Match Report | Victory Advance To Quarter-Finals

Melbourne Victory was too strong for NWS Spirit, defeating the NSW NPL side 0-4 to advance to the next round of the Australia Cup.

It was a windy night at Christie Park as Melbourne Victory looked to book their spot in the quarter-finals of the 2024 Australia Cup.

Head Coach Patrick Kisnorbo selected a full-strength side for the important clash against the NSW NPL hosts, with Daniel Arzani making his return to the starting lineup.

Jack Duncan was called into question early in the content when a dangerous corner cross was sent in from the Spirit. Calls for a penalty were shouted from the home stands but a foul was the call instead, with Duncan winning the ball.

After dominating possession, the biggest chance of the first half so far came Jordi Valadon’s way in the 19th minute.

A high pass into the box from Daniel Arzani found Valadon in the box in some space with the Spirit keeper charging toward. Valadon attempted to chip the keeper in mid-air, but his shot hit the crossbar and rebounded for a goal kick.

Ryan Teague then broke the deadlock in the 29th minute with a brilliant strike from outside the box to give Victory the lead.

Nikos Vergos and Nishan Velupillay both looked to double Victory’s lead, but a failed penalty shout and a diving save stopped that from happening.

But, on the edge of half-time, Nish finally found another breakthrough with another stunner of a strike from outside of the box to double our lead.

No changes were made for the second half with the wind remaining a problem for both sides.

A tough start to the second half was cut short when new signing Nikos Vergos scored his first goal for the Club in the 57th minute

A brilliant cross from Nish found Vergos in the box who made no mistake, slotting home from close range.

And then, only 10 minutes later, Velupillay scores once again to extend Victory’s lead to four.

A second brace in two matches for Nish has the young attacker in fine form this Australia Cup campaign.

Victory Academy attacker Jordan Hoey made his senior debut for the Club, taking the field in the 77th minute.

The full-time whistle blew and Victory now face Moreten Bay Excelsior in the Quarter-Finals of the Australia Cup.

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