By Adem Barolli (@adembarolli)

South Melbourne’s record-breaking winning streak extended to eight games as it downed Bentleigh Greens 2-1 at Lakeside Stadium on Sunday.

Super sub Leigh Minopoulos was at it again, adding to Milos Lujic’s opener when he scored a late sealer just two minutes after entering the play.

But there were some late nerves for South’s defence, after Jack Webster’s stoppage time header gave the Greens a glimmer of hope.

South’s history-making run – this is the club’s best start to a season in its entire history - sees it sit four points clear at the top of the table and a massive nine points ahead of third-placed Heidelberg United.

The late Bentleigh goal disguised what was a largely dominant second half by South Melbourne.

Lujic netted first after Mathew Theodore capitalised on a loose ball from Bentleigh midfielder Wayne Wallace. Theodore’s parried shot fell into the path of Lujic, who then volleyed the goal from eight yards out after holding off his opponent.

Lujic had another great opportunity to double South’s lead only minutes later, after Greens ‘keeper Stuart Webster found himself off his goal line, but Lujic’s shot was deflected off Ross Archibald and away from the open goal.

South Melbourne was the far more superior side in the second half and was led well by Tyson Holmes, who dictated the play in midfield.

Aside from Webster’s late goal, the Greens could only fashion two other goalscoring chances.

Their first arose from a defensive error which striker Brent McGrath pounced on, forcing a great save out of Jason Saldaris.

The other came from Luc Jeggo’s cut-back as he ran to the by-line, only for Pilkington to miss the goals completely from 10 yards out.

South Melbourne coach Chris Taylor was delighted with the performance.

“I couldn’t ask for anymore, today was certainly a big test for us and I’m really impressed with the boys. We made hard work of it in the first half, but in the second half we stepped up a notch and we were worthy winners in the end,” Taylor said.

After two consecutive losses, Bentleigh will travel to Shepparton to play the Goulburn Valley Suns, while South Melbourne will hope to extend its winning streak to nine games against Pascoe Vale.

MATCH DETAILS

South Melbourne 2 (Lujic 67’, Minopoulos 89’) defeated Bentleigh Greens 1 (J. Webster 92’) at Lakeside Stadium

South Melbourne: 1. Jason SALDARIS (GK), 2. Shpetim MALA, 4. Micheal EAGAR (3. Andrew MULLETT 90’), 7. Nick EPIFANO (27. Leigh MINOPOULOS 86’), 8. Mathew THEODORE (15. Kobbie BOAHENE 90+4), 9. Milos LUJIC, 10. Tyson HOLMES, 11. Bradley NORTON12. Iqbal JAWADI, 14. James MUSA, 17. Jamie REED.

Unused subs: 6. Dimi TSIARAS, 21. Chris MAYNARD

Yellow cards: EAGAR 83’.

Red cards: None

Bentleigh Greens: 1. Stuart WEBSTER, 2. Thomas MATHEWS, 3. James CUMMINGS, 5. Jack WEBSTER, 6. Ross ARCHIBALD, 8. Wayne WALLACE (77. Stephen HATZIKOSTAS 72’), 9. Luke O’DEA (7. Jamie DE ABREU 69’), 10. David STIRTON, 11. Brent McGRATH, 17. Luc JEGGO (19. Liam McCORMICK 89’), 24. Luke PILKINGTON.

Unused subs: 18. Perry LAMBROPOULOS

Yellow cards: STIRTON 82’, PILKINGTON 90+5’

Red cards: None

Image credit: Cindy Nitsos