FFA Cup: South Melbourne reach round of 16 after Milos Lujic heads home late against Edgeworth Eagles

SOUTH Melbourne said the FFA Cup round of 32 clash with Edgeworth Eagles was a dress rehearsal for its A-League bid. But in the moment, the win was all that mattered.

South Melbourne players celebrate their win over Edgeworth Eagles.

LEO Athanasakis stood silently, taking in the scenes as he leant out the open window high in the Lakeside Stadium grandstand.

Below the South Melbourne president were so many of the club’s supporters standing as one, with jubilant players on the athletics pitch saluting their fans.

Only minutes before most of the fingernails of the 2622 in attendance would have been chewed to the quick, the score locked at 0-0.

Milos Lujic proved the matchwinner for South.

But after Milos Lujic headed home the latest of winners from a corner, South — the four-time National Soccer League champion — was bound for the second round of the FFA Cup.

The club said Wednesday night’s round of 32 clash with Edgeworth Eagles was a dress rehearsal for its A-League bid.

But in the moment, the win in the Cup was all that mattered.

“That was unbelievable,” Athanasakis said.

“Relief, but I’m really happy for the fans who have been itching for success over the last 10-15 years.

“They’ve been out in the wilderness, but now they feel a part of Australian football.

“Onwards and upwards now, let’s hope we get another home draw and it’ll be even bigger next time.”

The crowd was the second biggest in FFA Cup history for a game not involving an A-League side.

The rain may have kept a few away, but the passion in the stands would not be dampened.

It was often a testy affair at Lakeside Stadium.

Every refereeing call not in favour of South was vociferously bemoaned, every threat of a home attack saw the noise levels soar in encouragement, while there was disgust and frustration at every turnover.

As the club continues its crusade to be granted a top flight licence, South announced pre-match the establishment of the Australia-China Football Foundation.

Indeed, the crowd was as diverse as you’d expect in one of the most multicultural cities in the world, but the familiar chants of “Come on Hellas” were unmistakeable throughout the night.

With the city skyline in the background, Lakeside would provide a stunning backdrop for A-League matches should the team be given the green light for the 2019-20 season.

And with another “dress rehearsal” potentially on the horizon the momentum will continue to grow.