Can’t go further South

June 14 2014

Shepparton News

Goulburn Valley Suns faces their biggest challenge yet tomorrow, when they face off against South Melbourne.

South has dominated the inaugural National Premier Leagues Victoria season, six points clear on top of the table, despite losing its first game of the season at the hands of Oakleigh Cannons last week.

South Melbourne coach Chris Taylor will have to do what he hasn’t had to so far this season in producing a winning response to a loss, while Suns coach Peter Zois will be doing the same for the third time in his four-game stint.

‘‘They suffered a bit of a dent last week, but that’s to be expected because it’s very hard to go a whole season unbeaten,’’ Zois said.

‘‘This is a big test for us and they’ll want to set the record straight after last week and they’ll see us as a team they should be able to do that against.

‘‘Our aim is to go there and not let that happen.’’

That is easier said than done.

South Melbourne will be without former captain Bradley Norton through suspension, while current captain Michael Eager could be in line for a return to defence, where he will likely link up with New Zealand international James Musa.

It underlines South’s incredible depth, something the Suns are sorely lacking.

Frankie Lagana will return from suspension, while his brother Rossi could also return from injury.

Stipo Andrijasevic would not have been available due to suspension, but will not feature again for the Suns with Zois reporting the former Melbourne Heart youth player had agreed to a move in principle to fellow NPLV battlers Melbourne Knights.

‘‘We wanted him to stay, but we’re not in a position to stand in anyone’s way,’’ Zois said.

Further changes will be announced on Monday when the mid-season transfer window opens, but until then, the Suns will have to make do with what they have.

‘‘In soccer, the top team can lose to the bottom team, but we need to show a lot of spirit,’’ Zois said.

‘‘Spirit and effort goes a long way – those psychological factors go a long way and then there’s the (soccer) side, but you can’t get that side right without the other side.

‘‘We’re going to have to sacrifice a lot (on the pitch) tomorrow.’’