A perfect 10 would be the best way to cap a phenomenal start, and South Melbourne are gunning for just that on Saturday.
Up against seventh placed Werribee City, they definitely have the more competitive edge of the two, but after they nearly lost a game last week, anything could happen.
In a game that could only be described as dirty, South Melbourne faltered at the beginning as Pascoe Vale showed the home team they weren’t here to concede a loss so easily.
South Melbourne’s Mathew Theodore claimed it back for South Melbourne when he made use of Nick Epifano’s high ball, pushing through a low shot past goalkeeper Stefaan Sardelic.
Iqi Jawadi almost doubled the lead with a long-range drive on goal near halftime, only to have it palmed away by Sardelic.
Pushing for an equaliser, Pascoe Vale tried hard to get more possession in the second half but fell at a strong South Melbourne defence.
Their pressure in defence meant that not many opportunities opened up for South to grow their lead.
South Melbourne coach Chris Taylor was happy to keep the winning streak going, but wasn’t happy at his team’s lacklustre performance.
“Yeah, that was ugly. Credit to Pascoe Vale, they made it very difficult for us, just fortunate we got the goal, and we’re very happy with the result,” Taylor
said.
“The big thing for us is not to get complacent, it’s not like we’ve blitzed every game and won by big scores. We’ve just got to keep going the way we’re going at the moment and keep collecting the points.”
Taylor will be keen to use new recruit and Adelaide United Youth midfielder Dion Kirk on the pitch today and will be altering the starting squad accordingly.
With Oakleigh Cannons’ draw last week against Northcote City, South Melbourne now sits at a healthy six point lead on top of the ladder.
With the draw, Greek sponsored club Northcote City seems like it’s getting back into the groove, while it put a halt to Oakleigh Cannons’ winning streak.
The Hercules Boys will enter a much easier fixture on Sunday, up against 14th placed Goldburn Valley Suns.
The Suns are struggling to get their heads above water at the bottom of the ladder, but their desperation might transform into healthy enthusiasm when they open up opportunities on the pitch.
Port Melbourne has the honour of being the blockbuster match this round, hosting the FFV’s first “Don’t Stand By, Stand Up!” round to help stamp out racism in the sport.
“Don’t Stand By. Stand Up!” round to fight racism in the sport
The special round aims to support the football community in responding and intervening safely when race-based discrimination is seen or heard. Importantly, the campaign will focus on racism in all its forms, from subtle exclusion, to overt verbal abuse on and off the field.
The campaign will kick off at 2 pm Sunday May 25 at Knights Stadium, Sunshine, followed by the NPL match between Melbourne Knights and Port Melbourne Sharks.
“Don’t Stand By. Stand Up!” is supported by A-League and W-League ambassadors, Melbourne Victory’s Gulcan Koca and Andrew Nabbout, and Melbourne Heart’s Jason Hoffman.
FFV’s 343 clubs will be invited to ‘take the pledge’ as part of this campaign. In return for this commitment, the first 50 clubs that pledge will receive merchandise for 100 players, official recognition from FFV and an opportunity to win a visit from an ambassador.
There will also be $250 vouchers from Sportsmart to give away. All the state’s competitions played from Thursday May 22 to Sunday May 25, will be known as the Don’t Stand By. Stand Up! Rounds from now on.
