In just a couple of months, Bill Lambropoulos’ boys have taken the Australian football community by storm.
The Greek sponsored third tier club has managed to snake its way unasumedly past the big names, taken huge scalps and given many a run for their money.
It’s been a dream come true for the club, which has proven time and time again that ability comes from within, not how big the club’s purse is.
They sadly couldn’t keep the fairytale alive to make it to the quarter finals of the FFA Cup, but certainly made sure their opponents left breathless.
It was neck and neck for the majority of their round of 16 match against Palm Beach Sharks in Queensland.
Coach Lambropoulos was probably secretly hoping to see his club into a penalty shoot out that has proven so useful in the last two matches.
South Springvale’s hero from their round of 32 penalty shootout – Rani Dowisha – made two top saves to keep the match scoreless at the break, but sadly it wasn’t going to last.
In the 81st minute the Sharks’ Jack Boxell got on the end of a sharp move through the right channel by the Sharks and cut inside before unleashing a left-foot shot that sealed the win.
South Springvale president John Argyropoulos said the match coupled with getting so far in the FFA Cup was “massive” for the club.
“I’m proud, very proud of the coaches and players,” Argyropoulos said.
With Aris, Sydney Olympic and Olympic FC out of contention, it leaves Bentleigh Greens as the only Greek sponsored team in the quarter finals. They have been drawn against an NPL club, Adelaide City meaning at least one NPL team will be in the semi final.
Bentleigh Greens coach John Anastasiades believes the club will be going into their match as underdogs, expecting a huge fight from Adelaide City.
The former NSL player is very happy to be going up against an old rival and admits the game for him will be more entertaining than going up against an A-League opponent.
“It’s funny that all three clubs have got big histories in the old NSL,” he told Fox Sports, including the club’s match against Sydney Olympic last week.
More than 20,000 people flocked to last week’s round of 16 matches, re-igniting memories of the old NSL days.
One of the main aims of the FFA Cup is bridging the gap between the first tier clubs and the lower leagues.
With only 10 teams in the top tier, the lower league clubs make up much of what the locals see and can participate in.
The Cup rightfully says thanks to those grassroots clubs, and provides and much needed platform for the A-League to see the talent of young players.