by John Fotinos
An early goal, a screaming equaliser, a healthy crowd, a few spirited skirmishes on field, and the untimely appearance of liquid intrusion in the form of unruly sprinklers at the City end of Lakeside Stadium – just another Hellas – Alexandros derby folks!
A warm Friday evening greeted the teams, with Heidelberg welcoming back skipper Zahra back into its lineup. The ‘Bergers were set back on their heels within 90 seconds, with South skipper Sawyer giving the home side the lead, with a strong finish after Bonada’s work on the right.
After the ‘Bergers regained their composure, the quick interplay and movement saw them begin to trouble South’s back four. It would be Josh Pin, with his third goal of the season, that would set the game alight after 25 minutes. The striker let fly from all of 25 metres, with his rasping effort having goal written on it from the instant he took aim.
There was much huffing and puffing from both sides from there on, with the teams deadlocked at 1-1 after an absorbing contest. There were moments of mirth during the second half, with rogue sprinklers interrupting play twice, with tempers flaring ever so briefly as both sides sought a winner.
Ultimately, the points shared & both sides unbeaten in five games to start the season. The ‘Bergers head back to that side of town, with a Saturday night fixture (March 16 at 6:00pm) at Port Melbourne.
Match Details: South Melbourne FC 1 (Sawyer 2’) – 1 Heidelberg United FC (Pin 25’)
