South Melbourne have secured their first victory of the season with a comfortable 5-2 victory over newly promoted Eastern Lions SC. Harrison Sawyer’s rampage in his attacking half proved a formidable striker rests amongst South’s ranks, only needing the opportunity to dominate.
For the entire 90 minutes, South played with one, consistent strategy. Pre-and-post conceding have brought with them completely different play-styles (some may just call it desperation), and, as South trailed for a majority of last week’s game, their differences were even more pronounced. But a clear decrease in long balls opened the game up for home side. Gerrie Sylaidos and Chris Irwin were able to bring the ball up the wings much more comfortably, which was crucial in setting up Harrison Sawyer, who would go on to dominate the game. The Eastern Lions looked uncertain on how to respond to South’s opening aggression, and their own counter attacks fizzled our quite quickly.
It took just over ten minutes for South to open the scoring. A corner swung in by Sylaidos was half way to the box before the whistle is blown by the referee. An apparent tug of the shirt by an Eastern Lion’s defender awards South with a penalty. Harrison Sawyer steps up, and buries the ball into the back of the net, past Keagan Coulter, and scoring South’s first goal of the season.
Lirim Almazi, once again, had an outstanding game, retaining his aggressive approach at dislodging attacking players while pushing up the field at times himself. Chris Irwin was also integral to South’s game. Opting to play the pacy midfielder on the wing increased the effectiveness of our wide plays, totally opening up the centre of the pitch. This meant, on multiple occasions, the ball could be cut back into the centre, after baiting an uninspired Lion’s defence, and easily tucked away by oncoming attackers.
However, in the 18th minute, South were presented with a setback. An Eastern Lions free kick just outside the box is placed low and hard by Ziggy Rakuzie, bouncing off the back post, and well past Pierce Clark. Conceding during a set piece didn’t reflect the quality of our defending, but our mental fortitude would be tested by an evening of the scoreboard. Either based on a new philosophy used by South, or the belief that they could overpower a supposedly weaker team, they were able to hit right back within a matter of minutes.
South’s first attempt after conceding culminates into a corner on the right side of the park. Sylaidos, who has been holding a much more physical presence over play, winning multiple balls using a physicality he isn’t known for, swings the ball beautifully into the box. The ball meets the head of Sawyer, whose powerful header bounces passed Coulter and into the back of the net. It was a display that showed, when utilised correctly, South had all the resources to dominate their attacking half. The South striker was almost able to complete his hatrick in the 26th minute, where the aforementioned wide buildup play saw Irwin set up a tap in for the number nine. However, post-goal, it was ruled offside by the linesman.
Despite a real threat in attack, there was no time for our defence to become complacent. Rakuzie’s threat on the right wing, facing off against Sylaidos, was still notable. Another free kick in the 37th minute led to a mirrored version of his earlier shot. However, this one is more central, and Clark is able to palm it away. After their attempt, South’s unrelenting pressure, as well as a series of compelling corner kicks, low and curling, really pulled the game completely in their favour. By the 39th minute, a Sylaidos corner is struck by Elmazi on the volley, a solid attempt saved by Coulter. The resulting corner, this time delivered by David Clark, meets the head of Sawyer, who, once again, bundles it passed the Easter Lions keeper.
A two goal lead didn’t stop South from suffocating the Lions, giving them no breathing space to recover or establish momentum. Their first run of the second half culminates into a shot by Irwin that’s cleared off the line, unsuccessful, but predicting the run of play. Resting mainly within the centre of the pitch, South held a composed form of possession. In the 60th minute, Sylaidos was able to win the ball of an Eastern Lions defender, and set up an oncoming Clarke in the box. The midfielder, who had been playing high all match, slots his shot passed Coulter, further extending South’s lead. Two minutes later, Clarke’s run down the line took the sting out of the game. It was his turn to set up an oncoming player. He passed it to his left, where Norton crosses the ball back into the centre. Irwin, who has been feeding balls all afternoon, slots in another one, scoring his first for the season also.
There was no real conviction from the Lions, but they were able to secure a second goal in the 82nd minute, where a penalty was converted by Ryan Losty for an apparent hand ball by Clarke. However, 5 minutes later, the goal scorer found himself hitting the showers early, after a high boot connected with the face of South youngster Mathew Loutrakis, leading to a straight red card. Loutrakis was able to see out the match however, alongside Sawyer and Sylaidos.
Irrespective of the side, South played some very attractive football, able to compliment the strengths of many players. Whether it’s because of poor strategies, low morale, or panic, we can find relief in knowing there is at least one play-style we can use successfully, and, should be utilised even in times of peril. During play out defenders were solid, our attacking midfielders dangerous, and, crucially, when given the opportunity, Harrison Sawyer could dominate. A much tougher opponent in Oakleigh will be met next round, but hopefully the momentum from this match can feed into some form of success.
Notable players: Harrison Sawyer, Lirim Elmazi, Gerrie Sylaidos, Chris Irwin
South Melbourne FC: 5
Easter Lions SC: 2
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