Arran Cocks’s 86th minute thunderbolt sealed South Melbourne’s progress to the Australia Cup final four after a pulsating 2-1 win over Preston Lions in front of 6, 673 fans in a clash between the Victorian National Premier League clubs.
The hosts took a 1-0 lead against the run of play but South Melbourne, who have already made an OFC Pro League final this season, have joined Lions from Queensland, as well as Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory in the final four.
Cian Cuba scored for Preston against the run of play with a decisive finish three minutes into the second half, before South Melbourne were rewarded for their pressure; Jack Painter-Andrews set up a riveting last half hour before Cocks’ classy lone range strike.
“Unfortunately one team had to lose but we still kept believing,” South Melbourne coach Sinisa Cohadzic said on Paramount.
“We went 1-0 down but we still kept believing, that we can play, play through the lines and create something.
“We got rewarded in the end…if we were a little better in the final third it would’ve been an even better result.
“I can’t fault the players – to press on this big ground for 90-95 minutes against a very good team…”
It is the third time the two-time National Soccer League champions have made the semi finals – but they are yet to make it to the decider and will get a great chance when they host Lions FC in the semi final, with the date to be announced.
Paramount pundit Grace Gill added: “In the first half South Melbourne probably could’ve made more of their game,”
“Preston looked like they had got away with one but…Cocks, (Yuki) Uchida, David Yoo – those three, standouts. Cocks really deserved that moment. He was brilliant.”
A-League champion McBreen added: “A goal worthy of winning any Cup match.”
“Two rivals going toe-to-toe,” praised Paramount pundit Daniel McBreen after the game.
“It wasn’t bitter…there were some hard challenges, great football being played, crowd… was fantastic, standing room only – that’s the atmosphere you want…
“Heartbreaking for the home team but wild scenes for Hellas.”
Live on Paramount+#AustraliaCup #MagicOfTheCup pic.twitter.com/3SOUegRhN7
