The reinvigorated South Melbourne run riot away to Preston at B.T Conner Reserve, thrashing their rivals 7-1 in Round Three of the VPL/Foxtel Cup.
Preston took the lead after barely four minutes had elapsed but the Albert Park club hit back almost immediately, before completely dismantling their opponents.
Goran Zoric scored four goals, with Joseph Yusef, Steve O’Dor and Danni Radojicic rounding off South’s tally.
Zoric was unstoppable, with his pace and class making the Lion’s defenders look pedestrian.
South’s win is their first of the season after two unlucky 0-1 home losses.
South’s seventh goal, and Zoric’s fourth was a goal from the top shelf.
The off-balance youngster volleyed the ball into the top corner from well outside the box to ensure long celebrations from the South faithful.
Captain Ramazan Tavsancioglu was forced to watch from the sidelines after being shown the red card last week against Heidelberg.
Reserve goalkeeper Andrew Sfetkopoulos made his South Melbourne debut but was rarely called upon.
South Melbourne play the Melbourne Knights on Sunday March 22 at Bob Jane Stadium, 6pm.
The Knights will be confident after their 0-1 win away to Oakleigh Cannons on Friday night.
The loss was Oakleigh’s second consecutive home loss, having been defeated by Dandenong Thunder the previous week.