South Melbourne FC travel to Port Melbourne this Saturday, chasing back to back wins in what will be a scorching early evening clash. The game will test the conditioning of both teams, as the mercury is expected to be sitting at a sweltering 35°C for the 6PM kick off.
The two teams go into battle being separated by only two places on the ladder and both will be hungry to keep within touching distance of the league leaders.
South Melbourne catapulted up to 6th last weekend, overcoming Dandenong City 1-0 in a tight contest. Con Tangalakis will be encouraged by the early season form of his squad, particularly as the team has seen significant changes over the offseason. Eight players have debuted over the first two rounds and another positive performance will do wonders for team cohesion.
On the other hand, despite sitting in 8th place, Port Melbourne has struggled to fire in 2019. Port commenced the season with a first round 0-0 draw at home to Kingston, which was followed by a 1-0 defeat to Avondale FC.
The Sharks have picked up a solitary point and are yet to score in their opening fixtures, a worrying stat which they will be desperate to break.
Recently, South have had their own alarming trend which the coaching and playing staff will be eager to address. In the last four clashes between the teams, South Melbourne have only won once and have received three red cards.
South will be hoping their early season momentum will help buck the trend against Port Melbourne and to bag another three points.
Thanks to Football Victoria’s game-changing new broadcasting deal, ALL senior NPL games will be broadcast and streamed LIVE. If you are unable to support the team in person, more information about how to watch can be found here.
Match details
Port Melbourne Sharks vs South Melbourne FC
Saturday 2 March @ JL Murphy Reserve
Kick off 6.00pm