A cold night down by the lake

Over 7000 people braved a freezing cold night at Bob Jane Stadium at Albert Park to see the Melbourne Victory dispose of South Melbourne 5-1 in a preseason practice match. Goals to Caceres, Thompson, Allsopp and VIS triallist, Alex Tabor. And yes, I did brave the freezing conditions to see the boys in action. The first twenty or so minutes of the game were missed due to a massive queue at the one and only entrance where they were frisking everyone that was going in. It didn't seem to work as a number of flares went off during the game, one stupidly near a fallen South Melbourne player after a great Archie Thompson goal.

Overall, the game was of a fairly low standard, but the solo goal by Thompson where he rounded three players and the keeper to score had me out of my seat. Although a good performance was put in by Langerak (on loan from Melbourne to South Melbourne) in goal under a barrage of shots. It was good to see the guys back out on the park. Now the boys are off to China for a couple of games.

Media reports are coming thick and fast about riots and so forth at this game. The main trouble occurred during the second half between what appeared to be the South Melbourne supporters area with the police and security bringing it under control in a manner of minutes. Overall, the game was played in pretty good spirits both on and off the field. Looking forward to a massive beatup from our friends at 3AW, Channel 9, etc.