South Melbourne lift the banner and celebrate advancement into the 2024 Australia Cup semi-finals. Photo: Ross Papadakis

In the first match of the 2024 Australia Cup Quarter Finals, it was another clash between two member federation sides, with South Melbourne prevailing in a 3-2 victory over Hume City after another 120 minutes of football for the Dockerty Cup winners.

South Melbourne has now played three 120 minute matches in the past five weeks, having defeated Oakleigh Cannons on penalties to win the Dockerty Cup, and their 3-2 victory in the Round of 16 over Brisbane Olympic joining their quarter final match against Hume City.

Harrison Sawyer said that the side has started to become accustomed to playing extra time.

“We’ve played a lot of extra time games and kinda now, to be honest, we’ve gotten a little bit accustomed to it.” Sawyer said. 

“You’re waking up a little bit less sore after each game, your body’s getting used to it, we’re doing amazing things and I hope we can go the whole way.”

Josh Bingham gave Hume City an early lead in the 11th minute, capitalising on a cross from Mark Ochieng. 

South Melbourne pushed hard for an equaliser, but minutes later, Michael Weier made a crucial double save to deny Nahuel Bonada and Jack Painter-Andrews.

In the second half, a handball by Karl Imanzi resulted in a penalty for South Melbourne, and Sawyer blasted it straight into the back of the net to level the score.

Zak Spiteri made way for Max Mikkola at half-time which proved to be a stroke of genius as in the 73rd minute, Mikkola guided his header into the side netting to put the visitors in front.

However, Hume City hit South Melbourne with an instant reply when Lachlan Weier shot from distance to make it level less than a minute since going down 2-1, forcing the game into extra time.

An extra 30 minutes that was full of passion, aggression and physicality saw a tight affair between the two NPL Victoria sides, both testing each other’s goalkeepers before former Hume City youth player, Jordon Lampard headed home the winning goal for South Melbourne, securing their first Australia Cup semi-final appearance in six years.

South Melbourne have proven to be a formidable force in this years Australia Cup, consistently delivering thrilling performances that have extended well into extra time. 

A semi-final match against either A-League Men side Macarthur FC or NPL Victoria champions Oakleigh Cannons looms large for South Melbourne.

As they eagerly await that result, either opponent will prove to be a challenge for Esteban Quintas’ side.

However, given their recent form and history of overcoming adversity, it is clear that South Melbourne is a team that rises to the occasion, unable to be counted out in this competition.

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