By Paul Pickering
The Football Federation Victoria State League Division One clash pitted the White Eagles – relegated from the Premier League last season – against the emerging Stars, who fell just shy of the promotion bracket in 2007.
After slotting five goals in the second half against Kingston City the previous weekend, the Stars carried that momentum into a blistering start on Sunday night.
Denying the White Eagles a chance to settle, the Stars netted three goals – courtesy of Sercan Doganay, Berkan Sakaci and Chris Driver – in quick succession to force the home side onto the back foot.
But Springvale hit back minutes before halftime, when a Grujo Mrdic free-kick was inexplicably missed by Southern goalie Michael Sivulja.
And despite playing much of the second half with only 10 men, the White Eagles showed plenty of spirit in keeping the Stars at bay.
When Springvale’s Billy Armour capitalised on a free header at the back post, the home side drew within one goal of securing a vital point, but it wasn’t to be.
So while Southern nearly surrendered a share of the points on Sunday, the Stars coaching staff were satisfied to survive the late scare and go three points clear in second spot on the ladder.
Head coach Dean Hennessy was in England on the weekend, but he received regular updates by phone from his assistants on the scene.
Returning home this week, Hennessy chose not to dwell on the second half fadeout.
“As much as we were disappointed that we allowed them back into the game, we thought it was a great result,” he said.
“It’s given us a good start to the season. We’re in the top two – where we want to be.”
Hennessy expects to find out much more about his charges over the next fortnight, when the Stars will face third-placed St Albans and undefeated ladder-leaders Sunshine Georgies.
Southern’s other local rival, Dandenong Thunder, salvaged one point from a 0-0 draw with Kingston City on Saturday and is currently sitting in sixth place.
Meanwhile, in another local derby of sorts, Springvale City assumed top spot in State League Division Three South-East with a 1-0 win over Doveton at Ross Reserve.
The Doves – depleted by injuries to four of their starters – conceded a controversial goal to City’s Mirza Pedic minutes before the halftime break.
While Pedic’s quality finish was met by cheers from the home crowd, the Doves were adamant that he was offside.
Nonetheless, Springvale City’s win saw them overtake the Doves to claim top spot.
Elsewhere, Heatherton United recorded its first win for the season, with striker Edin Ahmetovic scoring the only goal of the game – his third for the season – in the second half against Boroondara Eagles.
In State League Division Two South-East, South Springvale trounced Port Melbourne 5-1 at home – thanks largely to a stunning hat-trick from Mark Panaghis.
South Springvale is now third on the table, behind Knox City and Doncaster Rovers on goal difference.
Round 5 match-ups: Div 1: St Albans at Southern Stars, Kingston City at Springvale White Eagles, Dandenong Thunder at Bulleen Royals. Div 2 South-East: Peninsula Strikers at South Springvale. Div 3 South-East: Doveton at Morwell Pegasus, Springvale City at Endeavour United, Heatherton at Croydon City.
