Despite scoring the first mark on the NPL Victoria season – by coming from a goal down to trump rivals Melbourne Knights to claim the Community Shield – South Melbourne boss Chris Taylor hasn’t shied away from his usual pragmatic self, claiming his side had plenty of early chances to take the win.
Despite that, he was left disappointed by the lack of fluent football in the first half, to which the conditions and an unrelenting Knights press both played their hand in.
“Obviously getting the early goal, [Knights] dictated the game,” Taylor said
“I thought we moved it around but at times I thought we went too direct, which is not the way we play our game. I was disappointed in the first half, but we still created chances, and that’s what it’s about.”
As the game went on, South were let off the leash, and they found more width and urgency, both of which culminated in two late goals from subs Andy Brennan and Leigh Minopoulos.
“I was soaking wet, and just wondering whether I could get the right subs on. It was just a case of throwing everything forward,” the South boss said.
“We went three at the back [Mala brought off for Brennan] and it kind of worked for us. But we had plenty of chances to win it before then. Conditions were difficult out there.”
The most important thing at the end of the day was a competitive hit-out ahead of the season opener against Oakleigh Cannons, but Taylor acknowledged that Community Shield success may be the perfect springboard for the season proper.
“It’s silverware – it’s another trophy in the cabinet, which is good for everyone involved, and it’s a good kick-start to the season as well,” he said.
“That’s what it’s all about getting out on the ground [and playing competitive games].
“Friendlies are great, there’s no pressure on anyone, but at the end of the day you play for feelings like that at the end of a game.”
South take on Oakleigh in a massive season opener at Lakeside Stadium on Thursday night. Kick-off is scheduled for 8:15pm.