points on the NSL ladder, in equal sixth place with Sydney United, still with one more deferred match and a bye up its sleeve.

-AAP

Monday, 16 February 2004 12:00 AM

By Michael Tsoukalis

South travel to Marconi Stadium this Tuesday for a catch-up fixture that was postponed due to the Olyroo commitments of a number of Marconi players. The game has increased in importance for Stuart Munro’s men as 2 consecutive losses has seen South plummet to fourth position with all hope for the invaluable second spot, all but gone.

Conversely, Marconi are in stunning form and are coming off a 3 game winning streak which culminated in a sterling 3-0 victory against Sydney United on the weekend. A win for the Stallions could see Jean Paul De Marigny’s men sky rocket to as high as 3rd, repaying the request of the club to postpone matches until its players returned from international duty.

In Alex Brosque and Nick Carle, Marconi possess two of the nations most talented youngsters, both players have returned from international duty with an added zest and have been outstanding in assisting the Stallions to victories in their past 3 games. Carle in particular has had a brilliant season, with his 6 goals from midfield and countless assists, showing the true potential of the former Troyes player.

Carle and Brosque aside, De Marigny has assembled one of the best squad’s in the NSL. Quality experience is to be found in the likes of ex-Parramatta midfielder Brad Maloney who has nipped in with 6 goals this campaign and has been his usual industrious self in the centre of the park. Brendan Renaud, Angelo Costanzo, Dominic Longo, Simon Bell and Luke Casserly are all super experienced at NSL level and provide quality defensive cover for the Stallions. Up front, ex-Melbourne Knights forward Joe Spiteri links up with former Sydney Olympic front-man Jeromy Harris to produce a truly burly forward setup that to-date has failed somewhat to live up to expectations – Spiteri and Harris only have 6 goals between them – however, their value at holding up the ball and providing an immense presence in the attacking zone cannot be underestimated.

Conversely, South have been ravaged by injury and poor form, against the Football Kingz, a makeshift defence consisting of Nick Tolios, Levent Osman, Carl Recchia and Sam Poutakidis was used as through injury and suspension, defensive regulars Simon Storey, Mehmet Durakovic and Ante Kovacevic were unavailable. Kovacevic is set to return from suspension against the Stallions, however, who Munro retains in defence shall be interesting to observe.

In the centre of the Park, the return to fitness of Marcus Stergiopoulos is a huge boost for the Lakesiders; Stergiopoulos played a key role in South’s impressive start to the season playing the defensive midfield role superbly well. His inclusion against the Stallions may be crucial in aiding South’s defensive problems, as his ability to track back and break up the opposition’s attacking play is invaluable to the Albert Park based club.

Attacking wise, South have not scored a goal in their past two encounters, with the array of attacking talent at Munro’s disposal, such a return is disappointing and may lead to more game time for ex-Adelaide City forward Scott Tunbridge who has been extremely patient in waiting for his chance to obtain a regular spot in the first 11. Tunbridge was used in a wide role early on in the season, but with the return of Young Socceroo Vince Lia and the established pairing of Coveny and Curcija scoring regularly, Tunbridge has had to bide his time.

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.