Melbourne Victory Men return to their winning ways at AAMI Park, celebrating their 20th season by defeating the Wellington Phoenix on Valentine’s Day.
Arthur Diles made one change to his starting XI that tasted defeat in Newcastle, bringing Reno Piscopo into the lineup; while Kasey Bos and new signing Lachlan Jackson were both brought onto the bench.
The game began tightly contested as the visitors attempted to shut out Victory.
Volleyed efforts by Reno Piscopo highlighted Victory’s efforts, while the Nix failed to register a shot at goal in the first half.
Struggling to break down their opponents, Arthur Diles opted to substitute on Santos at the half-time break.
This decision quickly paid off for Victory early in the second 45 thanks to an excellent counter-attacking move.
Zinèdine Machach played Santos through down the right wing, who utilised his speed to create space for an opportunity.
The Brazilian delivered a pinpoint cross into the penalty area, finding no other than Nikos Vergos who produced an excellent headed finish into the back of the net in the 57th minute.
It was Vergos’ fourth goal of the season, yet another crucial goal scored by the Greek number nine.
This was a crucial moment that ultimately opened up the game at AAMI Park while the rain poured in.
Chances began to arise for both sides, notably with Mitch Langerak pulling off a strong stop on Kosta Barbarouses’ effort and Bruno Fornaroli’s shot trickling just wide of the post.
Defending well as a unit, Victory did well to keep out the Phoenix – conceding just a single shot on target during the entire game.
The hard-fought 1-0 win brings the Vuck back up to third place in the Isuzu Ute A-League ladder, keeping a seventh clean sheet with some resolute defending at the back.
Arthur Diles expressed his satisfaction with the result post-game, praising the focus of his team.
“Three wins out of the last four is very pleasant and pleasing, and it’s something we are building on; we want to keep on building momentum.”
Victory will return to AAMI Park for an exciting Melbourne Derby matchup on Saturday, February 22.
Tickets are available via Ticketek.
Match Details
Isuzu Ute A-League Round 19
Melbourne Victory 1 (Vergos 57′)
Wellington Phoenix 0
Melbourne Victory Starting XI: 1. Mitch LANGERAK (GK), 3. Adama TRAORE, 5. Brendan HAMILL, 6. Ryan TEAGUE, 8. Zinèdine MACHACH, 9. Nikos VERGOS, 14. Jordi VALADON, 17. Nishan VELUPILLAY, 21. Roderick MIRANDA (C), 22. Josh RAWLINS, 27. Reno PISCOPO
Substitutes: 25. Jack DUNCAN (GK), 4. Lachlan JACKSON, 7. Daniel ARZANI (66′), 10. Bruno FORNAROLI (75′), 11. SANTOS (46′), 18. Fabian MONGE, 28. Kasey BOS (75′)
Wellington Phoenix Starting XI: 30. Alby KELLY-HEALD (GK), 3. Corban PIPER, 4. Scott WOOTTON (C), 6. Tim PAYNE, 7. Kosta BARBAROUSES, 8. Paulo RETRE, 9. Hideki ISHIGE, 15. Isaac HUGHES, 18. Lukas KELLY-HEALD, 19. Sam SUTTON, 27. Matt SHERIDAN
Substitutes: 1. Josh OLUWAYEMI (GK), 5. Fin ROA CONCHIE, 14. Alex RUFER (68′), 25. Kazuki NAGASAWA (68′), 29. Luke BROOKE-SMITH (77′), 39. Jayden SMITH, 41. Nathan WALKER (68′)
