Category: News

Friday, 7 November 2003 12:00 AM

By Michael Tsoukalis

This Sunday South Melbourne travels to Perth to face NSL champions the Perth Glory. Both teams have much to play for with a South victory moving the Albert Park based club into second position whilst a win for the Glory could potentially see Mitch D’Avray’s men reclaim top position.

Perth should come out keen to atone for last week’s astonishing defeat suffered at the hands of NSL title contenders the Parramatta Power, the Glory were comprehensively beaten 6-0 by a Power side that finally gelled and delivered on the much publicised talent they have at their disposal.

Conversely, South coach Stuart Munro has named an unchanged squad after his chargers put in their best performance of the current season in managing to overcome – by 2 goals to nil – the much revamped Marconi Stallions. Stuart Munro’s men lead brilliantly by Captain Vaughn Coveny and gun signing Michael Panopoulos – who pulled the strings in midfield – managed to produce an extremely even and consistent performance that had the South faithful present, quite rightly impressed.

Coach Munro will be eager to try and overcome the travel curse that has plagued South since the Glory’s inception. In seven visits to Western Australia, South’s best result remains a 0-0 draw; the other six games have resulted in defeats for the Lakesiders.

Both sides have experienced a reasonably heavy change in personnel over the off season, the most notable departures for the Glory include Simon Colosimo and Andre Gumprecht who have both gone to the Power whilst exciting young defender David Tarka has left for the English 1st division and joined Nottingham Forest. Former Sydney Olympic trio, Jade North, Tom Pondlejak and Wayne Srhoj have been brought in to help erase the memory of the departed trio. Perth has also managed to pull off somewhat of a coup by attracting former Australian and Sheffield United defender, Shaun Murphy, back to the club.

Besides their impressive off-season recruiting, Perth also possesses arguably the most deadly, but without a doubt, the most consistent forward line in the competition. In Damian Mori and Bobby Despotovski the Glory have in their arsenal two front men who enjoy scoring goals for fun, add to this attacking presence the defensive stability provided by goalkeeping stalwart Jason Petkovic, the midfield drive experienced campaigners Matthew Horsely and Brad Hassell often supply along with a few up-and-coming youngsters such as Mark Byrnes and Adrian Caceres and the Glory possess one of the most balanced and impressive squads in this season’s competition.

So a tough encounter lays ahead for South, Munro’s men on purely historical data will not be expected to come away with a positive result, however, Munro has managed to assemble a squad that displays a never-ending and battling spirit, hopefully with an ounce of luck, South will be able to get something out of Sunday’s game.

Game: Perth Glory Vs South Melbourne
Date: Sunday 9 November 2003
Venue: Arena Joondalup
Kickoff: 3.00pm
Radio: 6PR 882AM 3pm (WST) live broadcast (Perth only)

HEAD TO HEAD (Overall):
Played: 14
Glory wins: 8
Sth Melb wins: 3
Draws: 3

HEAD TO HEAD (at Perth)
Played: 7 (Regular Season)
Glory wins: 6
Sth Melb win: 0
Draws: 1

Last Encounter:
Glory won 2-0

Last Week:
Glory 6-0 away loss V Power
Sth Melb 2-0 home win V Marconi

Position on Ladder:
2nd V 3rd

PERTH GLORY SQUAD: J Petkovic (gk), J North, B Hassell, S Murphy, M Byrnes, M Bingley, T Pondeljak, W Srhoj, D Mori, S Miller, M Horsley, B Despotovski, A Caceres, J Coyne, V Matassa (gk)

IN: J North
OUT: N Mrdja (ommited)

SOUTH MELBOURNE SQUAD: E Galekovic (gk), M Panopoulos, A Kovacevic, M Stergiopoulos, M Curcija, C Boutsianis, S Tunbridge, V Coveny, S Poutakidis, C Recchia, K Sarkies, S Laurie, P Trimboli, L Osman, M Theoklitos (gk),

IN: Unchanged
OUT: Unchanged

Sunday, 2 November 2003 12:00 AM

By Michael Tsoukalis

South Melbourne has moved into 3rd and consolidated a position in the top 6 after a comprehensive victory against the Marconi Stallions.

On a typically cold yet rain free Melbournian evening, the Lakesiders managed to shut out the Stallion’s front men and eventually capitalised on their dominance of the general play by knocking in two second half goals.

From the onset it was obvious that Marconi coach Jean Paul De Marigny had instructed his players to focus defensively and to then try and hit South on the counter. South however dominated the midfield play and managed to regularly carve out decent chances.

The 10th minute saw South forward Michael Curcija released with a ball over the top, the ball sat up well and Curcija released a dipping volley from outside the box, Marconi custodian Michael Turnbull was beaten, however, Curcija’s shot went slightly over the bar and nestled on the top of Turnbull’s goal.

South was then desperately unlucky not to go ahead when a superb 13th minute cross – from a Coveny break down the right wing – was met by Curcija on the volley from point blank range, Stallions keeper Turnbull amazingly guessed right from 5 yards out and at full stretch managed to keep South at bay, South then tried to capitalise on the rebound but the ball – from an acute angle – was struck fiercely into Turnbull’s upright and went out for a goal kick.

Marconi then tried to make an impact with ex-Parramatta winger Brendan Renaud getting the better of his man down the right wing and sending in a glorious 15th minute cross which the South defence did well to clear for a corner. Then in the 23rd minute Marconi went close again, Nick Carle found space at the top of the South box, and unleashed a strike that the closing South defence managed to deflect, the 6000-strong South faithful painfully watched as the strike nearly looped over South keeper Eugene Galekovic, fortunately for the Lakesiders the ball nestled on top of Galekovic’s goal.

For the rest of the half South continued to dominate possession and managed to carve out half chances with a 25th minute Boutsianis volley glancing just past Turnbull’s left upright and a Levent Osman overlap down right wing resulting in a dangerous 35th minute cross – from within the Marconi area – that Turnbull did well to save with his feet and send out for a corner.

The second stanza saw Marconi continue to adopt their counter-attack strategy, the 59th minute saw ex-Melbourne Knights striker Joe Spiteri played in over the top, Spiteri cut inside the South defence and released a low yet powerful shot that slammed into Galekovic’s side-netting.

Marconi coach De Marigny was being consistently vocal on the touchline, encouraging his side to maintain focus, the Stallions had looked fired up throughout the encounter and obviously eager to atone for the bad publicity the club had received for the ugly incident involving the missing Brad Maloney in last week’s game against the Parramatta Power.

However, Marconi’s spirit was severely dented when a 62nd minute Con Boutsianis shot/cross somehow managed to deceive everyone – including keeper Turnbull – and trickled into the back of the net to send South ahead, it was the slice of luck the Lakesiders had deserved after consistently applying pressure throughout the game.

The 68th minute saw South ice the game when the influential Boutsianis placed his corner inch-perfect for Captain Vaughn Coveny to rise above the Marconi defence and nod in on the back post, it was the South skipper’s sixth of the season and a goal which ultimately killed off the Stallions.

To Marconi’s credit they still managed to carve out a couple of decent chances deep into the second half, first a 72nd minute Luke Casserly free-kick whipped past Galekovic’s top corner and in the 79th minute lovely interplay between the Stallion’s midfield saw Nick Carle all alone in the South area with only Galekovic to beat, fortunately for South Carle hit his shot on the volley wide.

In the closing stages of the game South’s new recruit Scott Tunbridge nearly opened his account with first a volley in the 90th minute that went straight at Turnbull and then with practically the last kick of the game an unmarked Tunbridge – who was left alone after a superb centre by Boutsianis – was denied by Turnball who managed to fingertip his strike onto the upright.

Thursday, 30 October 2003 12:00 AM

“Fans urged to support club or miss out on new league”

The winds of major soccer reform in Australia threaten the existence of foundation NSL club South Melbourne. This is the stark message taken away by the club’s two most senior officials after they returned from an NSL meeting in Sydney yesterday.

Club President Peter Mitrakas and Chief Executive Mark Patterson returned from Sydney with this open and honest warning to the club’s supporters. “ There is a strong view in soccer that reform must be radical and teams will need to prove that it has the business and marketing ability to take the game forward” said Patterson.

“While we are very supportive of the reforms and excited about South’s potential involvement we have some major challenges to address. We must be clear there will be trade-offs for South Melbourne. The performance bar will be raised higher than ever and as a club we must raise the bar in ever area of our operation, if we are to be serious contenders” Patterson said. Crowd levels and the contribution that the fans make to the club will no doubt be a key consideration for the NSL task force.

A critical area of performance will be the ability of the club to attract its fans to games. The objective is to get back to the crowd levels of 10,000 and more that were a feature of South’s matches in the past.

Unfortunately many fans are under the misapprehension this season means little to soccer because of the reform however that could not be further from reality in particular because the winner of the championship this year will most likely participate in the FIFA World Club Championships in 2005.

South Melbourne is a foundation member of the National League, however it is clear to South’s top men that this alone will not assure the club entry into the new competition, and the it will be the fans of South who also need to understand the influence they will have as to whether the club will continue in the country’s top competition or not. “Our ability to attract crowds over the next few weeks will send a very clear message to the powers that be as to whether South Melbourne are serious contenders or not and we need to attract sustainable fans and membership support“ said Mitrakis.

So far this season South has attracted only average support, which is worrying to the club as it is very keen to push for participation at the top level.

The NSL task force will report its findings to the Australian Soccer Association Board on 1st December.

The new league will be a new and totally different competition and probably unrecognisable to the existing NSL. “We are not talking about modifications to the old competition, we are talking about major and wholesale changes to the face of national soccer in this country” Patterson said.

South Melbourne’s fans must now show strength in numbers at home games or be prepared for its club to simply accept that it is not good enough to participate at the highest level. There are no guarantees of a reform league membership for any of the existing clubs and South Melbourne is no exception.

Sunday evenings clash with one of the leading teams Marconi has been the talking point in soccer for different reasons this week after an incident packed match last week in Sydney. A poor crowd will not be a good sign for South Melbourne’s future in the reformed league.

“We want to embrace change and be positive but we want the fans to show us that they are serious about wanting us to represent their soccer interests. We are playing good, exciting and positive soccer and we are asking the fans to back the team and the club by putting bums on seats” said Patterson

All indications are that the new reformed league will be operational for next year.

Thursday, 30 October 2003 12:00 AM

South Melbourne joined forces with Australia’s International Rules team to promote this weekend’s sporting extravaganza. Captain Vaughan Coveny and Eugene Galekovic were joined by Australian Captain Shane Crawford and goalkeeper Glen Jackovich after Australia’s training session on the MCG last night. Vaughan and Eugene were happy to give the Australian players advice on kicking the round ball and wished them all the best for their Friday night game against the Irish.

As a special promotion for South’s Sunday night game versus Marconi, anyone who presents their Australia v Ireland International Rules ticket, Derby Day ticket or Australia v Ireland Rugby World Cup ticket can gain half price entry to Bob Jane Stadium. There will be drink specials all night and a large Irish contingent is expected.

Thursday, 30 October 2003 12:00 AM

By Michael Tsoukalis

After a sterling performance against Newcastle United South return to Bob Jane Stadium to face the rejuvenated Marconi Stallions. Coached by NSL stalwart and former Marconi legend Jean Paul De Marigny the Stallions have made an impressive start to season 03/04.

Marconi kicked off their season with an undefeated run through their first 5 encounters; the Stallions however dropped their first game last week (25/10/03) against title favourites the Parramatta Power, going down by 2 goals to 1.

Marconi find themselves comfortably entrenched in the top 6 and coach De Marigny must be credited with managing to attract an impressive array of players back to the club. Winger Brendan Renaud has returned after a couple of seasons at Parramatta, Brad Maloney also makes a much-heralded return to Marconi Stadium after spells at both the Perth Glory as well as the Parramatta Power. Ex-Sydney Olympic striker Jeromy Harris has also made the move to Bossley Park.

Perhaps however, De Marigny biggest coup is the acquisition of Nick Carle, an exciting midfielder with a classy technique and an eye for goal. Carle returns after a spell in France and is looking to re-establish himself in the NSL in order to impress the national coaching staff.

Add these signings to an already impressive crop of established NSL-hardened players such as Angelo Costanzo, Dominic Longo, Luke Casserly, Chad Gibson, Joe Spiteri as well as exciting youngsters such as Shane Webb, Kevo Gulessarian and Alex Brosque (who will be missing due to commitments with the U20 national squad) and Marconi possess one of the strongest squads in this season’s competition.

Conversely South Melbourne are coming off yet another positive away result against Sydney United, the Lakesiders have conceded only 2 goals in their 5 encounters and hence possess the strongest defence in the competition. Worrying for South is the fact that their 8 goals have come from only 2 games, – the 0-4 victory against Wollongong and the 4-1 drubbing of Newcastle – Coach Munro will be eager for his charges to settle early and work at getting some goals on the board.

Young Socceroos Vince Lia and Massimo Murdocca will be missing due to national team commitments, however, their absence should allow for the first team return of Kristian Sarkies, the just turned 17 year old made a sparkling NSL and South Melbourne debut against Newcastle and will be eager to follow up his first performance with yet another solid display.

A win for South could see them overtake Marconi into third position; whilst a Marconi victory would see the Stallions consolidate a top 3 position and perhaps nudge into second place if Parramatta drops points.

Game: South Melbourne v Marconi Stallions
Date: Sunday 2 November 2003
Venue: Bob Jane Stadium
Kick-off: 7.30pm AET

HEAD TO HEAD (Overall):
Played: 52
South Melbourne: 19
Marconi wins: 22
Draws: 11

HEAD TO HEAD (at S’th Melbourne):
Played: 24 (Regular Season)
South Melbourne: 15
Marconi wins: 9
Draws: 0

Last Encounter:
Marconi 2-2 home draw (Round 23 – 21 February 2003)

LAST WEEK:
South Melbourne 0-0 away draw v Sydney United
Marconi 2-1 home loss v Parramatta Power

Position on Ladder: 5th v 3rd

SOUTH MELBOURNE SQUAD: E Galekovic (gk), M Panopoulos, A Kovacevic, M Stergiopoulos, M Curcija, C Boutsianis, S Tunbridge, V Coveny, S Poutakidis, S Storey, K Sarkies, S Laurie, P Trimboli, L Osman, M Theoklitos (gk)

IN: L Osman, M Panopoulos (both promoted)
OUT: V Lia, M Murdocca (both U-20 international duty)

MARCONI STALLIONS SQUAD: M Turnbull (gk), C Gibson, L Casserly, D Longo, A Costanzo, N Carle, G Last, B Renaud, E Anabalon, J Harris, J Spiteri, M Thwaite, T Brodie, S Webb, S Alogdellis (gk)

IN: S Webb, L Casserly (both back from injury), D Longo (back from suspension)
OUT: B Maloney (suspended – 2 matches plus tribunal hearing pending), A Brosque (U-20 international duty), K Gulesserian (long tem injured), D Severino (omitted), D McDonald (omitted)

Wednesday, 29 October 2003 12:00 AM

South Melbourne Soccer Club is hoping to capitalise on the influx of the Irish this Sunday when it takes on Sydney side Marconi at Bob Jane Stadium, Albert Park at 7.30pm.

Today at the Celtic Club the club announced a number of special offers for the Irish supporters of the Gaelic AFL hybrid code and the Irish Rugby World Cup supporters including free ticket offers to the big soccer game on Sunday evening.

The club has made available free entry tickets to several of Melbourne’s Irish pubs and back packer residences.

In addition, anyone who produces their tickets from either the International Series game, the VRC Derby or the Australia v Ireland Rugby World Cup will receive half price entry to the big game at Bob Jane Stadium at 7.30pm.

Club Chief executive Mark Patterson said “ We want to embrace this weekends celebration of sport by attracting as many sports mad fans of all codes to Sunday evening’s soccer match, as it is an ideal way to conclude a sports mad weekend”

“We want the visitors to get their fix of the world game while they are in Melbourne and our encouragement of their attendance has the objective of exposing them to the game of soccer here in Australia and hopefully join in the party atmosphere of Soccer at South Melbourne” he said.

Patterson is excited about the game and went on to say “Sunday night’s match promises to be great game with 3rd placed Marconi taking on 5th Palace South Melbourne”

For those who are unable obtain a free pass from one of the participating pubs or backpacker’s hostels, tickets will be available at the gate or buy them online!

Adults $15.00
Concession $10.00
Children 12-17 yrs $5.00
Children Under 12 FREE

Monday, 27 October 2003 12:00 AM

By Michael Tsoukalis

South Melbourne has continued its impressive defensive record away from home managing to come away from the Sydney United Sport’s Centre with a goalless draw.

In a game marred by referee Craig Zetter’s insistence on dishing out the yellow card – Zetter booked 11 men in total, 6 from Sydney United and 5 from South – both coaches were content with the result, however United coach Grant Lee voiced his displeasure at Zetter’s showing, Lee stated “The fans come to see the game, I’ve never played a game in my life where there are 11 yellow cards.”

Sydney United can count themselves slightly misfortunate after returning Young Socceroo Franco Parisi had crossed to midfielder Labinot Haliti, Haliti managed to head home but referee Zetter disallowed the goal after Haliti had strayed offside.

For the Lakesiders a 65th minute Con Boutsianis free kick produced a sharp save from Sydney United’s custodian Liam Reddy. Three minutes into injury time, returning Young Socceroo Massimo Murdocca – after combining with Con Boutsianis – almost managed to snatch South victory, however, the game would finish in a goalless stalemate.

Sydney United

0 – 0

South Melbourne

Line-Up

Line-Up

1

Liam Reddy (gk)

3

Labinot Haliti (-73′)

5

Michael Cunico

6

Joe Vrkic

8

David Huxley

9

Franco Parisi

11

Damon Collina

18

Paul Ivanic (-85′)

21

Mark Rudan

23

Anthony Doumanis

25

Marko Filipovic

20

Eugene Galekovic (gk)

3

Simon Storey

6

Ante Kovacevic

8

Vaughan Coveny (-83′)

10

Con Boutsianis

12

Marcus Stergiopoulos

13

Vince Lia (-81′)

15

Steve Laurie

16

Massimo Murdocca

18

Michael Curcija (-66′)

22

Sam Poutakidis

Substitutes

Substitutes

14

Petar Markovic (+85′)

17

Tolgay Ozbey (+73′)

24

Antony Zmire

20

Ivan Necevski (gk)

9

Paul Trimboli (+66′)

19

Kristian Sarkies (+83′)

25

Scott Tunbridge (+81′)

30

Michael Theoklitos (gk)

Cautions

Cautions

D Huxley 37′
J Vrkic 54′
M Filipovic 64′
L Haliti 69′
M Rudan 75′
M Cunico 77′

S Storey 19′
S Poutakidis 41′
A Kovacevic 53′
V Lia 59′
S Tunbridge 85′

Red Cards

Red Cards

Referee

Crowd

Venue

Craig Zetter

2691

Sydney United Sport Centre

Thursday, 23 October 2003 12:00 AM

By Michael Tsoukalis

Sunday sees South travel to the Sydney United Sports Centre (formerly known as Edensor Park) to face Sydney United. Coming off a sterling 4-1 victory against the ladder topping Newcastle United, South is further strengthened with the availability of young Socceroos Massimo Murdocca and Vince Lia and much-heralded signing Michael Panopoulos.

After a promising start to their campaign United’s season has somewhat gone downhill in the last two weeks. Opening round victories against Wollongong and the Football Kingz had David Lee’s men as the early NSL pacesetters, however, since returning from a bye in round 3 United have lost consecutive games to Sydney Olympic and the Parramatta Power without managing to find the back of the net.

Returning from national team duty is Franco Parisi who should add some bite to the “Bravehearts” forward line. In Liam Reddy – who moved from the Parramatta Power in the off-season – United possess one the local games most talented – if not a touch temperamental – young keepers. NSL experience can be found throughout the United line-up with players such as Joe Vrkic, David Huxley, Matthew Langdon, Michael Cunico and Damon Collina all having played at the highest level in Australia for quite some time.

In young midfielder Anthony Doumanis United also possess one of the league’s most unpredictable yet exciting players, discarded by Sydney Olympic a couple of season’s ago, Doumanis’s diminutive figure lends itself well to his fast paced and technical approach to the game, Doumanis along with many players in this season’s United squad have more than a point to prove to their previous employers.

Conversely, South are full of confidence and looking to consolidate their position in the top 6. Captain Vaughn Coveny has started the season in ominous form, bagging 5 goals from 4 starts. Impressive teenager Kristian Sarkies will once again push for a starting position in South’s midfield engine room. The availability of Murdocca, Lia and Panopoulos gives coach Munro a multitude of attacking options, yet South go into the game having only conceded 2 goals thus far, and more importantly, no goals, in their two away games to date.

Game: Sydney United Vs South Melbourne
Date: Sunday 26 October 2003
Venue: Sydney United Sports Centre
Kickoff: 5pm EST

HEAD TO HEAD (Overall):
Played: 41
United wins 17
South wins 17
Draws 7

HEAD TO HEAD (at Sydney United):
Played: 17(Regular Season)
United wins 8
South wins 6
Draws 3

Last Encounter:
South 1-0 away win (Round 16 – 5 January 2003)

LAST WEEK:
United 2-0 home loss v Parramatta Power
South 4-1 home win v Newcastle

Position on Ladder:
7th v 6th

SYDNEY UNITED SQUAD: L Reddy (gk), M Rudan, J Vrkic, M Langdon, L Haliti, M Cunico, D Huxley, D Collina, T Doumanis, F Parisi, P Markovic, P Ivanic, T Ozbey, M Filipovic, I Necevski (gk)

IN: F Parisi (returns from U-20 international duty), D Huxley (returns from injury), A Doumanis, T Ozbey (both return from suspension)
OUT: D Heffernan (suspended – 2 matches), S Babic, G Nohra, A Zmire (all injured)

SOUTH MELBOURNE SQUAD: TBA

Wednesday, 22 October 2003 12:00 AM

South Melbourne Soccer Club congratulates Vince Lia and Massimo Murdocca for being selected to represent Australia at the FIFA World Youth Championships. The selection provides a great opportunity for Vince and Massimo to showcase their skills on a world stage. The inclusion of these two South players strengthens South’s reputation for producing Australian players with Scott Tunbridge and Eugene Galekovic currently in the Australian U/23 squad.

Vince and Massimo will be available for selection this week against Sydney United and then depart for Korea on 1st November. The team is playing in Korea and Japan before taking part in the FIFA World Youth Championships in the United Arab Emirates, with the final being held on the 17th December 2003.

Upon returning to Australia, Vince and Massimo will be available to play in South’s first game of the new year, versus Sydney United on the 11th January 2004.

South Melbourne wishes Vince, Massimo and the entire Australian U/20 team the best of luck and much success overseas.

Sunday, 19 October 2003 12:00 AM

By Michael Tsoukalis

South Melbourne has bounced back emphatically after a last week’s disappointing performance against Brisbane. Led by the ever-inspirational Vaughn Coveny – who bagged a hat-trick – and teenage sensation Kristian Sarkies, South comfortably accounted for Newcastle by 4 goals to 1.

Coach Munro fielded a largely unchanged line-up from last week’s opening home encounter against the Strikers, notable changes were however made in that Mehmet Durakovic made his return to the first 11 in place of Levent Osman and young teenager Kristian Sarkies – a product of the VIS – was given his full NSL debut in place of gun recruit Michael Panopoulos.

South once again started somewhat tentatively, the game took a while to get into gear, with both sides registering notable efforts on goal in the early proceedings. The 5th minute saw Newcastle striker Ryan Griffiths get the better of the Durakovic after the ball was played in over the South defence, fortunately for South Griffiths was well closed down and the ball went out for a corner.

South’s first glorious opportunity arrived in the 13th minute after Sarkies had spotted a Curcija run down the right, Curcija measured his cross and delivered a curling centre that fell to Con Boutsianis who did well to bring the ball down but unfortunately couldn’t keep his volley low and on target.

The 23rd minute saw Boutsianis again waste great work down the right, this time South captain Vaughn Coveny had done exceptionally well to create space for himself and deliver a ball that evaded the United defence, with only United keeper John Perosh to beat, Boutsianis attempted a delicate lob that went wide.

The game was blown wide open in the 29th minute when United custodian Perosh inexplicably sent his clearance straight to Curcija, baring down on goal Curcija attempted to round Perosh and was brought down in the process, a penalty was awarded and Newcastle defender Peter Tsekenis was given his marching orders. Coveny stepped up and converted low to Perosh’s right.

To Newcastle’s credit they hit back almost immediately, the 30th minute saw South momentarily lapse defensively which allowed Newcastle to play in striker Greg Owens, Owens produced a text book finish, striking across Galekovic’s goalmouth to level the ledger at 1 a piece.

South however were determined to make their man advantage count, firmly embedded in the player’s minds from last week was coach Munro’s comments that the crossing lacked the needed quality, the 39th minute saw Simon Storey overlap down the left wing, Storey produced a stinging cross that Coveny did superbly well to rise and head down past a diving Perosh, South had regained the lead and most importantly before half time.

The 2nd stanza saw South further assert their dominance, with Kristian Sarkies pulling the strings in the centre of the park akin to a seasoned pro let alone a first game debutant South always looked dangerous going forward. It was therefore no surprise when Sarkies played a visionary ball over the United defence to an overlapping Sam Poutakidis, whose subsequent low cross – which was aimed near at keeper Perosh – was fumbled by Perosh and eventually trickled over the line to give South a deserved 3-1 lead and “Pouta” his second goal of the season.

Newcastle however failed to give in, the 67th minute saw Boutsianis dispossessed in the centre of the park with United defender Adam Griffiths continuing his run forward, Griffiths was nearly rewarded after being spotted by the Newcastle midfield who played a lovely long ball over the South defence that Griffiths managed to meet, however, fortunately for South Griffiths’s header failed to hit the target.

South wrapped up the game in the 76th minute when Curcija once again found space wide on the right, Curcija took his time and measured his cross inch perfectly for the incoming Coveny to rise above the Newcastle defence and emphatically head home his hat-trick and South’s 4th.

The 78th minute saw South legend Paul Trimboli replace Con Boutsianis to a thunderous applause, Trimboli’s introduction further inspired the relentless South to create 3 further classical chances. First off the 80th minute saw a Coveny header cleared off the line by the United defence. Coveny was involved again in the 82nd minute when his deft touch played in Curcija who unleashed a stinging drive that Perosh did well to save at full stretch.

Finally Curcija was denied a deserved goal when in the 85th minute yet another quality ball from the right, this time from Poutakidis, saw Curcija unmarked with only Perosh to beat, unfortunately for the Lakesiders Curcija’s header went wide.