South advances to be a win away from advancing to the inaugural FFA Cup.

SOUTH Melbourne’s early season success has spilt over to the Dockerty Cup.

South Melbourne coach Chris Taylor

SOUTH Melbourne’s early season success has spilt over to the Dockerty Cup.

Unbeaten and untied in the National Premier League (Victoria), South defeated the Dandenong Thunder 1-0 at George Andrews Reserve on Wednesday night to advance to the final eight and is a win away from qualifying for the inaugural FFA Cup.

An extra time goal by Kobbie Boahene, who came on as a substitute in the 81st minute, knocked the Thunder from the tournament.

South puts its perfect 10-0 record on the line this Sunday when it again tackles Dandenong at Lakeside Stadium then just five days later South takes on Oakleigh at the Cannons’ home ground.

“We’ll be juggling things around, do some rotating but some players will have to back up,’’ Taylor said on Tuesday.

“It has been a wonderful start, the best start South has ever had and it is something we can be proud of. But it will only mean something if we win it (the premiership) at the end of the season.

With the top four teams from the Dockerty Cup qualifying for the inaugural FA Cup, Taylor said the Dockerty Cup clash was just as important as Sunday’s regular season game.

What has made the two games even more interesting is that Taylor joined South from Dandenong halfway through the 2013 season.

Taylor and the Thunder won the Victoria Premier League title two years ago.

South Melbourne’s flying start

Even in the top grade of Victorian football, where playing lists change as often as Melbourne’s weather, South’s off-season clean-out was extraordinary. Just three players are left from last season’s side; Tyson Holmes, Bradley Norton and Dimi Tsiaras.

The biggest additions, forwards Milos Lujic and Jamie Reed and goalkeeper Jason Saldaris have lived up to their reputations

Lujic has a league-leading 10 goals while Reed has found the back of the net six times.

Saldaris, a former South Under 21 player, captained WA State League side Perth Soccer Club last season and was also the third choice keeper for the A League’s Perth Glory.

He has kept six clean sheets in his return to South.

“We brought Milos and Jamie here to score goals and that is what they have done. But our main area of concern was our defence,’’ Taylor said.

“To give up just seven goals in 10 games is due to a combination of things. It has really been a team effort and the keeper has done what he has been required to do. His confidence is up.’’

Taylor is pretty comfortable with the club’s depth, which will be given a test over the next nine days, but says he may look to freshen things up before next month’s transfer window closes.’’

“If there is a player out there who can help us we’ll take a look at him.’

Right now, everyone is looking at South and marvelling at its perfect start.