Category: News

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.

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.