South Melbourne extended their lead at the top of the NSL table by six points on Friday night as they burgled a one nil win against Newcastle United at Energy Australia Stadium.
The match was played in oppressive heat as the temperature would have still been in the high thirties at kick-off.
Newcastle was guilty of squandering numerous chances as they continue to disappoint with their finishing. If Newcastle are to be a hope to make the playoffs they need to find the back of the net more often.
Souths hit the lead in the 7th minute and stayed there. A Newcastle set piece saw the Melbourne defence clear and put an early ball to Michael Panopoulos who played a long ball to Scott Tunbridge on the left. Tunbridge left youngster Peter McPherson dead for speed and put a perfect low ball across to Michael Curcija who made no mistake with his toe.
One minute later Newcastle could have equalised when Esala Masi headed wide.
Newcastle should have scored in the 24th minute when a Robert Middleby cross rebounded off Masi to midfielder Mark Wilson. Wilson had plenty of time to half-volley but struck his shot straight to keeper Eugene Galekovic.
United were dealt a blow in the 32nd minute when skipper Middleby had to leave the field with a reoccurring ankle injury and was subbed by Ryan Griffiths.
Griffiths made an instant impact and forced a wonderful save from Galekovic with a deft chip.
A minute later Curcija nearly made it a double when his shot was cleared off the line by Scott Thomas.
Four minutes before half time Masi launched a rocket from twenty-five yards that had Galekovic at full stretch for another wonderful save.
Newcastle was pressing before the break and chances fell to both Greg Owens and Peter Tsekenis with no luck for the home side.
Masi was amongst the action again in the 57th minute when a side volley forced another excellent save from Galekovic.
The chances were flowing for Newcastle as they squandered another golden opportunity in the 61st minute. A great bustling run by Ryan Griffiths and a perfect cross led to Owens being in front of goal with the keeper to beat. Having ample time the Newcastle midfielder blasted wide.
Owens had another chance to equalise in the 68th minute with a clever turn outside the box but his shot sailed over the bar.
Two minutes later it was Souths turn to squander a goal-scoring opportunity when Curcija shot wide from in front.
As the heat began to take its toll the play petered to practically a standstill and both goalkeepers had little to do in the final twenty minutes.
Newcastle coach was obviously disappointed with his side's inability to score goals.
"Goals win games", Crook said in the post match press conference. "We had 75% of possession of the game. Our passing and movement was good, but at the end of the day we didn't win because goals win games."
"We have to start hitting the back of the net on a regular basis."