Strati Xynas’ men left themselves and their fans frustrated as South Melbourne were defeated by a hard-working 10-man Pascoe Vale at Lakeside Stadium.
Joseph Youssef scored the only goal in the game as an undermanned Pascoe Vale claimed victory against a South Melbourne side that failed to capitalise on their chances.
South were the clear favourite going into the game, which they showed early on by pressing numerous times against a PPaco outfit who struggled early going forward.
The hosts were almost rewarded for their efforts when Alexander Pavlidis was adjudged to have picked up a back pass, resulting in an indirect free-kick close to the penalty spot.
The resulting set-piece was blocked numerous times before falling to Nick Epifano – whose volley was only obstructed from ending up in the back of the net by the arm of Tomi Milardovic – as a result, the Paco player was forced to see red.
Epifano’s resulting penalty was saved after it was palmed off the outstretched arms of Alexander Pavlidis as he dived to his right.
Pascoe Vale appeared unfazed by being a man down as they continued pressing, testing Roganovic’s abilities through shots from Davey van ’t Schip and Matthew Lazarides.
The second half had left the South fans more frustrated than ever as they failed to make use of their numerous runs forward, with Pavlidis standing in the way of quite a few opportunities.
They were made to pay as Joseph Youssef slid in at the back post to put away a ground cross through the near post of Roganovic in the 63rd minute, setting off the Pascoe Vale’s technical area and fans as they celebrated their deserved goal.
South came ever so close to an equaliser in the 66th minute through Brad Norton, who skied his shot after Pavlidis’ save fell to his feet only a couple of meters out.
Peter Deng then further tested the South fans as the Paco defender cleared a certain goal off the line, leaving the home support to wonder whether it was going to be their night.
Pascoe Vale showed their strength and determination despite being short-staffed as they kept pushing in search of a second; Luca Santilli came closest through his attempted chip over a lunging Roganovic which was well saved by the 30-year-old.
It was not to be for South, as the final whistle blew after multiple attacks forward were prevented and cleared by the Pascoe Vale line of defence in a nerve-wracking five minutes of stoppage-time.
South were left to reflect on the chances that they missed and what could’ve been, whereas Pascoe Vale were happy to celebrate their bold performance, being only the second team to defeat the league leaders so far this campaign.
South Melbourne will look to bounce back in Keilor next week as they face a Green Gully side which is looking to keep in touch with the top three.
Pascoe Vale will be hoping to build on tonight’s performance against a Melbourne Knights team that has conceded eight goals in their last two games.