Victorian third division side South Springvale’s fairytale run in the national FFA Cup competition has continued, defeating Newcastle-based South Cardiff in a penalty shootout on Tuesday night at Kingston Heath Soccer Complex.
Former Melbourne Victory youth goalkeeper Rani Dowisha wrote his name into Springvale folklore, pulling off the winning save as his side came from behind twice to force the affair into extra time and penalties.
In front of nearly 1500 fans on a wet and windy night, Springvale advanced into the last 16, potentially setting up a date with an A-League outfit.
The hosts found themselves a goal down after only four minutes, following a mammoth Rory Delap-esque throw-in from full back Chris Gazzard.
Catching Springvale’s defence off guard, Jarryd Johnson flicked on Gazzard’s throw, allowing forward Lee Ashton to bury in his effort from close range.
Despite Cardiff’s early dominance, Springvale equalised against the run of play after 25 minutes as Alexandru Florea bundled in a floated corner at the back post.
Soon after, Springvale came agonisingly close to an unexpected lead when Luke Burgess thundered his snapshot volley into the crossbar.
Cardiff’s Mitchell Wallace made Springvale pay for their missed opportunity moments before the break, striking the visitors into the lead with a powerful effort into the top corner.
The second interval saw a more dormant affair as neither side was able to match the intensity of the first, nor conjure up as many opportunities.
With both sets of players – particularly Springvale’s – clearly fatiguing, maintaining possession was the main objective as the half progressed.
James Byrne provided a highlight for the visitors as he tucked his effort past Dowisha’s outstretched fingertips, only to have his goal disallowed by the assistants’ raised flag.
The introduction of former Melbourne Victory forward Ricky Diaco made an immediate impact for Springvale, as his class and experience played a huge role in the latter stages of the contest.
With just over ten minutes to play, Springvale nabbed their second goal when Darragh Ryan’s well weighted and precise pass allowed Sotiros Dimitrakopoulos to equalise past Cardiff’s closing ‘keeper.
With neither side adding to the scoreline, the following 30 minutes of extra time followed as players continued to struggle with fatigue.
A stalemate at the end of added time ensured the FFA Cup would see its first penalty shoot-out.
South Springvale converted all their efforts from the spot, with Gazzard blazing his effort over the crossbar.
Dowisha then sent the home support into hysterics, saving Johnson’s penalty, ensuring Springvale would advance into the competition’s next round.
South Springvale coach Bill Lambropoulos was almost left speechless at full time following his side’s resilience.
“We were falling over like rabbits in the end,” Lambropoulos said.
“We were so tired, boys were cramping up everywhere and I thought we were going to concede. What courage, I take my hat off to them.
“FFA and Westfield, what they’ve done for us is incredible. They’ve opened the doors for grassroots clubs.
“No one even knew who we were, now we’re on Fox Sports and in every paper.”
Match details
South Springvale 2 (Florea 25, Dimitrakopoulos 79’) defeated South Cardiff 2 (Ashton 4’, Wallace 41’) 4-3 on penalties at Kingston Heath Soccer Complex [HT:1-2]
South Springvale XI: 1. Rani DOWISHA, 2. Kieran FITZGERALD, 6. Darragh RYAN, 7. Alexandru FLOREA (5. Andrew SKLEDAR 45+2’), 8. Craig METCALFE (17. Konstantinos DASKALAKIS 64’), 10. Dean PANAGOPOULOS (3. Ricky DIACO 75’), 14. Courail NASSIM, 16. Billy DAMIANOS, 18. Sotiros DIMITRAKOPOULOS, 20. Anstidis DRAKOS, 23. Luke BURGESS.
Unused substitutes: 9. Damian IACONIS, 21. Jordan GIFKINS (GK).
Yellow cards: Dimitrakopoulos 52’
Red cards: Nil
South Cardiff XI: 1. Michael STAFFORD (GK), 2. Nathan STEVENS, 4. Mathew GREY, 5. Mathew DARR, 6. Ashley BALCOMBE (15. Mathew WILESMITH 73’), 7. Chris GAZZARD, 9. Lee ASHTON, 10. Mitchell WALLACE (13. Dean KELLY 80’), 11. Jarryd JOHNSON, 12. Daniel JOHNSON, 14. Sean CLERKE (8. James BYRNES 45’).
Unused substitutes: 3. Cameron HERRING, 16. Thomas PULLIN (GK)
Yellow cards: Nil
Red cards: Nil