South Melbourne have enjoyed their second ever Australia Cup upset, knocking Adelaide United out to progress to the Round of 16 alongside Brisbane Roar, who defeated Sydney Olympic.

National Premier League Victoria powerhouse South Melbourne prevailed 2-1 courtesy of two sumptuous goals, coming from a goal down for a deserved win against the competition’s most successful club. Adelaide United join Newcastle Jets, Central Coast and Perth Glory having been eliminated in the Round of 32.

It continues a fine run for South Melbourne, having won the inaugural Australian Championship and made the final of the first ever OFC Pro League.

“It was all them,” Paramount commentator Daniel McBreen assessed of how South Melbourne fought back after going a goal down.

“They were pressing Adelaide, making more of the opportunities, we talked about getting into wide areas and not producing…when they finally did, they made Adelaide pay.”

Erik Paartalu added: “That’s first and second from the A-League last season knocked out by Victoria NPL clubs.

“It sends a big, big message in this competition.”

“I think South Melbourne definitely wanted the game more. Adelaide did not seem to turn up; after that goal, it was almost like they were thinking about going into Asia, having to play that playoff. They were not themselves tonight.”

Craig Goodwin opened the scoring after three minutes, but Bul Juach’s thunderbolt drew them level before Yuki Uchida volleyed home David Yoo’s cushioned header to end a sharp attacking move to put them ahead with 22 minutes to play. 

Buach’s goal off his left foot, after a silky touch to set himself up, was top quality. 

“Somebody has got to take a punt on him now, seriously,” Paartalu screamed. 

He added: “He can play at any club in the NPL, or in the A-League or overseas and produce a moment of magic.”

Fifth in NPL Victoria at the moment, it was a night to remember for the 3,000 fans in attendance. 

Paartalu added: “I think teams are intimidated going there.” 

Adelaide, playing their first game of the campaign and getting used to life without Luka Jovanovic and Yaya Dukuly, become the latest A-League victim this season. 

“We know the early start for the A-Leagues (clubs) gives these clubs a greater opportunity but also are we seeing the gap becoming closer between A-League and NPL?

“The results at the moment are trending that way,” McBreen said.  

In a brutally honest review on Paramount, Panagiotis Kikianis told Archie Thompson: “We all need a kick up the arse, that wasn’t good enough…

“Now we have to dust ourselves off and see what we can do better.”