Thursday, 28 November 2002 12:00 AM
South Melbourne moved to fourth spot, its highest position of the season, thanks to a late winner by New Zealand International Vaughan Coveny.
Last nights 1 – 0 victory over Parramatta Power took the Blue and Whites to 17 points, behind third placed Newcastle only on goal difference. South Melbourne has won their past three consecutive home matches and travel north to hopefully continue their winning streak in the Sunshine State this Saturday.
Nick Theodorakopoulos’ Parramatta Power took it to the home team, playing a very tactful game continuously pressuring, closing the South Melbourne attacks and moving the ball quickly when in possession.
Danny Wright’s men kept penetrating the Power goal and with the match destined for a draw, Vaughn Coveny stepped up to capture the three points and score his fourth goal of the season.
“Although we are happy with the result we are not happy with the way we played. We have to readdress the training schedule to ensure players are peaking on a Sunday and not at a Wednesday night training session”, says Wright.
The goal came in the 85th minute when Vince Lia slipped passed his opponent to swerve a cross to an awaiting Michael Baird, who’s directed header across goal found Vaughan Coveny’s thigh which guided the ball past the goal line.
“Baird directed his header well and the keeper made a good save which luckily fell to me. The ball was awkward to hit but I got my shin onto it and it went in”, says Coveny.
The hard fought victory came at the expense of playmaker and in form midfielder Bill Damianos. Damianos had to be substituted in the 13th minute after he caused damage to his hamstring trying to rapidly surpass two opponents.
“Billy went into the game under an injury cloud but tests on Friday showed no immediate tear. Unfortunately hamstrings can defy medical advice and Damianos has now a tear to his upper thigh and will be out from 2 to 4 weeks”, says Wright.
Due to the upcoming Australian Under 20 World Cup qualification tournament, South Melbourne are without Vince Lia, Michael Baird and Massimo Murdocca for the game against Brisbane. The Strikers will also miss young talents Matthew McKay and Wayne Heath and Fernando Rech who is suspended.