Gong took the early lead, somebody sending in a long throw which was inadequately cleared and Chipperfield whacked it in.
We replied almost immediately, Slater sending in a cross that took a deflection, Thompson scored with a softish header that Pogliacomi should have done much better with.
We were having trouble with Wollongong's Wimbledon tactics and the greasy pitch, not to mention the absence of the Kiwis and the cool conditions and the presence of Moreira on the bench. Packer started brilliantly but faded. Azzopardi started at sweeper and his pace saved our bacon a few times, nicking away from Petrovski and Masi.
I think it was Masi who sent Petrovski away with a beautiful through ball. Azzopardi closed but Petrovski was able to lay back to Young who hit a perfectly struck shot past Deano.
We were pretty much out of it at this stage. Gong were getting better and better on the counter as the game progressed, and Masi was playing very well, to the extent they were able to retain possession quite often from long balls which Masi laid off.
They scored their 3rd but I can't seem to remember much about it. It was time for a bit of the Moreira, eg, stroll around and let the others take it off him. Moreira also got in the way of McPherson who had a beautiful Slater cross covered and buried.
At least you can argue Moreira was doing something, eg, receiving the ball. It was belatedly discovered that Conroy had started the game.
Crapcornersky finally sent a good one over and McPherson showed Moreira what he was about with a strong header.
ABC dissed us all when they cut away to show Consuming Passions. You can argue all you like, but just after South Melbourne have held their heads high in South America, to diss our league in this manner was unacceptable.