South have now won the most Dockerty Cups in Victorian football history after defeating rivals Heidelberg United at the Home of the Matildas over the weekend. The match had a bit of everything. A large crowd, end to end football, controversial referee decisions and a last-minute winner for the ages.

Unlike other cagey cup finals, both teams came into this game looking to attack. Heidelberg struck first when Asahi Yokokawa slotted home a goal just four minutes in. In the second half though South came out firing. South youth academy product Campbell Dovison was substituted on and made an instant impact, scoring a header to equalise. Although Heidelberg players claimed the ball didn’t cross the line the referee ultimately allowed the South equaliser.

Both teams would continue to create chances and with 20 minutes to go, Heidelberg thought they had reclaimed the lead. But Mohamed Aidara’s header was deemed offside by the linesman, and score remained locked at 1-1.

With time ticking away it was looking increasingly likely that the game would go to extra time, however Nahuel Bonada had other ideas.

In the last minute of the game Bonada received the ball in the middle and made a gut busting run into the box. Bonada’s eventual shot was saved by the Heidelberg keeper but spilled out to Charlie Leech. Leech then set up Campbell Dovison who scored a goal from the edge of the box. The goal sealed the win for South and sent fans into a frenzy!

For Heidelberg, the loss is a heartbreaking result that follows their recent loss of top spot on the NPL Victoria table. For South, the Dockerty Cup win is a remarkable achievement especially considering the team was in the relegation zone just a few months ago. Well done to all, but especially Sinisa Cohadzic, who has transformed the side since taking on the head coach role midseason.