Summary: South Melbourne have defeated Port Melbourne for the second time this season, recreating the score line from their round 3 clash. Sporting a lineup with large changes, the home side boasted their new signings, who gelled well enough to keep Port out.
As we progress through the FFA cup, we are now at a stage where it holds more importance than the odd league game, and so it was no surprise when Sunday’s lineup was revealed, and a large portion of familiar faces were absent. It seemed like an ideal time to be a new signing, as Melvin Beckett, Josh Dorron, Tom Aulton and Peter Skapetis all received their first starting match, with Keenan Gibson also getting some game time. While I hoped we’d get more out of the match than a ‘learning experience’, there wasn’t really much to gauge how well they’d work together. It was also of interest (to me at last) as to how who would play the role of the attacking focal point with Billy Konstantinidis on the bench, or it we’d revert to throwing multiple attacking midfielders into that role like we did at the start of the season.
The game started and it was apparent that the latter was more likely our strategy. Relying on quick link ups between Nick Krousoratis, Gerrie Sylaidos and Peter Skapetis, we were able to bypass the Port defence on multiple occasions. While Schroen’s first shot hit the side netting a few minutes in, we only needed 8 minutes to capitalise on our dynamic. As the ball is brought up, it is handed off to Skapetis, who was playing in the central forward role. He makes some space by bringing the ball up a few metres, before passing it back to Marafioti. He then has a few metres of space to line up his shot on the edge of the box, and while not the most powerful, is able to beat the keeper in the bottom left corner.
To score so early provided a feeling reminiscent of early FFA cup ties, where we would most likely cruise through the next half, and then most likely concede. A 1-0 lead is only comfortable when the final whistle sounds. As Port began to push, we were still creating great opportunities, but leaving a lot to be desired in terms of finishing. Both Krousoratis and Skapetis found themselves with at least two chances each which should have been converted, but for the time being, we were preventing them from taking any chances. Unlike our play-style, however, Port only needed one opportunity to profit. As a thrown-in is launched into the box, a few of our defenders are caught asleep, and Stratomitros, who positioned in the top corner of the box, commits too early. Ford is then able to take the ball to the byline, switch it to an unmarked Valentin Cesnik, and there was nothing that fan favourite Josh Dorron could do to prevent the rebound from going in.
We continued creating decent chances, our most important one coming just before half time, where Gerrie Sylaidos curls the ball just wide of the goals. We were dominating both possession and chance creation, but they had just as much chance of gaining the lead. The second half started with Zac Bates replacing Marafioti, resting yet another play likely to start on Wednesday. We continued to play compelling football, but couldn’t find the lead. What our defence lacked in stability, Melvin Beckett made up for in showmanship. Despite playing the role of defensive midfielder, the new signing couldn’t help but dance past a few players after winning the ball, setting up multiple plays and even cracking a few shots himself. Particularly in the second half, Beckett won a majority of the contests he went in for, and it felt like he was everywhere on the ground at certain points.
While both teams created opportunities during what was a turbulent half, it was South who ultimately gained the lead. After winning the ball back from a defender, Gerrie Sylaidos nut megs a Port defender on his way up the centre. He sends it to his right, with Bates sending in a ball too long for those in the box. Krousoratis manages to volley the ball back into the 6-yard box (something he's done on previous occasions) and Skapetis is able to place the ball in the bottom-right corner. Watching the South man celebrate, by tapping the badge and pointing to his new home was a sweet sight to see, and made morale appear much higher than it has been in past months/years.
Billy Konstantinidis replaces Sylaidos a few minutes later, though his presence does not lead to any more goals. The game remains push and shove all the way to extra time, until debutant Giordano Marafioti volleys a long ball over the top of of Dorren (which seems like a difficult thing to do). I can only imagine the scenes if the ex-South man was able to score against his former club in the dying minutes of the game. While they arguably had more chances towards in the closing stages, we were able to hold onto our lead, securing the three points. While we had one eye on Wednesday, and seemed more interested in progressing through the cup then reaching the finals this year, we are still very much a chance. We are only 2 points away from the top 6, but more importantly, have put three points between us and quite a few relegation contenders. While Avondale may be a right-off, the next handful of games will most likely be must-wins.
Notable players: Gerrie Sylaidos, Peter Skapetis, Melvin Beckett
South Melbourne FC: 2
Port Melbourne Sharks SC: 1