Category: News

Monday, 8 December 2003 12:00 AM

South have lost their top position status after going down 3-1 to a Stuart Petrie inspired Northern Spirit. South’s squad was largely underdone with injuries to key players such as Paul Trimboli, Levent Osman and Michael Panopoulos leading to a somehwhat makeshift South line-up.

Scotsman Petrie sunk long range shots in each half, both 20-metre efforts set for the end of season highlights reel.

With little on at the stroke of halftime Petrie cracked a looping left footer to leave South Melbourne keeper Eugene Galekovic stranded.

Opposition striker Michael Curcija pegged one back in the 54th minute with a deft header from a Sam Poutakidis cross but it would prove to be Petrie and the Spirit’s night.

The 33-year old pounced two minutes later, propping with the ball at his feet from a similar range before striking a sharp shot into the left hand side of the net.

A solo effort by substitute Brent Fisher two minutes from time sealed the surprise result for the Spirit.

Earlier South Melbourne had struggled with decent supply but ultimately had the better scoring chances in the first half thanks to some impressive counter attack.

But the final touches were always on the leaden side.

In the eighth minute captain Vaughan Coveny – a surprise starter after a hamstring injury was expected to keep him out of the game – kicked straight at the keeper in a one-on-one situation with Paul Henderson.

Then striker Michael Curcija skied a ball in scoring range a minute later before midfield maestro Con Boutsianis’ header found the cross bar in the 29th minute.

The homeside had no such problem with penetration but seemed to lack options when it came to the penultimate ball.

That was until Petrie took it upon himself to do all the work with the first of his two superb strikes.

Spirit coach Lawrie McKinna was unsurprisingly full of praise for Petrie and his freakish conversions from difficult positions.

“Stewart was tremendous – he held the ball brilliantly,” McKinna said.

“But overall I was pretty happy with everyone – sometimes playing with a wind and no brains isn’t an advantage but we made it (the swirling conditions) work for us tonight.”

South Melbourne mentor Stuart Munro wasn’t displeased either, claiming his side played reasonably well despite not being “championship material” just yet.

“You could kind of tell it wasn’t going to be our day,” Munro said in reference to the three clear chances for South that went by in the first half.

NORTHERN SPIRIT 3 (S Petrie 45m 56m B Fisher 88m) bt SOUTH MELBOURNE 1 (M Curcija 54m) at Pittwater Park. Referee: A Nardi. Crowd: 1859.

-APP

Thursday, 4 December 2003 12:00 AM

By Michael Tsoukalis

Having emerged victorious in their past 3 encounters league leaders South Melbourne travel to Pittwater Park to take on the 9th placed Northern Spirit.

Stuart Munro’s men currently find themselves in a rich vein of form, triggered by the 0-5 whitewash of local rivals the Melbourne Knights, South have gone on to record victories against Adelaide United and a superb 6-0 result against the Football Kingz last week.

South currently find themselves atop the NSL ladder and will be keen for a positive result against the Spirit to help consolidate their top billing.

The Lakesiders will receive a massive boost with the news that gun recruit Michael Panopoulos has gained inclusion for this week’s match at the expense of Scott Tunbridge who misses through suspension. Panopoulos’ inclusion is likely to mean that young starlet Kristian Sarkies will go back to the bench allowing for the former Greek youth International to re-commence his midfield partnership with the ever hard-working, Marcus Stergiopoulos.

Conversely, the Lawrie McKinna coached Spirit have been dealt quite a blow with leading marksman Dylan Macallister missing through suspension. Macallister has had a solid season to date, contributing 4 goals to the Spirit’s plight and also managing to form a decent understanding with Scottish import Stuart Petrie. The Spirit will be marshalled by the inspirational former Glasgow Rangers stalwart Ian Ferguson who has surprised many with his commitment and performances in the centre of the park.

A positive for the NSW-based club is that their core squad remains vastly unchanged from last season’s heroic group of players that went on a late season surge to snatch a spot in the NSL finals, players such as goalkeeper Paul Henderson, midfielder Wayne O’Sullivan, defender Julian Watts and ex-Gippsland Falcons centre-man John Hutchinson have vast experience at NSL level in the cases of Watts and O’Sullivan, years of European experience as well. Up-and-coming youngsters such as Vuko Tomasevic, Brent Fischer, Adam Kwasnik and Bradley Groves round off a highly competitive squad that will no doubt push the Lakesiders all the way this Sunday.

Game: Northern Spirit vs South Melbourne
Date: Sunday 7 December 2003
Venue: Pittwater Park
Kickoff: 6.30pm

HEAD TO HEAD (Overall):
Played: 10
Spirit wins 3
Sth Melb wins 6
Draws 1

HEAD TO HEAD (at Sydney):
Played: 5(Regular Season)
Spirit wins 3
Sth Melb wins 1
Draws 1

Last Encounter:
Spirit won 3-2

LAST WEEK:
Spirit 3-0 away loss V Power
Sth Melb 6-0 home win Kingz

Position on Ladder:
8th V 1st

NORTHERN SPIRIT SQUAD:
P Henderson (gk), J Watts, N Spencer, M Osman, W O’Sullivan, V Tomasevic, S Petrie, J Hutchinson, I Ferguson, B Groves, A Kwasnik, M Hunter, S Baveas, B Fisher, S Page (gk)

IN: I Ferguson
OUT: D Macallister (suspended – 1 match)

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

IN: M Panopoulos
OUT: S Tunbridge (suspension – 1 match)

Sunday, 30 November 2003 12:00 AM

South Melbourne 6 Football Kingz 0
A CLUB-RECORD goal haul by Michael Curcija has put South Melbourne atop the NSL with a flogging of the crisis-ridden Football Kingz at Bob Jane Stadium today.

Curcija became just the fifth South player to score four goals as South deepened the woes of the cellar-dwelling Kingz, who now return to New Zealand with their tails between their legs and on the look-out for a new coach.

Coach Ken Dugdale quit two days prior to this match in protest at the travel policy.

The New Zealanders had to assemble at the Auckland airport at 3.15am to travel over for the match.

The Kingz would not return home until Tuesday, meaning those part-time players who had to work could not travel for this match.

Already without suspended captain Chris Jackson, the Kingz also lost leading goalscorer Harry Ngata and striker Paul Harries.

With such a preparation, the last thing they needed was to concede an early goal, which they did just two minutes in when Curcija had the time and space to seize on a loose ball and rifle home a shot from outside the box.

After a refreshing burst of rain snapped the very humid conditions, South doubled their advantage in the 33rd minute when a corner from Con Boutsianis – in his 200th South appearance – was well met with a close-range header by central defender Steve Laurie.

South got the goal which put them top of the NSL in the 56th minute, as Sam Poutakidis whipped in a cross from the left where Curcija had a free header that Kingz keeper Mike Utting could only parry into the net.

Curcija brought up his hat-trick in 72nd minute, running onto a clever Kristian Sarkies chip pass and into the area where he had a one-on-one with Utting, cleverly shooting past the keeper from a tight angle.

Curcija’s fourth came in farcical style when Utting tried to be clever by juggling up a backpass, losing control and allowing the South striker the easiest of tap-ins in the 85th minute.

Scott Tunbridge added the coup de grace in the 90th minute with a long-range shot past the hapless Utting.

Kingz assistant coach Tommy Mason, who took charge today and was expected to do so again for at least next week, was unsure if and when a new permanent senior coach would be appointed.

“It’s a terrible result to get in light of what’s been happening,” Mason said.

“We’ve had a good run of late and today we were beaten by a better team and we have to pick ourselves up, show some grace and get on with it.”

South coach Stuart Munro was at pains to ensure his team took no notice of their opponent’s turmoil and was rewarded with the club’s biggest win in eight years.

He was also chuffed for Curcija, who answered those critics who had emerged as he scored just two goals for the season leading to this game.

“We’ve had absolutely no problem with Michael but people were talking about him not scoring, he’s too slow, he’s too this, he’s too that,” Munro said.

“I hope it really kick starts the goal-scoring part of his season.”

AAP

Thursday, 27 November 2003 12:00 AM

By Michael Tsoukalis

On paper this Sunday’s clash between South Melbourne and the Football Kingz appears to be a one-sided affair. South Melbourne are currently flying and find themselves in 2nd position, conversely the Kingz have had a torrid season to date, rooted at the bottom of the NSL ladder an unlikely 3-1 victory against Marconi last week has Ken Dugdale’s men hopeful of a positive result against South.

South have lost inspirational captain Vaughn Coveny to a hamstring injury, the Kiwi international didn’t figure in last week’s victory over Adelaide United and is expected to miss anywhere between 3-4 weeks.

With the competition’s leading goal-scorer out of the line-up South found and unlikely hero in Ante Kovacevic last week, Kovacevic managed to double his career goal’s tally by nodding in a double against United. However, of vital importance will be the emergence of another goal-getter. In Con Boutsianis, Michael Curcija, Paul Trimboli and Scott Tunbridge South possess one of the competitions deepest and most talented forward lines; hence the absence of Coveny has good foundations to be minimised.

Gun recruit Michael Panopoulos continues to impress in his attacking midfield position, his work rate and ever growing understanding with Marcus Stergiopoulos has seen the South midfield flourish. South also possesses the league’s best goal difference, an achievement which can be largely attributed to the Lakesider’s defensive line which to date has only leaked four goals.

Conversely, the Football Kingz have the worst defensive record in the country having conceded 18 goals. Ken Dugdale has a squad that is vastly inexperienced at NSL level. Exceptions to this notion apply to leading scorer Heremaia (Harry) Ngata, Mark Burton and goalkeeper Michael Utting who had a brief spell at South during the Middle Park era in the mid 1990’s. Former South youth player John Tambouras also finds himself in the heart of the Kingz line-up after returning from a period of playing his football in Greece.

Game: South Melbourne Vs Football Kingz
Date: Sunday 30 November 2003
Venue: Bob Jane Stadium
Kickoff: 6.00pm

HEAD TO HEAD (Overall):
Played: 8
Sth Melb wins 5
Kingz wins 2
Draws 1

HEAD TO HEAD (at Melbourne):
Played: 4(Regular Season)
Sth Melb wins 3
Kingz wins 1
Draws 0

Last Encounter:
Sth Melb won 3-0

LAST WEEK:
Sth Melb 2-1 home win V Adelaide
Kingz 3-1 home win V Marconi

Position on Ladder:
2nd V 13th

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

IN: Unchanged
OUT: Unchanged

FOOTBALL KINGZ SQUAD: M Utting (gk), A Midtsian, G Collins, J Tambouras, M Burton, J Campbell, H Ngata, J Rowley, M Donoso, E Schjerven, P Harries, T Martin, D Rayner, C Coombes, R Nicholson (gk)

IN: D Rayner
OUT: C Jackson (suspended – 1 match)

Tuesday, 25 November 2003 12:00 AM

Are you aged 12-15 years and want to earn some extra pocket money before Christmas?

The South Melbourne Soccer Club requires trustworthy youngsters to sell match day programs before home games at Bob Jane Stadium. Earn some extra pocket money and get free entry into the ground!

For more information, please contact Anthony at the South Melbourne Soccer Club on 9645 9797.

Monday, 24 November 2003 12:00 AM

The notice to members dated 14 November 2003, regarding the meeting on the 7th December 2003 incorrectly advised that the meeting would be an Annual General Meeting. The meeting in fact is an Extraordinary General Meeting of members that has been specifically convened to communicate with members about the general progress of the club and specifically about important issues such as the future of the National Soccer Competition.

The agenda items with reference to the audited accounts and elections are not relevant although an update will be provided as to the clubs management accounts for the year to 30th June 2003.

The meeting will commence at 3.30pm in the Albert by the Lake reception room at Bob Jane Stadium.

Mark Patterson
on behalf of the Board
South Melbourne Soccer Club

Monday, 24 November 2003 12:00 AM

By Michael Tsoukalis

South have overcome a spirited and physical Adelaide United outfit and hence moved into 2nd position on the NSL table. New South defender and former Adelaide Force Captain Ante Kovacevic was the catalyst for the victory providing the Lakesiders with two headed goals – his first goals for the club – that ultimately proved to be enough for the home side.

With United bringing 7 busloads of travelling supporters to Bob Jane, there was an unusual amount of support for the opposition. To the credit of the United fans their never relenting chanting throughout the encounter – which was admirably tackled head on by South’s very own crew of passionate chanters, the “Clarendon Corner”, – provided Bob Jane with an electric atmosphere.

The game kicked off with both sides trying to adjust to each other’s playing style. The South faithful had noticed that highly influential South Captain Vaughn Coveny hadn’t warmed up prior to kick-off and to the chagrin of the home supporters, Coveny wasn’t to figure in today’s proceedings. In came Scott Tunbridge, his inclusion presented the former Adelaide Force front-man with the unique opportunity of lining up against many of his former team-mates.

With both sides playing somewhat tentatively a 12th minute South defensive clearance saw the home side catch the United defence flat footed, South striker Michael Curcija with only Adelaide custodian Robert Bajic to beat, sent his powerful volley wide.

The 17th minute saw Adelaide muster a decent chance, NSL veteran Carl Veart had a ball played to his feet, his sharpish turn released ex-South favourite Goran Lozanovski, who with plenty of time sent his powerful drive well over Galekovic’s goalmouth. South had been sent a clear warning, United were here to get a result.

In the 23rd minute South responded in the best manner possible, a floating ball which had evaded everyone was retrieved by stand in Captain Con Boutsianis, the enigmatic South favourite weighed up his options and delicately chipped a ball into the heart of the United box, first to meet the ball was Ante Kovacevic who did well to battle off a few Adelaide players and to hence send a looping header over the outstretched arms of keeper Bajic. Kovacevic had got his first for the club but more importantly, the opening goal in a well balanced game.

A buzzing Boutsianis nearly caught Bajic out in the 26th minute when his deflected free kick was unconvincingly parried by the United keeper, Scott Tunbridge was on hand to slam the rebound into the left upright after following on from Bajic’s parry.

The Second stanza saw South out to get that all-important second goal which would provide a decent buffer to propel the Albert Park based club to victory. Early in the 2nd half, Levent Osman – who had been running tirelessly up and down the right wing from his right-back position – got the better of his man and sent in a great cross that saw Curcija volley over from 6 yards out.

South’s second goal came in similar circumstances, a break down the right saw a far post cross unleashed into the Adelaide area, Curcija was on hand to head across the United goalmouth and after a tiny scramble near the United goal-line, Ante Kovacevic was once again on hand to nod home his second in the 61st minute.

With South appearing to be in a somewhat comfortable position, Michael Curcija was released and found himself with only Bajic to beat, Curcija deftly nudged the ball towards goal but saw his effort roll agonisingly wide. The chance that should’ve sealed the result served to only inspire, from that moment on Adelaide lifted their game and put South under severe pressure.

Soon after South’s goal United captain Aurelio Vidmar – with Galekovic beaten – saw his strike cannon off the upright, after a 10 minute spell of dominating play, John Kosmina’s men deservedly pulled a goal back, Carl Veart controlled a cross and with only Galekovic to beat, Veart went for power and even though Galekovic got most of his body behind the strike, the ball still trickled over the line in the 70th minute to give United some hope.

The remaining 20 minutes saw Adelaide dominate possession and continue to try and snatch an equalizing goal, thankfully for South the equalizer never eventuated; however, there were many instances were the home faithful had their hearts in their mouths.

Friday, 21 November 2003 12:00 AM

By Michael Tsoukalis

This Sunday NSL new-boys Adelaide United venture to Bob Jane Stadium to take on a flying South Melbourne side. South return home after a sterling 0-5 whitewash of Victorian rivals the Melbourne Knights.

United have subsidised bus travel for a few hundred of their most fanatical supporters and are hence expected to have a decent presence at Bob Jane. John Kosmina’s men will be desperate for a decent showing after suffering their inaugural loss last week against the Perth Glory. United were comprehensively outplayed in front of another sell-out Hindmarsh Crowd going down by 4 goals to 1.

United’s squad is largely made up of the players that were left club-less after the Adelaide City Force demise. Michael Valkanis, Carl Veart, Goran Lozanovski and player/Assistant coach Aurelio Vidmar provide the heart of the experience in the United line-up. Adelaide also managed somewhat of a preseason coup by managing to re-attract former NSL stalwart Ross Aloisi, Aloisi returns after a few seasons of plying his trade in various European countries and has added much needed experience and flair to the United midfield.

Conversely, South Melbourne come into the encounter having played some of the best football a South side has played in years. In comprehensively beating the Melbourne Knights, South not only racked up a brilliant result, but also managed to gel in a manner that had the South faithful present in awe of the side’s cohesion.

Gun-recruit Michael Panopoulos has firmly established himself in the heart of the South engine-room, last week’s encounter against the Knights saw Panopoulos at his commanding best, dictating the play of the game and stamping his obvious influence with a magnificent 30 yard strike, with Panopoulos in ominous form and the likes of Vaughn Coveny and Paul Trimboli – who chipped in with two goals against the Knights – making big contributions, South appear to be in a great position to continue their push for the NSL peak.

Game: South Melbourne vs Adelaide United
Date: Sunday 23 November 2003
Venue: Bob Jane Stadium
Kick-off: 7.30pm (7pm CST)

HEAD TO HEAD (Overall):
Played: N/A

HEAD TO HEAD (at South Melbourne):
Played: N/A (Regular Season)

Last Encounter: N/A

LAST WEEK:
South Melbourne 5-0 away win v Melbourne Knights
Adelaide United 4-1 home loss v Perth Glory

Position on Ladder:
4th v 9th

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: M Murdocca & V Lia (both U-20 international duty)

ADELAIDE UNITED SQUAD: D Scarsella (gk), K Rees, R Alagich, M Valkanis, A Goulding, R Aloisi, D Terminello, C Veart, G Lozanovski, A Vidmar, M Kemp, E Demourtzidis, A Pellegrino, M Saric, A Westervelt, R Bajic (gk) (one to be omitted)

IN: A Westervelt
OUT: S Widera, N Budin

Tuesday, 18 November 2003 12:00 AM

Yesterday, Bob Jane Stadium was overrun by some of the world’s most fearful
athletes. The All Blacks had a light training session, playing frisbee and
soccer, before meeting some of South’s’ players. Vaughan Coveny was overawed
by the occasion, finally getting the opportunity to meet his fellow New
Zealand representatives.

Other players to attend were amazed by the size of
the players and impressed with the soccer skills they showed. South
Melbourne wishes the All Blacks the best of luck in their 3rd place
play-off.

Monday, 17 November 2003 12:00 AM

Australia’s youngest national soccer team is set to invade the country’s oldest NSL club when Adelaide United takes on South Melbourne this Sunday at Bob Jane Stadium.

In a program emulating the invasion by AFL fans from Adelaide, more than 15 busloads of fans will make the pilgrimage to Melbourne for this week’s match.

“The challenge has been thrown out to our supporters and the Melbourne sporting public in general,” said South CEO Mark Patterson today.

Not in recent history has an interstate team been able to create the passion and success for its fans in the what Adelaide has done so far this season.” The club has been successful on the field with two wins and two draws from its five games in its inaugural season.

“It would be embarrassing for South if we were unable to meet this challenge, particularly after a great performance yesterday when the team captured an historic 5 nil victory in the local derby at Somers Street against the Melbourne Knights” said Patterson.

Club captain and NSL leading goal scorer Vaughan Coveny also joined the chorus for support after watching his fellow Rugby Union team the All Blacks train at Bob Jane Stadium this afternoon, “I believe we are playing a brand of soccer that is exciting and that the fans will really enjoy. With the added incentive of meeting the Adelaide supporter invasion head-on, it should be enough to spur us to victory again” said Coveny.

Patterson confirmed that Socceroos coach Frank Farina would also be the club’s special guest at this Sunday’s game. Kick-off is at 7:30pm.