The anticipation for this game was huge, so much so I had friends leave their Sunday League games early to make kick off. I unfortunately arrived late but somehow found parking easily outside of MSAC. As I arrived I could hear the chanting from outside the ground, I passed through the social club to pick up something to eat but upon noticing the crowds decided to venture into the stand… more on the matchday set up later, but from the second I could see the pitch and the mostly full grand stands I lost my mind to the game and the atmosphere.

Earlier in the round, results hadn’t gone South’s way, a 5-2 win for Victory against Oakleigh in particular was proving a thorn in our hopes of staying up. That upgraded the requirements of this game from hoping for a draw, to hoping for a win so that we could get some breathing space from the relegation zone. Preston meanwhile were sitting in a finals position and hoping to solidify their chances of making the post-season. Perhaps these different league pressures contributed to what was to unfold.

The first half saw South marginally on top, but was a generally cagey affair, with limited shots. Lopez had the moment of the game when his clutch save prevented an early Preston goal. Our best chance came in the form of a penalty shout when Jankovic was knocked to the ground – twice – off the ball in the box only for the referee to wave both calls away. Have we had a penalty this year?

The second half saw Preston come out firing, with more pace and attacking intent. They were rewarded at the 56th minute when Brooks collected the ball wide and crossed it deep to the back post, where a header across goal set up an easy goal for Lauton. Preston 1, South 0, and the Preston were looking like they were on the change. In the next few minutes Preston created some momentum setting up a couple of more key chances which could have seen them double their lead, but South held on and finally found a bit of luck.

Skapoulas found the ball on the wind, and after a few blocked crossed laid it off to Lampard just outside the box. Lampard put in an awesome cross, looking for a South player but instead found a Preston player. Anderson, clearly under pressure from the South forwards looked to clear the ball, but instead found the back of his own net. Preston 1, South 1. The crowd went wild and three points were in sight.

The game was electric, and as the half progressed, both teams increasingly looked to long balls and direct plays. Ether team could have snatched the win but as time ticked down it was clear something special was going to be needed to break the deadlock.

Enter Mikkola.

Skapoulas again found the ball in an attacking position and played Francou who crossed it into the box. A wall of Preston defenders prevented a clear direct shot but as the ball fell to Mikkola with his back towards goal, the South forward audaciously leapt of the ground and bicycle kicked the ball past the red wall of defenders and gloriously past the keeper into the back of the net.

South 2, Preston 1.

The rest of euphoria rarely seen at Lakeside. With a huge crowd in attendance all rose to celebrate, rushing to the fence, chanting together and making noise reminiscent of the David and Goliath defeat of Wellington, and our 2016 Lakeside Grand final win.

The experience itself was fantastic. In terms of football importance the win is a huge boost to our season. In terms of off-filed importance the win created a special moment for the thousands in attendance. I saw so many people with merchandise, who I’m sure don’t come regularly to game, but nights like this spark the passion. They convert the lurkers to casuals and the casuals to hardcores.

A excellent night at Lakeside. Let’s go South!